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Highland Rebel: A Tale of a Rebellious Lady and a Traitorous Lord
Amidst the upheaval of Cromwell's Britain, Jamie Sinclair's wit and military prowess have served him well. Leading a troop in Scotland, he impetuously marries a captured maiden, saving her from a grim fate.
A Highlands heiress to title and fortune, Catherine Drummond is not the woman Jamie believes her to be. When her people effect her rescue, and he cannot annul the marriage, Jamie goes to recapture his hellcat of a new wife...
In a world where family and creed cannot be trusted, where faith fuels intolerance and war, Catherine and Jamie test the bounds of loyalty, friendship, and trust...
482 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2009
23 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Judith James
13 books189 followersJudith James, is an avid reader and history buff who grew up in Montreal Quebec. She is also a bit of an adventure junkie and has travelled, worked and lived many places, including the Arctic and several of the places she writes about. Variously employed as a trail guide, horse trainer, and clinical psychologist, she's had the opportunity to live out many of her dreams. She’s even found the perfect place to settle on the East Coast, with a view of the ocean from her window. Judith’s writing combines her love of history, romance and adventure with her keen interest in the complexities of human nature, and the heart’s capacity to heal. Ms James is always pleased to hear from fellow readers and writers and invites you to visit her at www.Judithjamesauthor.com, or join her on face book at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i... or her fan page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
September 13, 2009
3.5 STARS.
I give JJ a lotta credit for doing her homework. It goes w/out saying that her extensive research showed in the too-rich narration & esp in Cat’s copious knowledge of divorce law, @ times it felt like a history class lecture. Some parts were gripping, others were mind-numbingly boring, mayhap ‘cuz my gray cells were already fried to the crisp from heavy workload. I bought the book due to her name (heard positive recs on ‘Broken wing’), also ‘cuz I’m a sucka for books where hero uncharacteristically marries heroine @ the spur of the moment. The end result is a mixed jumbo bag. The combination of political unrest + conflicting loyalties + Marriage of Benefits, was not a consistently engrossing page turner. The historical details interlaced w/ the luv story became overkill. H/H’s see-saw feelings dragged for way too long.
The jaded mercenary in grubby armor decides to save a damsel in distress & lord almighty, what an untimely save it turns out to be. It jinxes him & alters the course of his carefully-mapped life. His loyalty is 1st & foremost to himself. Jamie / English is a classic chameleon-like hero, an unbeliever who goes where the tides carry him. He almost never reveals the real face behind his smooth façade. He’s emotionally vacant thanx to his disgraceful parents. Jamie’s been deprived of lifelong stability, constantly living an adventurous life rife w/ danger & camouflage. Cat / Mouse is a fierce lass w/ a spine of steel, whose capacity for love is bottomless. She unexpectedly becomes his trustworthy BFF. He vacillates between keeping her @ arm’s length & wanting to boink her eversince she reappears in his life. Jamie’s execution of crisp volleys in his exchange w/ Cat was quite entertaining =)~
I enjoyed the 1st 9 chapters, not so much the middle chapters tho’, which show the crafty machinations @ court, interminable political intrigue & nightly jaunts as Jamie shows Cat the ropes w/ his boatload bag of tricks & disguises. Jamie & Cat flip-flop & backtrack endlessly w/ their evolving feelings for each other. The last few chapters were more riveting as the political tension escalated, but the uncertain, somewhat-bleak HEA was a bit deflating. I felt so bad for the downtrodden hero, no loving parents, no friends, no home, no money, no country, no safe haven. From the moment his fate intertwines w/ Cat’s, his life is turned topsy turvy. The poor bloke just can’t catch a break since childhood, beset w/ 1 misfortune after another. I don’t even wanna think of how the H/H will survive if / when they sire kids LOL… Jamie & Cat are 2 wounded, lonely pair of outcasts, up against the power-crazy world that’s slowly crumbling down around them.
I didn’t feel the urgency to flip to the next page / stay up all nite’ long. I read this book @ a bad timing, during the long (10-12 hours) work days trying in vain to catch up w/ the backlog thanx to the holiday, plus US Open was on, hence watching the last Grand Slam was more compelling than reading this. Methinks JJ’s writing style is not really my cuppa, ‘cuz it kinda lacks that extra oomph. Lotsa inner dialogues, mental lusting, estrangement, not enuff honest interaction between H/H & no angsty vibe. Will give ‘BW’ a try when I get a copy.
I give JJ a lotta credit for doing her homework. It goes w/out saying that her extensive research showed in the too-rich narration & esp in Cat’s copious knowledge of divorce law, @ times it felt like a history class lecture. Some parts were gripping, others were mind-numbingly boring, mayhap ‘cuz my gray cells were already fried to the crisp from heavy workload. I bought the book due to her name (heard positive recs on ‘Broken wing’), also ‘cuz I’m a sucka for books where hero uncharacteristically marries heroine @ the spur of the moment. The end result is a mixed jumbo bag. The combination of political unrest + conflicting loyalties + Marriage of Benefits, was not a consistently engrossing page turner. The historical details interlaced w/ the luv story became overkill. H/H’s see-saw feelings dragged for way too long.
The jaded mercenary in grubby armor decides to save a damsel in distress & lord almighty, what an untimely save it turns out to be. It jinxes him & alters the course of his carefully-mapped life. His loyalty is 1st & foremost to himself. Jamie / English is a classic chameleon-like hero, an unbeliever who goes where the tides carry him. He almost never reveals the real face behind his smooth façade. He’s emotionally vacant thanx to his disgraceful parents. Jamie’s been deprived of lifelong stability, constantly living an adventurous life rife w/ danger & camouflage. Cat / Mouse is a fierce lass w/ a spine of steel, whose capacity for love is bottomless. She unexpectedly becomes his trustworthy BFF. He vacillates between keeping her @ arm’s length & wanting to boink her eversince she reappears in his life. Jamie’s execution of crisp volleys in his exchange w/ Cat was quite entertaining =)~
I enjoyed the 1st 9 chapters, not so much the middle chapters tho’, which show the crafty machinations @ court, interminable political intrigue & nightly jaunts as Jamie shows Cat the ropes w/ his boatload bag of tricks & disguises. Jamie & Cat flip-flop & backtrack endlessly w/ their evolving feelings for each other. The last few chapters were more riveting as the political tension escalated, but the uncertain, somewhat-bleak HEA was a bit deflating. I felt so bad for the downtrodden hero, no loving parents, no friends, no home, no money, no country, no safe haven. From the moment his fate intertwines w/ Cat’s, his life is turned topsy turvy. The poor bloke just can’t catch a break since childhood, beset w/ 1 misfortune after another. I don’t even wanna think of how the H/H will survive if / when they sire kids LOL… Jamie & Cat are 2 wounded, lonely pair of outcasts, up against the power-crazy world that’s slowly crumbling down around them.
I didn’t feel the urgency to flip to the next page / stay up all nite’ long. I read this book @ a bad timing, during the long (10-12 hours) work days trying in vain to catch up w/ the backlog thanx to the holiday, plus US Open was on, hence watching the last Grand Slam was more compelling than reading this. Methinks JJ’s writing style is not really my cuppa, ‘cuz it kinda lacks that extra oomph. Lotsa inner dialogues, mental lusting, estrangement, not enuff honest interaction between H/H & no angsty vibe. Will give ‘BW’ a try when I get a copy.
December 10, 2022
Read: 12/3/22
4 .5 stars
A few unique plot. I enjoyed almost every min.
The ending did get aittle repetitive though
RTC
4 .5 stars
A few unique plot. I enjoyed almost every min.
The ending did get aittle repetitive though
RTC
February 22, 2020
The era and settings were interesting. It moved from bloody battles in the Scottish highlands, to the brittle court of James II in London with its twisty politics and game-playing, to an Irish castle, then back to the highlands.
The times were complex, but still, there was a little too much politics in the book for my taste. And the MCs should have felt more interesting and engaging than they did. Sadly I did not really feel that the writer fully brought her characters to life. It's hard to put my finger on it, but they just felt a little flat and two-dimensional to me, so that I didn't really care enough about them or what happened to them. Hmmmm. I admit that as the end of the book drew near, I did some skimming.
I also had a problem with the relationship between the MCs. They married in haste, then as the saying would have it, repented at leisure. A little too much 'leisure' for me. Their hands-off attitude lasted waaayyy too long for moi. They secretly (and at times openly) lusted for each other, but time after time there was some misunderstanding or confusion or anger or some other reason why they couldn't actually do the deed. I got a bit tired of their posturing, to be honest. Guys, you're in love, just get to it already.
There were some interesting scenes in the slightly seedy world of London's seditious coffee parlours, with Catherine dressing as a man so she could visit them with Jamie. (Yes, I know, his name's Jamie, but it's Cat who's the highlander, not him LOL). There were also some beautiful descriptions of the wild Scottish highlands.
So I did enjoy parts of this book, but overall I found the pacing of the plot a little too dragged out, and my interest flagged at times. Not a bad read, but not fabulous either.
I read this book for the Romance Across the Ages challenge 2020, February: Highlanders.
