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Highland Treasure #1
The Dreamer
An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here.
First Book in Highland Treasure Trilogy
Originally published by Signet (Penguin) May 2000
When her late father was branded a traitor to the king, Catherine Percy found sanctuary in Scotland. But a case of mistaken identity put her in a compromising position with the Highland earl sworn to protect her. Marriage to him saved her reputation, but nothing could save her from the stormy passion that bent her innocent body to his will--and shattered his last defense...
The acclaimed author of The Thistle and the Rose presents an exciting new trilogy. Three sisters each hold a clue to their family's treasure--and the key to the hearts of three Highland warriors...
First Book in Highland Treasure Trilogy
Originally published by Signet (Penguin) May 2000
When her late father was branded a traitor to the king, Catherine Percy found sanctuary in Scotland. But a case of mistaken identity put her in a compromising position with the Highland earl sworn to protect her. Marriage to him saved her reputation, but nothing could save her from the stormy passion that bent her innocent body to his will--and shattered his last defense...
The acclaimed author of The Thistle and the Rose presents an exciting new trilogy. Three sisters each hold a clue to their family's treasure--and the key to the hearts of three Highland warriors...
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2000
1219 people are currently reading
1324 people want to read
About the author
May McGoldrick
579 books502 followersMay 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
---
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)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
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
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
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
---
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)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
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
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
June 7, 2022
As much as I liked the plot of this book with the two brothers, this book was generally...boring. There was nothing that made this story memorable and everything about it was less than average.
The writing and storytelling wasn't enough to capture my attention so it felt like more of a chore to read.
Even though I disliked this book, part of me wants to consider reading the two other books in this series. I doubt I'd go out of my way to pick the other books up but if I randomly came across them, I'd consider reading them.
The writing and storytelling wasn't enough to capture my attention so it felt like more of a chore to read.
Even though I disliked this book, part of me wants to consider reading the two other books in this series. I doubt I'd go out of my way to pick the other books up but if I randomly came across them, I'd consider reading them.
March 12, 2022
En comparaison de la série des McCabe, j'ai nettement préféré cette lecture (également une romance écossaise). La série s'annonce beaucoup plus drôle et distrayante. Tout d'abord, j'ai adoré le couple - l'alchimie fonctionne à merveille. Et même s'ils ont tous deux un caractère de feu, ils n'ont pas des rapports de force qui frisent l'indécence. Et ceci me convient très bien. De plus, certaines scènes sont désopilantes.
Le couple affiche également une grande complicité. Au départ, Catherine Percy n'avait pas prévu d'épouser John Stewart. Celui-ci ne lui a pas laissé le choix. En sa qualité de comte d'Athol, il doit assurer sa descendance et a décrété qu'elle ferait l'affaire. Catherine ne décolère pas. Mais si elle veut mener son projet d'ouvrir une école jusqu'à son terme, elle doit céder.
Préparez-vous : c'est un sacré bout de femme ! Elle refuse par exemple de passer la nuit dans la chambre de son époux et se faufile avant l'aube jusqu'à son propre lit. Bien entendu, ses réactions à lui sont impayables. Il a renoncé à dompter la rebelle - en comprenant que ça ne servait à rien - il va juste tenter de la charmer et percer sa carapace de manière plus subtile. Comme seul un farouche guerrier écossais sait faire.
Oui, on craque ! C'est gentiment coquin et davantage sensuel. Les sentiments viennent tout doucement, alors que les gestes parlent déjà d'eux-mêmes.
En marge de la romance, il est aussi question d'un trésor que les parents de Catherine auraient dissimulé. Ses sœurs et elle connaîtraient la cachette. C'est pourquoi elles ne peuvent pas vivre ensemble. Mais des individus sont prêts à tout pour leur arracher la vérité et suivre la piste au trésor. Hum, hum. Il va s'en dire que je vais lire les prochains tomes sans plus attendre !
Le couple affiche également une grande complicité. Au départ, Catherine Percy n'avait pas prévu d'épouser John Stewart. Celui-ci ne lui a pas laissé le choix. En sa qualité de comte d'Athol, il doit assurer sa descendance et a décrété qu'elle ferait l'affaire. Catherine ne décolère pas. Mais si elle veut mener son projet d'ouvrir une école jusqu'à son terme, elle doit céder.
Préparez-vous : c'est un sacré bout de femme ! Elle refuse par exemple de passer la nuit dans la chambre de son époux et se faufile avant l'aube jusqu'à son propre lit. Bien entendu, ses réactions à lui sont impayables. Il a renoncé à dompter la rebelle - en comprenant que ça ne servait à rien - il va juste tenter de la charmer et percer sa carapace de manière plus subtile. Comme seul un farouche guerrier écossais sait faire.
Oui, on craque ! C'est gentiment coquin et davantage sensuel. Les sentiments viennent tout doucement, alors que les gestes parlent déjà d'eux-mêmes.
En marge de la romance, il est aussi question d'un trésor que les parents de Catherine auraient dissimulé. Ses sœurs et elle connaîtraient la cachette. C'est pourquoi elles ne peuvent pas vivre ensemble. Mais des individus sont prêts à tout pour leur arracher la vérité et suivre la piste au trésor. Hum, hum. Il va s'en dire que je vais lire les prochains tomes sans plus attendre !
June 9, 2019
**3.5 stars**
I love a good Highlander romance and this one wasn't too bad. We have a laird who is about to marry a woman, who he does not love and has no plans to love. This laird meets a woman who is not his intended...in his bed. This leads to a slight change of plans. A different wife.
