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Scottish Marriage Trilogy #1
Masquerade Marriage
A SECRET LIST To protect his loved ones and escape the dark fate of his brothers, a noted warrior abandons his identity. Hiding from relentless soldiers who want him dead, Brody MacCaulay vows to protect the woman he loves more than life, more than freedom, more than Scotland. But his presence throws her into danger. A VOW HONORED To escape an arranged marriage to an abusive noble, a Lowland Lady weds a stranger to save his life. But vows spoken do not make a marriage, especially when Megan MacMurry holds a different love inside her heart. A SACRIFICE MADE Outlawed, and with a price on his head, Brody condemns himself to a life of heartbreak without Megan. Wanting her desperately, knowing he can't have her, he heads alone to certain death...
288 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 16, 2010
I did not intend to commit my entire Sunday to this book (after all, it's Nano month and I'm supposed to be writing). But when I picked up Masquerade Marriage this morning, the first chapter hooked me and the following pages propelled me toward the end!
Anne Greene crafted two irresistible characters (one of which was a hunky highlander), threw them into a heap of danger, and ratcheted up the tension with each passing chapter. The romance in this novel is pitch perfect and though it's based on a marriage of convenience, I didn't find the storyline predictable at all.
In fact, my stomach was clenched right up until the last page wondering if Brody and Megan were actually going to get their happily ever after. I won't tell you if they did or not, you'll just have to read it to find out. :P
If I could change one thing about this book, I would choose something that has nothing to do with the writing. I wish that the cover more accurately portrayed what a compelling story this is. Even for e-books, covers are what catch my attention first and I think this one was just a little too dark to do justice to such a fantastic story.
Anne Greene crafted two irresistible characters (one of which was a hunky highlander), threw them into a heap of danger, and ratcheted up the tension with each passing chapter. The romance in this novel is pitch perfect and though it's based on a marriage of convenience, I didn't find the storyline predictable at all.
In fact, my stomach was clenched right up until the last page wondering if Brody and Megan were actually going to get their happily ever after. I won't tell you if they did or not, you'll just have to read it to find out. :P
If I could change one thing about this book, I would choose something that has nothing to do with the writing. I wish that the cover more accurately portrayed what a compelling story this is. Even for e-books, covers are what catch my attention first and I think this one was just a little too dark to do justice to such a fantastic story.
November 9, 2011
Desperate to escape an arranged marriage with an abusive English Duke, Megan MacMurray settles for a fugitive from Scotland. Her plan is to keep him at arm's length. A marriage in name only.
To protect his mother and sister, the only two left in his famiy, Brodie MacCauley accepts Lady Megan's proposal. Only he has different ideas on how a marriage should work.
You can probably guess the end of this book right off the bat. While I usually love stories set in Scotland and I'm a sucker for arranged marriage stories that end with happily ever after. This one left something out. I'm not sure if I can even explain what was missing.
The characters fell flat for me. I think that the idea of the story could have been great, but it didn't evoke enough emotion for me to really "feel" it.
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. I'm giving it an okay.
To protect his mother and sister, the only two left in his famiy, Brodie MacCauley accepts Lady Megan's proposal. Only he has different ideas on how a marriage should work.
You can probably guess the end of this book right off the bat. While I usually love stories set in Scotland and I'm a sucker for arranged marriage stories that end with happily ever after. This one left something out. I'm not sure if I can even explain what was missing.
The characters fell flat for me. I think that the idea of the story could have been great, but it didn't evoke enough emotion for me to really "feel" it.
It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. I'm giving it an okay.
May 31, 2021
Review Title: Pretenses Leading to Love (review of Masquerade Marriage by Anne Greene)
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
I love this book. From the first to the last page it has high stakes of life or death ordeals, romantic tension, and a lively historical setting. As a reader unfamiliar with the the Scottish brogue, expressions, and culture within this book, I did read more slowly to get a fuller grasp on the nuances of the story. My patient and careful reading brought great reward and a sense of immersion in a distant time and place. The suspense continues through to the last chapter. As I progressed through the pages I becamee increasingly familiar and comfortable with the ways of both the Scottish Highlanders and the Lowlanders.
