Highland Scoundrel by Monica McCarty: Review

Highland Scoundrel

by: Monica McCarty

Product Details
Pub. Date: March 2009
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
416pp

Synopsis:

Framed for a crime he did not commit, Duncan Campbell, the illegitimate son of a chieftain, has returned to the Highlands determined to clear his name after ten years in exile. He is drawn to the unforgettable sensual beauty of Jeannie Gordon, the headstrong girl who once pledged him her love, gave him her innocence, and then betrayed him. Now, in the glow of the moonlight, she defiantly shows Duncan the bad end of a pistol.

Jeannie is stunned to discover that the broad-chested brigand she just shot is the rogue who broke her heart years ago. No longer a starry-eyed girl but a woman with dangerous secrets, Jeannie cannot forgive Duncan’s shattering mistrust of her–nor can she sign his death warrant by turning him in. Soon passion flares hotter and bolder than before, sealing a fate the onetime lovers can no longer deny. Caught up in a deadly game of murder and intrigue, Jeannie is willing to risk everything for a man and a love she vows never to lose again.

First Line(s): Jeannie went to the lock on a whim, which was notable in itself. Rarely did she give in to an impulse or flight of fancy.

My Review: Duncan and Jeannie's love story is very much like the cat and mouse game. Seems like these two are always forced to prove their actions and love for one another. I loved reading the story line when it took place 10 years prior with a younger Jeannie and Duncan. Once we were brought to them as adults I will admit the story got a little old, almost redundant. One can only read so many pages of two rehasing the same old stuff.

I did love the characters in this book, belivable, raw and honest!

Maybe not the best book in the series but still worth the read. Monica McCarty knows how to write about the Highlands and romance!

My Rating: 3 stars

Highland Scoundrel fell into these reading challenges:

2011 100+ Reading Challenge

2011 2nds Reading Challenge

2011 Highlander Challenge

2011 Historical Romance Challenge

2011 Support Your Library Challenge

Until next time...

Happy Reading!

Highland Outlaw: Review

Highland Outlaw:

by Monica McCarty

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books (February 24, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345503392

First Line: One of these days his cousing was going to get them killed. Patrick MacGregor could only hope that day wasn't today.

Handsome and dangerous, Patrick MacGregor is a wanted man, possessing the tough, tenacious spirit of his outlawed clan. He will stop at nothing to save his people from destruction, even if it means marrying Elizabeth Campbell, the daughter of his worst enemy. Yet the flaxen-haired beauty disarms him from the start. Her sweet, unspoiled softness touches the cold depths of his ravaged soul–and makes him want much more than revenge.

Inside the shy and dutiful Lizzie is a passionate woman longing to emerge, a woman ready for love. So when the piercing emerald eyes and searing kiss of a stranger spark in her a desperate hunger, she surrenders to Patrick’s glorious seduction–unaware that his daring deception has just found its one and only chance for redemption: a love more powerful than hate.

Favorite Quote(s): " If there is nothing between us, then why is your heart fluttering like the wings of a butterfly? Why is your breath quickening? And why do your lips part for me?"

"Do harm to mine and I'll do worse to yours" was part of the highland credo.

My Review: Another couple classified as star crossed lovers. This was a well written story from beginning to end. I will say that while this book could stand alone it would be better if you read the first book in the series. The timeline in this book is the same as the first so a lot of the story lines we were introduced to come back in this book, just told from a different angle. Patrick plays the role of "hero" perfectly. He is everything readers long to find when they pick up a book. Elizabeth also plays a strong, determined and witty "heroine".

Monica McCarty has once again given her readers a story that keeps them up at night unable to put their book down! Bravo!

My Rating: 4 stars

Until next time...

Happy Reading!

Highland Warrior: Monica McCarty

Highland Warrior

( Campbell Trilogy #1 )

by Monica McCarty

The ruthless enforcer of Scotland’s most powerful clan, Jamie Campbell will use any means necessary to vanquish lawlessness and unrest among the feuding Highland clans. Seduction is a game as easily played as subterfuge, but when Jamie poses a as suitor to a rival clan’s daughter in order to expose treason, the line between duty and pleasure is suddenly blurred. Ebony-haired, ruby-lipped Caitrina Lamont defies him, denies him, and arouses him like no other woman.


Caitrina has no intention of forsaking her beloved father and doting brothers for a husband–especially a hated Campbell. But Jamie’s raw, sensual strength and searing kiss melt her resistance. When her idyllic world is shattered, Caitrina’s only hope to save her clan lies in the arms of Jamie Campbell, the enemy she holds accountable for its ruin. Can their tenuous truce, born in the velvet darkness of passionate nights, forge a love as strong as the sword that rules the Highlands?

