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Highlands #2
The Blood of Roses
In a novel that sizzles with passionate intrigue and breathtaking romance, Marsha Canham whisks the reader back to war-torn Scotland as a legendary warrior fights for the two things most precious to any man: his country and the woman he loves.
She was born an Englishwoman, but he made her a Scot, pledged to fight for her beloved husband—even against the country of her birth.
Catherine Ashbrooke Cameron had committed the unpardonable sin of falling in love with her husband—a Scottish spy she married in her English home. Now, as she raced to the Highlands, the innocent English beauty would learn the passions of war—and the price of love.
Alexander Cameron was a man with a price on his head and enemies to burn. Love had made the legendary warrior vulnerable. Now he must protect Catherine from the dangers that threatened them both. He had claimed her, touched her, loved her, and she vowed nothing would ever separate them again, even as he rode into a battle that would forever change the course of Scotland's history.
She was born an Englishwoman, but he made her a Scot, pledged to fight for her beloved husband—even against the country of her birth.
Catherine Ashbrooke Cameron had committed the unpardonable sin of falling in love with her husband—a Scottish spy she married in her English home. Now, as she raced to the Highlands, the innocent English beauty would learn the passions of war—and the price of love.
Alexander Cameron was a man with a price on his head and enemies to burn. Love had made the legendary warrior vulnerable. Now he must protect Catherine from the dangers that threatened them both. He had claimed her, touched her, loved her, and she vowed nothing would ever separate them again, even as he rode into a battle that would forever change the course of Scotland's history.
578 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 1990
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August 18, 2013
The sequel to The Pride of Lions whisks us back into war-torn Scotland of 1745-46, for us to once again join one of the leaders of the second Jacobite rebellion ('The Forty-Five or Bliadhna Theàrlaich Charles' year in Gaelic), Alexander Cameron, and his English wife, Catherine, in their fight for Scottish freedom, their lives, and their love.
We saw them fall hopelessly and helplessly in love in the first book, so the author was now free to more fully delve into the background story, the history of the final rebellion. The story begins just a few days after the first book ended, in Blackpool, where Alex had sent Catherine to be safe from the upcoming war, then proceeds with intertwining scenes of rural (and still peaceful) Derbyshire, England and the battles both on and off the field in Scotland. Until the Scots (oh, ye, foolish, foolish Bonnie Prince Charlie), cross the river Esk (in the middle of winter, might I add, and march into England.
And there's only one person in England whom Alexander Cameron wants to see.
The reunion is hot, sweaty, rapturous, tumultuous...and bittersweet when Catherine is once again left behind, only to follow her husband (with good reason!) as the Jacobite army retreats (still in the middle of winter!) back to Scotland.
And it's in Scotland that this story comes to a close on April 16, 1746, on the barren, windswept, gore-filled field of Culloden...and to a second close, a little happier one, at dawn on a field near Achnacarry Castle in Lochaber.
This book is much more historically oriented, yet the detailed descriptions of the politics of the time, military tactics, battles, and troop movements, don't slow the pace, on the contrary in fact, and offer an even more realistic background to the touching love story between Alex and Catherine.
There is enough of their "interaction" to satisfy our curiosity, and the true facts of the history unraveling around them add a touch of truth to the fictitious romance, the constant threat of danger keeping the reader at the edge of the seat, hoping against hope sometimes, that these two truly star-crossed lovers might actually get to have their much deserved HEA.
The narrative of the rebellion ends with the horrific battle on the plain of Culloden Moor and its gruesome aftermath (having seen Culloden the reading experience was all the more chilling for me), yet Ms. Canham chose not to start with the battle itself, but to bring goosebumps on the skin and chills down the (at least this one) reader's spine through Catherine's ears as she listens to the distant rumblings of the cannons and then...
And at this (eighth read of this story) that this reader lost it. I've seen Culloden three times already and every single time I'm amazed by the fact that even though the road passes just alongside the battlefield, the visitor can hear only the wind sweeping across the plain, billowing in the grass. That sentence perfectly describes that feeling of isolation and silence I experience everytime I stand there at Culloden.
In the next paragraph, the reader is thrust straight in the middle of the battle without having been given a moment to brace, to prepare for the pointless, tragic, wastefull loss of life and humanity on that moor. The reader is in the thick of it alongside Alexander Cameron, as he charges with his clansmen, as he plunges in the middle of the scarlet-clad soldiers, as he slashes his broadsword, roars the cath-ghairm of his clan...
And when it ends the reader accompanies Catherine and Deirdre onto that same field, as they stumble over the dead and dying, make their way between torn limbs and dead horses, in their desperate search for their husbands.
And we're once more whisked over the Highlands into Lochaber, walking alongside the vanquished Camerons, alongside Gentle Donald on his stretched, and Alexander enduring the fever brought forth by his wounds, share his desperation, his anguish, his need to see Catherine, to let her take the pain away. And knowing the heartbreak that awaits him at home.
Oh, God!
I thought after putting the book down and indulging in one last, cathartic bout of crying that was a combined result of the emotions this story evokes and the Pearl Harbor soundtrack that seems to fit so well, I'd be back to normal. Not yet, so you'll have to forgive this rather strange review. Typing and trying to read the screen is tough though a film of tears.
Anyway, as mentioned before, the last battle on the British soil was just the first climax of this novel which ends with the final confrontation that's been building since the first book—the fateful night in which Alex won Catherine in a duel.
The epilogue is bitter-sweet, so many lives and so much love lost, yet the glimmer of hope is there, a steady guiding light on the horizon.
This is a truly beautiful and amazing story.
We saw them fall hopelessly and helplessly in love in the first book, so the author was now free to more fully delve into the background story, the history of the final rebellion. The story begins just a few days after the first book ended, in Blackpool, where Alex had sent Catherine to be safe from the upcoming war, then proceeds with intertwining scenes of rural (and still peaceful) Derbyshire, England and the battles both on and off the field in Scotland. Until the Scots (oh, ye, foolish, foolish Bonnie Prince Charlie), cross the river Esk (in the middle of winter, might I add, and march into England.
And there's only one person in England whom Alexander Cameron wants to see.
The reunion is hot, sweaty, rapturous, tumultuous...and bittersweet when Catherine is once again left behind, only to follow her husband (with good reason!) as the Jacobite army retreats (still in the middle of winter!) back to Scotland.