This new wife of his is going to send John crazy. Catherine's always getting herself caught up in danger and he is starting to stress about her. This new wife of his was supposed to be well behaved and quiet, who sat still and did what she's told...haha. The connection between John and Catherine doesn't take long to develop and there were some very sexy times between the couple.
The storyline is based around Catherine and her two sisters fleeing England after their father is accused and killed by the King for supposed treachery and disloyalty. There was also another side story that developed that was interesting.
I liked this story but it drags and I think the main problem was the lack of dialogue and too much inner monologue and description. Besides these problems the story was interesting. I bought this first in the series for less than $1.00 which was a good buy. I may be interested to go further on in the series at a later date.
I love a good Highlander romance and this one wasn't too bad. We have a laird who is about to marry a woman, who he does not love and has no plans to love. This laird meets a woman who is not his intended...in his bed. This leads to a slight change of plans. A different wife.
This new wife of his is going to send John crazy. Catherine's always getting herself caught up in danger and he is starting to stress about her. This new wife of his was supposed to be well behaved and quiet, who sat still and did what she's told...haha. The connection between John and Catherine doesn't take long to develop and there were some very sexy times between the couple.
The storyline is based around Catherine and her two sisters fleeing England after their father is accused and killed by the King for supposed treachery and disloyalty. There was also another side story that developed that was interesting.
I liked this story but it drags and I think the main problem was the lack of dialogue and too much inner monologue and description. Besides these problems the story was interesting. I bought this first in the series for less than $1.00 which was a good buy. I may be interested to go further on in the series at a later date.
August 2, 2011
I did not read these three books in order, but still found them all exceptionally good. Three sisters whose father had been murdered by the king are hidden by their mother in Scotland. Catherine perry goes to the Earl who has promised to watch over her, but ends up marrying him. She wants to start a school, and finds that her new husband is willing to let her try this. meanwhile, the same people who killed her father and from whom their mother is hiding are after her and her sisters to find a legendary treasure. Recommended.
Read
October 15, 2018DNF AT 70%.
I KNOW YOU MUST THINK IM CRAZY TO JUST GIVE UP THE STORY WHEN I AM ALMOST DONE, BUT
I WAS GETTING TIRED OF THE UNEXCITING PLOT AFTER THE HERO AND HEROINE PRETTY MUCH FELL IN LOVE.
THERE WAS NO ANGST. NO CHEATING. NO DRAMA.
AND YOU WONDER WHY I STILL STICK AROUND KNOWING MY USUAL BOOK M.O.
I KNOW YOU MUST THINK IM CRAZY TO JUST GIVE UP THE STORY WHEN I AM ALMOST DONE, BUT
I WAS GETTING TIRED OF THE UNEXCITING PLOT AFTER THE HERO AND HEROINE PRETTY MUCH FELL IN LOVE.
THERE WAS NO ANGST. NO CHEATING. NO DRAMA.
AND YOU WONDER WHY I STILL STICK AROUND KNOWING MY USUAL BOOK M.O.
June 13, 2021
1.5*
While this novel was diverting, the set up and execution were sorely disappointing. It was able to provide me a brief ‘historical romance fix’ but it’s also a novel that will be easy to forget and that I don’t want to read again.
The storyline of this book was a bit abrupt. This novel left me feeling like I had been dropped into the midst of an ongoing series (one in which I should already be well-acquainted with). There were a lot of plot twists hinging on this, which made the altering POV’s seem all the more disjointed and odd. There was little build up to the backstory regarding the treasure, why particular individuals were hunting it now, or why/how Catherine’s family had been the “protectors” of it. Even feeling like I was dropped into the middle of plot conveniences I didn’t understand, as the story went on, it never really got any better, either. The treasure aspect wasn’t the only major plot point of the novel, but the background was so weak and unexplained that it always felt like it was coming out of left field. The other major plot points were better executed but this one fell utterly flat.
I also felt like the story dragged a bit at certain points. As the story seemed to be nearing a resolution, I looked at how much further I had to go and (much to my surprise) I was only about halfway in! The aspects with the school, for example, seemed to be mentioned a lot but were quickly (and frequently) pushed back to the side and it felt like a waste of time for the most part. Or, another example would be the repeated mention of the curse of Ironcross Castle. This is never explained but here again, not only did I feel like I was already supposed to know what was going on (and how it had been resolved), but the fact that it kept popping up randomly only bogged the story down with convoluted aspects from another tale (I’m assuming there was one?) There were just certain aspects of this novel that felt incredibly unnecessary and could have been left out completely.
Additionally, at the end of the day, this is supposed to be a romance novel. That’s what we all signed up for when we picked up this book, right? And yet, there’s very little actual romance to be had. Don’t get me wrong, there’s some passion and declarations ‘love,’ but here again, there was little to no build for John and Catherine’s relationship. Catherine and John go from meeting each other to their second “conversation” immediately leading to intimate relations . What?? Wasn’t Catherine just saying how much she disliked him and wanted to have her marriage annulled? It was such an incredibly huge one-eighty that it gave me a bit of whiplash trying to keep up with her sudden emotional shift.
