Author: Monica McCarty
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Highland Guard #11
Publication Date: 29th December 2015
Pages: 416
Book Source: Pocket Books & NetGalley
Synopsis: The first time he caught sight of Elizabeth Douglas, Thomas MacGowan thought she was a princess. To the son of the castle blacksmith, the daughter of the powerful Lord of Douglas might as well be. When it becomes clear that his childhood companion will never see him as a man she could love, Thom joins Edward Bruce’s army as a man-at-arms to try to change his lot. If he’s harbored a secret hope that he could close the gap between them, he faces the cold, hard truth when Elizabeth comes to him for help. She might need the boy who used to climb cliffs to rescue her brother from the hands of the English, but she would never see the son of a smith as a man worthy of her hand.
Karen's Thoughts:
I’m a huge fan of the Monica McCarty Highland Guard
series, but sadly I have to say that the The Rock is probably my least
favourite. Don’t get me wrong, it is still an enjoyable read with
regard to the history and Thom’s place in the Guard, but the romance side to
The Rock fell short for me and it had nothing to do with Monica’s
writing. I just didn’t like the heroine, Elizabeth.
Every time she said to Thom "Why are
you trying to confuse me and make this so difficult?" I felt
like strangling her.
Thom fell in love with the Scottish Princess for
the first time when he was just a child. He grew up with Elizabeth and her
brother and they were very close childhood friends. Thom had always held out
hope that he would prove to Elizabeth that he was worthy of her love. What
a true fairytale romance -- the Scottish Princess falls in love with the
Blacksmith’s son! Elizabeth had other ideas.
For that one treacherous heartbeat, he thought
she’d reconsidered. He was so overcome by the rush of emotion that when she
looked up at him and said “I need you,” he heard, “I want you.”
Lost in the entrancing sea of her eyes, he’d felt
himself falling. His mouth lowered, and it was only when her eyes
widened in shock at what he was doing to do that he snapped back to reality.
“I need your help,” is what she’d said.
Thom was such a strong character and even through
Elizabeth’s rejection he still pursued his desire to become someone he
believed was not only worthy for her, but for himself. Thom
certainly proved he was a more than capable Knight, but also earned his place
within The Highland Guard.
If
only Elizabeth could have seen what was right in front of her a little earlier,
I may have even liked her just a little bit.
I
have loved reading this series, it has long been a favourite and one I will
re-read many times over the years I’m sure. I can’t believe the next book in
the series, book 12 The Ghost is going to be the last!
Guest review by Karen
Connect with Monica McCarty
Bummer that it wasn't as good as the others in the series :(
ReplyDeletehaha Karen strangling Elizabeth ... Thanks for another great review. Overall I know I'll enjoy the series, who doesn't love a highlander?? I hope the final book is back up there with the best of them!!
ReplyDeleteHmm pity, I don't over like dense heroines either! I have often thought about this series, just never made the time to get acquainted. Like Sheree hope the final book is a total 'best of the series.'
ReplyDeleteOh well it has highlanders so yay
ReplyDelete