The character development of both Megan, the Lowland lady of the upper class, and Brody, the Highland fugitive warrior, goes deep and wide. The story reveals unexpected personality facets based on their living in the 1700s. Various settings allow the author to show the characters reactions while under pressure and when at ease. I feel like I know these people now, and I want to spend more time with them.
Anne Greene weaves spiritual motivations based on the Bible into the main character’s lives. This fits the storyline perfectly giving a positive message of how faith in God carries believers through difficult times of waiting and loss.
I won a paperback copy of Masquerade Marriage in a collaborative authors’ launch party. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. I do my reviews to help followers choose wisely when selecting their next read. I highly recommend this book for all who do not mind spending a bit more time on learning a touch of the Scottish brogue of olden days.
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 Stars
I love this book. From the first to the last page it has high stakes of life or death ordeals, romantic tension, and a lively historical setting. As a reader unfamiliar with the the Scottish brogue, expressions, and culture within this book, I did read more slowly to get a fuller grasp on the nuances of the story. My patient and careful reading brought great reward and a sense of immersion in a distant time and place. The suspense continues through to the last chapter. As I progressed through the pages I becamee increasingly familiar and comfortable with the ways of both the Scottish Highlanders and the Lowlanders.
The character development of both Megan, the Lowland lady of the upper class, and Brody, the Highland fugitive warrior, goes deep and wide. The story reveals unexpected personality facets based on their living in the 1700s. Various settings allow the author to show the characters reactions while under pressure and when at ease. I feel like I know these people now, and I want to spend more time with them.
Anne Greene weaves spiritual motivations based on the Bible into the main character’s lives. This fits the storyline perfectly giving a positive message of how faith in God carries believers through difficult times of waiting and loss.
I won a paperback copy of Masquerade Marriage in a collaborative authors’ launch party. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. I do my reviews to help followers choose wisely when selecting their next read. I highly recommend this book for all who do not mind spending a bit more time on learning a touch of the Scottish brogue of olden days.
August 25, 2026
4/5 STARS! Megan & Brody have such incredible chemistry and I love Scottish settings. This was incredibly unique with the dialogue and I enjoyed everything about it. A very good romance with a sweet Christian touch too. A lot of yearning, but no adult scenes which was nice. I loved how it played out in the end & I would recommend!
October 2, 2012
After the battle of Culloden, Lowland Lady Megan MacMurry escapes her arranged marriage to an English lord, and honors her Highland fiance's memory by saving the life of one of his fugitive men through marriage. She chooses Brody MacCauley, the only name she recognizes from a list, remembering that he was infatuated with her sister. That makes him safe. He won't be interested in a real marriage relationship with her.
This was my first Scottish historical, and I loved it! Beautiful marriage of convenience plot, iced with compelling adventure and suspense. I don't usually give away plot points (at least I try not to), but this one is revealed early on, and it made Masquerade Marriage a winner for me: Brody has been madly in love with Megan for years. When the author revealed that tidbit, I think I leaned into the book a little closer and refused to put it down for hours. It totally spiced up the story for me.
The author's accent spellings for Brody's POV slowed my reading some, but by the middle of the book I was used to them and they'd become an endearing part of Body. Meagan was a bit free-spirited for the day and age, which annoyed me, but I was so caught up in the book, her inconsiderate behavior didn't phase my enjoyment of the story at all. The conflict was fantastic, and while I ate up the characters' emotional anguish, their misunderstandings could've been easily cleared up if one had been willing to lay down their pride and share their heart. But isn't that true of real life?
From start to finish, "Masquerade Marriage" was an absolute joy to read. I loved that the author kept me guessing at how it would end, and left me gripping the book white-knuckled as the last page drew near. If you like heros in kilts and Scottish accents, give "Masquerade Marriage" a try! I picked it from the library, and plan to buy a copy for my shelf or kindle soon. ;-)
This was my first Scottish historical, and I loved it! Beautiful marriage of convenience plot, iced with compelling adventure and suspense. I don't usually give away plot points (at least I try not to), but this one is revealed early on, and it made Masquerade Marriage a winner for me: Brody has been madly in love with Megan for years. When the author revealed that tidbit, I think I leaned into the book a little closer and refused to put it down for hours. It totally spiced up the story for me.