The times were complex, but still, there was a little too much politics in the book for my taste. And the MCs should have felt more interesting and engaging than they did. Sadly I did not really feel that the writer fully brought her characters to life. It's hard to put my finger on it, but they just felt a little flat and two-dimensional to me, so that I didn't really care enough about them or what happened to them. Hmmmm. I admit that as the end of the book drew near, I did some skimming.
I also had a problem with the relationship between the MCs. They married in haste, then as the saying would have it, repented at leisure. A little too much 'leisure' for me. Their hands-off attitude lasted waaayyy too long for moi. They secretly (and at times openly) lusted for each other, but time after time there was some misunderstanding or confusion or anger or some other reason why they couldn't actually do the deed. I got a bit tired of their posturing, to be honest. Guys, you're in love, just get to it already.
There were some interesting scenes in the slightly seedy world of London's seditious coffee parlours, with Catherine dressing as a man so she could visit them with Jamie. (Yes, I know, his name's Jamie, but it's Cat who's the highlander, not him LOL). There were also some beautiful descriptions of the wild Scottish highlands.
So I did enjoy parts of this book, but overall I found the pacing of the plot a little too dragged out, and my interest flagged at times. Not a bad read, but not fabulous either.
I read this book for the Romance Across the Ages challenge 2020, February: Highlanders.
August 3, 2010
Wow! This was an awesome read! I was hesitant to pick it up after seeing it got quite a few negative reviews here on Goodreads, so I'm pleased I decided to give it a chance.
My review has ended up a bit long-winded, so here's the short version: This book has everything I think a historical romance should: well-defined characters, a believable relationship, steamy sex scenes, and an actual PLOT. For those who are tired of the overused historical romances tropes, this book will be a breath of fresh air.
To start off with the characters, Jamie and Cat felt so real to me, I was drawn into the story immediately. Cat, in particular, was well-developed. Her motivations made sense when her past was explained, and her reactions fit in well with her character.
One thing that annoys me to almost no end in romances is a story where the characters meet and fall for each other within days. Sure, that can happen. But a more realistic portrayal, wherein the hero and heroine's feelings for one another grow as their relationship develops from acquaintances to friends to lovers, is a more natural and believable storyline. That's exactly what this story has. Cat and Jamie's relationship doesn't start off on the best foot, but as they are continually thrown together, their begrudging respect for one another blossoms into a wonderful friendship before becoming something more. And the dialogue? Fabulous! Jamie affectionately calls her "mouse" and teases her to no end, which never ceases to get her worked up. It was endearing and amusing at the same time.
And finally, the plot. Why is it that actual plots are so rare in historical fiction? It's difficult for me to slog through 300+ pages of nothing but the H/H fighting their attraction to one another. While that does play a part in this novel, it's not the focal point. Instead, the romance develops with a backdrop of war and turmoil as England struggles to adjust to a number of different monarchs over a short period of time. Both Cat and Jamie are personally affected by the political strife, as is their growing relationship. Outside forces both bring them together and push them apart, leaving me eagerly anticipating each chapter.
My review has ended up a bit long-winded, so here's the short version: This book has everything I think a historical romance should: well-defined characters, a believable relationship, steamy sex scenes, and an actual PLOT. For those who are tired of the overused historical romances tropes, this book will be a breath of fresh air.
To start off with the characters, Jamie and Cat felt so real to me, I was drawn into the story immediately. Cat, in particular, was well-developed. Her motivations made sense when her past was explained, and her reactions fit in well with her character.
One thing that annoys me to almost no end in romances is a story where the characters meet and fall for each other within days. Sure, that can happen. But a more realistic portrayal, wherein the hero and heroine's feelings for one another grow as their relationship develops from acquaintances to friends to lovers, is a more natural and believable storyline. That's exactly what this story has. Cat and Jamie's relationship doesn't start off on the best foot, but as they are continually thrown together, their begrudging respect for one another blossoms into a wonderful friendship before becoming something more. And the dialogue? Fabulous! Jamie affectionately calls her "mouse" and teases her to no end, which never ceases to get her worked up. It was endearing and amusing at the same time.
And finally, the plot. Why is it that actual plots are so rare in historical fiction? It's difficult for me to slog through 300+ pages of nothing but the H/H fighting their attraction to one another. While that does play a part in this novel, it's not the focal point. Instead, the romance develops with a backdrop of war and turmoil as England struggles to adjust to a number of different monarchs over a short period of time. Both Cat and Jamie are personally affected by the political strife, as is their growing relationship. Outside forces both bring them together and push them apart, leaving me eagerly anticipating each chapter.
September 6, 2009
It's been awhile since I read a really good historical romance with a heroine I could feel proud of for her strength and curiosity and a "bad boy" hero I could not help falling in love with in the first couple of chapters. Lots of adventure for sure in this book from beginning to end which had me on my toes wanting to fight alongside the two. Can you imagine the expression on my kids faces when I jumped up on my bed pretending to be in a savage sword fight after reading a heart pumping scene?! Judith James created a delicious "cat and mouse" game filled with bantering back and forth between the two. She gave Cat and Jamie the perfect relationship of battle comrades and best friends who sought out adventure and passion who in the end always knew where they to find the other so they could be there. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a strong heroine/hero with some great adventures.
August 5, 2016
Not Your Average Highland Romance!
Judith James has written a solid historical romance set in Scotland, England and Ireland in the late 17th century.
It begins in 1685, as Charles II dies and James II ascends to the throne. Jamie Sinclair, Earl of Carrick and Carlyle, an English peer and a spy who is a master of disguise, converts to Catholicism and serves the new king as he needs the money. Leading soldiers to Scotland to dispel the Protestants, Jamie marries a Scottish lass to save her from rape. He first thinks she is a camp follower; little does he know that she is Catherine Drummond, laird of clan Drummond and an heiress with a title and fortune. Cat is also proficient with a sword and was raised at the French court. Jamie intends to annul the marriage and take the wealthy English bride that James promised him, but when her clan rescues Cat, Jamie loses that option. So, he decides to recapture his new wife.
Though Jamie enjoys many women, and particularly likes the lowborn because he was raised by servants, he tells Cat he can only offer pleasure and friendship and grows surly when she mentions love. But Cat is tired of his whores and his games. When Jamie leaves her for to pursue William's claim to the throne, and her clan calls, she goes back to Scotland. Then James II falls to William and Mary and war with the Highlands looms. And Jamie fears for Cat.
Cat is a wonderful heroine, independent, strong willed and able to take care of herself. Wise in the ways of the world but ignorant of love, Cat can rule a clan but finds she is unwilling to play Jamie's games. Jamie is a wonderful kaleidoscope of a character...so many sides and faces, all of them charming. And somewhere in them is his heart. The secondary characters are varied and well developed. James creates a world that fascinates.
This is a great romance rich in history and details, including the court of King James II. Judith James has a unique writing style and weaves a wonderful story with a believable romance. I highly recommend it.
Judith James has written a solid historical romance set in Scotland, England and Ireland in the late 17th century.
It begins in 1685, as Charles II dies and James II ascends to the throne. Jamie Sinclair, Earl of Carrick and Carlyle, an English peer and a spy who is a master of disguise, converts to Catholicism and serves the new king as he needs the money. Leading soldiers to Scotland to dispel the Protestants, Jamie marries a Scottish lass to save her from rape. He first thinks she is a camp follower; little does he know that she is Catherine Drummond, laird of clan Drummond and an heiress with a title and fortune. Cat is also proficient with a sword and was raised at the French court. Jamie intends to annul the marriage and take the wealthy English bride that James promised him, but when her clan rescues Cat, Jamie loses that option. So, he decides to recapture his new wife.
Though Jamie enjoys many women, and particularly likes the lowborn because he was raised by servants, he tells Cat he can only offer pleasure and friendship and grows surly when she mentions love. But Cat is tired of his whores and his games. When Jamie leaves her for to pursue William's claim to the throne, and her clan calls, she goes back to Scotland. Then James II falls to William and Mary and war with the Highlands looms. And Jamie fears for Cat.
Cat is a wonderful heroine, independent, strong willed and able to take care of herself. Wise in the ways of the world but ignorant of love, Cat can rule a clan but finds she is unwilling to play Jamie's games. Jamie is a wonderful kaleidoscope of a character...so many sides and faces, all of them charming. And somewhere in them is his heart. The secondary characters are varied and well developed. James creates a world that fascinates.
This is a great romance rich in history and details, including the court of King James II. Judith James has a unique writing style and weaves a wonderful story with a believable romance. I highly recommend it.
July 23, 2011
Jamie and Catherine are not standard H/H romance characters and the story (with HEA) isn't typical fair either. What does that mean? Refreshing! Let go your expectations and enjoy the ride. The characters feel like real people. Not the pretty people but beautiful in their own way.
Jamie's wit made me laugh out loud. Loved his dialogue. He knows who he is and jokes about himself. Self-confidence is so sexy.
Cat is a one of the rare “warrior woman” and leader of her clan, she’s smart, mature, and well educated, which according to James is correct for a woman of this time frame. Since all I know about this time period I’ve learned from reading Romance novels, I’ll take her word for it.
The novel is full of historical details, facts, and people from the past woven in. If you prefer fantasy to history, there may be too much. But the facts made the events come alive. Especially life in London with all the politics and gossip, how easily one person can use words to destroy another person. The character’s trips into London brought alive, parts I never knew existed and made me wonder what the modern equivalent of “Penny Universities” are – and it’s not the Internet!
