The Thistle and the Rose

MacPherson Clan #0.5

by May McGoldrick

Alternate cover edition can be found here

Desperate Deception
Celia Muir must escape from a burning castle into the Scottish Highlands before English soldiers capture her. With her are loyal friends and servants, all united to protect the infant Kit from unknown enemies. For her clandestine mission to succeed she has to make Colin Campbell, the warrior lord whose help she seeks, believe she is the seductive Lady Caithness.

Irresistible Desire
Colin Campbell's head tells him this Caithness woman is trouble, yet his heart is telling him she is magnificent. Whatever Celia is hiding he needs to know, but he also wants to hold her and kiss her. And as war with England scorches the heathered hills, Colin and Celia find reasons to bare their secrets, surrender to their desires, and head toward a destiny where Scotland's future--and their own--build on the strength of their passion and love...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Medieval, Scotland, Amazon

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 1995

About the author

May McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.

Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.

Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.

Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.

The authors make their home in California.

Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.

MAY McGOLDRICK

Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist

The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)

Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)

Arsenic and Old Armor
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Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
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Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
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A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
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Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)

NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas

JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks

NONFICTION

Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century

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www.JanCoffey.com

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Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celia and Colin, the main characters in this novel, are smart, kind, down to earth people... Colin is the consummate warrior, and Celia is sassy and resourceful... this was the first novel I read by this author, and still my favorite of all of hers... many characters are introduced here which are later spun off into their own stories... the time period is Scotland of the 1500's, if I recall correctly... and the story involves royal secrets... LOL... don't they all? but yeah, i liked this one...

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm and wonderful story set in 16th century Scotland from the talented husband/wife team who write as May McGoldrick. This was one of the first books I edited, and I am just as proud of the fact that I got the book a lovely cover.

[Samieyra Standish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what to say about this book other than I'm loving it I don't want to spoil it for anybody but it's really good book good reading

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, filled with likeable characters (except for the evil villain, of course).

[Diane Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved the first half of the book. It was exciting and romantic and everything one hopes for in a Highland tale. Actually, it would have been fine for me to end there and I would have been completely satisfied and given the story at least a 4. For me, the last half of the book was like an attempt to match holes in history and fill pages. I still enjoyed it and will continue with the series.

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 Slow burn that started out well but involved flicking to the end. I might have just needed more coffee

[Kathi McNeel · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book

I liked the detailed history written here. The descriptions of thoughts and feelings were very well thought out. Colin and Celia will stay in my mind for a very long time. Very in depth. A thoroughly enjoying read!

[Sandra Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

love at first sight

This story had a lot of history
My favorites are love at first sight love stories . Another happy ending

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thistle and the Rose is the first book in the MacPherson Clan series by May McGoldrick. Celia Muir escapes into the Scottish Highlands. With only her loyal friends and servants, Celia is determined to protect the infant Kit from enemies lurking in the shadows. To help her hide, she takes a desperate deception and introduces herself to the Campbell clan as the seductive Lady Caithness and Kit is her son. Colin Campbell knows that Lady Caithness is trouble but he can’t help being drawn to her. However, he knows Celia is hiding something and he is determined to find out what as well as his determination to take her into his arms. As the danger closes in, will Celia trust Colin enough to tell him the truth? Will they give in to the desires of their hearts?
The Thistle and the Rose is more than just a romance. It has secrets, political intrigue and a host of historical figures. I was hooked from the beginning as I tried to figure out the mystery of who Celia really was and who Kit truly is! The Thistle and the Rose reminded me of the romances I used to read as a teen.I loved Celia and her fierce independence. She was not a shrinking flower. She was ready to fight if need be. Colin is the ultimate hero who will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. As the two clashed, the battle of wits and wills was so entertaining! I also enjoyed all the side characters, especially Colin’s friend, Alec, and I am looking forward to reading his story. If you love Scottish historical romance, you will enjoy this story. I recommend The Thistle and the Rose.

The Thistle and The Rose is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

[Sietske · Rating 3 out of 5]

The dedication of Celia and Colin. Towards each other, towards other people. The care they show towards all. It’s still something that’s missing in today’s society.
I really liked the story. It had a very good buildup. Also, very lovable characters.
However, I didn’t always like the perspective from which the story was told. As it could differ per paragraph, and honestly, that’s just too much. Now I am thinking about it, maybe sometimes the perspective changed in one paragraph. I can see why they wanted an all-knowing narrative, but I was put off from the way they handled it. I didn’t really like it.
But on a good note, you could just imagine the characters in Kidalton Castle and I could just see it, so bravo for that.

And a quote from Celia:
‘“What I have, you will never understand,” Celia answered (…). “What I am…will never be yours.”’

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Lady Celia and Colin Cambell. Lady Celia, who is on the run with a baby, is posing as Lady Caithness. You don't know why for a good period of time, but she is strong and able. Having been raised by her father, she is also trained with a short sword, so is quite a warrior. (This is usually a turnoff, but Celia is also very ladylike and the two sides of her are surprisingly well balanced.) She and the baby get sick and end up in the home of Colin Campbell as a guest of his father. Colin is very suspicious of her but her pure heart and goodness win him over. It was a sweet, believable attraction and romance. He loves her, wants to marry her and the wedding is fabulous. There is a lot of action and suspense as they work together to solve the mystery. Loved it!!

[Sharon Osburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just OK

I tried to love it but everything written was told in such a boring manner. Even the description of their feelings of love was boring. The hot steamy romance was dull. Lengthy fill in writings that had no point made me skim through it to find something important and interesting. The heroine Celia was too perfect too angelic too beautiful too capable multiple skills that all together made her laughable. And the epilogue told in a paragraph a summary of history that followed years later. It’s a romance novel and the author can’t even tell the reader the future happiness for the hero and heroine. I feel disappointed in wasting my time reading such babbling writing.