And it's in Scotland that this story comes to a close on April 16, 1746, on the barren, windswept, gore-filled field of Culloden...and to a second close, a little happier one, at dawn on a field near Achnacarry Castle in Lochaber.
This book is much more historically oriented, yet the detailed descriptions of the politics of the time, military tactics, battles, and troop movements, don't slow the pace, on the contrary in fact, and offer an even more realistic background to the touching love story between Alex and Catherine.
There is enough of their "interaction" to satisfy our curiosity, and the true facts of the history unraveling around them add a touch of truth to the fictitious romance, the constant threat of danger keeping the reader at the edge of the seat, hoping against hope sometimes, that these two truly star-crossed lovers might actually get to have their much deserved HEA.
The narrative of the rebellion ends with the horrific battle on the plain of Culloden Moor and its gruesome aftermath (having seen Culloden the reading experience was all the more chilling for me), yet Ms. Canham chose not to start with the battle itself, but to bring goosebumps on the skin and chills down the (at least this one) reader's spine through Catherine's ears as she listens to the distant rumblings of the cannons and then...
She ran to the front door and flung it open, straining now to hear and identify the cause of yet another shocking sound: the sound of absolute, deathly silence. (p. 480)
And at this (eighth read of this story) that this reader lost it. I've seen Culloden three times already and every single time I'm amazed by the fact that even though the road passes just alongside the battlefield, the visitor can hear only the wind sweeping across the plain, billowing in the grass. That sentence perfectly describes that feeling of isolation and silence I experience everytime I stand there at Culloden.
In the next paragraph, the reader is thrust straight in the middle of the battle without having been given a moment to brace, to prepare for the pointless, tragic, wastefull loss of life and humanity on that moor. The reader is in the thick of it alongside Alexander Cameron, as he charges with his clansmen, as he plunges in the middle of the scarlet-clad soldiers, as he slashes his broadsword, roars the cath-ghairm of his clan...
And when it ends the reader accompanies Catherine and Deirdre onto that same field, as they stumble over the dead and dying, make their way between torn limbs and dead horses, in their desperate search for their husbands.
And we're once more whisked over the Highlands into Lochaber, walking alongside the vanquished Camerons, alongside Gentle Donald on his stretched, and Alexander enduring the fever brought forth by his wounds, share his desperation, his anguish, his need to see Catherine, to let her take the pain away. And knowing the heartbreak that awaits him at home.
Oh, God!
I thought after putting the book down and indulging in one last, cathartic bout of crying that was a combined result of the emotions this story evokes and the Pearl Harbor soundtrack that seems to fit so well, I'd be back to normal. Not yet, so you'll have to forgive this rather strange review. Typing and trying to read the screen is tough though a film of tears.
Anyway, as mentioned before, the last battle on the British soil was just the first climax of this novel which ends with the final confrontation that's been building since the first book—the fateful night in which Alex won Catherine in a duel.
The epilogue is bitter-sweet, so many lives and so much love lost, yet the glimmer of hope is there, a steady guiding light on the horizon.
This is a truly beautiful and amazing story.
July 21, 2023
3'5 Estrellitas. Ha sido un sí, pero no. Me ha gustado más que el primer libro, pero me ha contado tantas cosas que ya sabía, que la mitad del libro me ha parecido paja.
No hay duda de que Marsha Canham escribe maravillosamente, el problema lo arrastré desde el primer libro porque no me gustaron ni los protagonistas, sobre todo Catherine, ni el romance. Aquí el romance evoluciona y también los protagonistas, he visto una Catherine más enamorada y madura, pero a Alex le falta el encanto del gran Jamie Fraser.
Sí, mi sorpresa en su momento fue descubrir que Marsha Canham había escrito estos libros antes de que Diana Gabaldon escribiera Forastera. Sé que las comparaciones son odiosas y aunque no le quito el mérito a Marsha Canham, me sigo quedando con Forastera.
Aunque esta serie se compone de tres libros, Catherine y Alex son los protagonistas de los dos primeros. "Orgullo de casta" fue un libro con una historia de amor-odio sin sentido, embrollado y confuso. "Corazón audaz" es muy distinto. El primero dejó un final abierto y esta fue su continuación.
En "Corazón audaz" tenemos a Catherine y Alex separados por la guerra. Carlos Eduardo Estuardo ha desembarcado en Escocia y está reuniendo a los clanes leales a los Estuardo para recuperar la corona del Reino Unido para su padre.
Por ello mismo, su historia es tan imposible, Alex es un rebelde escocés, y Catherine una noble señorita inglesa. Mientras Alex se ha unido al ejército jacobita que empieza ganando terreno a los ingleses, Catherine ha vuelto a su hogar en Derby, mientras finge que su esposo está comerciando en América.
Cuando los rebeldes jacobitas tomen Manchester, la guerra estará lo suficientemente cerca como para que Catherine y Alex puedan reunirse de nuevo, y esta vez ella siga a su esposo en una aventura donde les pasará de todo y la trama dará muchos giros y vuelta para descubrir un montón de cabos sueltos.
Pensándolo, el libro está muy bien, pero es cierto que como romance no me ha dicho mucho, no me ha llegado a la patata, como sí hicieron Jamie y Claire.
Puesto que tengo el tercer libro comprado, lo leeré dentro de no mucho por curiosidad, pero sabiendo ya el tema, y habiendo leído tanto sobre lo mismo, intentaré ir con la mente abierta sobre lo que me pueda encontrar.
No hay duda de que Marsha Canham escribe maravillosamente, el problema lo arrastré desde el primer libro porque no me gustaron ni los protagonistas, sobre todo Catherine, ni el romance. Aquí el romance evoluciona y también los protagonistas, he visto una Catherine más enamorada y madura, pero a Alex le falta el encanto del gran Jamie Fraser.
Sí, mi sorpresa en su momento fue descubrir que Marsha Canham había escrito estos libros antes de que Diana Gabaldon escribiera Forastera. Sé que las comparaciones son odiosas y aunque no le quito el mérito a Marsha Canham, me sigo quedando con Forastera.
Aunque esta serie se compone de tres libros, Catherine y Alex son los protagonistas de los dos primeros. "Orgullo de casta" fue un libro con una historia de amor-odio sin sentido, embrollado y confuso. "Corazón audaz" es muy distinto. El primero dejó un final abierto y esta fue su continuación.