I was left fascinated with the past she wrote about. After finishing the story, I was tempted to find the history books she talks about in the back of the book. Okay, so that passed and I’ll continue to collect my history from my favorite format – romance novels.
Bravo, James. Outstanding job!
Jamie's wit made me laugh out loud. Loved his dialogue. He knows who he is and jokes about himself. Self-confidence is so sexy.
Cat is a one of the rare “warrior woman” and leader of her clan, she’s smart, mature, and well educated, which according to James is correct for a woman of this time frame. Since all I know about this time period I’ve learned from reading Romance novels, I’ll take her word for it.
The novel is full of historical details, facts, and people from the past woven in. If you prefer fantasy to history, there may be too much. But the facts made the events come alive. Especially life in London with all the politics and gossip, how easily one person can use words to destroy another person. The character’s trips into London brought alive, parts I never knew existed and made me wonder what the modern equivalent of “Penny Universities” are – and it’s not the Internet!
I was left fascinated with the past she wrote about. After finishing the story, I was tempted to find the history books she talks about in the back of the book. Okay, so that passed and I’ll continue to collect my history from my favorite format – romance novels.
Bravo, James. Outstanding job!
October 28, 2017
The fact that it took me 4 days to get through this, at a time when I had plenty of hours to read, pretty much says it all. I never got that interested in the premise or the characters, the hero and heroine kept repeating the same basic conflict over and over and over...it was just tedious.
August 28, 2009
There’s nothing like a deliciously handsome bad boy and a wonderfully strong heroine to kick the day up a notch. For that matter, this pairing tends to kick the evening up a notch as well. HIGHLAND REBEL by Judith James was a wonderfully passionate and action filled romance that left me flipping back through the book, searching for more. Her writing flows nicely, her characters come alive and the story was so beautifully developed that the pages would just fly by without me even noticing.
Jamie is the hero of this story and what a hero he is! He’s definitely not your typical knight in shining armor. He can be polite and chivalrous, but typically his demeanor can be described as that of a rogue. Growing up in a tough environment, Jamie had to learn early how to detach himself from the world. He lives his life attempting to create something for himself out of nothing. Jumping back and forth between religions and political side, the only thing he cares about is his self and his own advancement. That is until the day he sees a helpless woman get captured by the band of bloodthirsty and cruel soldiers he is supposed to supervise.
Catherine was her father’s favorite child and often reminded that it was a shame she was born a female. Nevertheless, she spent her childhood in her father’s footsteps and has grown up into something of a tomboy. She accompanies the men on fishing trips and raids, much to the disappointment of her brother and cousin. It’s the latest mission, a mission to rescue one of her kind caught in a battle with the English that might spell Catherine’s demise. Surrounded by men looking for a bit of entertainment, the only prayer in sight is the strange gentleman with the hard eyes and devious scheme. Before she knows it she’s free of the men after her flesh yet she finds herself in the worst place of all: married.
James has written a great story full of so many twists and turns that it was impossible to not stay engaged with the characters. The marriage between Jamie and Catherine occasionally flip flops between being beneficial and a nuisance between one party and the other. This adds a bit of humor to the book at times and suspense at others. The underlying political intrigue is wonderful as we watch Jamie attempt to make a life for himself and Catherine attempt to take back her lands from her overbearing male kin. With a pair so oddly matched, James has really created a great story in making the two rely on each for the solutions to the many problems that arise.
HIGHLAND REBEL is quite the passionate romance and I think a large part of this is due to the fact that James’s characters were so well developed. By the end of the second chapter, Jamie and Catherine already come to life and the reality that they create continues through to the very last page. It’s not easy to create fictional characters with a feel of authenticity, but James has accomplished this in HIGHLAND REBEL and the story is better for it.
Outside of great characters, another thing that really makes a book wonderful to me is the tension. The story needs to have tension – a feeling of being pulled along – in order to capture the readers’ interest and keep them turning the pages. This feeling of tension is what makes you say, “Okay, one more chapter,” and then makes you continue turning the pages after that chapter. I am pleased to say that James did a wonderful job with the tension in HIGHLAND REBEL. I love to read so it’s already difficult for me to put books down but I have been known to do it. With HIGHLAND REBEL, as with a few others, I found myself making excuses to stay up late to read or get up early to get a few extra hours in. Even though I was finally able to put the book down for the night, it haunted my dreams and inevitably would find its way into my hands in the morning. That’s the sign of an awesome book.
Fair warning time: This book has adult themes and adult scenes. I would give it a sensuality rating of 4 out of 5.
I definitely have to give HIGHLAND REBEL top marks. I figured the book might be good from the synopsis, but fell in love with it by the second page. The emotion that James writes with and the ability she has to draw you into the story, making your heartbeat rapidly was just amazing. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great Romance or a great Action. This book encompasses the best of both of those worlds.
Jamie is the hero of this story and what a hero he is! He’s definitely not your typical knight in shining armor. He can be polite and chivalrous, but typically his demeanor can be described as that of a rogue. Growing up in a tough environment, Jamie had to learn early how to detach himself from the world. He lives his life attempting to create something for himself out of nothing. Jumping back and forth between religions and political side, the only thing he cares about is his self and his own advancement. That is until the day he sees a helpless woman get captured by the band of bloodthirsty and cruel soldiers he is supposed to supervise.
Catherine was her father’s favorite child and often reminded that it was a shame she was born a female. Nevertheless, she spent her childhood in her father’s footsteps and has grown up into something of a tomboy. She accompanies the men on fishing trips and raids, much to the disappointment of her brother and cousin. It’s the latest mission, a mission to rescue one of her kind caught in a battle with the English that might spell Catherine’s demise. Surrounded by men looking for a bit of entertainment, the only prayer in sight is the strange gentleman with the hard eyes and devious scheme. Before she knows it she’s free of the men after her flesh yet she finds herself in the worst place of all: married.
James has written a great story full of so many twists and turns that it was impossible to not stay engaged with the characters. The marriage between Jamie and Catherine occasionally flip flops between being beneficial and a nuisance between one party and the other. This adds a bit of humor to the book at times and suspense at others. The underlying political intrigue is wonderful as we watch Jamie attempt to make a life for himself and Catherine attempt to take back her lands from her overbearing male kin. With a pair so oddly matched, James has really created a great story in making the two rely on each for the solutions to the many problems that arise.
HIGHLAND REBEL is quite the passionate romance and I think a large part of this is due to the fact that James’s characters were so well developed. By the end of the second chapter, Jamie and Catherine already come to life and the reality that they create continues through to the very last page. It’s not easy to create fictional characters with a feel of authenticity, but James has accomplished this in HIGHLAND REBEL and the story is better for it.
Outside of great characters, another thing that really makes a book wonderful to me is the tension. The story needs to have tension – a feeling of being pulled along – in order to capture the readers’ interest and keep them turning the pages. This feeling of tension is what makes you say, “Okay, one more chapter,” and then makes you continue turning the pages after that chapter. I am pleased to say that James did a wonderful job with the tension in HIGHLAND REBEL. I love to read so it’s already difficult for me to put books down but I have been known to do it. With HIGHLAND REBEL, as with a few others, I found myself making excuses to stay up late to read or get up early to get a few extra hours in. Even though I was finally able to put the book down for the night, it haunted my dreams and inevitably would find its way into my hands in the morning. That’s the sign of an awesome book.
Fair warning time: This book has adult themes and adult scenes. I would give it a sensuality rating of 4 out of 5.
I definitely have to give HIGHLAND REBEL top marks. I figured the book might be good from the synopsis, but fell in love with it by the second page. The emotion that James writes with and the ability she has to draw you into the story, making your heartbeat rapidly was just amazing. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great Romance or a great Action. This book encompasses the best of both of those worlds.
May 14, 2009
Highland Rebel,
A Tale of a Rebellious Lady and a Traitorous Lord
Written by: Judith James
Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date: September 1st, 2009
Pages: 480
Format: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 978-1402224331
(Available NOW!)
Detached and jaded, Jamie Sinclair wants to do nothing more than follow his orders and return home to reap the rewards for his faithful service; until one day on a battlefield, when he meets and mistakes Catherine Drummond for a lad and he is forced to act. Before long, Jamie and the rest of the men realize that the struggling youth is actually a woman. To save Catherine (Cat) from the blood thirsty band of mercenaries, Jamie finds himself married to the daughter of a Highland laird and heiress. Through out all of the confusion, Cat remains suspicious and fears the worst about her captivity and the handsome, aloof Englishman who guards her.
This story grabbed my attention from the first page and held on until the very end! The story is fast-paced, full of intrigue, excitement (bloody battles) and romance. The plot has really good momentum so there is never a dull moment. The camaraderie between Cat and Jamie that made me laugh, smile and really pulled me deeper into the story. The romantic chemistry...
* Please follow the link to read the whole review:
http://bookreviewsbybobbie.wordpress....
A Tale of a Rebellious Lady and a Traitorous Lord
Written by: Judith James
Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date: September 1st, 2009
Pages: 480
Format: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 978-1402224331
(Available NOW!)