Not only did our couple jump from dislike to lust really quickly, but the depth of their feelings for one another seemed to happen within a blink as well. They slept together and POOF! she loves him. In fact, in the first “official” dinner they have together, Catherine sees him laughing at something Susan (his cousin) said and her feelings of betrayal, jealously, and hurt were so great that she tries to immediately leave the dinner (and this is around the time of their 3rd conversation/interaction together). Their romance happened so quickly without any foundation at all. There was no tension or angst or drama to move their story along. So yes, there may have been some passion in this novel (the sparks flew quickly), but there wasn’t really any romance to this story. And that’s what I was ultimately here for.
To compound this, was it just me or was the fact that John could so quickly “read Catherine’s mind” a bit wonky or what? Or that, by the end of the book, she could “feel” him getting closer to her proximity? Was it magic? Was it their rushed connection? I don’t really understand what’s happening here.
To add to the romance of this book, Catherine and John’s relationship wasn’t the sole romance of the story. There is a small side story regarding Susan and Adam, which again, I’m confused by. The beginning of the book starts out with Susan being hopelessly in love with John. And here again, within days her affections completely shift. While her accidental meeting with Adam was explained, their system for subsequently seeing each other and immediately falling in love (again, after only ONE conversation together) seemed really unbelievable and it felt like a plot device to bring the brothers together. Plus, Lord Almighty, we must have some awfully sweet-talking women in this book! Both men are complete putty after one meeting with their gals. Can I have some tips here, please?!
Although the romance between John and Catherine comes to a close and there is a resolution regarding Adam of the Glen, it’s clear that this story continues with Catherine’s two sisters. Despite this, I think that this will be my only book in this series. It’s not a story I plan to continue.
While this novel was diverting, the set up and execution were sorely disappointing. It was able to provide me a brief ‘historical romance fix’ but it’s also a novel that will be easy to forget and that I don’t want to read again.
The storyline of this book was a bit abrupt. This novel left me feeling like I had been dropped into the midst of an ongoing series (one in which I should already be well-acquainted with). There were a lot of plot twists hinging on this, which made the altering POV’s seem all the more disjointed and odd. There was little build up to the backstory regarding the treasure, why particular individuals were hunting it now, or why/how Catherine’s family had been the “protectors” of it. Even feeling like I was dropped into the middle of plot conveniences I didn’t understand, as the story went on, it never really got any better, either. The treasure aspect wasn’t the only major plot point of the novel, but the background was so weak and unexplained that it always felt like it was coming out of left field. The other major plot points were better executed but this one fell utterly flat.
I also felt like the story dragged a bit at certain points. As the story seemed to be nearing a resolution, I looked at how much further I had to go and (much to my surprise) I was only about halfway in! The aspects with the school, for example, seemed to be mentioned a lot but were quickly (and frequently) pushed back to the side and it felt like a waste of time for the most part. Or, another example would be the repeated mention of the curse of Ironcross Castle. This is never explained but here again, not only did I feel like I was already supposed to know what was going on (and how it had been resolved), but the fact that it kept popping up randomly only bogged the story down with convoluted aspects from another tale (I’m assuming there was one?) There were just certain aspects of this novel that felt incredibly unnecessary and could have been left out completely.
Additionally, at the end of the day, this is supposed to be a romance novel. That’s what we all signed up for when we picked up this book, right? And yet, there’s very little actual romance to be had. Don’t get me wrong, there’s some passion and declarations ‘love,’ but here again, there was little to no build for John and Catherine’s relationship. Catherine and John go from meeting each other to their second “conversation” immediately leading to intimate relations . What?? Wasn’t Catherine just saying how much she disliked him and wanted to have her marriage annulled? It was such an incredibly huge one-eighty that it gave me a bit of whiplash trying to keep up with her sudden emotional shift.
Not only did our couple jump from dislike to lust really quickly, but the depth of their feelings for one another seemed to happen within a blink as well. They slept together and POOF! she loves him. In fact, in the first “official” dinner they have together, Catherine sees him laughing at something Susan (his cousin) said and her feelings of betrayal, jealously, and hurt were so great that she tries to immediately leave the dinner (and this is around the time of their 3rd conversation/interaction together). Their romance happened so quickly without any foundation at all. There was no tension or angst or drama to move their story along. So yes, there may have been some passion in this novel (the sparks flew quickly), but there wasn’t really any romance to this story. And that’s what I was ultimately here for.
To compound this, was it just me or was the fact that John could so quickly “read Catherine’s mind” a bit wonky or what? Or that, by the end of the book, she could “feel” him getting closer to her proximity? Was it magic? Was it their rushed connection? I don’t really understand what’s happening here.
To add to the romance of this book, Catherine and John’s relationship wasn’t the sole romance of the story. There is a small side story regarding Susan and Adam, which again, I’m confused by. The beginning of the book starts out with Susan being hopelessly in love with John. And here again, within days her affections completely shift. While her accidental meeting with Adam was explained, their system for subsequently seeing each other and immediately falling in love (again, after only ONE conversation together) seemed really unbelievable and it felt like a plot device to bring the brothers together. Plus, Lord Almighty, we must have some awfully sweet-talking women in this book! Both men are complete putty after one meeting with their gals. Can I have some tips here, please?!
Although the romance between John and Catherine comes to a close and there is a resolution regarding Adam of the Glen, it’s clear that this story continues with Catherine’s two sisters. Despite this, I think that this will be my only book in this series. It’s not a story I plan to continue.
October 31, 2017
(Should read The MacPherson Clan series first as this is related to #5.)
March 28, 2022
The romance portion of the book was well done, but there are so many suspense subplots and changes in POV that it it's a bit disjointed to read.