En "Corazón audaz" tenemos a Catherine y Alex separados por la guerra. Carlos Eduardo Estuardo ha desembarcado en Escocia y está reuniendo a los clanes leales a los Estuardo para recuperar la corona del Reino Unido para su padre.
Por ello mismo, su historia es tan imposible, Alex es un rebelde escocés, y Catherine una noble señorita inglesa. Mientras Alex se ha unido al ejército jacobita que empieza ganando terreno a los ingleses, Catherine ha vuelto a su hogar en Derby, mientras finge que su esposo está comerciando en América.
Cuando los rebeldes jacobitas tomen Manchester, la guerra estará lo suficientemente cerca como para que Catherine y Alex puedan reunirse de nuevo, y esta vez ella siga a su esposo en una aventura donde les pasará de todo y la trama dará muchos giros y vuelta para descubrir un montón de cabos sueltos.
Pensándolo, el libro está muy bien, pero es cierto que como romance no me ha dicho mucho, no me ha llegado a la patata, como sí hicieron Jamie y Claire.
Puesto que tengo el tercer libro comprado, lo leeré dentro de no mucho por curiosidad, pero sabiendo ya el tema, y habiendo leído tanto sobre lo mismo, intentaré ir con la mente abierta sobre lo que me pueda encontrar.
October 2, 2025
Sigh. This was not as good as the first book. Since I LOVED the first book, The Pride of Lions, I had high hopes along with high expectations for The Blood of Roses. While this book has stayed on my mind for quite some time after finishing, it ultimately left me disappointed.
The Blood of Roses picks up right where The Pride of Lions ended. Catherine is back in England, separated from her husband, Alexander, while he goes off to fight with the Jacobite rebels. Charles Stuart believes he is the true heir to the throne of English empire and he convinces many Scottish families to join his cause as he fights his way to the crown. This book covers the Jacobite Rebellion and the English response.
I am not a history aficionado, so I didn't know much. Canham does a great job weaving historical facts and battle retellings within this piece of fiction, although she dives a little too deep into war stratagem for my tastes. This book leans heavily into history and while I learned a lot, she lost me in the details.
Alexander and Catherine are separated and reunited multiple times in this story. I lost count of the number of times Alexander sent Catherine away for her safety, but EVERY SINGLE TIME ended in disaster. Thankfully, Catherine cheats death time and time again. While I love angst and conflict, this was a little much. Catherine can only almost die a couple of times. The rest is just overplayed.
I was actually thinking of rating the book around 2ish stars but then Canham had to emotionally gut me in the last 20% percent. Seriously -- 😭😭😭. The two glasses of wine I had while finishing did not help me control my emotions, either. She did such a phenomenal job of messing me up, I upped my rating, but her epilogue was insufficient, IMO, so I didn't up it all that much.
Was this good? Yes, but not nearly as epic as the first book and was frankly really, really sad. I recommend this for history buffs and/or those who enjoy getting their hearts ripped out.
The Blood of Roses picks up right where The Pride of Lions ended. Catherine is back in England, separated from her husband, Alexander, while he goes off to fight with the Jacobite rebels. Charles Stuart believes he is the true heir to the throne of English empire and he convinces many Scottish families to join his cause as he fights his way to the crown. This book covers the Jacobite Rebellion and the English response.
I am not a history aficionado, so I didn't know much. Canham does a great job weaving historical facts and battle retellings within this piece of fiction, although she dives a little too deep into war stratagem for my tastes. This book leans heavily into history and while I learned a lot, she lost me in the details.
Alexander and Catherine are separated and reunited multiple times in this story. I lost count of the number of times Alexander sent Catherine away for her safety, but EVERY SINGLE TIME ended in disaster. Thankfully, Catherine cheats death time and time again. While I love angst and conflict, this was a little much. Catherine can only almost die a couple of times. The rest is just overplayed.
I was actually thinking of rating the book around 2ish stars but then Canham had to emotionally gut me in the last 20% percent. Seriously -- 😭😭😭. The two glasses of wine I had while finishing did not help me control my emotions, either. She did such a phenomenal job of messing me up, I upped my rating, but her epilogue was insufficient, IMO, so I didn't up it all that much.
Was this good? Yes, but not nearly as epic as the first book and was frankly really, really sad. I recommend this for history buffs and/or those who enjoy getting their hearts ripped out.
October 3, 2016
Madre mía, creo que he envejecido del sufrimiento lector que he tenido. Qué libro tan estupendo!!! Se cierran todas las tramas del libro anterior a base de sufrimientos y de hostias por todos lados. Y de amor, el de nuestros protas y el mío por Alexander ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥. La pareja es estupenda, con una relación de las que me gusta, muy inteligente, retándose en cada diálogo y pegándose unas sesiones guarreriles que te sube hasta la fiebre (aaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, el brandy, qué bien usado está!!!).
Es cierto que aquí hay menos romance (ya nos vienen todos enamorados de antes) y hay mucha política y sobre todo guerra, estrategias, movimientos de los diferentes ejércitos hasta llegar a Culloden (T_T). Pero a pesar de que eso no sea lo que más nos guste leer, está muy bien explicado y siempre se entremezcla con otras cuestiones para que suframos un poquito más. Le doy las cinco estrellitas porque es un libro que me ha tenido en vilo, enganchadísima a lo que la Canham cuenta (y qué bien lo cuenta!) y sin podérmelo quitar de la cabeza. Qué gustazo leer algo así!!
Es cierto que aquí hay menos romance (ya nos vienen todos enamorados de antes) y hay mucha política y sobre todo guerra, estrategias, movimientos de los diferentes ejércitos hasta llegar a Culloden (T_T). Pero a pesar de que eso no sea lo que más nos guste leer, está muy bien explicado y siempre se entremezcla con otras cuestiones para que suframos un poquito más. Le doy las cinco estrellitas porque es un libro que me ha tenido en vilo, enganchadísima a lo que la Canham cuenta (y qué bien lo cuenta!) y sin podérmelo quitar de la cabeza. Qué gustazo leer algo así!!