Detached and jaded, Jamie Sinclair wants to do nothing more than follow his orders and return home to reap the rewards for his faithful service; until one day on a battlefield, when he meets and mistakes Catherine Drummond for a lad and he is forced to act. Before long, Jamie and the rest of the men realize that the struggling youth is actually a woman. To save Catherine (Cat) from the blood thirsty band of mercenaries, Jamie finds himself married to the daughter of a Highland laird and heiress. Through out all of the confusion, Cat remains suspicious and fears the worst about her captivity and the handsome, aloof Englishman who guards her.
This story grabbed my attention from the first page and held on until the very end! The story is fast-paced, full of intrigue, excitement (bloody battles) and romance. The plot has really good momentum so there is never a dull moment. The camaraderie between Cat and Jamie that made me laugh, smile and really pulled me deeper into the story. The romantic chemistry...
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September 13, 2011
Jamie and Cat make an interesting pair. Their interactions range from quiet and amicable to tense and resentful, but something that always prevails is their mutual respect for each other. Jamie sees Cat as an equal in a time when women were no such thing. This is shown best in the scenes where Jamie teaches Cat how to disguise herself as a man so that she could venture out with him into places where no women would ever be allowed. At the same time, they are two very different people and because of that are quite incapable of reading each other. This, of course, leads to misunderstandings abound--my only complaint-- but to balance that out there are also lots of meaningful moments between the two.
February 13, 2014
5 epic stars!
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
April 24, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Personally, Highland Rebel was a mixed read for me. I felt emotions varying from laughter to annoyance while I was at it. So far, I don’t think I’ve read a Romance set in the Restoration-era England and so, again, I totally appreciated JJ’s Historical research. This book started out with a bang; the hero, a real charmer who looks at life with mockery and does whatever it takes to survive. The heroine, a fiery Highland beauty, made me instantly like her a lot. But as I said, in the course of the story, I came across plenty of let downs and pet peeves of mine in the story that hindered my full enjoyment of it.
Let me tell you first that, as I write this review, I’ve had a tremendous change of heart where Jamie is concerned. But that wasn’t the case while I was reading it. I will try to point the reasons out as I go, but for now, into the story. Jamie had a bad childhood with a puritanical (and hypocritical) father and an adulterous mother. None of his parents wanted him and the reasons were so selfish, made me sad. His parents always quarreled. Jamie was as unwanted as an abandoned street child and I felt for the young boy who had no one to care for him. His father condemned him as a bastard, because of his mother’s continuous cheating, and wanted no part of him. Jamie had an elder half brother from his father’s first marriage, who was supposed to be the heir but died young. Jamie wouldn’t have gotten the title of the Earl of Carlyle but he had it anyway later. Even as a teenager, when he was sent away for studies, Jamie wasn’t like his friends. He didn’t drink, gamble or whore but was a studious one. He loved learning and he learned by his own volition. He changed his ways when he ended up in Charles II’s court and learned all that entails the so-called ‘court intrigue’; adultery/cheating/drinking/gambling/whoring etc. He needed to make a mark to stay alive in the vicious court. He betrayed Charles and helped James indeed. But TBH, by no means, I can call Jamie a whiny, lazy arsed rake. He might give that impression but he wasn’t at all. He was quick witted and industrious. He had the talent of a chameleon to blend in and copy. He was learned and used his brain. He was amoral, immoral, sold his loyalty as he saw fit and spied to take care of himself. He had his own set of rules, one of which was only to trust and take care of no one but himself. Of course, I gradually came to know about all these things about his past but before that, he did some stuff that annoyed the hell outta me. Jamie has an amazing sense of humor which can’t be denied. Many-a-times, I laughed and shook my head by this quip or that by him. He saw life as a big mockery because without it he can’t really survive the pain (as he once told Cat when she kept on asking why he doesn’t take anything seriously). So when he met Catherine, or Cat, in the battlefield, Jamie had no idea the kind of trouble he’s getting into. I don’t mean trouble in a bitter way. Jamie and some other mercenaries just attacked some clans in Highlands and won. When those men found Cat, who came along with her clan in search of her erstwhile brother, they wanted to torture and rape her before killing her. Something vaguely like conscience struck Jamie and he just wanted to save this damsel in distress. In his mocking ways, he pronounces her will marry her, there that instant, the ultimate purpose of that was to save her. Cat doesn’t know what’s happening since she’s disoriented from her wounds and so on but nods when the big, handsome man asks her to. They’re married by the priest that accompanied then in the battlefield. The so called wedding night scene was hilarious to say the least. I can’t really explain it, so you have to read it. Jamie was totally interested to consummate their marriage, not only because he’s always up for a good tumble, but also, he wanted this spunky girl all to himself. But Cat doesn’t give in easily and Jamie makes other plans, so that no one can question the consummation. He also wanted the option of annulment open when the times are alright. Cat gives him a few marks to remember her by but Jamie doesn’t hurt her in return. At night, Cat’s family comes to rescue her and while Jamie was out to check on the commotion they created, Cat escapes. She’s pretty sure she won’t see this English again in her life but she can certainly use her ‘married’ status to her convenience.
Cat was her father’s only daughter and grew up being spoiled by him. She was the apple of the man’s eyes. Cat is a countess in her own right, as her father was an Earl. She also grew up to be a tomboy, learned to fight, fish and skills no lady would ever practice. She was sure even though as a girl she’s not supposed to be a laird, her father would make her his successor. But when she was about 8 yrs old (here, again, the ages of the protagonists, Jamie or Cat, weren’t clearly mentioned), her father remarried with the pressure from the clan women who thought Cat needs the influence of a woman if she expects to capture a husband. Her French step-mother didn’t like the Highlands, though she was kind to Cat. She took Cat and her infant half-brother, Alistair, to France where Cat learned the ways to the court. She didn’t like the shallowness of it at all, neither did she like the dresses ladies wear (she feels comfortable in breeches and shirt) but she did her job. After returning, Cat learned her father has other plans for her; to make a match that would advance their clan’s interest, also someday lead the clan. Alistair still wasn’t really fit to act as a laird for his volatile temperament, although he’s ‘the heir’ to her father. Neither was her cousin Donald. All of these were logical conclusions but Cat, being the unconventional girl, rebels. She is shocked and really disappointed, and then becomes angry. They had a spat over it and soon afterwards, the old laird died suddenly. Cat regrets it all now, but what is causing trouble is Donald, the new laird trying to get her to marry someone she doesn’t care about. Her uncle Jarrod and cousin Rory care for her a lot but they can’t do much about Donald’s decision. Then her stupid brother, who hated the Highlanders as much as his mother, was causing trouble for them. Cat came to this battle to save him from his latest scrap but he flew before she could. Now that she’s ‘married’, she can save herself from the marriage. None of her relatives are happy about this, they’re even suspicious but they give in, for now.
Jamie was up behind his erstwhile wife soon after she escaped. The ever capable English made it through the wilds of Highlands and found her out soon enough with his skills. Jerrod and the others of Cat’s clan arrest him and torture him. At first, Cat doesn’t say a thing for she was scared of his life. And she was shocked, knowing this man really came for her. She saves a wounded Jamie and takes him in a secret hideout of hers to take care of him. Cat doesn’t really want him to be here, so once he’s healed, she’ll send him on his way. In the course of taking care of the man, funny things happen. I loved how Jamie would find her breasts no matter the situation, which proved him to be a seasoned womanizer. It became prominent when in his fevered state, he’d try to kiss and caress Cat, calling her by other woman’s name (to my utter frustration, we get to meet some of his sluts later in the story). Cat wasn’t a master like Jamie so she didn’t know what to make of it. But she knew she wanted him and yet, if he stays, there’s no way he’ll be alive. One day, in one of those fevered moments, Jamie ‘sort of’ consummates the marriage but he has no memory of it. Cat doesn’t tell him. When he regains consciousness later, Jamie is determined to abduct his pretty bride and take her with him. But Cat beats him to this, sending some of her trusty men to bonk him on the head and carry him out of the Highlands.
A year passes by in between. Jamie can’t believe what his bride did to him but sometimes he did think of her. He was again living his dissolute life, whoring and gambling. We get to see some detailed scenes of him with two whores at a time and more from his own musings. More examples were ahead. Not something I care to know about, thank you! His life was a mess at the moment, James being mad at him for marrying a Highland savage and not the heiress he wanted Jamie to marry and Jamie apparently couldn’t convince his monarch about it. Jamie had his life planned, to marry that heiress and have his own lands and money. A wife who would never question him when he’d obviously stray, as he won’t hers. But his world became upside down from the moment he met Cat. I was mad that Jamie was ‘technically’ cheating on her, no matter the situation because I have zero tolerance for cheating. But I also understood that they were strangers and this was an unwanted marriage to begin with. Yet I was very annoyed. Then came the information on his thousand mistresses, here and there, ruining the fun for me. It seems like everywhere he goes, there are a few; be it England or Ireland, wealthy women or barmaids! We get to learn that to pay his luxurious life and the debts his father left him, Jamie has taken up pleasuring wealthy women, many of them were his old ‘intimate acquaintances’. In return, they paid off his debts. So can I call him a gigolo? As I said, he did anything to survive. He took care of his servants, pets and his women, the throngs of them. None of his whores can complain about his prowess in bed or his genial behavior towards them. This bugged me to no end as I can’t, JUST CAN’T stand reading such stuffs about a hero. I just can’t trust or respect a man like that. So, needless to say, I wasn’t impressed with Jamie that much. I didn’t like his shallow living, neither did I like the bunch he frequented with, the Merry Gentlemen, one of whom were the notorious Duke of Buckingham. The only person, apparently, Jamie cared about was his Irish servant Sullivan. They have an old history, I can’t go into details but he saved Sullivan and his mother, and now Jamie is the owner of Sullivan’s estate in Ireland. Sullivan is actually his friend of sort and has a partnership of breeding horses with Jamie. But here in London, he acts as Jamie’s servant.