March 28, 2022
MAY McGOLDRICK A NEW AUTHOR TO ADD TO MY BOOKS READ LIST!
I was completely immersed in The Dreamer, when I started reading it yesterday & will be going onwards with the The Enchantress, Book 2 & The Firebrand, Book 3 to see what happens to Catherine's sisters!
A great Highland story!
I was completely immersed in The Dreamer, when I started reading it yesterday & will be going onwards with the The Enchantress, Book 2 & The Firebrand, Book 3 to see what happens to Catherine's sisters!
A great Highland story!
March 22, 2022
This was a great fast passed, romantic, suspense read!
My first be theses authors but not my last
My first be theses authors but not my last
April 21, 2015
I loved this book! When I read Flame, I wasn't sure if I liked the writing style of these authors, but I did like the story and I wanted to read John's story. I am so glad I did. The issue I had with the authors referring to the characters by different names was not a problem in this book.
John Stewart, the Earl of Athol has his hands full. His lands are being ruthlessly raided by an outlaw named Adam of the Glen, his mother is "dying" and he is getting married.
Catherine and her sisters are on the run from King Henry's henchmen. Her father has be executed and her mother has gone into hiding and has sent each of her girls into the highlands, where she grew up, to hide.
Catherine is on her way to the Earl's estate to be his ward and to start a school. On the way she meets up with the Earls intended bride
And they are traveling together to meet the Earl. They stop overnight at the Earls hunting lodge and Ellen (John's intended) asks Catherine to switch rooms with her. A very sleepy Catherine does as she is asks and is woken by the Earl kissing and caressing her.
The Earl quickly decides they will marry, despite Catherine's very vocal objections.
This is the start of a really wonderful story of two people finding the love of a lifetime. The way to this love is not a smooth path. They face betrayal, secrets and villains looking for treasure.
I loved many things about this book, but I think what I loved most was John's turnabout regarding Catherine. At the beginning he thinks she is plain, prim and prudish. By the end of the book he thinks she is the most beautiful woman he as ever seen and can't believe he didn't think so when they first met.
I am really looking forward to read the other books featuring Catherine's sisters and finally solving the mystery of the treasure.
John Stewart, the Earl of Athol has his hands full. His lands are being ruthlessly raided by an outlaw named Adam of the Glen, his mother is "dying" and he is getting married.
Catherine and her sisters are on the run from King Henry's henchmen. Her father has be executed and her mother has gone into hiding and has sent each of her girls into the highlands, where she grew up, to hide.
Catherine is on her way to the Earl's estate to be his ward and to start a school. On the way she meets up with the Earls intended bride
And they are traveling together to meet the Earl. They stop overnight at the Earls hunting lodge and Ellen (John's intended) asks Catherine to switch rooms with her. A very sleepy Catherine does as she is asks and is woken by the Earl kissing and caressing her.
The Earl quickly decides they will marry, despite Catherine's very vocal objections.
This is the start of a really wonderful story of two people finding the love of a lifetime. The way to this love is not a smooth path. They face betrayal, secrets and villains looking for treasure.
I loved many things about this book, but I think what I loved most was John's turnabout regarding Catherine. At the beginning he thinks she is plain, prim and prudish. By the end of the book he thinks she is the most beautiful woman he as ever seen and can't believe he didn't think so when they first met.
I am really looking forward to read the other books featuring Catherine's sisters and finally solving the mystery of the treasure.
February 21, 2017
This is another of those books in which the writing is highly flawed and yet the storytelling is so good that I don't care. I absolutely devoured it and recommend it to anyone who loves a romantic, sexy historical adventure.
March 3, 2011
AUTHOR:
First time reading a book by May McGoldrick. I really did not like this book. WHY? I felt that I was the script of a play. While there was ROMANCE, it was pretty blazay. The book did nothing to make my romantic juices roar.
SYNOPSIS
Story takes place in Scotland. John Stewart is about to marry Ellen, but instead forces Catherine Percy who is only interested in starting a school. Catherine is a very proper and well educated English woman. John finds out he has a half brother, Adam of the Glen, who has a grudge against John and therefore raids his lands and properties. Sir Arthur Courtenay is running around trying to find a treasure of which Catherine and 3 other women are aware of the location.
SEX SCALE: Of the following (5) : (NOT very descriptive and requires imagination); (WILL make you wiggle a little); (WISH it was me); (OH boy, do not have to use my imagination at all); (EROTICA and well over the top) ****** **************this book gets a BARELY MAKES YOU WIGGLE A LITTLE rating because while there is passion, it really lacks ROMANCE except for a man's desire for a woman's passion
LEAST FAVORITE PART: Monks being torchered
FAVORITE PART: Sex on the window ledge
YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: A book of circumstances. A book that reads like the script of a play. Romance is mostly about a man who falls in love with a woman because she is passionate (although written to me in a blazay manner.)
TWO STARS because there was no real fire in the book. This is book 1 of a "trilogy". I'll pass thank you very much.
First time reading a book by May McGoldrick. I really did not like this book. WHY? I felt that I was the script of a play. While there was ROMANCE, it was pretty blazay. The book did nothing to make my romantic juices roar.
SYNOPSIS
Story takes place in Scotland. John Stewart is about to marry Ellen, but instead forces Catherine Percy who is only interested in starting a school. Catherine is a very proper and well educated English woman. John finds out he has a half brother, Adam of the Glen, who has a grudge against John and therefore raids his lands and properties. Sir Arthur Courtenay is running around trying to find a treasure of which Catherine and 3 other women are aware of the location.
