Monday, February 17, 2014

Review: The Raider by Monica McCarty

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Highland Guard #8
Publication Date: 25th February 2014
Pages: 432
Book Source: Random House & NetGalley

Synopsis: 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?

Karen's Thoughts:
If you’ve read my reviews of Monica’s books in the Highland Guard series here at The Eclectic Reader before, you’ll know how much I love historical romance set in Scotland, and how much I love Monica’s books. The Highland Guard series is one of my favourites and I haven’t lost my enthusiasm for this series as it progresses.

The Raider was a fabulous addition to this series and does not disappoint, in fact The Raider could be one of my favourite books in this series.

Robert “Raider” Boyd is just the right mix of hero in this story. He can be sweet and loving and he is fiercely loyal to the cause, but also there are times when you really want to whack him upside the head for being such a jerk. That doesn’t bother me in the slightest and I think it is an essential quality to be a bit of an ass when you are a fierce Highland Warrior fighting for your country’s freedom from the much hated English. Rosalin was the perfect match for Robbie, and I really loved her character.

This story is fast paced and kept me hooked from the very first page. Sometimes its easy to get lost in historicals when there is too much politics and historical facts taking away from the romance of the story. Monica McCarty has the perfect formula for a very enjoyable historical romance.

I feel extremely lucky that I get the opportunity to review Monica’s books through Netgalley but I also purchase Monica’s books in print because I just know that they will be books I will re-read for many years to come. In fact after reading her latest, it always makes me want to go back to The Chief (the first book in this series) and re-visit with all the members of the Highland Guard.

Can I give more than 5 stars?? 

Gregor “Arrow” MacGregor is up next, due for release in August 2014.


Guest review by Karen


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7 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. I don't get to read a lot of Highlanders these days Blodeuedd but they are still a favourite…I am hoping with the filming of the Outlander series that Highlanders will become the flavour of the month once again.

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  2. Wow, WOW Can I skip straight to this one or should I really start at the beginning?? Thanks for the wonderful review Karen ... I think it's time for a highland warrior ;)

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    1. This is a series that is well worth starting from the beginning…but I'm sure if you started with this one Teddyree you'd soon want to see where it all started!

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  3. Great review, Karen! You make me want to rush out and get a copy right now. Instead I'll see if my library has it :)

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