Reckless Highlander

Legendary Bastards of the Crown #3

by Elizabeth Rose

Book 3 (Full-length novel)

Reed is the last of King Edward's bastard triplets that has yet to fall prey to the king's trickery. Feeling betrayed and abandoned by his brothers, Reed's vengeance is now directed toward Rowen and Rook, since they made an alliance with the king. For years after the triplets found out that Edward was their birth father and wanted them killed at birth, they'd worked together as the Demon Thief to steal from the king to make him miserable.

Now, with a raid gone wrong, Reed and his men head back to Scotland. Reed swears nothing will ever make him change his mind about how he feels. But when his next raid leads him right to his childhood sweetheart, Maggie Gordon, things become more complicated.

Maggie has seen the death of her family and the destruction of her homeland years ago. As a child, along with her baby brother, she managed to escape Scotland's devastation on Burnt Candlemas, and has been living in England for the last ten years as the ward of an English noble. She would do anything to assure her brother, Duff, has a good life - even marry an English baron she doesn't know. But when her childhood sweetheart, Reed Douglas, comes over the castle wall, old feelings rise to the surface again.

Can friends be reunited but this time as lovers? Or will anger and vengeance keep friends and family torn apart?

Note to readers: Each book stands alone, but is still intertwined with recurring characters. Therefore, it is best to start with the prequel, Destiny's Kiss, and read the books in order so as not to ruin any surprises. The prequel is followed by Restless Sea Lord - Book 1, Ruthless Knight - Book 2, and then Reckless Highlander - Book 3.

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

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2017

About the author

Elizabeth Rose is the author of medieval, paranormal, fantasy and contemporary novels. While based on romance, her novels have complex plots, action and suspense. She loves writing bad boy tortured heroes and empowered feisty heroines.

Her books have won rave reviews, and been seen on The History Channel as well as Wild Chicago. Elizabeth's books have won and been finalists in many contests. Here is a partial list:

Highland Spirit - Highland Chronicles WINNER of the Raven Award.
Bedeviled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER Creme de la Cover Contest
Beguiled - Portals of Destiny, WINNER - Creme de la Cover Contest

RONE Award finalists include:
Doubting Thomas - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Steel - Highland Chronicles
Tristan - Pirate Lords
Igniting Andrew - Bad Boys of Sweetwater
Highland Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Seductive Secrets - Secrets of the Heart
Forgotten Secrets - all Secrets of the Heart
Summer's Reign - Seasons of Fortitude

Kindle Book Review Awards finalist and semi-finalist:
Highland Secrets
Forgotten Secrets

International Digital Award finalist:
Highland Spring - Seasons of Fortitude

Golden Palm Finalist:
Mary, Mary - Once Upon a Rhyme

Raven Awards Best Cover finalist:
May Queen - Holiday Knights

Raven Awards Runner-Up:
Lady and the Wolf - Tangled Tales

Books and Benches Reviewer's Choice:
Restless Sea Lord - Legendary Bastards of the Crown

Sapphire Award Finalist:
Kyros' Secret - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice:
Thief of Olympus - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

Seen on the History Channel:
The Oracle of Delphi - Greek Myth Fantasy Series

And More!

Elizabeth is known for her many series which include:

Below the Salt Series
Highland Outcasts
Portals of Destiny
Legacy of the Blade
Daughters of the Dagger
Elemental Magick Series
Bad Boys of Sweetwater: Tarnished Saints Series Greek Myth Fantasy Series
MadMan MacKeefe Series
Legendary Bastards of the Crown
Seasons of Fortitude
Secrets of the Heart
Second in Command
Pirate Lords
Highland Chronicles
Barons of the Cinque Ports
Tangled Tales Once Upon a Rhyme
Holiday Knights
Dark Encounters
Cowboys of the Old West
Working Man Series, and more!

Someday Elizabeth hopes to visit the castles of Scotland and England personally. However, she has been to the jungles of Peru and Machu Picchu which inspired her novels, Curse of the Condor and Bistro Bachelor.

Visit her website to view her latest books and to read excerpts of her work. http://elizabethrosenovels.com.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless Highlander
Legendary Bastards of the Crown #3
By Elizabeth Rose
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reed is the last of King Edward's Bastard triplets that doesn't want to fall prey to the kings antics. He feels betrayed by his 2 brothers, and he is now out for vengeance against his two brothers Rowen and Rook, since they have made an alliance and fallen in with the king. King Edward wanted all three triplets killed at birth as he is their birth father and has superstitions about 3 triplets being born.

Now a raid has gone wrong and Reed and his men head back to Scotland. Reed is positive that nothing will change his mind about how he feels however when his next raid leads him to his childhood sweetheart, Maggie Gordon, things become more complicated.