SEX SCALE: Of the following (5) : (NOT very descriptive and requires imagination); (WILL make you wiggle a little); (WISH it was me); (OH boy, do not have to use my imagination at all); (EROTICA and well over the top) ****** **************this book gets a BARELY MAKES YOU WIGGLE A LITTLE rating because while there is passion, it really lacks ROMANCE except for a man's desire for a woman's passion
LEAST FAVORITE PART: Monks being torchered
FAVORITE PART: Sex on the window ledge
YOU WILL LIKE THIS BOOK IF YOU LIKE: A book of circumstances. A book that reads like the script of a play. Romance is mostly about a man who falls in love with a woman because she is passionate (although written to me in a blazay manner.)
TWO STARS because there was no real fire in the book. This is book 1 of a "trilogy". I'll pass thank you very much.
April 19, 2019
Not recommended for young eyes. This had a couple story lines intermixed. The beginning started out very confusing for me because it was almost like I should have already known what was going on. I had to double check to make sure I wasn’t reading book 2 in a series.
The beginning was speckled with a few sex scenes, but they had gone away 1/2 way through.
I could not understand the main character’s name. Was it John? Athol? Sometimes he was referred to as John Stewart and sometimes as Athol. Very confusing. A tiny bit of magic was also in the book ie. John (Athol) being able to read her mind, the curse of the Ironcross castle..
Obviously one of the storylines continues on to the other books; the story of the treasure, but the story of John and his 1/2 brother Adam and Catherine and John’s love story get wrapped up in this book.
The beginning was speckled with a few sex scenes, but they had gone away 1/2 way through.
I could not understand the main character’s name. Was it John? Athol? Sometimes he was referred to as John Stewart and sometimes as Athol. Very confusing. A tiny bit of magic was also in the book ie. John (Athol) being able to read her mind, the curse of the Ironcross castle..
Obviously one of the storylines continues on to the other books; the story of the treasure, but the story of John and his 1/2 brother Adam and Catherine and John’s love story get wrapped up in this book.
October 11, 2014
I loved the couple but felt it was rushed because of all the mischief that is jam packed in the book. Family secrets, sluts, bastards, virgins, villains, monks, bitter old woman, forgiveness and love are bulging from the pages. The love builds but the surrender comes sooner and in non traditional manner but variety is the spice of life. The couple marries early on which I liked as well as communication between the two. So there is not long drug out misunderstandings and although determined not to fall in love our couple fail miserably. There is plenty going on so the story jumps from character to character and there are some detailed love scenes. For more details my full review can be found on Amazon.
April 26, 2013
As a romance/adventure, this novel was interesting, but since it was just part of a trilogy, it made a frustrating read as a stand alone book. It never quite gave the reader enough information on the "treasure" to appreciate what was going on, and it did not offer enough closure to make a satisfying ending.
February 28, 2017
Good story. Moved along nicely. The characters could have been fleshed out a little better. Catherine was always two steps ahead of John which made him look dumb. In reality she didn't share all the information she had. That irritated me. Story would have been just as good if they had worked in concert.
March 24, 2024
Couldn’t finish. The beginning was good but then it just got boring. Both the heroine and the hero said and did weird stuff.
October 2, 2020
An Absolute Treasure!
I absolutely love this book. I just finished reading it for the second time; although I can't say why I didn't review it the first time around. In any event, this book is amazing. The plot and cast of characters are dynamic, and the story that unfolds compelling. This is the first in the Highland Treasure Trilogy...it's the story of three sisters; daughters of Sir Edmund Percy, who was declared a traitor to the crown, and executed by King Henry the VIII, because of his refusal to take the King's Oath of Supremacy (accepting the King as the head of the church.) Now Catherine, her two younger sisters, and their mother, are all being hunted by the King's Deputy Lieutenant on behalf of the sovereign. The Deputy Lieutenant; however, has another, more personal, reason for hunting the Percy females. He believes they know where a great treasure is hidden, a treasure he is determined to claim as his own. Consequently, he persistently and ruthlessly, hunts the sisters all across England, into the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.
This first book is big sister Catherine's story--the second and third books in the trilogy are The Enchantress and The Firebrand. Catherine's mother has arranged for her to be housed and protected by the rich and powerful Earl of Athol. En route to the Earl's home, Catherine's party encounters that of the Earl's intended bride, who is also traveling to Belvenie Castle. On one of their stopovers, due to a switch in the sleeping arrangements, John, the Earl, accidentally ends up in bed with Catherine. When he discovers that he's not only in bed with the wrong woman, but that his intended bride is sleeping with another man, he forces Catherine to marry him. From there the story develops.
John has an enemy who believes that he has been wronged by the Earl. As such, he is determined to reek vengeance against the Earl, employing any means necessary, including using Catherine as a pawn. Between this aspect of the story, and the Deputy Lieutenant's determined search for the sisters, and thereby the treasure, this book is chock full of intrigue and excitement. At the heart of the story is the romance between Catherine and John which is sweet and lovely. Catherine very quickly falls in love with the handsome Earl, despite his warnings to her against doing so. As for John, he finds himself enthralled with the unassuming woman he married, and very quickly he finds that she has become necessary to his happiness.
I really loved this book...so much so, I've read it twice. It's definitely one of those that come to mind when recommending a book to a friend. FYI, this is not a clean romance. Happy reading.