The author's accent spellings for Brody's POV slowed my reading some, but by the middle of the book I was used to them and they'd become an endearing part of Body. Meagan was a bit free-spirited for the day and age, which annoyed me, but I was so caught up in the book, her inconsiderate behavior didn't phase my enjoyment of the story at all. The conflict was fantastic, and while I ate up the characters' emotional anguish, their misunderstandings could've been easily cleared up if one had been willing to lay down their pride and share their heart. But isn't that true of real life?
From start to finish, "Masquerade Marriage" was an absolute joy to read. I loved that the author kept me guessing at how it would end, and left me gripping the book white-knuckled as the last page drew near. If you like heros in kilts and Scottish accents, give "Masquerade Marriage" a try! I picked it from the library, and plan to buy a copy for my shelf or kindle soon. ;-)
May 10, 2011
From the beginning, the tale draws you in with vivid descriptions and scenes. Anne Greene, the author, delightfully found a way to create a plot that leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.
I picked the book up and fell deep into the mindset that I was actually in Scotland. Her use of Scottish terms, language and traditions made me feel like I was surrounded by moors and castles. My skin tingled as if I was in the story during the dangerous points of the tale.
I never once thought anything was odd or out of place throughout the story. Brody and Megan’s characters were well developed and strong willed. They had to be to survive the cruel world that Scottish Highlanders suffered in the time setting of the book.
The witty fast-paced plot left me clinging to the pages in hopes I could help save the hero and heroine. I truly enjoyed the story and I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves historical romances especially ones with handsome warriors and a woman with a cause.
I picked the book up and fell deep into the mindset that I was actually in Scotland. Her use of Scottish terms, language and traditions made me feel like I was surrounded by moors and castles. My skin tingled as if I was in the story during the dangerous points of the tale.
I never once thought anything was odd or out of place throughout the story. Brody and Megan’s characters were well developed and strong willed. They had to be to survive the cruel world that Scottish Highlanders suffered in the time setting of the book.
The witty fast-paced plot left me clinging to the pages in hopes I could help save the hero and heroine. I truly enjoyed the story and I highly recommend this book to everyone who loves historical romances especially ones with handsome warriors and a woman with a cause.
July 18, 2017
It is 1746 and noted Scottish warrior Brody McCauley finds himself injured and his father and brothers dead from a battle with the English. Even as he is forced into hiding Brody recognizes the need to protect his mother and sister from this enemy. His life is saved when Lady Megan McMurray weds him to escape an arranged marriage to an abusive noble and they enter into a a marriage in name only. Soon Brody realizes that Megan's life is also in danger and he is afraid that he will lose her! Thus begins a tale of deception, protection, immense trust and intense love. If you enjoy Scottish historical fiction you will enjoy this book and you will feel like you are in Scotland as you read the dialogue that the author has injected with rich Scottish brogue. "Masquerade Marriage" is full of action, suspense and beautiful romance and Anne Greene has also filled it with themes of faith and trust. As their masquerade marriage develops into a marriage filled with love and devotion Brody and Megan must learn to trust each other and to rely on their God for protection and guidance. This is wonderful Christian fiction!
I won a copy of this book in a contest offered by the author and The Book Club Network.
I won a copy of this book in a contest offered by the author and The Book Club Network.
June 13, 2017
Masquerade Marriage by Anne Greene is a historical romance centering around Scotland in the mid-1700s. It's a story of a Scottish war between the English and the Scots and a story about families and the things we do for those who we love. Somewhat impetuous and bold, Megan, a young Lowland woman weds a Highlander to save his life and herself from an arranged marriage to an odious man. The characters are strong and vibrant, yet not without their flaws and faults. The story line is full of action and suspense, often keeping the reader on the edge of the seat wondering how it all will turn out. Will the mismatched bride and groom fall in love? Will they even live long enough to do so? The author gives a lot of interesting history of Scotland and uses the Scottish brogue throughout giving an interesting cadence to the reading of the book. Included at the beginning of the book is also a glossary of Scottish words that might be unfamiliar to the reader. I won the book in a contest from Book Club network. I was not required to write a review and the opinions are my own.
