Tag Archives: Highlander

The Highlander’s Reluctant Bride by Cathy MacRae-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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The Highlander’s Reluctant Bride by Cathy MacRae-Review, Interview and Giveaway

The Highlander's Reluctant Bride banner

The Highlander’s Reluctant Bride
by Cathy MacRae
Release Date:
Genre: Highlander, historical, romance

The Highlander's Reluctant Bride

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/

THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE (Highlander’s Bride #2) by Cathy MacRae

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 15, 2014

Determined to keep the Macrory clan holdings out of the clutches of the Lord of the Isles and marauding pirates, King Robert II sends his man, Lord Ranald Scott, to hold Scaurness Castle. There, Laird Macrory lies dying, awaiting word from his son who is missing on the battlefields of France. If the son is not found before the old laird dies, Ranald will take over as laird–and marry Laird Macrory’s headstrong daughter.

Lady Caitriona sees no reason she cannot rule the clan in her brother’s stead, and is bitterly disappointed with the king’s decision to send a man to oversee the castle and its people. Not only is Ranald Scott only distantly related to the Macrory clan, but he was her childhood nemesis. She has little trust or like for him.

Her disappointment turns to panic when the king’s plan is completely revealed and she realizes she must wed Ranald. Pirates, treachery, and a 4-year-old girl stand between her and Ranald’s chance at happiness. What will it take for them to learn to trust each other and find the love they both deserve?

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE is the second instalment in Cathy MacRae’s Highlander historical romance series. This is Lord Ranald Scott and Lady Riona Macrory’s story. Following the death of Laird Macrory, King Robert sends Ranald to Scaurness Castle to secure and assume the position of Laird. To establish ownership, Ranald is ordered to marry Lady Macrory and is not surprised when she denies any claim of marriage. The two have a prior history that goes back a number of years.

The premise focuses on the building relationship between Ranald and Riona as well as defending the castle from would be claimants-a one time friend of the former Laird: and the head of the Laird’s guards. When treachery and treason is suspected Ranald must ensure his position of authority or lose control of the castle and the men.

The relationship between Ranald and Riona began as children but neither had seen one another in years. Their attraction to one another is immediate although both deny feelings or their emotions. But Riona hides a secret that she believes will push Ranald away and in doing so will discover that her past has come back to claim what he believes belongs to him. When Riona chooses her past over her present Ranald knows that the future he promised was never going to happen.

The world building continues with the inclusion of Laird Eaden Scott (Ranald’s brother) from the first storyline. With the backdrop of Scottish castles and the salt water ocean you can feel the moisture and dew on the misty shores. The secondary characters include family, friends and enemies all carefully placed who reveal bits and pieces about the history of the family and the guards.

Cathy MacRae pulls the reader into a romantic storyline of struggle, betrayal, heartbreak and love. The Highlander storylines are always a favorite genre for many romance readers and THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE is the perfect romance read for love in the afternoon.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview orange:black

TRC: Hi Cathy and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the recent release of THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE.

Cathy: Thank you so much! It’s great to be here today. The Highlander’s Reluctant Bride is just shy of its two month birthday.

Cathy MacRaeTRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Cathy: Twitter / Goodreads Website / Facebook

Cathy: Well, like other writers, I love to read and cannot remember a time when I didn’t have a book in my hand- two or three in my desk at school as a kid, books in my car (before ereaders) for downtime while kids were at one practice or another. When I decided to start writing Scottish historical romance, a fellow writer challenged me to enter a writing competition, and the genre has stuck with me. I love it! And, really, it’s not hard to appreciate men in kilts. **J I was fortunate enough to take a trip to Scotland two years ago and will definitely go again!

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Cathy: My local writing group was my first support group. **J My current critique group is awesome and of course, there are numerous authors in my genre whose stories I love.

TRC: THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE is the March 2014 and second release in your historical Highlander Brides series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Cathy: It is a stand alone book, but if you read the first one, you would recognize the hero in this book, Ranald, as the brother of the hero in The Highlander’s Accidental Bride.The Highlander's Reluctant Bride

In The Highlander’s Reluctant Bride, King Robert II has received an urgent request from Laird Macrory to send someone to help hold Scaurness Castle, a strategic site overlooking the Firth of Clyde. Both the Lord of the Isles and marauding pirates would love to claim it for their own.*

The king sends Ranald and sets three mandates. First, secure the castle in the name of the king. Second, take over as laird if the old laird dies before his son can be found and returned from France’s battlefields. The third mandate hinges on the second. To strengthen his claim on the Macrory clan (he is distantly related), he must marry the old laird’s headstrong daughter. Unfortunately, Ranald remembers her as an annoying child he didn’t like very much. Their story revolves around their early dislike of each other as well as a few unexpected obstacles they must overcome in order for them to learn to trust and then love one another.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series? Can each of the books be read as a stand alone?