December 16, 2012
This story is part two of Alexander and Catherine's story. With the start of war Alex sends Catherine away back to her home in Derby. To be honest there were parts of this book i skipped, all the "war" talk (and there was quite a lot of it) was not my thing, but the story of Alex and Catherine was compelling and kept me going. Normally I don't skip parts of books, I just don't finish. I am so happy happy happy I stuck with this book. I came to care about all the secondary characters in this book as well, Diedre, Aluinn, Damien.
The war scenes were hard to read for me sometimes, gruesome and so heartbreaking, but quite necessary for the story of course. I also enjoyed the twists in the story that I didn't see coming. And i really hated the bad guys in this book, I mean really hated them!! I found myself wanting to reach into the book and just stick my sword into them myself! (I can be dramatic).
Emotionally i was there 100%, I laughed, I shouted, I got angry and I cried (oh god did I cry). parts of this book were so sad, I stared at my Nook not quite believing it happened (say it isn't so). In The Pride of Lions, Catherine was immature to say the least, spoiled, entitled and I did't like her much. She started to mature and in that book and I grew to like her much more, In this book I loved her! And Alexander I just grew to love more and more in both books...
I love Highlander books, I think because I find them so romantic, and they touch a special place in my heart.
The war scenes were hard to read for me sometimes, gruesome and so heartbreaking, but quite necessary for the story of course. I also enjoyed the twists in the story that I didn't see coming. And i really hated the bad guys in this book, I mean really hated them!! I found myself wanting to reach into the book and just stick my sword into them myself! (I can be dramatic).
Emotionally i was there 100%, I laughed, I shouted, I got angry and I cried (oh god did I cry). parts of this book were so sad, I stared at my Nook not quite believing it happened (say it isn't so). In The Pride of Lions, Catherine was immature to say the least, spoiled, entitled and I did't like her much. She started to mature and in that book and I grew to like her much more, In this book I loved her! And Alexander I just grew to love more and more in both books...
I love Highlander books, I think because I find them so romantic, and they touch a special place in my heart.
July 11, 2025
I' ve read this one in 1999. :)
March 24, 2020
Madre mía, menudo libro!!!
He estado al borde del infarto desde que empieza hasta que termina la historia.
Te engancha de tal manera que no puedes parar de leer,
habido momentos muy muy bonitos pero otros... Uffff telita!!!
Esta muy bien escrito y hacía siglos que no sufría tanto con una lectura, pero lo dicho. Me ha encantado!!!
He estado al borde del infarto desde que empieza hasta que termina la historia.
Te engancha de tal manera que no puedes parar de leer,
habido momentos muy muy bonitos pero otros... Uffff telita!!!
Esta muy bien escrito y hacía siglos que no sufría tanto con una lectura, pero lo dicho. Me ha encantado!!!
April 18, 2016
WOW!
I love love loved this series. So powerful, so much emotion. Words cannot adequately descibe this tale, nor can words describe what perfect writing of this author. Perfection!
I was worried about reading this series for a variety of reasons. But I am so so glad I endured the pain and emotions to complete it.
The hero, although a former rake, and widower, made me swoon. One of the most wonderful heros I have ever read about.
I am looking forward to the 3rd book and plan to read more of this authors work in the future.
May 23, 2013
As good or better than the first book, Pride of Lions (which should definately be read before). This is a stunning sequel to Alex and Catherine's story. For me, it's one of the best historical Scottish romance novels I have ever read. I was literally an emotional wreck when I finished the book, I was completely caught up in the story. The descriptions were amazing, loved it!
May 9, 2016
Reading this book is like feeling a poignant hush in the air as it takes you at the heart of the Jacobite rising of 1745 and relives all the important events of the period in a rather explicit manner—including the devastating loss and gory details at the infamous Battle of Culloden—that it seems to cut off your sense of detachment as a reader and demand you to take sides. At least that is how it felt like for me.
There has never been a more disturbing book and it has affected me the way I should've had had I lived in that exact period and seen the monumental defeat of the Jacobites firsthand. For me, the author has effectively breached emotions, especially to those who are forever sympathetic to the oppressed and disapproving of tyranny; she has also touched the general sentiment of readers that relish on the “what ifs” and “should/could/might have beens” of the world. And to be honest, I did spend some time actually fuming at the Bonnie Prince for his intransigence and lack of military foresight! Not that it matters now, anyway, but this was one of those (rare) preposterous moments when I had allowed myself to turn into a nit-picking bookworm and rant at a long-departed someone.
Now, on to a more objective commentary:
The fusion of historical events and literary imaginings is commendable. Miss Canham has obviously spent so much time on research with her full account of events, wins and losses from warring parties, military strategies and routes, the number of troops and movements on both sides, and even what usually happens in an army camp, and allows her made-up characters to blend in with these facts as effortlessly as if they had also been part of history. Also, while this period viewed women as weak, coddling individuals whose sole responsibilities included tending the homes and caring for their children, the author has created characters like Catherine and Deidre and introduced us to historical icon Colonel Anne who do not easily succumb to male dominance or intimidation and are astute enough to know the consequences of being at war.
The author is also skilled in stage-managing her own plot; just when you thought that you’ve already followed what goes in her mind and correctly predicted what will happen next (as she subtly gives away clues after clues along the way), she’ll give us a totally different progression of events that only proves how shrewdly ingenious her literary sense is. Well, I think she’s not one to spoil her own story!
Personally, I don’t think a lot of sex is necessary (I know, I know, this is a romance novel), but the story focusing on the lost Jacobite cause is so heartbreaking I'm willing to overlook the fact that practically every character in the book has given us a preview of his/her scorching intimate moment.
This book has unwillingly brought me to an emotional roller-coaster ride; for me, it isn’t just about a romance novel brewed in the middle of a conflict but a testament of the Highlanders’ patriotism and fortitude in fighting for what is rightfully theirs.
There has never been a more disturbing book and it has affected me the way I should've had had I lived in that exact period and seen the monumental defeat of the Jacobites firsthand. For me, the author has effectively breached emotions, especially to those who are forever sympathetic to the oppressed and disapproving of tyranny; she has also touched the general sentiment of readers that relish on the “what ifs” and “should/could/might have beens” of the world. And to be honest, I did spend some time actually fuming at the Bonnie Prince for his intransigence and lack of military foresight! Not that it matters now, anyway, but this was one of those (rare) preposterous moments when I had allowed myself to turn into a nit-picking bookworm and rant at a long-departed someone.