I absolutely love this book. I just finished reading it for the second time; although I can't say why I didn't review it the first time around. In any event, this book is amazing. The plot and cast of characters are dynamic, and the story that unfolds compelling. This is the first in the Highland Treasure Trilogy...it's the story of three sisters; daughters of Sir Edmund Percy, who was declared a traitor to the crown, and executed by King Henry the VIII, because of his refusal to take the King's Oath of Supremacy (accepting the King as the head of the church.) Now Catherine, her two younger sisters, and their mother, are all being hunted by the King's Deputy Lieutenant on behalf of the sovereign. The Deputy Lieutenant; however, has another, more personal, reason for hunting the Percy females. He believes they know where a great treasure is hidden, a treasure he is determined to claim as his own. Consequently, he persistently and ruthlessly, hunts the sisters all across England, into the wilds of the Scottish Highlands.
This first book is big sister Catherine's story--the second and third books in the trilogy are The Enchantress and The Firebrand. Catherine's mother has arranged for her to be housed and protected by the rich and powerful Earl of Athol. En route to the Earl's home, Catherine's party encounters that of the Earl's intended bride, who is also traveling to Belvenie Castle. On one of their stopovers, due to a switch in the sleeping arrangements, John, the Earl, accidentally ends up in bed with Catherine. When he discovers that he's not only in bed with the wrong woman, but that his intended bride is sleeping with another man, he forces Catherine to marry him. From there the story develops.
John has an enemy who believes that he has been wronged by the Earl. As such, he is determined to reek vengeance against the Earl, employing any means necessary, including using Catherine as a pawn. Between this aspect of the story, and the Deputy Lieutenant's determined search for the sisters, and thereby the treasure, this book is chock full of intrigue and excitement. At the heart of the story is the romance between Catherine and John which is sweet and lovely. Catherine very quickly falls in love with the handsome Earl, despite his warnings to her against doing so. As for John, he finds himself enthralled with the unassuming woman he married, and very quickly he finds that she has become necessary to his happiness.
I really loved this book...so much so, I've read it twice. It's definitely one of those that come to mind when recommending a book to a friend. FYI, this is not a clean romance. Happy reading.
February 6, 2019
The Dreamer by May McGoldrick is the first book in the Highland Treasure Series wherein three sisters each hold a piece of a map to a valuable treasure, as well as the hearts of three Highland warriors. The Dreamer has everything that I love in a good book -- engaging characters, a thrilling plot, and excellent writing.
This story begins with one of the sisters, Catherine Percy, fleeing England after her father is executed as a traitor to the King and the rest of the family is similarly branded. As she travels to Scotland, one of her traveling companions persuades Catherine to sleep in her bed for the night. Catherine quickly falls asleep and experiences a most pleasurable and sensual dream only to wake-up and realize there is an unknown man in her bed.
The unknown man is none other than John Stewart, the powerful chieftain who was supposed to be Catherine’s protector. When he entered the bedroom, he thought he was teasing his mistress awake, only to find Catherine instead. He immediately rectifies the situation by marrying Catherine, believing that his life will be less complicated once he marries a good quiet wife who will do as she's told. Little did he realize that the prim and proper Catherine is smart, strong-willed, and independent. She also has knack for putting herself in danger. Together they face betrayal, secrets, and villains looking for treasure all the while falling in love and learning to respect each other.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was narrated by Ruth Urquhart. The recording seemed like it was in slow-motion; but after increasing the listening speed to double-time, I enjoyed it immensely. I’m really looking forward to listening to the other books in the Highland Treasure series!
This story begins with one of the sisters, Catherine Percy, fleeing England after her father is executed as a traitor to the King and the rest of the family is similarly branded. As she travels to Scotland, one of her traveling companions persuades Catherine to sleep in her bed for the night. Catherine quickly falls asleep and experiences a most pleasurable and sensual dream only to wake-up and realize there is an unknown man in her bed.
The unknown man is none other than John Stewart, the powerful chieftain who was supposed to be Catherine’s protector. When he entered the bedroom, he thought he was teasing his mistress awake, only to find Catherine instead. He immediately rectifies the situation by marrying Catherine, believing that his life will be less complicated once he marries a good quiet wife who will do as she's told. Little did he realize that the prim and proper Catherine is smart, strong-willed, and independent. She also has knack for putting herself in danger. Together they face betrayal, secrets, and villains looking for treasure all the while falling in love and learning to respect each other.
I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was narrated by Ruth Urquhart. The recording seemed like it was in slow-motion; but after increasing the listening speed to double-time, I enjoyed it immensely. I’m really looking forward to listening to the other books in the Highland Treasure series!
June 16, 2017
I was recommended this book by a woman I met in a used book store.
I really enjoyed the pace and story line of this book. The characters actually grew and developed, you wanted to know more about them. I pan to read the two follow books as well. (I bought all three of the books that day in the book store.Just wish now I could remember the ladies name so I could Thank her again.)
Catherine is from a well to do family but that all changed the day King Henry decides he is the leader of the catholic church. Catherine's family does not agree with this and flee England.
Athol (love the name) is a young earl in Scotland, who's mother wants him to marry but he has too much going on around the lands to find a suitable wife.
The two in very "interesting" circumstances and Athol must do the right thing and marry Catherine. They are both independent people who are content with living their lives they choose and being married is not one of those things they choose. Growing as individuals seems to help them grow as a couple and find out who they bother really are.
Great story of finding lost family and searching for more. Escaping being kidnapped and falling into all kinds of trouble along the way.