Anyway, one day, Cat suddenly returns in Jamie’s life as she kicked him out of hers. She finds him in his house, with whores, drinks and cards, with Buckingham and their cronies. So far, no one believed in his Highland wife, until she stepped into his house. Buckingham, the lecher, is interested in her instantly, which Jamie doesn’t like. So, he’s possessive of his wife. I thought this should be fun, but *sign* it wasn’t. Jamie’s embarrassed the way Cat found him. Cat is hurt too but she’s here on business and soon she states her case. There is trouble brewing in her clan. Cat’s people can’t anymore be convinced of her marriage since her husband never claimed her. Cat won’t marry and so she came to London to find him. She’s also going to meet James (II) for a trade of her finest whiskey. Cat doesn’t want to go back to the Highlands yet, maybe never. As Jamie states how he’s been suffering so far, Cat makes a deal. She has good influence over the King and so she’ll help him get back to his good graces. For that Jamie has to be a faithful and attentive husband. Cat doesn’t expect him to be faithful though so she asks him to be discreet. How sad, really. Jamie mocks the whole situation by telling her he’d play the besotted husband for the fun. After he gets back his lands and his place in court, Cat would leave him with a good amount of money for saving her life and so on and have the marriage annulled. So they make their debut as a couple soon. I was kinda bored in this part because I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. Yes, they were good friends and that’s all I got. I didn’t like it much. At court, James notices Cat and Jamie knows what that might entail, something he doesn’t like. We get to see one of his ex-mistresses, a vindictive and vain b*tch, making trouble for him because he won’t go back to her. This b*tch made troubles for them more than once, once on Jamie’s life when Cat was with him. Another thing that bugged me was Cat never confronting Jamie about his cheating and becoming more and more besotted with him as she got to know him, the tales and array of his mistresses notwithstanding. In court, it seems like he has slept with almost every woman there. I don’t know how Cat stood these tales and all that snicker! Jamie was always honest about this part of his life, ruthlessly so IMO. He never made a secret about his womanizing. I didn’t like it that a fiery girl like Cat took it all in, not making a sound of complaint or when she did complaint, she couldn’t hold it for long with Jamie. The charmer played his parts and she forgot.
These parts of the story bored me much. Even though I liked reading the historical facts and figures, I wanted something solid to bloom between them. But my wish didn’t come true for a long, long time. After almost a year of being together, touring London and making a mark at court, Cat wants to be more intimate. They play this on and off game, never going all the way, mostly Jamie pushing her away because he thought about the annulment, not knowing the marriage has already been consummated. Cat was a bit scared of telling him but when she finally does, Jamie mocks the whole thing like it was fun. Cat is angry (and she should be) but as I told you before, she can’t hold her anger where Jamie is concerned. Soon afterwards, some trouble came Jamie’s way and he was marked as a traitor (that slut finally got to him through James). Jamie was concerned what to do since all his English properties are being forfeited. Cat advises him to move to his property in Ireland; they should be safe there as long as the King forgets. On the way to Ireland, they have some fun. Jamie shows Cat around, along with an old cottage he uses on occasion. As they settle down with Sullivan’s family, Jamie starts working on a real treason. He would support William of Orange, for he thinks James isn’t a worthy King. Here, when he goes to his tavern, we get to meet one of his sluts, the owner herself. Apparently whenever Jamie is in Ireland, he’s here for food, drink and a good f*ck with her. I was pissed at how annoyingly the woman start coming onto him, rubbing and fondling him in front of the others and pouting that he won’t ‘have a tumble’ whereas he’s never refused her before. YUK! Jamie is very nice to her (OMG, WHY?!) when refusing, like they’re discussing the dinner menu! Now his mind is full of his wife. At home, Cat doesn’t know what he’s been doing and so, she takes up on seducing Jamie. Soon they end up having sex. For next few months, sex is great, even though Cat wasn’t sure of his faithfulness. They have this constant clash about Jamie’s womanizing almost till the end, which did make me question about their HEA. When there is no trust, is it possible? But when Cat tries to talk to him about the other aspects of their relationship, he’d simply ignore it. As Jamie plans his betrayal to James, he would work as the bearer of the message to William. He’d be away for a longtime. Once he mentions it to Cat. He sees Cat as a good friend (though Cat already said ILU to him, which he ignored as usual by being insensitive), something he’d never done to any other women in his life. Cat isn’t happy about his decision. She won’t break James’s trust because the King had been kind to her people. This and also Jamie’s rejection of her love strain their relationship. Jamie is scared that he’s losing her but he has to do his job. So before he leaves, Jamie writes a note to Cat. When she finds the note, Cat is mad and follows him, only to find him in the same tavern, with the same slut all over him- still rubbing and making propositions. Jamie later finds her out, watching him with cold eyes but he doesn’t say anything. Funny thing was, even though Cat was sure he was cheating on her (It does really hurt, huh Cat? What did you think it’d make you feel?), she was still hoping that when he’s back, they’ll talk about it. In the meantime, her uncle Jarrod comes to take her back home, informing her about the trouble in the clan. Cat also learns some distressing news, like Donald and Rory has died in a clan feud sometimes ago. Even though she wanted this marriage to work, Cat finally thinks it’s time to say goodbye. She makes sure that Jamie would get his money once it’s all over. She leaves him with a letter, where she hopes that someday love will find him.
Meanwhile, Jamie is restless because he has been missing Cat too much. The lout now realizes how callous he’s been, now that they’ve been apart for sometimes. Here, again, I find that the H and h are apart for long long time, which seems like a favorite with JJ. I can’t say I find it appealing though. I don’t like their trouble to drag on for months and years end. When he returns, Jamie finds Cat gone and even though her letter explains a lot and no hate towards him, he’s still angry. MORON! Months pass by, William claims the throne, Jamie’s lands and titles are given back, women are still after him but Jamie, for the first time in his life, isn’t interested in any of it. His life is dull without Cat. Then, there’s a battle in Highlands with the British, and Jamie knew he has to save and take care of the only thing that gives his life meaning; his Cat. You see, this is where I began to see the real man underneath, though sadly, it took him frustratingly long time to come out. I loved the part where Jamie rescues Cat and how they couldn’t stop making love, since no matter what, they missed each-other genuinely. And there was no question about the love between them, as Jamie finally confesses about his feelings (and that he has indeed been faithful to her all these time). You’d think that was the end but noooo. One more time apart was awaiting them, I was really annoyed this time but thankfully, it didn’t drag for long. The ending scene was beautiful. I loved it and cried. In the end, I felt this book was worth my time, simply to watch Jamie fall. I wished them all the best! I didn’t mind that there wasn’t an epilogue though. 3.75 stars.
Personally, Highland Rebel was a mixed read for me. I felt emotions varying from laughter to annoyance while I was at it. So far, I don’t think I’ve read a Romance set in the Restoration-era England and so, again, I totally appreciated JJ’s Historical research. This book started out with a bang; the hero, a real charmer who looks at life with mockery and does whatever it takes to survive. The heroine, a fiery Highland beauty, made me instantly like her a lot. But as I said, in the course of the story, I came across plenty of let downs and pet peeves of mine in the story that hindered my full enjoyment of it.
Let me tell you first that, as I write this review, I’ve had a tremendous change of heart where Jamie is concerned. But that wasn’t the case while I was reading it. I will try to point the reasons out as I go, but for now, into the story. Jamie had a bad childhood with a puritanical (and hypocritical) father and an adulterous mother. None of his parents wanted him and the reasons were so selfish, made me sad. His parents always quarreled. Jamie was as unwanted as an abandoned street child and I felt for the young boy who had no one to care for him. His father condemned him as a bastard, because of his mother’s continuous cheating, and wanted no part of him. Jamie had an elder half brother from his father’s first marriage, who was supposed to be the heir but died young. Jamie wouldn’t have gotten the title of the Earl of Carlyle but he had it anyway later. Even as a teenager, when he was sent away for studies, Jamie wasn’t like his friends. He didn’t drink, gamble or whore but was a studious one. He loved learning and he learned by his own volition. He changed his ways when he ended up in Charles II’s court and learned all that entails the so-called ‘court intrigue’; adultery/cheating/drinking/gambling/whoring etc. He needed to make a mark to stay alive in the vicious court. He betrayed Charles and helped James indeed. But TBH, by no means, I can call Jamie a whiny, lazy arsed rake. He might give that impression but he wasn’t at all. He was quick witted and industrious. He had the talent of a chameleon to blend in and copy. He was learned and used his brain. He was amoral, immoral, sold his loyalty as he saw fit and spied to take care of himself. He had his own set of rules, one of which was only to trust and take care of no one but himself. Of course, I gradually came to know about all these things about his past but before that, he did some stuff that annoyed the hell outta me. Jamie has an amazing sense of humor which can’t be denied. Many-a-times, I laughed and shook my head by this quip or that by him. He saw life as a big mockery because without it he can’t really survive the pain (as he once told Cat when she kept on asking why he doesn’t take anything seriously). So when he met Catherine, or Cat, in the battlefield, Jamie had no idea the kind of trouble he’s getting into. I don’t mean trouble in a bitter way. Jamie and some other mercenaries just attacked some clans in Highlands and won. When those men found Cat, who came along with her clan in search of her erstwhile brother, they wanted to torture and rape her before killing her. Something vaguely like conscience struck Jamie and he just wanted to save this damsel in distress. In his mocking ways, he pronounces her will marry her, there that instant, the ultimate purpose of that was to save her. Cat doesn’t know what’s happening since she’s disoriented from her wounds and so on but nods when the big, handsome man asks her to. They’re married by the priest that accompanied then in the battlefield. The so called wedding night scene was hilarious to say the least. I can’t really explain it, so you have to read it. Jamie was totally interested to consummate their marriage, not only because he’s always up for a good tumble, but also, he wanted this spunky girl all to himself. But Cat doesn’t give in easily and Jamie makes other plans, so that no one can question the consummation. He also wanted the option of annulment open when the times are alright. Cat gives him a few marks to remember her by but Jamie doesn’t hurt her in return. At night, Cat’s family comes to rescue her and while Jamie was out to check on the commotion they created, Cat escapes. She’s pretty sure she won’t see this English again in her life but she can certainly use her ‘married’ status to her convenience.