[Lisa Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

The history of Scotland, Ireland and England has always fascinated me. It is such a rich and complex history. This story takes a small piece of that history and gives it life. I'm sure there was some writer's license, but that's what makes it historical fiction! Colin, Celia, Lord Hugh and Lord Edmund were wonderful characters as were all the supporting people. I'm on to the next in the series!

[Denise riemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book from first to last page, Colin Campbell the hero was fantastic, loved him and Celia Muir was a strong woman for such a hero!Celia Muir was given the responsibility of protecting the King of Scotland, Kit, but he is still a baby of 7 months, the English King wants Kit in his custody and there is much killing of Scottish people to accomplish this! Loved the history, was told so well by the author! Enjoyed the second characters in this book, added a lot to the plot.This is the first book of a series and I'm going to read the rest of the series, I would recommend this book as a historical and romantic story!

[Carole Burant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this book, truly a great story that kept my interest the whole way through. I absolutely adored the humorous retorts between family and friends, I love a book that can make me smile like that!! Also loved the hero and heroine, you could actually feel the emotions and love between them. Definitely a book I'd recommend!!

[Sherelyn Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book!

I hope you enjoy this book as much ad I did. You can't go wrong with a story of the damsel and the highland hunk especially when you have just finished reading a book about surviving the Nazi concentration camps ! perfect for bringing emotions to an even keel. Thank you for books like this!

[Jamie Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pluses and Minuses

In general, I enjoy the historical Scottish romances written by this author. She has a firm grasp of historical events for the eras she writes for. However, if you’re not a fan of head-hopping, you will feel like you are constantly in motion, as perspective shifts as quickly as per paragraph! That was certainly annoying, though I did get used to it. Only sometimes was it hard to follow.

I loved the main and secondary characters. That’s one thing this author does well: create characters with lots of layers and relatable humanity. I loved the hero’s father, a kind but strong aging warrior. Both the hero and heroine were complex, both strong and fiercely protective. The heroine has a deep backstory relevant to this story, but the author only revealed a little at a time. I’ll admit that she took so long that I got a little frustrated about what I didn’t know but was crucial to the story.

It was a delight to watch the couple fall for each other when neither believes they have a future. They are excellent people, well-drawn, who deserve to find their forever-love.

One moment in the book did have me groaning, though. Near the end of the book—even though she knows she is in real physical danger—she takes a stupid risk, without even telling anyone she is planning to go away from the castle. As soon as I saw the small child show up, I went, “Uh, oh. Please tell me the author isn’t going to take this easy route.” I swear, I’ve seen it far too often in historical romances where the heroine is easily suckered by the bad guys using a child to draw her out. If I see this weak plot device used again, it will be too soon. I was so disappointed by its use here that it actually detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.

[Terra Boustead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

Great story and characters, I've greatly enjoyed reading this book. I have always loved this era in time how people lived and traveled, how people took care of themselves and others, what made men and women fight for their country.
Colin and Celia were pretty awesome the way they fought for country and king.

[Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Scottish historical Romance.

Great introduction to the MacPherson Trilogy. Awesome storyline with twists and turns that keep you turning the pages. You will not be disappointed.

[Billie Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Scottish adventure

Action,love story,and reminder of the aftermath of horrible English c.f.

Action,a little history and of course a love story. A reminder of how horrible the English treated the Scottish people..

[Ruth A Calvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story did get sidetracked at times. Too much time and graphics involving sex, which really dragged on (which I skipped over to get back to the story) This book just did drag on and on. Seems to me that too much time in bed and not enough time about the REAL plot of the story.

[Nancy Yohe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done.

This is the first book I’ve read by the duo. It was week developed with strong characters, historical content, action, secrets, and love. Colin and Celia are a couple who belong together and follow the complicated path to each other.

[Donique Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Colin Campbell…heir to the Campbell Clan, lives in Kildalton Castle, a great warrior. Celia Muir…pretending to be the Lady Caithness, has an infant, hiding at Kildaton Castle. This is a narrative type of story that gives the thoughts of all characters. It was tricky for a minute to catch the flow because I’m used to reading stories that provide the H point of view and then the h point of view or vice verse. There is a mystery here that is adding to the romance of the story. I’m loving how things are being revealed in increments that keep you wanting to continue reading. I’m laughing because the H is trying to have a serious talk with the h and she is daydreaming. A determined foe is relentless. I really enjoyed this story it made me laugh, become pensive, and cheer.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginning to an on going series. Colin and Celia grabbed my full attention from
the beginning. The story moves along quickly and is action packed, the supporting characters are intriguing also. Can't wait to delve into the series.

[Caitiebop · Rating 2 out of 5]

sweet but meh

Sweet story with interesting Scottish history woven into the fiction, but the admittedly “perfect” characters (no flaws, selfless, smart, beautiful, etc.) just couldn’t hold my attention.

[Marjorie Messerschmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a strong female this is a story to love. A woman defying a marriage and taking on a royal task with great danger finds a perfect match unexpectedly. Lots of surprises along the way, bit of course she gets the HEA.

[sarah McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read

This book has a bit of everything in it. Romance, adventure, bit racy in places. It gets the imagination going fantasticakly. Well worth it xx

[Sally Spoelstra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Yes, it is a romance with very sensual scenes. It is also good historical fiction with an interesting plot and many realistic characters.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable!

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthy of your time

Good historical romance. Strong characters with lots of intrigue and mystery. First I've read of this author but will follow the series.