Maggie has witnessed more then she ever should have. She has seen the death of her family and the destruction of her homeland years ago. She managed to escape Scotland's devastation on Burnt Candlemas, and has lived in England for the past 10 years as the ward of an English noble. She would do anything to see that her brother Duff has a good life and that means even marriage to an English Baron she doesn't know. But when Reed Douglas, comes over the castle wall with a grappling hook, old feelings come to light.

Can friends be reunited as lovers or is it too late? Will anger and vengeance keep friends and family torn apart?

* Note to readers. Each book stands alone, but is still intertwined with recurring characters. It is best to start with the prequel, Destiny's Kiss and read the books in order so as not to ruin any surprises.

Elizabeth Rose is absolutely fantastic. The way she makes her characters intertwine and work together is amazing. Reed and Maggie are wonderful together the sparks really fly with these two. I really enjoyed the ending as it was unexpected and I think you will too

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by this fabulous writer. Totally enjoyable story of King Edward and his triplet sons. Life was not easy for them. Don’t miss out.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed was certainly very reckless, he acted without thought of the consequences, which were often had disastrous results. He was also quite stubborn when he had set his mind to things. Maggie has been bringing up her young brother Duff in England. She was Scottish but unsure if she wanted to go back to Scotland. Maggie and Reed had always liked each other but now she was betrothed to an English baron. There follows quite an adventure involving pirates, raiding and an unusual game of chess. This was a good paced story with plenty of action and romance.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to be entertained as the last illegitimate triple of King Edward gets his story. Reed feels betrayed by his two brothers who made an alliance with their hated father. The three had worked hard when they found out who their sire was to steal as much as they could from him and were known as the Demon Thief.
Continuing to raid and steal in England, Reed comes upon Maggie, his former childhood sweetheart She had fled years ago with her small brother when her homeland in Scotland had been devastated and had been living as a ward under an English noble. Of course the spark is still there with their attraction it seems but much is at stake!
Can they come back together with Reed's lust for vengeance? I truly loved these two and with the authors wonderful descriptions and great characters that come off the page, I could only smile as I turned the last page.

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Ending

I enjoyed this whole series but the Reckless Highlander was my favorite. All books had a happy ending which is a requirement in the books and series I enjoy most. This book brought a culmination of all 4 books in this series. I really enjoyed the very unexpected ending. You'll just have to read the books to find out for yourself. You don't have to but I would recommend reading this series in order.

I also am so looking forward to reading the new series about the 4 sisters, Spring, Summer, Winter and Autumn. The implications about the girls in this book just makes me have to read their stories.

[Lauralee Wiltsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Rose has another winner on her hands. I really liked Maggie and Reed's story because even though he was consumed by vengeance, he proved that he could focus his agenda other things like loving his family. It also said that family is not always blood and that is very true. I liked the fact that his brothers Rowan and Rook still figured prominently in the story. The only thing I didn't like was it ended too quickly. I would have liked to seen the king legitimize them. But, as it is with most of History, that didn't happen very often.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless Highlander" is fast paced and has a lot going on.

Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book of this series and like the other two books I really liked it. I recommend reading the other books in the series to really get a full picture of the triplets story.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless Highlander by Elizabeth Rose is a delightful ending to the "Legandary Bastards of the Crown" series. While book 3,each book can be read as a stand alone. I would suggest reading all three in this brilliant series, but not necessary to enjoy Reed's story.

I think Reed's story was my favorite of the triplets. He is reckless, lovable and reacts before thinking it through, which causes trouble for all. Reed believes his brothers have betrayed him, which has left him adrift. He and his brothers, Rowan and Rook, are the illegalimate sons of King Edward of England, who orders them killed, at birth. They become known as the "Demon Thief", as they reek havoc on King Edward.
Reed encounters his childhood friend again, Maggie Gordon, all bets are off, as Reed understands his brothers better. Love changes all.

Fast paced, action packed, with captivating characters, an intriguing plot, surprises and a few twists and turns.
Ms. Rose writes using vivid descriptions, weaving historical details throughout the story and realistic characters. Captivating and compelling!
Readers will see characters from Rowan and Rook's stories re-appear in the "Reckless Highlander". I absolutely love Reed and Maggie's story and would highly recommend to any and all fans of historical romance with engaging characters. A must read romance!! Delightful and a story that will have your heart pounding as you, follow Reed and Maggie's journey to finding a HEA.