Cat was her father’s only daughter and grew up being spoiled by him. She was the apple of the man’s eyes. Cat is a countess in her own right, as her father was an Earl. She also grew up to be a tomboy, learned to fight, fish and skills no lady would ever practice. She was sure even though as a girl she’s not supposed to be a laird, her father would make her his successor. But when she was about 8 yrs old (here, again, the ages of the protagonists, Jamie or Cat, weren’t clearly mentioned), her father remarried with the pressure from the clan women who thought Cat needs the influence of a woman if she expects to capture a husband. Her French step-mother didn’t like the Highlands, though she was kind to Cat. She took Cat and her infant half-brother, Alistair, to France where Cat learned the ways to the court. She didn’t like the shallowness of it at all, neither did she like the dresses ladies wear (she feels comfortable in breeches and shirt) but she did her job. After returning, Cat learned her father has other plans for her; to make a match that would advance their clan’s interest, also someday lead the clan. Alistair still wasn’t really fit to act as a laird for his volatile temperament, although he’s ‘the heir’ to her father. Neither was her cousin Donald. All of these were logical conclusions but Cat, being the unconventional girl, rebels. She is shocked and really disappointed, and then becomes angry. They had a spat over it and soon afterwards, the old laird died suddenly. Cat regrets it all now, but what is causing trouble is Donald, the new laird trying to get her to marry someone she doesn’t care about. Her uncle Jarrod and cousin Rory care for her a lot but they can’t do much about Donald’s decision. Then her stupid brother, who hated the Highlanders as much as his mother, was causing trouble for them. Cat came to this battle to save him from his latest scrap but he flew before she could. Now that she’s ‘married’, she can save herself from the marriage. None of her relatives are happy about this, they’re even suspicious but they give in, for now.
Jamie was up behind his erstwhile wife soon after she escaped. The ever capable English made it through the wilds of Highlands and found her out soon enough with his skills. Jerrod and the others of Cat’s clan arrest him and torture him. At first, Cat doesn’t say a thing for she was scared of his life. And she was shocked, knowing this man really came for her. She saves a wounded Jamie and takes him in a secret hideout of hers to take care of him. Cat doesn’t really want him to be here, so once he’s healed, she’ll send him on his way. In the course of taking care of the man, funny things happen. I loved how Jamie would find her breasts no matter the situation, which proved him to be a seasoned womanizer. It became prominent when in his fevered state, he’d try to kiss and caress Cat, calling her by other woman’s name (to my utter frustration, we get to meet some of his sluts later in the story). Cat wasn’t a master like Jamie so she didn’t know what to make of it. But she knew she wanted him and yet, if he stays, there’s no way he’ll be alive. One day, in one of those fevered moments, Jamie ‘sort of’ consummates the marriage but he has no memory of it. Cat doesn’t tell him. When he regains consciousness later, Jamie is determined to abduct his pretty bride and take her with him. But Cat beats him to this, sending some of her trusty men to bonk him on the head and carry him out of the Highlands.
A year passes by in between. Jamie can’t believe what his bride did to him but sometimes he did think of her. He was again living his dissolute life, whoring and gambling. We get to see some detailed scenes of him with two whores at a time and more from his own musings. More examples were ahead. Not something I care to know about, thank you! His life was a mess at the moment, James being mad at him for marrying a Highland savage and not the heiress he wanted Jamie to marry and Jamie apparently couldn’t convince his monarch about it. Jamie had his life planned, to marry that heiress and have his own lands and money. A wife who would never question him when he’d obviously stray, as he won’t hers. But his world became upside down from the moment he met Cat. I was mad that Jamie was ‘technically’ cheating on her, no matter the situation because I have zero tolerance for cheating. But I also understood that they were strangers and this was an unwanted marriage to begin with. Yet I was very annoyed. Then came the information on his thousand mistresses, here and there, ruining the fun for me. It seems like everywhere he goes, there are a few; be it England or Ireland, wealthy women or barmaids! We get to learn that to pay his luxurious life and the debts his father left him, Jamie has taken up pleasuring wealthy women, many of them were his old ‘intimate acquaintances’. In return, they paid off his debts. So can I call him a gigolo? As I said, he did anything to survive. He took care of his servants, pets and his women, the throngs of them. None of his whores can complain about his prowess in bed or his genial behavior towards them. This bugged me to no end as I can’t, JUST CAN’T stand reading such stuffs about a hero. I just can’t trust or respect a man like that. So, needless to say, I wasn’t impressed with Jamie that much. I didn’t like his shallow living, neither did I like the bunch he frequented with, the Merry Gentlemen, one of whom were the notorious Duke of Buckingham. The only person, apparently, Jamie cared about was his Irish servant Sullivan. They have an old history, I can’t go into details but he saved Sullivan and his mother, and now Jamie is the owner of Sullivan’s estate in Ireland. Sullivan is actually his friend of sort and has a partnership of breeding horses with Jamie. But here in London, he acts as Jamie’s servant.
Anyway, one day, Cat suddenly returns in Jamie’s life as she kicked him out of hers. She finds him in his house, with whores, drinks and cards, with Buckingham and their cronies. So far, no one believed in his Highland wife, until she stepped into his house. Buckingham, the lecher, is interested in her instantly, which Jamie doesn’t like. So, he’s possessive of his wife. I thought this should be fun, but *sign* it wasn’t. Jamie’s embarrassed the way Cat found him. Cat is hurt too but she’s here on business and soon she states her case. There is trouble brewing in her clan. Cat’s people can’t anymore be convinced of her marriage since her husband never claimed her. Cat won’t marry and so she came to London to find him. She’s also going to meet James (II) for a trade of her finest whiskey. Cat doesn’t want to go back to the Highlands yet, maybe never. As Jamie states how he’s been suffering so far, Cat makes a deal. She has good influence over the King and so she’ll help him get back to his good graces. For that Jamie has to be a faithful and attentive husband. Cat doesn’t expect him to be faithful though so she asks him to be discreet. How sad, really. Jamie mocks the whole situation by telling her he’d play the besotted husband for the fun. After he gets back his lands and his place in court, Cat would leave him with a good amount of money for saving her life and so on and have the marriage annulled. So they make their debut as a couple soon. I was kinda bored in this part because I didn’t feel any chemistry between them. Yes, they were good friends and that’s all I got. I didn’t like it much. At court, James notices Cat and Jamie knows what that might entail, something he doesn’t like. We get to see one of his ex-mistresses, a vindictive and vain b*tch, making trouble for him because he won’t go back to her. This b*tch made troubles for them more than once, once on Jamie’s life when Cat was with him. Another thing that bugged me was Cat never confronting Jamie about his cheating and becoming more and more besotted with him as she got to know him, the tales and array of his mistresses notwithstanding. In court, it seems like he has slept with almost every woman there. I don’t know how Cat stood these tales and all that snicker! Jamie was always honest about this part of his life, ruthlessly so IMO. He never made a secret about his womanizing. I didn’t like it that a fiery girl like Cat took it all in, not making a sound of complaint or when she did complaint, she couldn’t hold it for long with Jamie. The charmer played his parts and she forgot.