Now, on to a more objective commentary:
The fusion of historical events and literary imaginings is commendable. Miss Canham has obviously spent so much time on research with her full account of events, wins and losses from warring parties, military strategies and routes, the number of troops and movements on both sides, and even what usually happens in an army camp, and allows her made-up characters to blend in with these facts as effortlessly as if they had also been part of history. Also, while this period viewed women as weak, coddling individuals whose sole responsibilities included tending the homes and caring for their children, the author has created characters like Catherine and Deidre and introduced us to historical icon Colonel Anne who do not easily succumb to male dominance or intimidation and are astute enough to know the consequences of being at war.
The author is also skilled in stage-managing her own plot; just when you thought that you’ve already followed what goes in her mind and correctly predicted what will happen next (as she subtly gives away clues after clues along the way), she’ll give us a totally different progression of events that only proves how shrewdly ingenious her literary sense is. Well, I think she’s not one to spoil her own story!
Personally, I don’t think a lot of sex is necessary (I know, I know, this is a romance novel), but the story focusing on the lost Jacobite cause is so heartbreaking I'm willing to overlook the fact that practically every character in the book has given us a preview of his/her scorching intimate moment.
This book has unwillingly brought me to an emotional roller-coaster ride; for me, it isn’t just about a romance novel brewed in the middle of a conflict but a testament of the Highlanders’ patriotism and fortitude in fighting for what is rightfully theirs.
February 24, 2012
A Sweeping Scottish Saga!
You won't regret buying this book—nor any in Canham’s Scottish trilogy set in 18th century Scotland (PRIDE OF LIONS, BLOOD OF ROSES and MIDNIGHT HONOR)!
The first one tells the story of pampered English beauty Catherine Ashbrooke and Alexander Cameron, the Scottish Highlander who wins her in a duel. He carries his reluctant bride off to the Highlands where clan feuds and fomenting rebellion will sweep them into historic events and where their courage, as well as their love, will be tested.
The second, BLOOD OF ROSES, includes the rebellion of 1745 and the bloody battle at Culloden, possibly the best treatment in a romance of that historic event. I warn you that you will not think much of the way England treated a defeated Scotland, but it will become real as the people you care about live through it.
The last in the trilogy, more loosely related than the others, tells of a lass who is a Highland patriot and her Campbell husband whose clan sides with the English. This one tore my heart out with two heroes equally worthy vying for the love of a Scottish heroine you’ll love.
Canham's superb storytelling evidences great and careful research. Her writing reminds me of Kathleen Givens in the sweeping panorama portrayed. It's not just a well-told love story set in the Highlands, but an epic saga you won't want to put down. Canham crafts believable characters, many of whom are the real historical figures. You will feel like you're living it.
This is a must read for any serious Scottish historical romance reader!
You won't regret buying this book—nor any in Canham’s Scottish trilogy set in 18th century Scotland (PRIDE OF LIONS, BLOOD OF ROSES and MIDNIGHT HONOR)!
The first one tells the story of pampered English beauty Catherine Ashbrooke and Alexander Cameron, the Scottish Highlander who wins her in a duel. He carries his reluctant bride off to the Highlands where clan feuds and fomenting rebellion will sweep them into historic events and where their courage, as well as their love, will be tested.
The second, BLOOD OF ROSES, includes the rebellion of 1745 and the bloody battle at Culloden, possibly the best treatment in a romance of that historic event. I warn you that you will not think much of the way England treated a defeated Scotland, but it will become real as the people you care about live through it.
The last in the trilogy, more loosely related than the others, tells of a lass who is a Highland patriot and her Campbell husband whose clan sides with the English. This one tore my heart out with two heroes equally worthy vying for the love of a Scottish heroine you’ll love.
Canham's superb storytelling evidences great and careful research. Her writing reminds me of Kathleen Givens in the sweeping panorama portrayed. It's not just a well-told love story set in the Highlands, but an epic saga you won't want to put down. Canham crafts believable characters, many of whom are the real historical figures. You will feel like you're living it.
This is a must read for any serious Scottish historical romance reader!
October 10, 2016
Al inicio del libro casi me da un ictus, pense que me saldría una ulcera del coraje que pase, por un momento la autora logro engañarme con algo que de resultar cierto me habría danado la novela completamente.
En este segundo libro nos cuentan como continúa la historia de amor entre Alex y Catherine, de como vuelven a reunirse y de como sortean los peligros, todo ello teniendo como marco el escenario del levantamiento jacobita, un tema ya muy explotado, muy escrito, muy leído, y en esta autora en particular se nota mas cuidado y detalles históricos y eso me aburría, por momentos me encontré leyendo en diagonal, y es que ya no quiero leer mas de Culloden, y además ver morir a unos cuantos personajes a los que les tenía cariñito no fue muy agardable, eso si realista lo fue bastante porque como bien sabemos mucha gente murio en esa carnicería asi que es de suponer que veríamos morir a unos cuantos personajes importantes en la trama.
Me hubuera gustado un poco mas al final, que fuera mas lejos en el tiempo y saber que fue de ellos mucho tiempo después, pero en general ha sido una historia magnifica y me ha encantado, pero a mi me gustó bastante mas el primero.
En este segundo libro nos cuentan como continúa la historia de amor entre Alex y Catherine, de como vuelven a reunirse y de como sortean los peligros, todo ello teniendo como marco el escenario del levantamiento jacobita, un tema ya muy explotado, muy escrito, muy leído, y en esta autora en particular se nota mas cuidado y detalles históricos y eso me aburría, por momentos me encontré leyendo en diagonal, y es que ya no quiero leer mas de Culloden, y además ver morir a unos cuantos personajes a los que les tenía cariñito no fue muy agardable, eso si realista lo fue bastante porque como bien sabemos mucha gente murio en esa carnicería asi que es de suponer que veríamos morir a unos cuantos personajes importantes en la trama.
Me hubuera gustado un poco mas al final, que fuera mas lejos en el tiempo y saber que fue de ellos mucho tiempo después, pero en general ha sido una historia magnifica y me ha encantado, pero a mi me gustó bastante mas el primero.