Cathy: I currently have two more in queue for the series, with a couple more possible. Each will be a stand alone, but of course it is fun to recognize characters as they weave in and out of each other’s stories.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, historical, logistics,background) did you encounter writing this particular story and series?

Cathy: The logistics of the time period are always challenging. There is the basic clan feuding to build around, but I want to include some of the issues of the time. Who was king? What were his policies? Did he support the highland clans or intrigue to keep them fighting each other? What were other notable wars/treaties/upheavals going on at this time?

TRC: Do you believe that fictional historical storylines should adhere to the ‘real history’ of the time period in the book(s)?

Cathy: To a degree, yes. I’d be happy reading something that was not historically accurate as long as the author was clear about it from the beginning.

TRC: What are your thoughts on writing a series and ending an installment with a major cliff hanger?

Cathy: I like my cliff hangers inside the book. **J There is a lot to be said about enticing readers to eagerly anticipate the next installment, but I don’t know if I’d write that way or not. I’m happier with an emotionally satisfying ending.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Cathy: One of my favorite things about writing is I’m never quite sure how the story will progress. The characters definitely direct the story for me.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Cathy: I think a good writer must engage the reader’s empathy for the hero and heroine and keep them true to their character. If a writer changes the heroor heroine’s reaction to a situation (except for an expected character change as the story progresses), the story will lose its believability. Characters with real, understandable flaws are wonderful. I think books are better with a hero and heroine who are just as fallible in the book as people would be in real life. I want to believe, no matter what happens in a person’s life, there can be a HEA.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon. How do you handle the pressures and anxiety of writer’s block?

Cathy: Usually, when writer’s block is staring me in the face, I have written a character into an unbelievable situation. It might take some rereading of the story up to that point to see where it went wrong. Occasionally I just jump to another chapter and keep writing. I can usually backtrack and fix the ‘dead spot’ later.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors or friends and family. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Cathy: My DH loves to hear my plots and is great at helping me find information. He usually does the first edits on my chapters. I often bounce ideas with my critique group, too. They are a HUGE help!

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Cathy: In The Highlander’s Reluctant Bride, a 4-year-old named Gilda is introduced. My next book is her story- twelve years later, of course. It is called The Highlander’s Tempestuous Bride.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Cathy: I am entering the arena of self-publication and career as a full-time author. I’m not sure I have time for anything else, lol! But if I do, I would love to take another trip to Scotland.

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Cathy: A few people know I worked as a tour guide at George Dickel Distillery for about a year recently. I absolutely loved the job! I met people from all over the world and learned a lot of amazing things, both about whisky and life in general.I suppose if I hadn’t moved, I’d still be there.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Cathy: Writing is such fun for me. I love interacting with readers, too. Readers can find me at my Website on Facebook or my author page at Cathy MacRae Author.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food- shrimp

Favorite Dessert- anything chocolate or ice cream (preferably Ben & Jerry’s
cookie dough)

Favorite TV Show- NCIS

Last Movie You Saw– Robin Hood with Russell Crowe

Favorite Musical Group- The John Scofield Trio (funky jazz)

Dark or Milk Chocolate- Milk chocolate

Secret Celebrity Crush- George Clooney

Last Vacation Destination- Eureka Springs, AK

Pet Peeve- poor grammar

TRC: Thank you Cathy for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE. We
wish you all the best.

Cathy: Thank you for having me here today! I’m so glad to get a chance to chat with you!

Giveaway Black and Orange

Cathy is offering the following prize package at The Reading Cafe.

-one commenter will receive the coconut soap and bookmark
-one commenter will receive a signed copy of THE HIGHLANDER’S ACCIDENTAL BRIDE
Cathy MacRae prize

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

 4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. LIKE Cathy MacRae on Facebook for an additional entry.

