Status
Call number
Series
Genres
Collections
Publication
Description
Fiction. Romance. Historical Fiction. HTML: AN ELITE FIGHTING FORCE UNLIKE THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN . . . Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all. The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland's war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one--especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor's bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart. Although her husband's reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina's reckless bid to win her husband's love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart--before it's too late. From the Paperback edition..… (more)
User reviews
AN ELITE FIGHTING FORCE UNLIKE THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN . . .
Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their
The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland’s war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor’s bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart.
Although her husband’s reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina’s reckless bid to win her husband’s love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart—before it’s too late.
My Review:
"William Wallace is dead."
Not a bad way to start a novel and the scene that follows with Robert Bruce lays out the political scene in 1305 Scotland fairly well and sets up a potentially good story. But that story suffers in the execution. It's not actually badly written, although it probably could have been 100 pages shorter. The main problems are a heroine that is too wimpy, a hero that is too thick-headed, cliched characterizations, and too much time spent on "pirate" military training. Hot sex scenes, though. But with so many romance novels and so little time, I probably won't read another by this author.
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
Set right after William Wallace’s execution, King Edward, the mighty Hammer of the Scots, is on the throne of England and Scotland, but Robert the Bruce is trying to stake his claim as King of Scotland, so he
I just couldn’t buy this. The story didn’t ring true, and here’s where I lost all interest in it. The premise of Navy SEALs of the Highlands working for Robert the Bruce was plain silly. For me, reading this book was a slow and arduous process, and I was trying to figure out why. Is it the writing or the characters I had a hard time with? I believe it’s both. I found myself not liking Christina one bit. Her ‘naïve’ and ‘spirited’ nature seemed forced and not natural. As for Tor, I got annoyed with him and couldn’t understand his reasons for always keeping his emotions to himself.
In my opinion, the story felt rushed and not quite developed, so at times it read flat. Even the characters, and there are many, were not as developed or as rounded-off as they should have been, and that’s why I had a hard time keeping up. So at the end, I’m blaming poor execution, a wimpy and childish heroine, and a stubborn hero for my disappointment in this read.
To be fair, the author takes the time at the end of the book to explain a few things to us through her notes, but even that didn’t help me to understand or like THE CHIEF any better.
Melanie
I must admit that I was very impressed with it; Monica McCarty transformed reality into a delightful romance, full
Well, it's a romance inspired by the Navy Seals of Suzanne Brockmann (another one of my favorites) but it has a light of its own.
For those who like their historical with fierce Highlanders mixed with facts, this is the author you want.
It all started with the death of William Wallace at the hands of Edward Plantagenet. Scotland is divided, for some clans Edward is their rightful king, for others the rebellion is the only way to conquer Scotland again.
Robert, the Bruce, is by Scotland "laws" the rightful king of Scotland but he faces some difficulties in the support of all the clans. Raised as a knight, Robert changes tactics to win a war that cannot (almost) be won and with the help of Bishop Lamberton, one of the most powerful Bishops on Christendom, summons a small group of the best Highlanders warriors known by their pirate tactics.
Tor MacLeod has no desire to be involved in the war and answers to no one but when his clan is in danger and when he finds himself in a difficult position, the only way to get peace in his clan is by marrying Christina Fraser, a bride he doesn't want but who brings not only a big dowry but the opportunity to lead a team of the ten greatest warriors in all Scotland.
Christina Fraser is abused by her father and used in an evil scheme to make Tor MacLeod marry her but still she dreams of her Lancelot and love everlasting. By being young and naive, she tries to be the best wife and lady of the keep, but by trying to help and to make Tor love her and notice her, the only thing she does is pushing him away.
In the end, some decisions are going to be made not only in their marriage but also for the good of Scotland.
I've come across some reviews of this series that left me curious so when I saw this one available as an ebook from my library I grabbed it up. I am always up for a so-called Highlander Romance.
While reading this I loved the main characters, Tor and Christina. After I finish this and reflected on it the more I began to see just how annoyed by them I could be at times. Tor is very strong but very set in his ways (so that he can protect his clan). He was an absolute jerk to Christina for a lot of the book. At times it was a bit over-the-top. Christina, on the other hand, was so naive and acted like a little puppy too much. She was just dying for a little affection from Tor that I wished she would have not basically have clung to him as much as she did. I really enjoyed where the two of them ended up in the end.
I wasn't all that sold on the whole Highlander special forces thing but I did enjoy all the action it brought to the story. I also liked reading the parts in which the group was training. I couldn't put this down while reading it but I still haven't decided whether I want to continue with the series.
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
Set right after William Wallace's execution, King Edward, the mighty Hammer of the Scots, is on the throne of England and Scotland, but Robert the Bruce is trying to stake his claim as King of Scotland, so he
I just couldn't buy this. The story didn't ring true, and here's where I lost all interest in it. The premise of Navy SEALs of the Highlands working for Robert the Bruce was plain silly. For me, reading this book was a slow and arduous process, and I was trying to figure out why. Is it the writing or the characters I had a hard time with? I believe it's both. I found myself not liking Christina one bit. Her `naïve' and `spirited' nature seemed forced and not natural. As for Tor, I got annoyed with him and couldn't understand his reasons for always keeping his emotions to himself.
In my opinion, the story felt rushed and not quite developed, so at times it read flat. Even the characters, and there are many, were not as developed or as rounded-off as they should have been, and that's why I had a hard time keeping up. So at the end, I'm blaming poor execution, a wimpy and childish heroine, and a stubborn hero for my disappointment in this read.
To be fair, the author takes the time at the end of the book to explain a few things to us through her notes, but even that didn't help me to understand or like THE CHIEF any better.
Melanie
There was a lot more battle/strategy/training/planning in this than expected--or perhaps what I'm used to. Haven't decided how i feel about it. I love battles and war, but I'm used to minimal amounts in the romance novels I usually read. but then I'm an old school romance lover. I miss he stories hey used to write in the 80's and early 90's. However, all of the war preparation made this not-your-typical-romance-novel, but in a good way. Still don't know if I love it or hate it. I'll reserve judgement until after I've read the next in the series, which I can only assume (and hope) continues in some way where this story left off. I never understood the point of writing a series if the stories weren't connected in some way. I mean why bother calling it a series? I digress; good read, I may decide to change my rating for 3 o 4 stars...
5 Stars
Synopsis
Following the death of William Wallace, Robert Bruce realizes that he cannot defeat the English King, Edward I, with traditional tactics and decides to establish an elite fighting force. The man chosen to train and lead these warriors, Tormod MacLeod, is dedicated to his
Review
Compelling premise and brilliant execution.
The historical research is detailed and fascinating and the medieval setting realistic and believable. This time period is a favorite of mine, however, readers uninterested in Scottish history and politics may find it difficult to get into the story.
Tor and Christina's romance is riveting. Their chemistry is intense and passionate. Tor is an exceptional leader but hides his heart behind a cool and distant facade for fear of loving and losing. He struggles against the incomprehensible feelings Christina evokes in him but finds her sweet and giving personality impossible to resist.
Christina is an endearing heroine whose spirit slowly emerges. She works hard to thaw the ice around Tor's heart (sometimes too hard perhaps but this is consistent with her romantic nature). She definitely comes into her own as the story progresses and is ultimately the perfect match for Tor.
The plot revolving around the training of an elite group of warriors during the time of Scottish Independence is very appealing and the secondary characters are intriguing - each has a unique skill but they must all come together as a unit despite their differences both political and personal.
Overall, an incredible beginning to a promising series and I cannot wait to continue reading.