February 25, 2011
This and Pride of the Lions were hidden treasures. I fell in love with story almost immediately. I fell in love with the character as the story progressed. They were vivid and well written. The second book I am so tore over because know history the results of the final battle of Calloden, yet so moved by the story line I found my self putting the book down only to pick it back within seconds. This was a wonderful romance, with substance and an adventure with authentic facts and real stories and accounts from history. I was compelled through this book and my heart broke with the fall of Shadow and all of Scotland. I wish more than anything she would have written at least one more, which I thought the third installment was a continuation of Catherine and Alexander but it wasn't. I am left haunted by the story and empty thinking, okay what is going to come close to this story now.
March 21, 2018
So good, so good, so good. I am so glad there was a continuation of the first book for more reasons than just the cliffhangers... I adore these characters and am invested in the story!! This book is even better than the first, if that is possible! The only caution flag I would toss out is that the 3rd book is NOT a continuation of these characters' story. I thought it was, and I was soooo bummed out when I realized after finishing this one that it wasn't. The 3rd one is kind of a prequel for a secondary character in the first two books (still really good, but not what I expected at the time).
July 30, 2014
I didn't like this one as much as the first one because there was much politics. There were also side stories of the other characters in the story which if I'm being honest I didn't like. Sometimes it felt like I was reading Aluinn and Deidre's story and not Catherine and Alex's story. Then there is the ending, I felt like it was a bit rushed and there were some questions left unanswered.
June 8, 2010
What is it about the Scottish Highlands that speaks to that romantic side of me, that hidden princess that wants to be saved by her gallant prince? Is it the Scottish man..... strong, stubborn, proud, laying down his life for his country, his kin and his one and only true love. In the Pride of Lions and in its sequel, the Blood of Roses, Marsha Canham has transported me back in time to that unique place in history where lairds ruled and battles were fought with swords over land and love.
I have been introduced to another striking Scotsman....Alexander Cameron, a legendary , dark-haired warrior whose destiny takes him to England and to the woman that will change his life forever. Upon meeting the undeniably beautiful but spoiled Catherine Augustine Ashbrooke, feelings arise in Alexander that he has pushed aside for many years. He wins her hand in a duel, yet she has no idea that this stranger will eventually win her heart, her love and her soul. Catherine eventually finds out that Alexander is a Scotsman, a spy in her beloved England. He has no choice but to take her to his homeland, to the highlands, a place he hasn't seen in years. Catherine has been raised to think of Scotland as a cold, desolate place and its people as pure savages who can't even speak proper English. All of this changes as Catherine undergoes a metamorphosis, from a pampered, English child to an empathetic, mature lass. She sees for herself the majestic beauty of the land, the rolling hills and the black lochs, as well as the compassion, honour and pride of its people. There is a powerful love between Alexander and Catherine, one that has him opening his heart and soul to a Sassenach, one that has her yearning for the very man that will battle against her homeland and her people. I enjoyed the banter between these two, reminding me very much of another Scot and Sassenach named Jamie and Claire.
These books are filled with ancient blood fueds and some historical battles that are vividly described by the author. I found myself caught up in the Scottish quest for freedom as they marched their way across England, only to be defeated at Culloden, a horrific ending to a gallant dream for liberty. Yet throughout the stories, there is that ever present sense of hope, hope for independence, hope for peace, hope for a love that is all encompassing and never-ending. I do believe we are all princesses waiting and hoping for our knight in shining armour to rescue us, to throw us down and ravage us in the wild grass, to take us upon his horse and ride us into the sunset, but mostly, to love us more than life itself. We are all waiting for our Jamie, our Alexander, our champion. I believe I have found my warrior, although I do wish he wore a kilt!
I have been introduced to another striking Scotsman....Alexander Cameron, a legendary , dark-haired warrior whose destiny takes him to England and to the woman that will change his life forever. Upon meeting the undeniably beautiful but spoiled Catherine Augustine Ashbrooke, feelings arise in Alexander that he has pushed aside for many years. He wins her hand in a duel, yet she has no idea that this stranger will eventually win her heart, her love and her soul. Catherine eventually finds out that Alexander is a Scotsman, a spy in her beloved England. He has no choice but to take her to his homeland, to the highlands, a place he hasn't seen in years. Catherine has been raised to think of Scotland as a cold, desolate place and its people as pure savages who can't even speak proper English. All of this changes as Catherine undergoes a metamorphosis, from a pampered, English child to an empathetic, mature lass. She sees for herself the majestic beauty of the land, the rolling hills and the black lochs, as well as the compassion, honour and pride of its people. There is a powerful love between Alexander and Catherine, one that has him opening his heart and soul to a Sassenach, one that has her yearning for the very man that will battle against her homeland and her people. I enjoyed the banter between these two, reminding me very much of another Scot and Sassenach named Jamie and Claire.
These books are filled with ancient blood fueds and some historical battles that are vividly described by the author. I found myself caught up in the Scottish quest for freedom as they marched their way across England, only to be defeated at Culloden, a horrific ending to a gallant dream for liberty. Yet throughout the stories, there is that ever present sense of hope, hope for independence, hope for peace, hope for a love that is all encompassing and never-ending. I do believe we are all princesses waiting and hoping for our knight in shining armour to rescue us, to throw us down and ravage us in the wild grass, to take us upon his horse and ride us into the sunset, but mostly, to love us more than life itself. We are all waiting for our Jamie, our Alexander, our champion. I believe I have found my warrior, although I do wish he wore a kilt!
April 11, 2011
I really enjoyed the first book The Pride of Lions. Unfortunately, Pride of Lions ended with a cliffhanger so of course I decided to read The Blood of Roses right away. It was difficult to get into. I didn't not enjoy the sludging through all of the history that was repeated from the first book and dumped over and over in the second book, which imo, overshadowed the characters and love story. I enjoy history entertwined in a historical romance but this was over done. I skimmed most of the book and got the jist of it and read the ending so I would know what happened with the characaters I had fallen in love with.
August 19, 2011
When I started this book I knew it was going to have a sad ending, I know my history and Charles Stuart and his Highlanders do not win their war against England. To me this was so much more then just a romance story, Marsha Canham writing is wonderful! I was right there, I felt their love, their joy, their pain and sadness; the battle of Culloden was heart breaking! After the battle when Deirdre finds her husband Aluinn, I didn't just cry I wept.
This is the first book of Marsha Canham I have read, but it will not be my last!
This is the first book of Marsha Canham I have read, but it will not be my last!