6. Giveaway open to USA only

7. Giveaway runs from May 16 to May 21, 2014

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Once Upon a Highland Christmas by Sue Ellen Welfonder-a review

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Once Upon a Highland Christmas by Sue-Ellen Welfonder-a review

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Once Upon A Highland Christmas
Scandalous Scots .5
by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Genre: historical, romance, Highlanders
Release Date: December 3, 2013

Once Upon a Highland Christmas

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2013

.99cents special: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

“Few writers can bring history to life like Sue-Ellen Welfonder! For anyone who loves historical fiction, the books in the Highland Warriors trilogy are a true treasure.” — Heather Graham, New York Times andUSA Today bestselling author

ONCE UPON A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS

Warrior Grim Mackintosh understands why his friend Archibald MacNab has decreed there be no trace of Christmas in his castle. After a devastating attack destroyed everything-and everyone-in Archie’s life, he prefers to stew in his own misery until the holiday passes. But Duncreag has seen enough tragedy. Grim decides to throw a grand Yuletide feast, one that the bards will sing about for years to come, one that will remind his laird how beloved he is. He can’t do it alone, though. Grim needs an accomplice . . .

There’s nothing Breena O’Doherty won’t do for Archie, so she’s thrilled to help Grim with his plan. Yet she has a Christmas wish all her own-to win Grim’s heart-and this might be her only chance to make it come true. As Breena and Grim work together to bring the joy of the season to the cold, gloomy castle and to the heart of the cantankerous chieftain, an undeniable passion ignites between them. But when a shocking secret about Breena’s past comes to light, threatening everything she holds dear, will it ruin Christmas in Duncreag forevermore?

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW .. that was a whole lot of story in a novella.

Once Upon a Highland Christmas by Sue-Ellen Welfonder is the prequel to her Scandalous Scots series. Really … she had me at Scandalous Scots. LOL A joyous read that made my heart warm and sprinkled a great dose of Christmas Cheer! 🙂

Breena O’Doherty is our Irish heroine who lives in Duncreag Castle under circumstances that she had accepted a long time ago. Her laird Archie, has lost his wife a few years ago and with that loss went the loss of anything full of joy and happiness. Once the Christmas place to be, Duncreag no longer hangs holly, mistletoe, candies fruit, sings and gets a little silly due to over indulgence of honey mead. Duncreag is a sad place now, especially during the holiday season.

Grim Mackintosh a loyal warrior of Duncreag has had enough of a sad castle. Especially is this castle has Brenna living in it. Both Brenna and Grim have been in love with each other for a long time, but feared the other would reject them. After a chance passionate embrace, Grim decides it’s time to claim the woman he loves. He decides to visit surrounding castles with Brenna in tow to convince fellows Scots to bring the joy to Duncreag and cheer Archie up once and for all.

As the joy is being spread, a secret surfaces that threatens Brenna and Grims new love. Will the Christmas magic protect them??

A short story, full of love and smexy scenes, it is so easy to love Brenna and Grim. I appreciated the old bahhumbug Archie who was totally channelling Scrooge, but we all know that even Scrooge gets his HEA! 😉

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY READING!

Review by Rachel T.

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Forged in Dreams and Magick by Kat Bastion – a Review

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 Forged in Dreams and Magick by Kat Bastion – a Review

Forged in Dreams and MagickLinks to order Forged in Dreams and Magick:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Description:
Isobel MacInnes wakes up in present-day California, lunches in medieval Scotland, and by ten days’ end, falls in love with a man and his country, only to lose them in a heart-wrenching twist of fate . . .

Found in the arms of her second soul mate . . .

Forced to balance the delicate strands of time between two millennia . . .

Shocked by revelations rewriting the very foundations of history . . . of everything.

Isobel, a rising-star archaeology student, is dropped into two ancient worlds without warning . . . or her permission. Her fiery spirit resists the dependency thrust upon her. Amid frustration at her lack of control, she helplessly falls in love. Twice.

She struggles to adjust to the unimaginable demands of two leaders of men—a laird in the thirteenth-century Highlands and a Pict chieftain in a more ancient Scotland. Isobel transforms from an academic, hell-bent on obtaining archaeological recognition, to a woman striving to care for those she loves, and ultimately . . . into a fearless warrior risking everything to protect them.

Review:

Isobel MacInnes is an archaeology student that finds an amazingly ornate box after she veers off the road to avoid a flock of sheep.  She was excited because she thought she had found something that would propel her archaeology career to new heights.  Little did she know that she would be propelled into another time and place.  Twice. 