June 18, 2025
Highlander Brody MacCaulay is injured in the battle against the English in Culloden. He wakes up on the battlefield to see his Da and brothers are dead. He has to stealthily make his way off the field, avoiding the English soldiers who are stabbing the survivors with bayonets. He ends up in a cave with a few fellow survivors. Pastor Fergus has a plan to save one of them from the English by marrying them to a Lowland lady. Megan's father is trying to marrying her off to a despicable earl who has already smacked her for trying to stop him from beating a child. There is no way she would marry him. She talks with Pastor Fergus and ends up picking Brody to sneak off and marry while everyone is celebrating her sister wedding to the Duke.
This was a lovely story of two people, thrown together, that fight their feelings and use past misconceptions to cloud their judgement. With God's grace they can find a happily ever after.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book: the opinion is my own.
This was a lovely story of two people, thrown together, that fight their feelings and use past misconceptions to cloud their judgement. With God's grace they can find a happily ever after.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book: the opinion is my own.
June 24, 2025
Loved this book!! Brody has loved Megan since he was fifteen. He knows that he's not good enough for her, so has resigned himself to the fact they can never marry. Now, though, to save his life, his mother and his sister, he must abandon his identity. Instead, he vows to protect Megan. Megan must escape an arranged marriage to an abusive noble, and the man she chooses is Brody. After all, she knows he loves her sister, so he won't mind that she's determined their marriage will be a marriage of convenience. When Brody learns that there's a price on his head, he leaves, knowing he'll never see Megan again. Love how they both are trying to do what God wants them to, once they realize they aren't doing too good, especially Megan, following their own designs. There were a few times I'd have liked to smack Megan upside the head and knock some sense into her! LOVED Brody, though!! I'd love to read a sequel!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
December 10, 2020
History comes alive in this adventurous Scottish romance written by Anne Greene. Our family lost a great deal in the Battle of Culloden and I have often wondered what it might have been like to have lived after that horrific defeat.
I was captivated by this story of bravery of both Brody MacCauley and Megan MacMurray. Brody not only fought for what he believed in at great sacrifice to himself, but he also is left with the weighty responsibility of caring for his wounded clansmen. The spirited Megan showed great fortitude in going against her family’s wishes of marrying a wealthy lord to help the condemned soldiers. The story was well crafted, bringing in history with exciting events and endearing characters. I look forward to reading other historical fiction stories by this talented author.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. I am not required to write this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was captivated by this story of bravery of both Brody MacCauley and Megan MacMurray. Brody not only fought for what he believed in at great sacrifice to himself, but he also is left with the weighty responsibility of caring for his wounded clansmen. The spirited Megan showed great fortitude in going against her family’s wishes of marrying a wealthy lord to help the condemned soldiers. The story was well crafted, bringing in history with exciting events and endearing characters. I look forward to reading other historical fiction stories by this talented author.
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. I am not required to write this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 19, 2026
I really enjoyed this story a lot. Once I started reading it, the book was hard to put down. I felt that the setting of Scotland added to the romantic nature of the tale. I appreciated the historical events which threaded throughout the novel. I liked the characters especially Megan, who fought against the men who tried to contain her adventurous spirit and Brody, who stood with his clan and his family in spite of his misgivings. With bated breath, I followed their rocky path as they learned to trust one another as their enemies walked about them and betrayal was like the knife of a guillotine hanging above their heads. I was gifted this book by the author. I chose, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this book.
August 11, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book very much. Brody is the only surviving member of his family that fought at the Battle of Culloden, and Megan is the youngest daughter of a Scottish lord. She learns of a plan to save one survivor from the British soldiers by marrying him from her pastor and chooses Brody because that's the only person she knows from the list of possible husbands. I enjoyed the danger and suspense of this book. I did get frustrated with Megan's stubbornness at times and found myself wanting to slap her upside her head, which I took as a good thing, because it kept me coming back to see what happened next.
