Title: The Raider
Series: Highland Guard #8
Author: Monica McCarty
Publishing date: 25th February 2014
After consolidating his gains against the enemy English, King Robert the Bruce of Scotland sends his best soldiers to fortify the lawless borders. These legendary warriors of the Highland Guard let nothing come before king and country - except the calling of their heart.
Of all Bruce’s elite warriors, Robert “Raider” Boyd is the most formidable. A true patriot whose bare hands are a deadly weapon, Robbie is the fierce enforcer of the Guard, and his hatred of the English has been honed to a razor-sharp edge. But vengeance proves bittersweet when his enemy’s beautiful sister falls into his hands and he finds himself fighting temptation - a battle he badly wants to lose.
Lady Rosalin Clifford barely recognizes the rebel prisoner she saved from execution six years ago. Though her girlish ideals for fairness have matured into a passion for justice, Rosalin believes she betrayed her brother when she helped this dangerous man escape. Now her traitorous act has come back to haunt her. But she can’t deny the longing this tormented warrior ignites in her, or deny the passion that turns sworn enemies into lovers. Is the gentle love of a true English Rose enough to free Scotland’s most brutal warrior from a path of vengeance - before it’s too late?
I’ve missed so much the world Monica McCarty has created! Now, let me give you 10 reasons why you should read this book and this series:
1. Usually I start with the hero because, let’s be fair, I am a heterosexual female who digs hot dudes *and very mature too ;;)*. In this book Rosalin, the heroine, won me: she is smart, inventive, isn’t afraid to breech difficult subjects and she stands for what she believes in. I admire her greatly.
2. Robbie, the hero. He’s a bit slow on the uptake and definitely has PTSD from all the years he fought, and is still fighting, but he’s generous, a bit grumpy, loyal and when he sets his mind on something he can’t really be budged. He’s also gentle and, at heart, hates war, though he’s very good at it
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| Robbie when he was in a snit |
3. The setting: Ms McCarty sets the scene in such a way that you feel you’re there! The small details about the clothes, the geography, the food, everything, just helps you immerse yourself in the story.
4. Alex Seton. Oh he was such a gentleman, even when it didn’t work for him(almost all the time to be fair), but he didn’t let himself be daunted, he didn’t change his code for anything. I hope he gets a book and everyone understands his decisions
5. The camaraderie between the Guard, I’ll always love it
6. The historical accuracy. I know that if I want to google some historical battle or person to learn more about them, they actually exist! In how many HRs can you find this?
7. Rosalin and her love for her brother, and vice versa. Her brother chose to do what was right for her and her happiness, it doesn’t happen often, especially in medieval romances.
8. Seeing characters from the other books that had their HEA. I like seeing them thriving and going on with their lives, it makes their stories believable.
9. The author’s note. Ms McCarty writes the bets notes I have ever seen! She explains where she took poetic license with the characters and what inspired her to write them.
10. Rosalin and Robbie’s love story. It actually started before the book and they didn’t even notice. She was looking for him in every man she met and he kept thinking of the woman who saved him and who gave him a little hope in the people he fought for. She had to fight for him, but, at the same time, didn’t give in to his demands or attempts to rule her. He was an idiot who didn’t see what he had till he lost it, but he redeemed himself with a really stupid, and romantic for those times, gesture.
BONUS: How the strongest man in Scotland, aka Robbie, almost fainted! I couldn’t stop laughing!!!
Conclusion: This series is a must read for loves of historical romance, Scottish dudes and people looking for a greatly written story!
Rating:
Hmm. I think I have a few of hers sitting around the house. Will have to dig around and find them!
ReplyDeleteYou should :D I only have 4 of her books left to read, from another series, and I'm hoarding them :))
ReplyDeleteInstantly became a fan of Monica McCarty after reading The Recruit (Highland Guard #6). I have Hunter and The Raider waiting patiently to be read.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't already, you should totally read 1-5 :)
ReplyDelete