I would say this book is PG rate but I wouldn't let my 13 year old read it. Look forward to starting the second book The Enchantress.
I really enjoyed the pace and story line of this book. The characters actually grew and developed, you wanted to know more about them. I pan to read the two follow books as well. (I bought all three of the books that day in the book store.Just wish now I could remember the ladies name so I could Thank her again.)
Catherine is from a well to do family but that all changed the day King Henry decides he is the leader of the catholic church. Catherine's family does not agree with this and flee England.
Athol (love the name) is a young earl in Scotland, who's mother wants him to marry but he has too much going on around the lands to find a suitable wife.
The two in very "interesting" circumstances and Athol must do the right thing and marry Catherine. They are both independent people who are content with living their lives they choose and being married is not one of those things they choose. Growing as individuals seems to help them grow as a couple and find out who they bother really are.
Great story of finding lost family and searching for more. Escaping being kidnapped and falling into all kinds of trouble along the way.
I would say this book is PG rate but I wouldn't let my 13 year old read it. Look forward to starting the second book The Enchantress.
July 27, 2019
For a while I wasn't sure that this book was for me, I couldn't even recall why I added it to my TBR but nevertheless, I wanted to cross it off and I am grateful for doing so.
The most interesting part of this novel is how May McGoldrick chose to hold off on very important information until about halfway through the book. It added another level of suspense as well as set up for a sequel. We see how the strings of fate bring the two brothers together and how even though Catherine and John were wed on the worst terms imaginable (and with Catherine's clear objection) that their marriage changed both of them.
One of the more frustrating things for me in the book was the change in narration. Normally, I am fine with having multiple narrators and honestly, that didn't bother me in this novel as well but it was pretty clear that the author didn't enjoy writing about the secrets of the Treasure as much as she did the banter and witty exchanges between the earl of Athol and his wife. While they were well-written something felt like it was missing.
The most interesting part of this novel is how May McGoldrick chose to hold off on very important information until about halfway through the book. It added another level of suspense as well as set up for a sequel. We see how the strings of fate bring the two brothers together and how even though Catherine and John were wed on the worst terms imaginable (and with Catherine's clear objection) that their marriage changed both of them.
One of the more frustrating things for me in the book was the change in narration. Normally, I am fine with having multiple narrators and honestly, that didn't bother me in this novel as well but it was pretty clear that the author didn't enjoy writing about the secrets of the Treasure as much as she did the banter and witty exchanges between the earl of Athol and his wife. While they were well-written something felt like it was missing.
April 25, 2024
3.5 🌟
Historical romance set in the Scottish Highlands during the reign of King Henry VIII.
Catherine is on the run. Her English father has been killed by the King, so her sisters flee to their mother's homeland of Scotland to avoid capture.
Catherine has been sent to the land of the Earl of Athol, John Stewart, for sanctuary. She plans to start a school for the people there. After a case of mistaken identity Catherine ends up as John's unwilling bride.
John has his hands full dealing with a local brigand terrorising his people. He doesn't have time to romance his new wife.
The relationship between the MCs grew quickly with her falling first. Catherine is headstrong but cares for John and his people. John is protective and discovers his love for his wife when he thinks he's lost her.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as others by these authors. This is the first in a trilogy, with a mystery still to be solved, despite the HEA for the MCs.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
Historical romance set in the Scottish Highlands during the reign of King Henry VIII.
Catherine is on the run. Her English father has been killed by the King, so her sisters flee to their mother's homeland of Scotland to avoid capture.
Catherine has been sent to the land of the Earl of Athol, John Stewart, for sanctuary. She plans to start a school for the people there. After a case of mistaken identity Catherine ends up as John's unwilling bride.
John has his hands full dealing with a local brigand terrorising his people. He doesn't have time to romance his new wife.
The relationship between the MCs grew quickly with her falling first. Catherine is headstrong but cares for John and his people. John is protective and discovers his love for his wife when he thinks he's lost her.
I didn't enjoy this book as much as others by these authors. This is the first in a trilogy, with a mystery still to be solved, despite the HEA for the MCs.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
March 3, 2025
The Dreamer, the first book in May McGoldrick’s Highland Treasure trilogy was a thrilling tale of three sisters separated and on the run, following the death of their father, a traitor to King Henry. An enemy is in pursuit of the sisters, thinking they have the treasure of Tiberius. This story follows the oldest sister Catherine Percy, who is sent to live with John Stewart as his ward, but ends up as his wife. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ruth Urquhart.
I love how May McGoldrick weave a story! They blend history and fiction so well, and their character development is wonderful. John Stewart, a cousin to the Stewart kings of Scotland falling for a bright English lass, with her mother’s Scottish sass in Catherine Percy. I love that we see a tie to Joann MacInnes in this story, through Adam. I cannot wait to read the other sisters stories and see what happens next and learn more about the treasure.
I love how May McGoldrick weave a story! They blend history and fiction so well, and their character development is wonderful. John Stewart, a cousin to the Stewart kings of Scotland falling for a bright English lass, with her mother’s Scottish sass in Catherine Percy. I love that we see a tie to Joann MacInnes in this story, through Adam. I cannot wait to read the other sisters stories and see what happens next and learn more about the treasure.