June 29, 2025
I enjoyed this book. Will this marriage of convenience turn into more? Will secrets be kept? I have never read a book set in Scotland. I learned more about the war between the Scottish highlanders and lowlanders and their battle against England. This book was about dedication to your country and family, old relationships rekindled, war, and more. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and this opinion is my own. I did really enjoy reading the book. It was easy reading and I didn't want to put it down until the end.
March 18, 2021
An arranged marriage, a marriage of convenience, Scottish Highlanders and Lowlanders all make for a great story. This was my introduction to a Scottish novel and even though I found some of the reading dry, there was enough reading that perked my interest that kept me reading.
This was a well-written piece by Ms. Greene although it’s not my favorite of her works.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.
This was a well-written piece by Ms. Greene although it’s not my favorite of her works.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.
November 27, 2018
Great historical reading
Brought to light the horrors of the Scottish peoples during this time in history. Like all great powers the desire to control those who they feel lesser then they has brought out ugliness in man.
The love that grew during this time showed strength and sacrifice
Brought to light the horrors of the Scottish peoples during this time in history. Like all great powers the desire to control those who they feel lesser then they has brought out ugliness in man.
The love that grew during this time showed strength and sacrifice
April 19, 2021
I learned so much. Love a HEA ending.
Once again, Anne delivers an awesome work of literature. I learned so much about the history of the Scots. Many of my ancestors were Scottish and Irish with some English blended in. This makes me appreciate my ancestors all the more. Beautiful tale of love, courage and God’s provision.
Once again, Anne delivers an awesome work of literature. I learned so much about the history of the Scots. Many of my ancestors were Scottish and Irish with some English blended in. This makes me appreciate my ancestors all the more. Beautiful tale of love, courage and God’s provision.
April 28, 2021
Masquerade Marriage by Anne Greene is a captivating story of war, hate, family and love set in Scotland in 1746. I learned a lot of history relating to the war between Scotland and England that I never knew. The author is to be commended for creating such strong, courageous characters and for the historical research she did. I rated it a four.
July 2, 2025
It was an engaging story. I really liked the setting and the history in it. A perfect story for those who love Christian Highlander romance stories. The tension in the story is well written. I received a copy of this book from the author and I received no financial compensation for this review.
August 20, 2026
Loved the book! I started it this morning and couldn’t wait to finish. I’ve never read Scottish literature before but I wasn’t disappointed Anne Greene had a way with words Megan and Brody were meant to be in love and it was touch and go till the last chapter!
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my honest opinion.
April 30, 2019
Outstanding!
What a super story of faith in God and his teachings! The love that binds the families together while dealing with the horror of the English soldiers rampaging through the countryside is inspiring.
What a super story of faith in God and his teachings! The love that binds the families together while dealing with the horror of the English soldiers rampaging through the countryside is inspiring.
November 17, 2019
I just finished reading this wonderful book. I had never read any of Anne Greene's books before, but I am hooked. From the very first chapter to the last I was captivated, and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more of Anne's work.
September 11, 2020
Greene creates very intriguing characters. The heroism and selflessness of Brody is so touching. The bravery of Megan is inspiring. I thoroughly enjoyed the seldom explored historical setting of this book. Readers who enjoy the complexities of castle life and defying cast life will enjoy this book.
April 3, 2023
I had difficulty getting into this book. It started out alright but fizzled in the middle. The characters were not developed well. Things supposedly happen, but we don't know how really. Even the ending seems a jump to get there. It ends kind of alright but just not satisfying.
June 17, 2026
What a great book. I loved Brody and Megan. The story got intense at times and I would have to stop reading, but then I would pick it back up because I had to know what happened next. The story had ups and downs and a very satisfying ending.
April 12, 2011
It’s 1746 in the Scottish Highlands and Brody MacCaulay wakes to a massacre. Blinded in one eye, buried beneath his dead clansmen, he hears the clipped English voices as they walk amidst the wounded Highlanders and finish them off with bayonets. Against his urge to strike out in fury, he silently waits for them to pass. Then leaving his fallen brothers and father behind on the battlefield, he gathers other injured clansmen and makes his way to a hidden cave. If they leave, they’ll be hunted by the English. Their fight, their world, is over.