***FROM THE AUTHOR...."Note to readers: Each book stands alone, but is still intertwined with recurring characters. Therefore, it is best to start with the prequel, Destiny's Kiss, and read the books in order so as not to ruin any surprises. The prequel is followed by Restless Sea Lord - Book 1, Ruthless Knight - Book 2, and then Reckless Highlander - Book 3."***

Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final story about one of the bastard triplets of King Edward III and whilst it can be read as a standalone the books are best read in sequence and this one contains spoilers with regard to the others.
Reed and Maggie pledged themselves to each other when she was 9 and he 12 but Reed believed that she died the night of Burnt Candlemas when in fact she and her baby brother Duff escaped with Annalyse and her daughters over the border into England. When they meet again 10 years later their feelings are unchanged but Maggie is betrothed to an English baron and Reed is a wanted raider/bandit. Reed is a hothead and never thinks before he acts or speaks, the consequences of this foolhardiness in medieval Britain is very often death (it is certainly surprising that the Scots were prepared to let him lead them into battle) and he needs his family and friends to provide calming counsel. I very much enjoyed this book and it was nice to have four HEAs by the end of the book. Next up will be the triplets adoptive sisters stories, particularly looking forward to finding out what happened to Spring.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed is the last of King Edward's bastard triplets that has yet to fall prey to the king's trickery. Feeling betrayed and abandoned by his brothers, Reed's vengeance is now directed toward Rowen and Rook.
Maggie has seen the death of her family and the destruction of her homeland years ago. As a child, along with her baby brother, she managed to escape Scotland's devastation on Burnt Candlemas, and has been living in England for the last ten years as the ward of an English noble.
Their past is a distant memory for Maggie since she is betrothed to another. Will Reed remember her and make her his once more?
Like most of Elizabeth Rose tales there is a bit of slap stick nature to this book. You don't know if you should laugh or cry. The story has a certain unexpected flow to it and although part of a series it does stand well on it's own.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. Each book stands alone, but is still intertwined with recurring characters. Like most of this author's books you certainly don't have to read the entire series to enjoy these books individually.

[Petula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling angry and abandoned because his brothers have aligned with their father, Reed Douglas is determined to get revenge on them.
Margaret Gordon and her younger brother are happy to be reunited with her childhood friends. Since fleeing Scotland on a night filled with terror, she has done everything she can to see her brother has a good life.
Reed is a very different type of man than his brothers. He has no interest in wealth or titles, he wants revenge.
A much more emotional story than the others, but no less exciting. The chess game sounded like fun. This is the third book in the series. You could read each story on it's own but they are better read in order.
I loved every book in this series, and look forward to reading much more of this author's work.

[Bettye McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed the Deluded and Maggie the Heedless

Reed is the third-born of the bastard triplets of King Edward III. He believes himself to be a Scottish Highlander. Reed feels betrayed by his brothers and begins to steal from them.

Maggie was 9 when she escaped Edward's massacre with her infant brother, Duff. She and Reed were childhood sweethearts. Maggie is a rather stupid woman who reacts to the moment which causes many problems. When Duff is stolen by pirates, Maggie chases after them.

All in all, this is an exciting series, however improbable. Identical triplets, having the same DNA, wouldn't have different-colored hair. Fraternal triplets would not look exactly alike. But that's the beauty of fiction -- you can write the story however you want.

16

[Mary King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowen the Restless bastard triplets of King Edward III and thinking that triplets are a curse was there was an order by the king for all 3 to be killed. stolen and raised by pirates, his life is as a captain and he spends his time stealing the king, When Lady Cordelia is taken he saves her and the adventure begins. will being a part of the Demon Thief stand in the way of love or will Rowen be able to leave the past in the past. What will happen to this couple that is put together and find love. Will Cordelia be able to help him change for love. I love this series and have the whole set at home. I would say that if you like bad men, strong women, adventure and love you will love this read

[Cynthia A. Call · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reed Found Happiness with Maggie

Maggie had been born in Scotland and had fallen in love with Reed, one of the bastard triplets of King Edward (who had ordered them killed because of his superstition). The mother had been spirited away to Scotland and died at their birth. A raid on the Gordon clan caused many deaths and loss. Reed thought Maggie was dead. Because two of his brothers swore fealty to King Edward, Reed thought to punish them by raising their newly acquired castle. He climbed up the sea side of the castle and peered over the settlements and who should be see? A young girl dressed as an English lady and when she spiked realized it was Maggie. And the story goes on from there... I liked reading this book and if you like historicAl romances give it a try!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A triplet bastard of the king, who had ordered their death at birth, Rook has sworn to make the king's life as miserable as possible. Although his birth parents were English, he has been raised in Scotland, and as a result thinks, dresses, and talks like a Highlander. He and his childhood sweetheart, Maggie, were separated as a result of a raid by the king. As a result, she was raised in England, and thinks, dresses and talks like an Englishwoman. When they are finally reunited as adults, they are at cross-purposes and the sparks fly - mentally, emotionally, and romantically. A fantastic ending to this series.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yeah for Elizabeth Rose. She writes stories that grip your heart and imagination. Maggie and Reed are the last of the couples in this series. Reed is the youngest of the triplets and is always causing havoc. Maggie is a girl he has been in love with since childhood. The get back together by accident and immediately realize they still love each other. They have to get married and then embark on a journey of overcoming obstacles to achieving their happiness. All the brothers and other family members are present in the story as the series brings closure and healing to everyone.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last of the triplets, Reed, who believed himself as a Highlander, was the one to be the most reckless and contrary of the three.
That was until he met Maggie Gordon, his childhood sweetheart, the girl that he thought killed on that terrible night of Burned Candlemas, when so many Scots lost their lives due to King Edward.
Reed comes to realize he isn't alone, and if he could forgive, so could his brothers and family could forgive and stand united with him.
I think this was the best story out of this series.