While Isobel was at the archaeology department, waiting to show her professor the box, she met her Highlander friend there, Iain Brodie.  Ohhhh what a man.  Isobel was so attracted to him she could hardly stand it.  She had invited him to the department so she could show him the box she found.  She thought he might know information about it because the box had the same symbols that she had seen Iain wear on his Scottish plaid. One minute they are discussing the box, the next he is kissing her.  Their hands accidentally touch the box and they both get transported to thirteenth century Scotland. 

WOW. I need to find a magical box like that……..just sayin’. 

Considering that Isobel just got poofed into another time and place, she actually handles the news really well.  Iain knows a lot about the magical, time traveling box but he doesn’t reveal what he knows right away.  He tells her the box has the power to help the lairds of his clan (Iain is a laird of his clan, by the way) find their soul mate.  Time travel. Thirteenth Century Scotland.  Soul mated with a sexy Scottish Highlander.  Hmmm.  Interesting. 

Isobel spends the next days absorbing all about Iain, his clan and his castle. She falls for Iain and loves being with his family in Scotland.  They marry and Isobel feels like she has found her home.  So you know what that means???  Time to mess things up!  Isobel touches the box again and gets zapped through time and wakes up still in Scotland but during the ancient reign of the Picts.  A loooong time ago.  No Iain. 

She meets Velloc and in the beginning she resisted him but eventually she fell in love with him.  Apparently the box poofed her to Velloc’s time to be HIS soul mate.  Isobel is in love with two men.  She doesn’t want to choose between the two but she doesn’t even know if she can get back to Iain, but she has to try.  Ok, that’s all I’m saying about the story, I don’t want to give too much away.  Now here’s my review of the book.

I love Highlander stories.  Hunky men, soul mates, forever love……every young girl’s dream.  The time traveling made the story really interesting. I’ve read other Highlander books where the Highlander time travels or has lived for centuries, but never where the heroine gets to time travel. The most unusual part was Isobel having two soul mates.  It’s such an unexpected element and it made me realize that I had no idea what to expect as I turned each page.  Isobel is a strong character and handled traveling through time like a champ.  She’s tough and she fights for her men. The writing is so descriptive, Kat made it very easy to picture the scenes as I was reading.  This was a great story that I enjoyed very much.  Who does Isobel end up with?  You’ll have to read and find out!

Reviewed by Tricia

Copy provided by Author

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The Highlander’s Accidental Bride by Cathy MacRae-a review

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THE HIGHLANDER’S ACCIDENTAL BRIDE by Cathy MacRae-a review

the Highlander's Accidental Bride

Amazon

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASED February 27, 2013

Chaos reigns between the Scott and Barde clans in 14th century Scotland. To end the generation’s long feud, King Robert II of Scotland decrees EADEN, LAIRD SCOTT, and Lady Miriam Barde wed with all haste. When marriage negotiations break down, King Robert threatens Eaden with the loss of lands and title. Forced to take matters into his own hands, the laird kidnaps his bride, only to find the young woman he mistakenly drags to his marriage bed is not Laird Barde’s daughter, but her lady companion.

MARY MARSH fights for her freedom from the laird and the unwanted marriage, refusing to accept her new life as Lady Scott. Realizing his error, Laird Scott develops an attachment to the feisty young woman he has accidentally married. Can he win her heart and convince her she is more than just a ‘duty’ to him? Or will the bond forged between the lady’s companion and the laird be destroyed by secrets and the feud that will not be laid to rest?

**********************

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S ACCIDENTAL BRIDE by Cathy MacRae is a storyline written in the highlander historical romance genre. The story begins as Laird Scott and the woman he presumes to be Lady Miriam Barde are forced to wed to ensure Scott retains possession of his lands. But when the Laird discovers that the woman he kidnapped and to whom he is now married is not the Barde’s daughter, the couple must endeavor to keep secret their accidental marriage or fight one another for freedom at all costs. If the truth is revealed the Laird will lose everything including the woman with whom he is falling in love. The anguish and heartbreak of knowing she is not the woman to whom the Laird was supposed to wed, will force Mary into a lifestyle she has only experienced from the sidelines in her former life.

The reader is taken on a journey with two people wanting something in their lives but neither one knows where to look. As the storyline develops we watch as Laird Scott softens towards the woman he now calls wife, but in doing so places his new wife at risk for retaliation by his former lover. And Mary will soon discover that a woman she wants to call a friend will set plans in motion to separate Mary from the Laird on a permanent basis.