In a distant castle, Megan MacMurry mourns the loss of her fiancé who led and perished in the Highland battle. Upon her pastor’s advice, she decides to honor her fiance’s death by saving one of his men the only way possible – through marriage. Megan is sure the chosen man will be willing to trade his doomed life for a new name, new clothes, and new life as her marriage-in-name-only husband. When the list is presented to her, she chooses the only familiar name – that of a boy who teased her mercilessly until she took a club to him and his friends. No doubt, Brody MacCaulay wouldn’t remember her girlish warrior stance. And if his teasing was what she had to put up with, she’d do it for her fiance’s sake.
Of course, once Megan is introduced to the adult Brody – a man with a mind of his own who fears nothing for himself - she begins to doubt her choice. Brody has turned into a fine specimen who turns the lasses’ heads. Surely she’s not jealous!
For his part, Brody only agrees to the marriage because his sister and mother are now under his care and they’ll be safer under his protection in a castle. And no matter what Megan says, he’ll never admit to making a secret vow of love when he was but 15 yrs old and a 12 yr old female warrior with flaming red hair stood defiantly before him with a club and warned him to stop the taunting.
Totally satisfying, the end was not been what I expected. On reflection, I realized it was what I’d hoped would happen in a fleeting moment of despair. For I cried when the end was near and things had not gone as planned. I felt Brody and Megan’s loss when they realized precious time had slipped away and there was nothing they could do. And then, when I read the last paragraph of Masquerade Marriage, I smiled.
The story is one of faith in the face of adversity. Faith in God. Faith in yourself. And faith in those people God surrounds you with.
My only concern with this book was the thick Scottish brogue in the beginning chapters since the book starts in Brody’s point of view. But the farther I read, the more I began to appreciate the soft burr of his words. I knew when he was talking and began to follow his speech patterns in my mind. And after a while I didn’t want to separate the brogue from the man, because … well… that was part of Brody.
Anne Greene, I commend you on your character choice of worthy adversaries. And more.
In a distant castle, Megan MacMurry mourns the loss of her fiancé who led and perished in the Highland battle. Upon her pastor’s advice, she decides to honor her fiance’s death by saving one of his men the only way possible – through marriage. Megan is sure the chosen man will be willing to trade his doomed life for a new name, new clothes, and new life as her marriage-in-name-only husband. When the list is presented to her, she chooses the only familiar name – that of a boy who teased her mercilessly until she took a club to him and his friends. No doubt, Brody MacCaulay wouldn’t remember her girlish warrior stance. And if his teasing was what she had to put up with, she’d do it for her fiance’s sake.
Of course, once Megan is introduced to the adult Brody – a man with a mind of his own who fears nothing for himself - she begins to doubt her choice. Brody has turned into a fine specimen who turns the lasses’ heads. Surely she’s not jealous!
For his part, Brody only agrees to the marriage because his sister and mother are now under his care and they’ll be safer under his protection in a castle. And no matter what Megan says, he’ll never admit to making a secret vow of love when he was but 15 yrs old and a 12 yr old female warrior with flaming red hair stood defiantly before him with a club and warned him to stop the taunting.
Totally satisfying, the end was not been what I expected. On reflection, I realized it was what I’d hoped would happen in a fleeting moment of despair. For I cried when the end was near and things had not gone as planned. I felt Brody and Megan’s loss when they realized precious time had slipped away and there was nothing they could do. And then, when I read the last paragraph of Masquerade Marriage, I smiled.
The story is one of faith in the face of adversity. Faith in God. Faith in yourself. And faith in those people God surrounds you with.
My only concern with this book was the thick Scottish brogue in the beginning chapters since the book starts in Brody’s point of view. But the farther I read, the more I began to appreciate the soft burr of his words. I knew when he was talking and began to follow his speech patterns in my mind. And after a while I didn’t want to separate the brogue from the man, because … well… that was part of Brody.
Anne Greene, I commend you on your character choice of worthy adversaries. And more.
January 27, 2011
I love books about historical Scotland. There is something about the people and that time that tugs at my heart and challenges me at the same time. These were people not afraid to die for what they believed in. They held concepts like loyalty, family, freedom, and faith sacred. I think there is a lot to learn from them. Sometimes they were a wee bit stubborn and prideful... but there was a lot of strength and courage in heroes of Scottish history.