[Jennifer Yeakel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Triplets, Rowen, Rook and Reed, are the 3 Illegitimate children of King Edward.
They get separated as they try to run from the English.
Reed makes his way to the highlands to meet up with his "father" Ross.
10 years later he reunites with his brothers.

Rowen is the first triplet to find love and marry, then Rook marries soon after.
Reed feels betrayed by both of his brothers.

Reed meets up with his childhood sweetheart, Maggie, while he is raiding Rowen's castle.
Will Reed find love again with Maggie and change his reckless ways.

[Susan Harrowa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful series ender!

Reed not only feels betrayed by one brother but by both. And he is so stubborn he won't even consider there maybe be legitimate reasons why they chose as they did. Until a woman from his past is suddenly tangled up in his present. Reed now finds himself confused and frustrated. And each reckless decision he makes creates a worse situation to get out of.

[Mary King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed is the last of King Edward's bastard triplets , ordered to be killed by the king, because triplets were believed to be a curse, they were raised by an aunt and when they got older they were determined to make the king pay. Reed feels betrayed by his brothers and is set out to make them by but when his childhood sweetheart, Maggie Gordon, comes into the picture will it change his revenge and give up his hate for love, this has adventure, revenge,betrayal and love. love this book

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book from the author, I was not required to give a favorable review. When two people come together during times that are scary, love has a way to concur it. Reed is 3 of the bastard triplets of King Edward that is fighting a war & is on a raiding party. When she runs into Reed, she has escaped being betrothed to a Baron with her baby brother in tow, can she trust Reed with her heart again after it was broken when she was younger.

[Anne Blyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reed the third triplet, though English by birth was determined to be a Scot. He was determined to not follow his two brothers until he came across the childhood sweetheart he thought was long dead. There is lots of action and Reed lives up to his reputation as Reed the Reckless, which provides plenty of drama. This is the final book in the series and I was fascinated with the interactions between the characters throughout and the way they resolved their issues in the end.

[Cynthia Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reckless

This is a good book with good characters. I enjoyed the banter between the the brothers. I have to say that I was not pleased the way things turned out for Summer. I look forward to Brody 's story as well as the new series for the sisters. Hopefully Summer will get a happy ending.

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Rose and Brian J. Gill are a phenomenal team who seem to work together so well to bring us such exciting, romantic, and humorous books. This is a 5* book as well as a 5* audio presentation. Now I'm wishing for the audio books for The Seasons of Fortitude which is a continuation of this series, but features the sisters stories. Excellent experience, reading & listening. Don't miss out!

[Brenda P. Ballew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless Highlander

I loved this book. The love story of Maggie and Reid Was reminiscent of my first husband and me. I could hardly put this book down. All the characters were wonderful, but the triplets ....I think I'm in love with all three. I can't wait to read the other books. Keep writing Highland Romance and you can bet I'll keep reading.

[Michelle Dodd]

This is a good book with good characters. I enjoyed the banter between the the brothers. I have to say that I was not pleased the way things turned out for Summer. I look forward to Brody 's story as well as the new series for the sisters. Hopefully Summer will get a happy ending. This was an amazing read so much drama,excitement,suspense and action I have enjoyed reading this book.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reckless Highlander

This was an amazing read so much drama,excitement,suspense and action .I have enjoyed reading this book.Thank you the characters were wonderful and lot's of love .

[Candace W · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was happy that he didn't pay fealty to the King. It would have been too predictable if all three of them did it. Kinda sucked to be Summer though, she just got married off to a guy that knocked her down and was just miserable and old, just to keep her brother with his wife.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recklessness gets this brother in trouble all the time. He makes bad decisions because he doesn't stop to think before he acts. This story is well written and fun. I highly enjoyed it.