The Hunter by Monica McCarty ~ Review & Giveaway

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Highland Guard #7
Publication Date: 25th June 2013
Pages: 400
Book Source: TLC Book Tours & NetGalley

Synopsis: The war for Scotland’s freedom continues as King Robert the Bruce battles on. At his command is an elite army of trained warriors, soldiers dedicated to their king, their country—and to the remarkable women they love.

Prized for his unbeatable tracking skills, Ewen “Hunter” Lamont accepts a dangerous assignment: locate a missing undercover courier. But this is no ordinary target. Ewen has met his prey before as “Sister Genna,” a fiery, forbidden woman forever etched in his memory after one stolen, sinful kiss. Now that he knows her real identity, he’s more determined than ever to keep her safe. But without the protection of the veil between them, fighting the allure of the beautiful lass may be the toughest battle this extraordinary warrior has ever faced.

After her ill-fated attempt three years ago to rescue her twin sister, Janet of Mar has found salvation acting as a royal messenger—until she surrenders to a darkly handsome warrior whose rough, sensual kisses stir feelings the woman in her can’t deny. But when betrayal leads to danger, and a crucial communiqué is put in jeopardy, Janet has no choice but to put her faith in the hunter who can find anything—perhaps even her heart.

Karen's Thoughts:

I often tell people that my reader’s heart belongs in Scotland. It was reading Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series that got this very tired mother of three young boys back into reading after many years of not having read a single page of a book. Even though I have now broadened my reading library to include many other genres, I am always looking for an enjoyable Scottish Historical romance.

When I pick up one of Monica McCarty’s newest releases, I know two things, first … I’m going to love it and second I’m going to have to read the book twice. The reason being, when I read it the first time I devour the story with desperation to find out what happens, so I then need the re-read to savour all the lovely details.

The best ‘formula’ that ticks all the boxes for me is a good balance of real historical events intertwined with adventure and romance. Monica McCarty is one of the best. For me she finds the perfect balance of historical events mixed with the lives of wonderful fictional characters (fictional really? ... I prefer to think that these brave Warriors and their loves really did walk the paths of Scotland’s history). 

Ewen was easy to admire and fall in love with ... even though he may have been a little awkward with his social skills. Ewen’s lady love is Janet of Mar, the twin sister of Mary of Mar who we met in the previous book.  Ewen manages to botch his description of how he can tell the difference between Janet and Mary…

“She was looking at him, shaking her head.   “You’d better not let my sister hear you say that.  I don’t think she’d appreciate being called ‘round.’”

He frowned, perplexed.  What was wrong with round?

Sutherland explained.  “Women who’ve just had babies can be sensitive about their weight.”

“She didn’t just have a baby.  William is seven months old already.”

There was a collective groan, the four of them giving him pitying looks, apparently having given up on explaining.

If you enjoy historical romance set in Scotland then you cannot go past Monica McCarty.  Without a doubt Monica’s Highland Guard series easily earns 5 stars. 

Guest review by Karen Barr

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Giveaway:

I'm thrilled to offer readers the chance to win a copy of THE HUNTER. Just leave a relevant comment or question along with your email address. US Only sorry peeps

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Giveaway ends 21st July and winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!