April 23, 2019
I loved this book because of the way I was able to immerse myself in it. The historical aspects all seemed close enough to reality that I was able to believe the tale might have happened during that time period. (Henry VIII has recently married Anne Boleyn we are told.) The characters are as lovingly crafted as the setting and plot. It's definitely bordering on the unbelievable by the time you reach the end of this novel, but it is, after all, a romantic fantasy and I believe it's fitting for this particular kind of tale. It left me wanting to know more about the families involved and whether or not the sisters are successful in their endeavors. I hope to read about the other two sisters in the near future.
If you enjoy historical romance, romance, Scotland, medieval tales, and adventure, you'll probably enjoy this one.
If you enjoy historical romance, romance, Scotland, medieval tales, and adventure, you'll probably enjoy this one.
December 14, 2025
I've read this before, in digital format and long before I began doing the Goodreads challenges. Given the length of time, it's almost like reading it for the first time. I did enjoy it. The characters - Catherine, John and Adam are interesting and the bit of mystery surrounding Adam is intriguing. I did stumble over one part though. In chapter 13, John is speaking with Catherine in the stable and at one point it says he's stroking a horse's fetlock. Fetlock? A horse's fetlock is on a horse's leg, the equivalent of the ankle on a human, so down near the ground. Unless he's checking the horse's leg and/or hoof, he's not stroking a fetlock. What is probably meant is the horse's *forelock* - that "tuft" of hair between the ears which hangs down over the face. Much more likely to be stroked.
Very good.
Very good.
December 16, 2016
Better than most of the genre, mostly because I wasn't distracted by laborious attempts to fake a Scottish brogue all the way through. The main characters were a bit crusty and set in their ways but their conflicts weren't so obnoxious that you couldn't believe they'd ever be attracted, and their attraction always defused their arguments in favor of better pursuits.
Likewise, his family drama ended up nicely resolved. Yes, stories like this usually have conflict because of secrets or assumptions--and the latter, especially, tend to piss me off--but here, they don't irk me because in the end, everyone is quick to let go of the past and simply move forward. Given my family history, stubborn men and clan feuds seem to be the norm, so this was especially nice to see.
Likewise, his family drama ended up nicely resolved. Yes, stories like this usually have conflict because of secrets or assumptions--and the latter, especially, tend to piss me off--but here, they don't irk me because in the end, everyone is quick to let go of the past and simply move forward. Given my family history, stubborn men and clan feuds seem to be the norm, so this was especially nice to see.
July 27, 2017
Amazing a lady that knows how to keep the pages turning
My first book but not my last I'm am hooked I read this book in day in a half even knowing I had to go to work dealing with brokers on Wall Street but I could not put it down and didn't want it to end. But I realize that she has other books in her library so that is where I'm headed. I know a writer and she been gifted with that ability. I wish you continue success. And for those thinking of reading this book well if you don't then you will be missing a wonderful story. Please it's a must read and you will be happy you did. The only warning is that you start early so you won't be up all night trying to get to the end. Enjoy. My lady I wish you continue success. Your new fan D.H from New York City
My first book but not my last I'm am hooked I read this book in day in a half even knowing I had to go to work dealing with brokers on Wall Street but I could not put it down and didn't want it to end. But I realize that she has other books in her library so that is where I'm headed. I know a writer and she been gifted with that ability. I wish you continue success. And for those thinking of reading this book well if you don't then you will be missing a wonderful story. Please it's a must read and you will be happy you did. The only warning is that you start early so you won't be up all night trying to get to the end. Enjoy. My lady I wish you continue success. Your new fan D.H from New York City
October 6, 2022
John and Catherine
Narrator: Ruth Urquhart
Catherine gets tricked into being at the wrong place at the wrong time, John shows up which compromises Catherine, and a marriage of convenience is the result. John initially blames Catherine for this trickery. When they get to his castle, the people there initially expect her to be this horrible other woman, but soon realize Catherine is an honorable woman. But she isn't weak and John begins to see her value.
There is also a mystery that is the backdrop for this romance trilogy that gets a lot of page time. But I enjoyed this book, both the mystery and the romance, and will be continuing with the trilogy.
Narrator: Ruth Urquhart
Catherine gets tricked into being at the wrong place at the wrong time, John shows up which compromises Catherine, and a marriage of convenience is the result. John initially blames Catherine for this trickery. When they get to his castle, the people there initially expect her to be this horrible other woman, but soon realize Catherine is an honorable woman. But she isn't weak and John begins to see her value.
There is also a mystery that is the backdrop for this romance trilogy that gets a lot of page time. But I enjoyed this book, both the mystery and the romance, and will be continuing with the trilogy.
August 1, 2021
A Five Star story
This is a top notch story in both style and substance!
Unfortunately 3 or 4 word issues or typos dings that perfection down to 4 stars. Saying Sir Andrew for Sir Arthur in chapter 11. The H referring to her wife instead of his wife in chapter 13. And a she instead of he in chapter 22.
But, oh, I LOVE this book. It is in the top echelon of highland romance tales. I've had it in my library for a long time, and wish now I'd read it a lot sooner.
Written intelligently with excellent characters in an outstanding plot. A pleasure to read.
This is a top notch story in both style and substance!
Unfortunately 3 or 4 word issues or typos dings that perfection down to 4 stars. Saying Sir Andrew for Sir Arthur in chapter 11. The H referring to her wife instead of his wife in chapter 13. And a she instead of he in chapter 22.
But, oh, I LOVE this book. It is in the top echelon of highland romance tales. I've had it in my library for a long time, and wish now I'd read it a lot sooner.
Written intelligently with excellent characters in an outstanding plot. A pleasure to read.
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