September 24, 2022
Wäre ich Schottland und den Highlandern nicht vorher schon restlos verfallen, spätestens jetzt wäre ich es!
September 2, 2020
I enjoyed this every bit as much as I hoped, although it felt too long. At least one of the villains felt superfluous to the story, and the other was just awful and a waste of page space from start to finish.
I understand why the publisher asked Ms. Canham to make this a 2 part book vs. one massive story; I also think it was the right thing to do. In fact, I might have chopped it into a trilogy. The devastation at the end of this story deserved more time to unfold - not the battle scenes per se, but the events leading up to the massacre at Culloden and its aftermath, and the short and long term effects on these principal and secondary characters.
Nearly everything about the story worked for me, but while I love strong female heroines, when their survival/life begins to take on legendary status, I start to wonder when enough is enough. Courage, pride and determination are wonderful (and apt) descriptions for Catherine (and Deirdre), but saving ? Overkill. Gilding the lily. And while cats might have nine lives, these two women would give them a run for their money.
I loved the surprise twist at the end - reader, I LOVED IT - and the final fight scene. Vicious & satisfying. I was less enamored with the resolution of Aluinn and Deirdre's storyline. First of all it was much, much too sudden and, well...I actually hated it even though it works in the context of the overall novel.
Alex and Catherine are a terrific couple & I only wish the backdrop of this story didn't preclude a true HEA.
Recommended.
I understand why the publisher asked Ms. Canham to make this a 2 part book vs. one massive story; I also think it was the right thing to do. In fact, I might have chopped it into a trilogy. The devastation at the end of this story deserved more time to unfold - not the battle scenes per se, but the events leading up to the massacre at Culloden and its aftermath, and the short and long term effects on these principal and secondary characters.
Nearly everything about the story worked for me, but while I love strong female heroines, when their survival/life begins to take on legendary status, I start to wonder when enough is enough. Courage, pride and determination are wonderful (and apt) descriptions for Catherine (and Deirdre), but saving ? Overkill. Gilding the lily. And while cats might have nine lives, these two women would give them a run for their money.
I loved the surprise twist at the end - reader, I LOVED IT - and the final fight scene. Vicious & satisfying. I was less enamored with the resolution of Aluinn and Deirdre's storyline. First of all it was much, much too sudden and, well...I actually hated it even though it works in the context of the overall novel.
Alex and Catherine are a terrific couple & I only wish the backdrop of this story didn't preclude a true HEA.
Recommended.
July 16, 2022
Leí esta novela para comentarla en mi blog con motivo de su 30.º aniversario, y no fue una buena experiencia. Se trata de la segunda de una serie y resulta que yo no había leído la primera.
Y en esa anterior entrega es cuando, me imagino yo, la mimada inglesa de ojos violetas (sí, otra) Catherine Augustine Ashbrooke, y el muchachote de las Tierras Altas, Alexander Cameron, se conocen, se odian, se aman y se casan. En este segundo libro de la serie los esposos se encuentran separados y solo pasan acontecimientos históricos.
La novela revive con bastante interés y detalle aquel momento histórico en el que los Estuardo intentaron recuperar para su dinastía el trono de Escocia y, de paso, el de Inglaterra. La parte romántica era inexistente. Me pareció fantástica la reconstrucción histórica, los eventos y los personajes, se nota que esta muy currada esa parte. Lo que ocurre es que, eso, romance, yo no lo vi.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
Y en esa anterior entrega es cuando, me imagino yo, la mimada inglesa de ojos violetas (sí, otra) Catherine Augustine Ashbrooke, y el muchachote de las Tierras Altas, Alexander Cameron, se conocen, se odian, se aman y se casan. En este segundo libro de la serie los esposos se encuentran separados y solo pasan acontecimientos históricos.
La novela revive con bastante interés y detalle aquel momento histórico en el que los Estuardo intentaron recuperar para su dinastía el trono de Escocia y, de paso, el de Inglaterra. La parte romántica era inexistente. Me pareció fantástica la reconstrucción histórica, los eventos y los personajes, se nota que esta muy currada esa parte. Lo que ocurre es que, eso, romance, yo no lo vi.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.
October 21, 2022
What a roller coaster ride. I will say you will not be able to appreciate the depth of this book without reading the first and you will hate the first without reading the second.
Although all I can give this book is 5 stars, it hurt my heart that a few of my favorite characters did not make it to the end! This is not a light and fluffy read but so worth it. Plot 9(1-10) steaminess 8(1-10).
Although all I can give this book is 5 stars, it hurt my heart that a few of my favorite characters did not make it to the end! This is not a light and fluffy read but so worth it. Plot 9(1-10) steaminess 8(1-10).
June 25, 2013
I read and rather enjoyed several Canham books, but compared to her other books that I have read, this one was very disappointing. I could characterize the others as quality bodice rippers, but this one is a below average bodice-ripper--quality, creativity, and originality are sorely lacking. This turned out to be a sequel to a previous book which probably should have been read first since this one does not stand alone well. There are some references to material in the previous book, but rather than enlightening, they are just confusing. The first book, in which the couple meet/battle/fall in love, probably contained all the character-development, since Canham's usual talent at drawing interesting, three-dimensional characters was noticeably absent here, and the characters were just not made sympathetic or even interesting. In this book the couple are already married, so there is little romantic tension. They immediately get caught up in the 1745 Scottish rebellion, so here is little interest there, since I know enough history for the history itself to be a spoiler. Plus, as boring books with boring characters go, this was a long one. The book seemed to go on and on but never did catch my interest, so slogging through pages and pages of repetitive verbiage was tedious and it took me forever to finally finish it--something I was most anxious to do and get it over with. The novel could have been greatly improved by the Reader's Digest condensed version. Probably to make up for the lack of courtship and romantic tension the author substituted way more sex scenes than the usual Canham novel, but they were just the same old, same old, same old repeated ad nauseum, and she could have cut out at least half of them to make for a faster-paced, less boring book. Plus, there were just too many silly, stupid coincidences in the plot, and I hate silly, stupid coincidences. An author might be able to get away with one, but after three or more, the silly, stupid coincidences add up to a silly stupid plot.
April 11, 2015
If you're looking for a truly happy ending of ALL the heroes (and heroine) in The Pride of Lions you may not like this book. I'm sheepish to say that I was in tears by the time I finished reading it. But I do love this book!