This story is a great example of how that sense of honor and self-sacrifice was lived out among not just the giants of history, but so many of the families. It's also a story of how many of them tried to pick up the pieces after Culloden. They had dual desires. Part of them wanted to live to protect their families and fight another day. Another part felt like it was somehow dishonorable to hide and give in to what the English wanted.
Unlike many romance novels, there was no silent, aggressive hero and a damsel in distress. Megan also didn't fit the other extreme ~ She wasn't the kind of woman who had to be in charge all the time, wear the pants in the family and didn't like being a woman. She was just a strong woman who was intelligent, capable, practical and wanted to help the patriotic men who had fought and were in danger of losing their lives. She was willing to risk her own life and happiness to do just that.
Brody fought for a cause he believed in. War changes him inside though. Afterward he isn't sure what he believes and wishes his life hadn't been spared. When he finds out that Megan has chosen him as husband to spare his life, he hopes for happiness with his friend from childhood. He soon learns that she did it as a patriotic duty and was engaged to someone else who died on the battlefield. His presence puts her family at risk and he struggles with that nearly as much as his feelings for Megan.
This story is a great example of how that sense of honor and self-sacrifice was lived out among not just the giants of history, but so many of the families. It's also a story of how many of them tried to pick up the pieces after Culloden. They had dual desires. Part of them wanted to live to protect their families and fight another day. Another part felt like it was somehow dishonorable to hide and give in to what the English wanted.
Unlike many romance novels, there was no silent, aggressive hero and a damsel in distress. Megan also didn't fit the other extreme ~ She wasn't the kind of woman who had to be in charge all the time, wear the pants in the family and didn't like being a woman. She was just a strong woman who was intelligent, capable, practical and wanted to help the patriotic men who had fought and were in danger of losing their lives. She was willing to risk her own life and happiness to do just that.
Brody fought for a cause he believed in. War changes him inside though. Afterward he isn't sure what he believes and wishes his life hadn't been spared. When he finds out that Megan has chosen him as husband to spare his life, he hopes for happiness with his friend from childhood. He soon learns that she did it as a patriotic duty and was engaged to someone else who died on the battlefield. His presence puts her family at risk and he struggles with that nearly as much as his feelings for Megan.
February 2, 2011
Handsome Highland warriors. Plaides and kilts. Brawny men and bagpipes.
The images alone increase the heart rate of many a fair maiden—and some not-so-fair and long past maidenly. There’s a certain undeniable romance associated with Scotland and all things Scottish. That said, I’m afraid I’m not one of those women whose heart beats faster at the thought of a man in a skirt.
That said, Masquerade Marriage may well have changed my mind.
White Rose Publishing’s Anne Greene brings a well-written tale of an unexpected love born amidst the chaos of war and political instability. Megan MacMurry and Brody MacCaulay didn’t get along as children, and that hasn’t changed much now that they’re both grown. Despite that lifelong, mutual animosity, the two wind up getting married to save Brody’s life, and to prevent Megan’s father from marrying her off to an obnoxious, abusive man whom the girl detests.
What happens in the days and weeks following their wedding is a page-turning kaleidoscope of emotion, action, and well-placed plot twists. Megan remains fiercely loyal to her dead fiancé, a victim of the war. Brody’s massive pride won’t let him reveal a secret he’s kept since childhood. Sparks fly high between these two stubborn Scots, and in trying to control the flames, they step a little too close to the fire. The result is a wonderful romance wrapped up in a sub-plot of secrets and danger, and served with poignancy and passion.
I enjoyed the author’s use of the Highland accent – gotta love those Scottish burrs! I found it rather unique that she stayed true to that form of speech when in Brody’s point of view, even outside quoted dialogue.
Anne Greene knows how to make history come alive, even for the reader who isn’t a history buff (like me!). Kudos to the author for a tale well told.
The images alone increase the heart rate of many a fair maiden—and some not-so-fair and long past maidenly. There’s a certain undeniable romance associated with Scotland and all things Scottish. That said, I’m afraid I’m not one of those women whose heart beats faster at the thought of a man in a skirt.
That said, Masquerade Marriage may well have changed my mind.