These parts of the story bored me much. Even though I liked reading the historical facts and figures, I wanted something solid to bloom between them. But my wish didn’t come true for a long, long time. After almost a year of being together, touring London and making a mark at court, Cat wants to be more intimate. They play this on and off game, never going all the way, mostly Jamie pushing her away because he thought about the annulment, not knowing the marriage has already been consummated. Cat was a bit scared of telling him but when she finally does, Jamie mocks the whole thing like it was fun. Cat is angry (and she should be) but as I told you before, she can’t hold her anger where Jamie is concerned. Soon afterwards, some trouble came Jamie’s way and he was marked as a traitor (that slut finally got to him through James). Jamie was concerned what to do since all his English properties are being forfeited. Cat advises him to move to his property in Ireland; they should be safe there as long as the King forgets. On the way to Ireland, they have some fun. Jamie shows Cat around, along with an old cottage he uses on occasion. As they settle down with Sullivan’s family, Jamie starts working on a real treason. He would support William of Orange, for he thinks James isn’t a worthy King. Here, when he goes to his tavern, we get to meet one of his sluts, the owner herself. Apparently whenever Jamie is in Ireland, he’s here for food, drink and a good f*ck with her. I was pissed at how annoyingly the woman start coming onto him, rubbing and fondling him in front of the others and pouting that he won’t ‘have a tumble’ whereas he’s never refused her before. YUK! Jamie is very nice to her (OMG, WHY?!) when refusing, like they’re discussing the dinner menu! Now his mind is full of his wife. At home, Cat doesn’t know what he’s been doing and so, she takes up on seducing Jamie. Soon they end up having sex. For next few months, sex is great, even though Cat wasn’t sure of his faithfulness. They have this constant clash about Jamie’s womanizing almost till the end, which did make me question about their HEA. When there is no trust, is it possible? But when Cat tries to talk to him about the other aspects of their relationship, he’d simply ignore it. As Jamie plans his betrayal to James, he would work as the bearer of the message to William. He’d be away for a longtime. Once he mentions it to Cat. He sees Cat as a good friend (though Cat already said ILU to him, which he ignored as usual by being insensitive), something he’d never done to any other women in his life. Cat isn’t happy about his decision. She won’t break James’s trust because the King had been kind to her people. This and also Jamie’s rejection of her love strain their relationship. Jamie is scared that he’s losing her but he has to do his job. So before he leaves, Jamie writes a note to Cat. When she finds the note, Cat is mad and follows him, only to find him in the same tavern, with the same slut all over him- still rubbing and making propositions. Jamie later finds her out, watching him with cold eyes but he doesn’t say anything. Funny thing was, even though Cat was sure he was cheating on her (It does really hurt, huh Cat? What did you think it’d make you feel?), she was still hoping that when he’s back, they’ll talk about it. In the meantime, her uncle Jarrod comes to take her back home, informing her about the trouble in the clan. Cat also learns some distressing news, like Donald and Rory has died in a clan feud sometimes ago. Even though she wanted this marriage to work, Cat finally thinks it’s time to say goodbye. She makes sure that Jamie would get his money once it’s all over. She leaves him with a letter, where she hopes that someday love will find him.
Meanwhile, Jamie is restless because he has been missing Cat too much. The lout now realizes how callous he’s been, now that they’ve been apart for sometimes. Here, again, I find that the H and h are apart for long long time, which seems like a favorite with JJ. I can’t say I find it appealing though. I don’t like their trouble to drag on for months and years end. When he returns, Jamie finds Cat gone and even though her letter explains a lot and no hate towards him, he’s still angry. MORON! Months pass by, William claims the throne, Jamie’s lands and titles are given back, women are still after him but Jamie, for the first time in his life, isn’t interested in any of it. His life is dull without Cat. Then, there’s a battle in Highlands with the British, and Jamie knew he has to save and take care of the only thing that gives his life meaning; his Cat. You see, this is where I began to see the real man underneath, though sadly, it took him frustratingly long time to come out. I loved the part where Jamie rescues Cat and how they couldn’t stop making love, since no matter what, they missed each-other genuinely. And there was no question about the love between them, as Jamie finally confesses about his feelings (and that he has indeed been faithful to her all these time). You’d think that was the end but noooo. One more time apart was awaiting them, I was really annoyed this time but thankfully, it didn’t drag for long. The ending scene was beautiful. I loved it and cried. In the end, I felt this book was worth my time, simply to watch Jamie fall. I wished them all the best! I didn’t mind that there wasn’t an epilogue though. 3.75 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2009
This is an adventurous novel about Jamie Sinclair, a never-do-well but gorgeous guy who impulsively saves a woman from a horrible fate by claiming her as his wife. The woman he saves is one who he believes to be a poor camp follower, and little does he know that she could be the answer to his prayers. Jamie Sinclair has all we need to empathize with him; he is mistreated by the noble ladies, and his own parents didn't want him around when he was growing up so he has been doing the best he can by switching allegiances as needed during the rough political times between Charles and James II. Once James II was king, his subjects and parliament disapproved of him, and our Jamie was doing all he could to stay under the radar.. until he found himself with a wife who happened to be of noble peerage in Scotland.
She is Catherine Drummond, who her father had chosen to rule his clan after his death, but her family would not allow this to happen. They chose for her a husband, and she disobeyed their wishes when she explained to them she was married to an Englishman. She then has to run to find him in England and see what she can do to get an annulment, or go against her nature and follow her dreams instead. The events that follow is a rather slow rendering of a cat and mouse game between Catherine and Jamie, although the novel got off to a promising start. The romance angle was over done with the same thing happening over and over (they get close, and then they scare each other off).
Amidst the back and forth romance the author does a thorough job of defining the aura of the turbulent times without feeling like a history lesson. In fact, the most interesting parts of the novel were when James was reacting to the political events. I enjoyed the book for the plot and the clever story angles, such as Cat dressing as a man to disguise herself, but I think it could have been a four star read for me if it had cut out about 100 pages in the middle of it. The historical nature of the book which encompasses Scotland, England and some France were the highlights of the novel and were well told with attention to detail. The author seemed to want to add all of her research and ideas into this one book, and sometimes the back and forth romance got in the way. The fact that the title Highland Rebel could refer to either Cat or Jamie adds to the drama, as the heroine Cat is a force to be reckoned with. This would be a wonderful read for those who like a little history mixed in with their romance reads.
Read an Excerpt here and you'll see that the story starts with some wild fun.
There are some high ratings for this book on Goodreads, check out the reviews here. The author Judith James has also written Broken Wing, which is set in the Napoleonic era and I plan to read that as well.
October 1, 2009
This is the second book by Judith James that I've read, and although I don't think it's quite up to par with her debut, it's definitely better than a lot of historical romances out there.
This time James takes us to the mid-1600s and the rule of King James II to the transition with William III as king. I won't go into specifics, but Catherine is "rescued" by James when she is caught in a battle. He marries her, but little does he know what he's just gotten himself into.
Judith James has a style of writing that just seems to flow and I really enjoy her characterizations along with the history she brings to the mix. I also love that her characters work for their happiness and nothing is just given to them wrapped with a bow. I also really liked the ending which I thought suited the characters perfectly. However I also have to say that the levels of denial in these characters, although realistic for the most part, became taxing in the number of back-and-forth should we or shouldn't we. The middle dragged a little for me and I think it would have been a little more interesting if we had tagged along with James to see exactly what he was up to (instead of talking about whispered conversations, I wanted to hear them).
So overall I love the time the author takes to make the relationship between Catherine and James realistic and poignant, but this time around it seemed to miss a certain something I can't quite put my finger on, but all-in-all still a great story. I get too spoiled with her writing so I can't wait until her next one.
I'll definitely be back for, Libertine's Kiss, which she says is a "dark Restoration era romance."
This time James takes us to the mid-1600s and the rule of King James II to the transition with William III as king. I won't go into specifics, but Catherine is "rescued" by James when she is caught in a battle. He marries her, but little does he know what he's just gotten himself into.
Judith James has a style of writing that just seems to flow and I really enjoy her characterizations along with the history she brings to the mix. I also love that her characters work for their happiness and nothing is just given to them wrapped with a bow. I also really liked the ending which I thought suited the characters perfectly. However I also have to say that the levels of denial in these characters, although realistic for the most part, became taxing in the number of back-and-forth should we or shouldn't we. The middle dragged a little for me and I think it would have been a little more interesting if we had tagged along with James to see exactly what he was up to (instead of talking about whispered conversations, I wanted to hear them).
So overall I love the time the author takes to make the relationship between Catherine and James realistic and poignant, but this time around it seemed to miss a certain something I can't quite put my finger on, but all-in-all still a great story. I get too spoiled with her writing so I can't wait until her next one.
I'll definitely be back for, Libertine's Kiss, which she says is a "dark Restoration era romance."
July 25, 2011
This is a Historical Romance.
Jamie Sinclair finds himself in a battle against the Highlanders. He has pledged his allegiance to the current King of England. He will change his religion or his support depending on who can help him maintain his fortune and his way of living.
After a battle, a highlander is captured. To his surprise it turns out to be a female. He can't let the men at camp rape her and to his own dismay decides to protects the woman. He is told that in order to save her life (and maybe his own) he will need to marry her. He does this against the advice of the Priest.
The woman who is unknown to him is Catherine Drummond, the heiress to her clan. After the wedding is over, she is able to escape. When he discovers her missing, he follows her trail. When he catches up to her, her family tortures him and almost kills him. They don't know this is the Englishman Catherine has been forced to marry. She is able to saved him and later on forces him to leave on a ship.
A year later, Catherine travels to London and finds Jamie. He teaches her how to disguise herself as a young lad and takes her to places she would not have been able to visit. Their passion continues to grow.
With another battle brewing, will Jamie switch sides again? Will they become enemies, fighting against each other? If London, Ireland or the Highlands are not safe, where will they go?