Mary and Eaden’s (Laird Scott) relationship is one built on need as well as forced circumstances. When the Laird approaches the King for a divorce, he becomes suspicious when the King refuses his requests and demands to meet the new Lady Scott. Something about Scott’s new wife is familiar to the King. Laird’s only alternative is to seduce his young bride as only a husband knows how but when betrayal forces Mary to seek out a former friend, a declaration of war will pit Laird Scott against the man Mary once considered family.

The Highlander’s Accidental Bride is a wonderful story of heartbreak and loss, love and hate. Cathy MacRae gives us a fascinating peek into the lives and loves of the historical highland warriors. If you are a fan of historical highlander storylines, The Highlander’s Accidental Bride is the perfect read.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

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Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks-a review

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Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks-a review

HIghlander Most Wanted

Order Links: Amazon/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

The Montgomerys and Armstrongs – Book 2

About the book: Released March 19, 2013

Genevieve McInnes is locked behind the fortified walls of McHugh Keep, captive of a cruel laird who takes great pleasure in ruining her for any other man. Yet when Bowen Montgomery storms the gates on a mission of clan warfare, Genevieve finds that her spirit is bent but not broken. Still, her path toward freedom remains uncertain. Unable to bear the shame of returning to a family that believes her dead or to abandon others at the keep to an imposing new laird, Genevieve opts for the peaceful life of an abbess. But Bowen’s rugged sensuality stirs something deep inside her that longs to be awakened by his patient, gentle caress—something warm, wicked, and tempting.

Bowen seizes his enemy’s keep, unprepared for the brooding and reclusive woman who captures his heart. He’s enchanted by her fierce determination, her unusual beauty, and her quiet, unfailing strength. But wooing her will take more than a seasoned seducer’s skill. For loving Genevieve, he discovers, means giving her back the freedom that was stolen from her—even if it means losing her forever.

Review:

Highlander Most Wanted begins right after Never Seduce a Scot. Bowen, along with a contingent of Montgomerys and Armstrongs, is sent to the McHugh Keep to deal with the aftermath of Ian McHugh having kidnapped his brother and Laird’s wife, Eveline. Immediately upon his arrival at the McHugh Keep, he and his entire group encounter a small boy at the entrance of the keep. And, almost immediately a beautiful, mysterious woman appears to shield the boy and confront the Mongtomerys. Bowen is instantly intrigued, especially when she, Genevieve turns and he sees the horrid scar on the side of her face. Genevieve holds her ground then returns to the McHughs in the courtyard.

Once Bowen and the others enter the keep, he ascertains, rather quickly, that Genevieve is not well liked among her clansmen. She does, however, have one who is fierce in her support, Taliesan. To say that Bowen is livid over the fact that most of the male McHughs have fled, including their laird, and left the others with no real ability to defend themselves is the understatement of the year. And, once Genevieve’s story unfolds, Bowen is furious as to how anyone, male or female, could have held any of what happened to her against her. Seems, he has his work cut out for him. Because he already knows………… Genevieve will be his.

I always fear that those who read my reviews of Maya Banks’ stories think I am just being melodramatic. But, I’m not. NO ONE, in my humble opinion, writes these historicals like her. I always go into her new books with a bit of apprehension. After all, there is no way to top the previous book, right? 110% wrong!! I’ve said it before, I do not know how in the hell she does it. The way the battle scene plays out was genius. And, just the fact that Bowen doesn’t know for a little while what exactly happened makes it all the better. And, the way Genevieve finally comes to realize that she is entitled to be loved, feel protected and just be happy is amazing. To see her rise above the atrocities that were so egregiously heaped upon her will make anyone’s heart swell with pride.

I loved how the Montgomerys and the Armstrongs acted as one. And, hey, who would complain about more hot Scots?? Bowen is the quintessential hero. Strong, loving and oh so loyal to those he loves. Once again, I worship at the alter that is Maya Banks and can’t wait for the next installment!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts-Guest Post and Giveaway

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X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts-Guest Post and Giveaway

XMarkstheScot-promo



Click HERE for our review of X Marks The Scot by Victoria Roberts

It’s wonderful to be back at The Reading Café today. Thanks so much for having me.

Today is Release Day for X Marks the Scot, and I’m so happy to be here to share it with you. The second book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series starts off where Temptation in a Kilt left off. Declan MacGregor is charged with escorting the bloody Campbell’s sister to the English court. And he’s not happy.