First Line (s): Catrina Lamont peered into the looking glass as the young maid pinned the last section of lace ruff in place behind her neck.

My Review: Monica McCarty knows how to write a Highland romance novel. This is the first book in the Campbell Trilogy. I adored Jamie, he was everything you want your Highlander to be. Strong willed, mysterious and well hot ( and he even has a witty sense of humor, which is not something you normally see in McCarty heros)! Catrina was a bit harder to like, she was hardheaded and a bit cold. I found myself having a very hard time liking her or even feeling sorry for her. But I would change places with her in a heartbeat to have Jamie be longing to spend his nights with me! Can I get a wit woo and an Amen??

If your looking for a fast steamy and amusing read than this is a good choice!

My Rating: 4 stars

359 pages

Until next time...

Happy Reading!

Highlander Unchained: Review

Highlander Unchained

by: Monica McCarty

Lachlan Maclean will do whatever it takes to protect his clan–even if it means abducting the most willful woman in the Highlands with the secret intention of wooing her for marriage. A born searing sensual leader possessing brute strength, and an imposing command, Lachlan is unprepared for the beautiful spitfire Flora MacLeod, who jeopardizes his plans to save his clan, and digs beneath his hard, chiseled exterior to expose a tenderness that may be his undoing.

The greatest marriage prize in the Highlands, Flora is determined at all costs to avoid her mother’s fate of being bartered away as a political pawn. Vowing to make her captor pay for his ruthlessness, she boldly engages him in a battle of wills, sweetening the challenge with dangerous passion–even as the lingering curse and deadly ghosts of a past tragedy reach out to thwart a tender love that has yet to be spoken.

First Line(s): On a cold winter's day nearly a hundred years gone past, a curse was born....

My Review: If you could get past this book being a bit predicatble at times, you will find you have an endearing story with strong main characters. Main characters you felt yourself becoming attached to, very beliveable. This is a steamy read with more than one love scene, wit woo!

My Rating: 4 stars

363 pages

Find Monica McCarty on the web

Until next time...

Happy Reading!

Highlander Unmasked: Review

Highlander Unmasked

(#2 )

by Monica McCarty

Synopsis:

Alex MacLeod’s virile physique, fearsome reputation, and renowned fighting skills have helped him master to perfection the role of a hardened mercenary. On a secret mission to protect his clan, he must keep his true purpose well hidden. But his dangerous endeavor is threatened by a beautiful woman he saves from outlaws, never dreaming she will appear at court and put his plans in jeopardy.

Meg Mackinnon needs a strong husband by her side to defend her clan’s holdings, but her search has been hampered by burning fantasies of the midnight rescuer whose smoldering blue eyes and raw sensuality left her breathless. Alex pretends to be a mercenary with no loyalties, yet he is clearly much more. As Meg challenges Alex to reveal all his secrets, the stakes grow perilously high, especially for the bold woman who dares to unmask a highlander.

First Line: He was going home.

My Review: Steamy hot! I love me a good Highlander Romance, grr baby grr! It was nice having Alex as the main character. We met him in the first book. I did find myself rolling my eyes at Meg though. Not as hot as the first in the series but still hot enough to make you go to bed at night ready for the Highlander you will find in your dreams. Hey, I am pregnant... it happens!

My Rating: 4 stars

432 pages

Find Monica McCarty at her website!

Until next time...

Happy Reading!

Highlander Untamed: Review

Highlander Untamed

by Monica McCarty

Synopsis:

Rory MacLeod is a bold and powerful Highland Chief with only one allegiance–to his clan. He vows revenge against the rival MacDonald clan, though duty demands a handfast marriage to Isabel MacDonald–a bride he does not want and has no intention of keeping. But Rory couldn’t have anticipated the captivating woman who challenges his steely control, and unleashes the untamed passion simmering beneath his fierce exterior.

Blessed with incomparable beauty, Isabel MacDonald is prepared to use every means possible–including seduction–to uncover her husband’s most guarded secrets. Instead Rory awakens Isabel’s deepest desires and her sweetest fantasies. Now Isabel has found the happiness she’s always dreamed of with the very man she must betray, and discovers that passion can be far more dangerous than revenge.

First Line(s): The ground shook with heavy pounding of hooves as the score of warriors approached Dunscaith Castle.

My Review: This story takes on a lot of qualities of Romeo and Juliet ( and is even qouted at the start of the book). I loved how the two characters played so well of each other. Rory is the perfect hero figure in a romance story and Isabel is no damsel in distress, she can stand her own and as the sass to prove it!

My Rating: 4 stars

416 pages

You can find Monica McCarty on her website

Until next time...

Happy Reading!