White Rose Publishing’s Anne Greene brings a well-written tale of an unexpected love born amidst the chaos of war and political instability. Megan MacMurry and Brody MacCaulay didn’t get along as children, and that hasn’t changed much now that they’re both grown. Despite that lifelong, mutual animosity, the two wind up getting married to save Brody’s life, and to prevent Megan’s father from marrying her off to an obnoxious, abusive man whom the girl detests.
What happens in the days and weeks following their wedding is a page-turning kaleidoscope of emotion, action, and well-placed plot twists. Megan remains fiercely loyal to her dead fiancé, a victim of the war. Brody’s massive pride won’t let him reveal a secret he’s kept since childhood. Sparks fly high between these two stubborn Scots, and in trying to control the flames, they step a little too close to the fire. The result is a wonderful romance wrapped up in a sub-plot of secrets and danger, and served with poignancy and passion.
I enjoyed the author’s use of the Highland accent – gotta love those Scottish burrs! I found it rather unique that she stayed true to that form of speech when in Brody’s point of view, even outside quoted dialogue.
Anne Greene knows how to make history come alive, even for the reader who isn’t a history buff (like me!). Kudos to the author for a tale well told.
August 11, 2011
A daring romp against a dark historical backdrop, with two strong-willed characters pitted against each other!
It’s Scotland in 1746, the day of the Culloden Battle, in which the English redcoats overran the Scottish highlanders, striking the decisive blow against Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hope of freeing Scotland. On this day, Brody MacCauley is the last surviving man of his clan, in hiding with a few other deeply injured soldiers. A local pastor brings them food and finds a way to free one of the men–by accepting marriage to Megan MacMurray, second daughter of a nearby lowland laird.
Faced with an arranged marriage to an abusive English nobleman, Megan will do nearly anything to escape her doom, right down to marrying someone else quickly before her father’s arrangements can be finalized. She believes in the highlanders’ fight and has her own warrior heart to match her flaming red hair. When she sees Brody’s name on the list, she remembers the boy who teased her mercilessly when they were children. She also remembers that he seemed to be inclined toward her older sister, but that doesn’t matter. She doesn’t actually want their marriage consummated, she just wants to escape her fate and save the life of one highlander. She chooses Brody.
Brody is prepared to protect his new wife, whom he’s loved since he was a young teen, but she defies him at every turn. Megan is independent and impetuous, always one step ahead of him…or more accurately, stepping in a slightly different direction. He’s constantly scrambling to protect her while trying to care for his remaining injured warriors and keep himself out of the British eye.
Will Brody and Megan confess their love for each other before the redcoats figure out who Lady MacMurray’s new husband really is? Will they ever be safe, or relegated to living a life of masquerade?
It’s Scotland in 1746, the day of the Culloden Battle, in which the English redcoats overran the Scottish highlanders, striking the decisive blow against Bonnie Prince Charlie’s hope of freeing Scotland. On this day, Brody MacCauley is the last surviving man of his clan, in hiding with a few other deeply injured soldiers. A local pastor brings them food and finds a way to free one of the men–by accepting marriage to Megan MacMurray, second daughter of a nearby lowland laird.
Faced with an arranged marriage to an abusive English nobleman, Megan will do nearly anything to escape her doom, right down to marrying someone else quickly before her father’s arrangements can be finalized. She believes in the highlanders’ fight and has her own warrior heart to match her flaming red hair. When she sees Brody’s name on the list, she remembers the boy who teased her mercilessly when they were children. She also remembers that he seemed to be inclined toward her older sister, but that doesn’t matter. She doesn’t actually want their marriage consummated, she just wants to escape her fate and save the life of one highlander. She chooses Brody.
Brody is prepared to protect his new wife, whom he’s loved since he was a young teen, but she defies him at every turn. Megan is independent and impetuous, always one step ahead of him…or more accurately, stepping in a slightly different direction. He’s constantly scrambling to protect her while trying to care for his remaining injured warriors and keep himself out of the British eye.
Will Brody and Megan confess their love for each other before the redcoats figure out who Lady MacMurray’s new husband really is? Will they ever be safe, or relegated to living a life of masquerade?
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