Declan was so much fun to write, especially since he’s the biggest bad boy of the series. His character was loosely based on Ian Somerhalder’s character on The Vampire Diaries, Damon Salvatore. Although Declan sometimes takes it a bit more over-the-top than Mr. Salvatore, deep down, the man has a big heart and I’ll think readers will recognize that, too.

On the other hand, Lady Liadain Campbell has had enough of men and their games. When she’s thrown together with the infamous MacGregor rogue, sparks fly, tempers flare and attraction is hard to resist, even though she tries.

X Marks the Scot Blurb:

He was a Highland Rogue—Wicked with a Bow and Arrow and Just as Wicked with the Ladies.

Declan MacGregor hadn’t a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and a willing woman…until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can’t just abandon her to that vipers’ nest without protection.

She Never Asked for a Bodyguard…

Liadain wasn’t thrilled to be left in the care of her clan’s archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows even sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only one she can trust…

Excerpt:

“Get up, ye whoreson.” 

Praying he was still in an ale-induced state and only dreaming, Declan MacGregor of Glenorchy slowly opened his eyes as he felt the prick of cold steel against his throat. A man with graying hair at his temples stood a hairbreadth away from the bed, dagger in hand. 

A muscle ticked in the man’s jaw. “Get up,” he said through clenched teeth. 

The blonde in the bed next to Declan—what was her name?—gasped and tugged up the blanket to cover her exposed breasts. Her eyes widened in fear. 

“Ye defiled my daughter,” the stranger growled. 

Declan raised his hands in mock surrender. “I assure ye that I didnae.” He stole a sideways glance at the woman and silently pleaded for his latest conquest to come to his aid. 

“Papa?” The fair-skinned beauty sat up on the bed. “What are ye doing here?”  

Glancing at his daughter, the man spoke in clipped tones. “This whoreson had ye and will wed ye.”  

“Now just a bloody minute. I…”  

Whipping his head back around, the enraged father glared at Declan, repositioning the dagger—much lower. Feeling the contact of the blade, Declan took a sharp intake of breath while the woman sprang from the bed as though it was afire. Hastily, she grabbed her clothing and started to don her attire.  

He silently chuckled, realizing the irony of the moment. What would Ciaran think? Declan had chosen to remain at court to escape his older brother’s scrutiny, now only to be thrown deeper into hot water. In fact, it was scalding.  

The fair-colored lass rolled her eyes at her father. “Really, Papa, ye must cease your attempts at matchmaking. I donna wish to wed him.”  

She pulled on her father’s dagger-held hand, thankfully removing the blade from the most favorite part of Declan’s anatomy. He breathed a sigh of relief when he reached down and felt that his most prized possession was still intact.  

What the hell had he gotten himself into? The gods knew he had needs, but if he wasn’t more selective of the women he bedded, the fairer sex would surely be the death of him.  

He needed to escape.  

Declan threw back the blankets, stood, and quickly tossed his trews into the air with his foot. While father and daughter were huddled in deep conversation, he donned his trews, pulled on his tunic, grabbed his boots, and simply walked out—unnoticed and unscathed. 

Praise for X Marks the Scot:

5/5 – Reviewer Top Pick
“Enthralling Highlander romance. One of the best Highlander stories I’ve ever read. This is one author who just keeps on getting better.”

―Night Owl Reviews

“For a complex story brimming over with pride and passion, betrayal, trust and most of all the power to make a bad boy a hero, pick up this read.”

―RT Book Reviews/4 ½ Star Review

Victoria RobertsAbout Victoria Roberts:

Victoria Roberts writes sexy, Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was named by RT Book Reviews as “one of the most promising debut authors across the genres” and is also a 2012 Reviewers Choice Nominee for Best First Historical novel for her debut, Temptation in a Kilt.

Her second novel, X Marks the Scot, will be released February 2013 and the third, To Wed a Wicked Highlander, September 2013.

Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America®, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Western Pennsylvania Romance Writers, as well as a contributing author to the online magazine, Celtic Guide.

Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of nineteen years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish romp, she enjoys reading, nature, and antiques.

Celtic Guide: www.thecelticguide.com

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SOURCEBOOKS is offering a copy of X MARKS THE SCOT to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

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3. Please answer the question: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE BAD BOY?

4. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only.