The author has done plenty of research to portrayed the distress of the era. To the point that sometimes it takes away from the romance between Jamie and Catherine. The constant escaping each other or leaving each other also becomes tiring.
2.5/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot
Jamie Sinclair finds himself in a battle against the Highlanders. He has pledged his allegiance to the current King of England. He will change his religion or his support depending on who can help him maintain his fortune and his way of living.
After a battle, a highlander is captured. To his surprise it turns out to be a female. He can't let the men at camp rape her and to his own dismay decides to protects the woman. He is told that in order to save her life (and maybe his own) he will need to marry her. He does this against the advice of the Priest.
The woman who is unknown to him is Catherine Drummond, the heiress to her clan. After the wedding is over, she is able to escape. When he discovers her missing, he follows her trail. When he catches up to her, her family tortures him and almost kills him. They don't know this is the Englishman Catherine has been forced to marry. She is able to saved him and later on forces him to leave on a ship.
A year later, Catherine travels to London and finds Jamie. He teaches her how to disguise herself as a young lad and takes her to places she would not have been able to visit. Their passion continues to grow.
With another battle brewing, will Jamie switch sides again? Will they become enemies, fighting against each other? If London, Ireland or the Highlands are not safe, where will they go?
The author has done plenty of research to portrayed the distress of the era. To the point that sometimes it takes away from the romance between Jamie and Catherine. The constant escaping each other or leaving each other also becomes tiring.
2.5/5 Fangs
cross posted at my blog http://mrsleifs.blogspot
September 14, 2009
The story opens on the battle field, seen through the eyes of Jamie Sinclair. Jamie is the sort of romantic hero that is fun to read about. "He'd shifted allegiance and religion so many times he sometimes forgot which side he was on. What with these mad Stuart kings - Protestant one day, Catholic the next - a fellow needed to be quick. Fortunately, he was: quick witted, quick with a sword, and more importantly, quick to recognize which way the wind was blowing. Possessed of a cynic's keen perception and willingness to shift with the political tide, he switched masters, mistresses religions whenever the need arose."
Even with his political astuteness and cynicism, you can sense that Jamie has a deep sense of honor. He is careful when and how to display it. When he chooses to risk his person to protect Catherine Drummond, you can't help but root for him. Fortunately, Judith James isn't one to write a simple love story. There are twists, upsets and adventures - enough to make Highland Rebel much more than the usual historical romance. Many highland romances feature a strong highland warrior protecting his beguiling English wife and Judith James gives us something different yet again.
Though set in a completely different place and time, Jamie Sinclair reminded me of Rafael Sabatini's Scaramouche, "He was born with a gift of laughter, and a sense that the world was mad."
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 1, 2009), 480 pages.
Courtesy of SourceBooks and Judith James.
Even with his political astuteness and cynicism, you can sense that Jamie has a deep sense of honor. He is careful when and how to display it. When he chooses to risk his person to protect Catherine Drummond, you can't help but root for him. Fortunately, Judith James isn't one to write a simple love story. There are twists, upsets and adventures - enough to make Highland Rebel much more than the usual historical romance. Many highland romances feature a strong highland warrior protecting his beguiling English wife and Judith James gives us something different yet again.
Though set in a completely different place and time, Jamie Sinclair reminded me of Rafael Sabatini's Scaramouche, "He was born with a gift of laughter, and a sense that the world was mad."
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca (September 1, 2009), 480 pages.
Courtesy of SourceBooks and Judith James.
January 2, 2014
After my holiday Judith Jamesathon I feel a bit like a crusader, wanting everyone to read these refreshingly different books and love them like I did., This story has the kind of depth,plot and memorable characters that I loved in the epic romances we don't seem to see much of anymore, minus the nasty alpha males and weak submissive women that could make you cringe. What you will find here? The highlands in all their majestic beauty, witty dialogue, complex charming somewhat flawed characters, and a wonderful love story told in the context of real historical figures and events. No history as wallpaper or cookie cutter characters here. One of the most entertaining and exciting reads of the year for me. Just one caveat/complaint. Both the cover and title suggest standard Scottish romance fare. I suspect some readers who would really love this blend of love story and historical adventure will never pick it up for that reason. At the same time other readers may pick it up expecting a genre romance and be frustrated that it's not what they expect. I blame the publisher not the author for this. Highland Rebel is a beautifully written love story filled with humor, history and adventure, and big ideas. A must read for those who enjoy that type of thing.
October 30, 2009
They say opposites attract, and that stands true in this book. Both Jamie and Cat were sure of their destinies and even more sure they had nothing to do with being together. But fate had other plans.
Highland Rebel is the second novel from Judith James. This story takes place in Scotland, England & Ireland during the late 1600's. Wonderfully written. It's captivating and heart wrenching. I was sucked into Jamie and Cat's world. Both having interesting personalities. It was fun seeing them fight, play their games and eventually come together.
What I love about reading a Judith James book is her attention to detail. Always thorough and grabs the reader. The research she does, shines through in her writing. Not only do you enter a different world, but you feel as if you've been transported there.
Highland Rebel is the second novel from Judith James. This story takes place in Scotland, England & Ireland during the late 1600's. Wonderfully written. It's captivating and heart wrenching. I was sucked into Jamie and Cat's world. Both having interesting personalities. It was fun seeing them fight, play their games and eventually come together.
What I love about reading a Judith James book is her attention to detail. Always thorough and grabs the reader. The research she does, shines through in her writing. Not only do you enter a different world, but you feel as if you've been transported there.
November 5, 2011
While still on my romance novel kick, I thought I would take a stroll into the historical romances.
This was a very interesting read with a lot of historical tidbits that made it quite educational. I'm not so sure if I loved the plot, but I really loved the characters. Being a sci-fi/fantasy person, I am use to a bigger overwhelming plot, but the characters give me plenty of entertainment and make what would be a dull political drama into a witty and reasonably exciting read. I loved the dialog and how they react to one another.
I will say one thing, there was a lot of near-misses between these two characters and it nearly drove me bonkers, but it kept tugging me along to see if there is finally a connection.
This was a very interesting read with a lot of historical tidbits that made it quite educational. I'm not so sure if I loved the plot, but I really loved the characters. Being a sci-fi/fantasy person, I am use to a bigger overwhelming plot, but the characters give me plenty of entertainment and make what would be a dull political drama into a witty and reasonably exciting read. I loved the dialog and how they react to one another.
I will say one thing, there was a lot of near-misses between these two characters and it nearly drove me bonkers, but it kept tugging me along to see if there is finally a connection.
July 23, 2011
With so many negative reviews, I wondered if I would change my mind about this book by the time I finished it.
I loved the book. The author has done her research! I loved Jamie, the hero. His quick wit had me laughing out loud! Since there are so many reviews, I won't try to write one other than to say I highly recommend this book. Yes, it has a lot of history through out the story. I like the fact that the author researched her story rather than just have a whole book of H/H worrying that they are not good enough for each other.
Delightful read!
I loved the book. The author has done her research! I loved Jamie, the hero. His quick wit had me laughing out loud! Since there are so many reviews, I won't try to write one other than to say I highly recommend this book. Yes, it has a lot of history through out the story. I like the fact that the author researched her story rather than just have a whole book of H/H worrying that they are not good enough for each other.
Delightful read!
September 10, 2015
Entertaining romance set in post-Restoration England and Scotland between a willful and beautiful Scottish lass (who also happens to be the laird of her clan) and a handsome, rakish, devil may care English lord who may or may not be spy. He impulsively marries her to save her life which sets in motion of series of events that makes this novel exciting, romantic, amusing and a pleasure to read. 4/5
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2010/05/h...
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2010/05/h...
April 1, 2011
While I enjoyed the characters, the setting and the excellent writing, I found the plot frustrating. Jamie and Cat faced several separations. At first they were forced apart because of politics but at other times they chose to leave one another for, (I felt), very insubstantial reasons. I think the novel should have been shorter and more tightly plotted.
May 12, 2012
Ugh. I couldn't get through this one. The hero and heroine were driving me crazy! One minute they are getting along great and the next minute they are pushing each other away. I felt like the story was dragging and not going anywhere. I made it to the halfway way point and have to call it quits. Bummer!
August 26, 2012
Judith James brings the Restoration era to vivid life through her living, breathing, flesh and bone characters.She writes with realism and invokes pathos with her flawed but unquestionably redeemable characters.
September 12, 2010
Judith James brings the Restoration era to vivid life through her living, breathing, flesh and bone characters.She writes with realism and invokes pathos with her flawed but unquestionably redeemable characters.
March 19, 2015
On of my favorites. Best hero I have read in a while. He's kind, patient, snarky, vulnerable, humorous, sexy, warrior all in one. Sigh. Wonderful rich and well fleshed out story.
I loved the authors first Book "Broken Wing" and I love this one. I'll be reading her 3rd soon.
Great new author.
I loved the authors first Book "Broken Wing" and I love this one. I'll be reading her 3rd soon.
Great new author.
January 23, 2010
This book was just OK for me. I found the whole I am not going to touch her FOR A YEAR thing a little contrived. Overall it is probably a good story, it just didn't appeal to me personally.
June 15, 2010
Started out very well...proceeded to be a good read thus far...then I got bored.
May 10, 2011
The only thing I really didn't like about the book was that he went from highlander to englishman.
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