Status
Call number
Series
Genres
Collections
Publication
Description
Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML:New York Times bestselling author Monica McCarty continues her Highland Guard series in this eleventh steamy historical romance set against the sweeping backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. 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.… (more)
User reviews
Thom is the son of a blacksmith but had spent a good part of his youth with the Lord of Douglas' young son Jaime and his sister Elizabeth. They were parted as the children were sent to live elsewhere.
The opportunity to join Bruce's army arrives and he takes it. He hopes he'll be able to raise himself, make himself a better prospect - if not maybe forget her.
This was a good story. Thom's struggle was heart rending. I didn't like Elizabeth much, with out giving too much away, she was very obtuse and a little selfish.
There's a lot of thrills and suspense in the plot. I wanted to bop Elizabeth a time or two and shake Thom. But all in all I loved the book and highly recommend it. 5/5
The fairytale was not going to come true. No matter how hard he tries, even when he climbs up into the princess's tower, Thomas MacGowan learns early on that Elizabeth Douglas, daughter of Lord Douglas can never be for him. Childhood friends, Thom
Rejected, Thom joins Bruce's army still dreaming that he might one day be in a position to offer for Elizabeth.
Meantime, Elizabeth has outgrown childhood fancies and is determined to marry for position and power.
When her younger brother is imprisoned by the English, Elizabeth asks Thom, who has the uncanny ability to climb sheer rock faces, to attempt his rescue.
Thom's talent brings him to the attention of Bruce's secret army--The Highland Guards, but will this bring him to Elizabeth's attention? Oh, Thom has Elizabeth's womanly attention despite her rationality--something she fights hard.
Given the secret name of The Rock, Thom is revealed as so much more--solid, unwavering and committed. Indeed Thom's skill was to be a turning point in Bruce's plans for overthrowing the English and in taking Roxburg and Edinburg castles.
MacCarty's expose on the hierarchy in the society of the times is fascinating. I love her attention to detail.
I really liked Thom. I actually wondered if Elizabeth was worthy of him. Fortunately Thom thought she was. I will admit to being frequently out of charity with Elizabeth. Sure I understand her reasoning (given her childhood insecurities). She leads Thom and herself a merry dance as she fights her desire for wealth and position over love.
Initially this story didn't for me quite have the verve of others in the series, but as the story unfolded it revealed itself as an interesting addition, both frustrating and yet complex, different and immensely enjoyable.
A NetGalley ARC