Love and loyalty were not a matter of black and white in this Marsha Canham's Highlands series. Lots of twist and turns in it, especially in the Midnight Honor the third and last of the trilogy.
The story shows Catherine Ashbrooke Cameron turn from a spoiled Sassenach into a real courageous woman; a match for Alaisdair Cameron, The Camshroinaich Dubh (though I could do without some of the sap scenes between them). Aluinn MacKail, Alaisdair's friend and side-kick, and Damien Ashbrooke, Catherine's brother, got their own stories to tell; which I won't tell as it will spoil all the fun. :) And of course, Hamilton Garner, made more than a few appearances as well.
Riddled with real historical events (it even bore maps of Jacobite Army movement and retreat up to The Culloden Massacre) The Blood of Roses is a historical novel in every sense of the word, and not entirely fiction either; but brought up the loss and of what family and friends felt and suffered following one momentum yet tragic part of England's history.
Love and loyalty were not a matter of black and white in this Marsha Canham's Highlands series. Lots of twist and turns in it, especially in the Midnight Honor the third and last of the trilogy.
The story shows Catherine Ashbrooke Cameron turn from a spoiled Sassenach into a real courageous woman; a match for Alaisdair Cameron, The Camshroinaich Dubh (though I could do without some of the sap scenes between them). Aluinn MacKail, Alaisdair's friend and side-kick, and Damien Ashbrooke, Catherine's brother, got their own stories to tell; which I won't tell as it will spoil all the fun. :) And of course, Hamilton Garner, made more than a few appearances as well.
Riddled with real historical events (it even bore maps of Jacobite Army movement and retreat up to The Culloden Massacre) The Blood of Roses is a historical novel in every sense of the word, and not entirely fiction either; but brought up the loss and of what family and friends felt and suffered following one momentum yet tragic part of England's history.
December 22, 2012
This one was more violent and bloody than the first in the series, The Pride Of Lions. We meet the same character again while the war between the Jacobites and the British under the Duke Of Cumberland goes on to it's well known defeat. Catherine Ashbrooke, a pampered and spoiled English lady has hardened during her sojourn in the Highlands. In love with the Dark Cameron. Married to him in this novel, she refuses to leave him and when sent to safety, never gets there and is forced to return. A minor romance between her abigail and Alexander Cameron's best friend ends badly.
Talk about cowboys and Indians, I kept thinking I was reading about the American wild west in that the theme was very similiar but this is the Highlands of Scotland. No wonder British children love to play "Bonnie Prince Charlie." He did not turn out so bonnie in this book. I think had he been smarter, I think he might have occupied the Scotish throne and changed history. As it is, the Stuarts were thrown off the island but in this century, England is likely to crown a Stuart as Princess Diana, being a direct descendant of Mary, Queen Of Scots brought the Stuart blood back into the royal line.
Swashbucking heros aside, there were erotic scenes in this romance as well as blood, gore, violence and death but it does end in HEF for both young lovers.
Talk about cowboys and Indians, I kept thinking I was reading about the American wild west in that the theme was very similiar but this is the Highlands of Scotland. No wonder British children love to play "Bonnie Prince Charlie." He did not turn out so bonnie in this book. I think had he been smarter, I think he might have occupied the Scotish throne and changed history. As it is, the Stuarts were thrown off the island but in this century, England is likely to crown a Stuart as Princess Diana, being a direct descendant of Mary, Queen Of Scots brought the Stuart blood back into the royal line.
Swashbucking heros aside, there were erotic scenes in this romance as well as blood, gore, violence and death but it does end in HEF for both young lovers.
March 26, 2013
This was the sequel to Marsha Canham's The Pride of Lions. I have read many historical fiction novels about the time period of the Jacobite Uprising of 1745, but I learned more about the specific battles, movements of troops and history from this book than any other. I loved that, but you may not be a big history buff like me! I enjoyed the stories of romance and intrigue that were woven throughout as well, but sometimes it felt as though they were not "woven" enough. Canham would describe a battle and then it felt like she would take an intermission to develop the romance and intrigue and then stop again to return to the battle. However, this did not bother me enough to give the book less than 5 stars. I *LOVED* the twist at the end and would have loved it if there were another book following this one with the same characters. I plan on reading Marsha Canham's MIdnight Honor - this book delves more into one of the historical characters who appears in The Blood of Roses - Colonel Anne. I'm hoping Catherine and Alexander Cameron make an appearance in this one as well, but I'm not holding my breath for that.
March 17, 2010
Well I owe my dear friend Jenny a huge thank you for getting this book for me. I had just read "The Pride of Lions" and was left hanging as I did not have this book in my possession and through the various places I order my books, it was not available. She waved her magic wand and was able to provide me with the book.
Well I really enjoyed "The Pride of Lions" and I just loved its sequel "The Blood of Roses".
I have read books before surrounding the lead up and events of the Battle at Culloden. The Cross Stitch/Outlander series being my favourite.
I will even admit that at various points in the book I found myself shedding a tear or two.
I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy a romance set in Scotland.
Well I really enjoyed "The Pride of Lions" and I just loved its sequel "The Blood of Roses".
I have read books before surrounding the lead up and events of the Battle at Culloden. The Cross Stitch/Outlander series being my favourite.
I will even admit that at various points in the book I found myself shedding a tear or two.
I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy a romance set in Scotland.
June 28, 2014
Before finding my own copy I originally borrowed this title from the library. I had read about 100 pages when I realized this was a sequel but continued reading anyway. Eventually found Pride of Lions and also purchased the original versions (at one of favourite 2nd hand bookstores the Paperback Exchange) as well as the revised editions published by Dell. To this day, Pride of Lions and Blood of Roses are two of favourite books period. Thanks again Marsha Canham for sharing your talent of story telling with all of your readers.
August 27, 2016
Now, this is what I call a historical romance! The backdrop is during the English/ Scottish (Jacobite) conflict...ending with the bloody battle of Culloden. The book was ripe with historical information, but not too much to bore the reader. The romance between the heroine Catherine and hero Alexander was so powerful.
November 20, 2012
awesome book! was looking for something to fill the void left after reading Diana Gabaldon outlander series and Marsha Canham did not disappoint. Her books were full of suspense, twists and of course the love story. Just wish there was more than two books in her highland series that follow Alex and Catherine Cameron.
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