5. Giveaway runs from February 5-10, 2013

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The McCabe Trilogy by Maya Banks-a review

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The McCabe Trilogy by Maya Banks

This series is about a trio of brothers:  Ewan, Alaric and Caelen McCabe, who are readying for battle in order to save their land.  There is a series of “accidents” that happen throughout this series orchestrated by Duncan Cameron in his quest to acquire land to be the strongest laird among all of the clans.  Will he succeed?

In Bed with a Highlander – Book 1

Ewan McCabe, laird of their keep, is readying his clan for battle.  The McCabe keep has fallen on hard times and he is determined to keep his clan safe from a threatened war from rival clans.  Food is scarce and the clan is starting to lose hope.

Mairin, illegitimate daughter of King David, has hidden out in an abbey for years.  Her dowry alone makes her a prime target.  Duncan Cameron has been looking for her in order to force a marriage between them in order to take control of her dowry.  Unfortunately, they find her.  After she is taken, she discovers a small boy, Crispin, and fights tooth and nail to keep the boy safe from Duncan’s men.  The two of them escape and are finally found by the McCabes.  Crispin turns out to be Ewan McCabe’s son.

Once they arrive at the keep, Mairin is wary of everyone around her, scared they will discover who she is.  Not only does she have a wealthy dowry, she also has power, being the daughter of the King.  Ewan is instantly intrigued with Mairin and eventually figures out who she is.  He proposes marriage and promises to give her a home and keep her safe.  Mairin is impulsive, strong-willed and falls hopelessly in love with Ewan.  Crispin is over the moon happy when his dad and Mairin marry.  And Ewan soon discovers that he is in love with Mairin and will do anything to make her happy and keep her safe.  Even though she makes him crazy with her stubborn ways.

Seduction of a Highland Lass – Book 2

Alaric McCabe is set to marry Rionna McDonald, daughter of a laird of a neighboring clan.  They both are entering into the union to strengthen each of their clans.  When Alaric sets out on his trip to the McDonald keep, he is attacked and left for dead. 

Keeley McDonald has been banished from the McDonald keep and lives on the fringes of their land.  She misses her family and her best friend, Rionna, fiercely.  She finds Alaric and nurses him until his clan tracks him down.  Keeley travels back to the McCabe keep, where she continues to nurse Alaric back to health.  He fights his attraction to her, knowing that he must fulfill his duty to his clan by following through with the arranged marriage.  And, Keeley can no longer deny that she has fallen for Alaric.  A series of accidents happen, which turn out to be attacks and Keely is wounded.  Once they are both healed, they can no longer deny their feelings for each other. 

Never Love a Highlander – Book 3 (and the final one, *sniff*)

In order to ensure the safety of their clan, Caelen McCabe agrees to marry Rionna McDonald, even though, he is convinced that all women, except for his brothers’ wives, are not trustworthy and has vowed to never love again.

He travels to the McDonald in order for the marriage to take place.  And the chaos he finds at the keep does not amuse him.  The clan members are at each others’ throats and several do not know the meaning of loyalty. Rionna is different from any woman Caelen has ever encountered.  She trains and fights with her clan.  When Caelen menacingly demands that she stay out of harm’s way, she is devastated. She is truly a warrior at heart.

They finally come to an understanding and Rionna sees that Caelen is broken and is scared to love again.  They start to trust each other and eventually break through each other’s defenses and fall madly in love.  This all builds up to the final confrontation with Duncan Cameron, who is dealt with once and for all, and Rionna plays an instrumental part in what happens.

I think that I may have mentioned that I love Maya Banks in previous reviews, but this trilogy made me bow to her!!  There are no words strong enough to tell you how much I love this series.  I fell madly in love with all three brothers.  They are all fierce warriors and tender lovers.  And, don’t even get me started on their sense of honor.  The interaction with the main characters, as well as their clan members is touching.  They will do anything to keep all of them safe and prosperous.  There are fierce battles and such loving moments in all of the books. That said, Seduction of a Highland Lass is one of my top three all-time favorite books.  To say I cried like a baby SEVERAL times is a huge understatement.  In my humble opinion, it is so very well written, as they all are, but this one struck a nerve with me.  The tender emotion that Maya Banks conveys in this book sent me right over the edge and cemented her place with me.  If I had to pick just three authors to read for the rest of my life, she would be definitely be one of them.  Simple, emotional and sexy as hell.  If you haven’t read this trilogy, you are missing out.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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