Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Pocket (2005), Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Description
With If You Dare, Cole introduces a thrilling new romance trilogy featuring fierce Scottish brothers with dangerous lives, dark desires, and a deadly curse. Can he exact revenge? High in the Pyrenees, a band of mercenaries led by Courtland MacCarrick wages war for General Reynaldo Pascal. When Court turns on the evil general, Pascal orders him killed but Court narrowly escapes and exacts revenge by kidnapping Pascal's exquisite Castilian fiancée. Can she deny her passions? Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente despises her towering, barbaric captor almost as much as she does Pascal. Her inexplicable attraction to the Highlander only fuels her fury. But nothing will stop her from returning to Pascal -- for if she doesn't wed him, she signs her brother's death warrant, as well as her own. Can there be love between them? From the moment Court discovers that Anna's prim façade masks a fiery, brave lass, his heart's ensnared, and he dares to defy the curse that has shadowed his life -- to walk with death or walk alone. But Pascal vows that he'll hunt the two, never stopping until he's destroyed them both.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member Jenson_AKA_DL
When Lady Annalia found a beaten Scottish mercenary washed up on the shore of the river near her home, her first instinct was to shove him back in. However, even having heard the horrifying tales of the Highlander's vicious deeds, she was still unable to leave him to die.
Bound to be alone by his
I can honestly say that no matter what genre I'm reading by this author, she never has any trouble reeling me in and keeping me interested in her tales. This was certainly no exception at all. Scottish highlander tales, although popular, have never been my preference. But, knowing that I've always enjoyed Cole's stories in the past, I thought I'd give this one a try. It certainly was not a disappointment. I cannot comment on any historical accuracies, not being familiar with the time period and/or Scottish history myself, but everything seemed to flow well and it was quite believable to me. Court's brogue did seem to come and go a bit, but it wasn't too distracting to me. I am glad that the attitude between the hero/heroine changed when it did as I was getting a little (just a little) tired of all the animosity between the two. I enjoyed Annalia's character, no shrinking violet here but still with an appealing vulnerability. I certainly liked Court and how thunderstruck he seemed to be by his heroine. I was also very happy with the way the author handled her love scenes, steamy without delving into lewdness. Overall a book I am very happy to have read and I'm looking forward to the next of this trilogy.
Bound to be alone by his
Show More
family's curse and desirous of no more than earning the money to pay off his land, Courtland MacCarrick is unsure what to make of his highborn savoir who appears fragile but has a temperament that belies her appearance. Despite her seeming hatred of him, and the fact she makes him crazy in return, when Annalia is forced into an engagement to her worst enemy Court is determined to save her, whether she wants him to or not.I can honestly say that no matter what genre I'm reading by this author, she never has any trouble reeling me in and keeping me interested in her tales. This was certainly no exception at all. Scottish highlander tales, although popular, have never been my preference. But, knowing that I've always enjoyed Cole's stories in the past, I thought I'd give this one a try. It certainly was not a disappointment. I cannot comment on any historical accuracies, not being familiar with the time period and/or Scottish history myself, but everything seemed to flow well and it was quite believable to me. Court's brogue did seem to come and go a bit, but it wasn't too distracting to me. I am glad that the attitude between the hero/heroine changed when it did as I was getting a little (just a little) tired of all the animosity between the two. I enjoyed Annalia's character, no shrinking violet here but still with an appealing vulnerability. I certainly liked Court and how thunderstruck he seemed to be by his heroine. I was also very happy with the way the author handled her love scenes, steamy without delving into lewdness. Overall a book I am very happy to have read and I'm looking forward to the next of this trilogy.
Show Less
LibraryThing member la_librarian
No need to reproduce plot so here's the skinny...this book is hot! Annalia is a bit sassy to say the least and Court MacCarrick is the sexy man/beast of a Scot. Basically she saves him, he's a little put out by that since he's a "manly man" and then they fight a great deal. She thinks he's hot but
Show More
is repressing her sexuality because she basically thinks her mother left her as a child because of her "passions" for another man so she denies those feelings. Court is also denying his feelings because of some family curse which makes him think he's basically a death wish to Anna. The characters were so funny, they really reminded me of a husband and wife with the way they fought. Can't wait for Hugh's story! I'm ordering it for my library tomorrow! Show Less
LibraryThing member harperhaven
The heroine in the first part of the book was really annoying. The characters, as well as the story line did get better. It was a decent read but not outstanding I'd actually give it 3.5
LibraryThing member theshadowknows
Little things got in the way of my enjoyment of If You Dare - the Scottish accents were annoying, and the prose style kind of rough/awkward at times. Bigger issues also got in the way - like the heroine's hatred for the hero for half the book and the acts of stupidity to which this drives her.
Show More
Instead of fueling the chemistry between the hero and heroine, her hatred and crazy antics killed it. As did her abrupt about face when she decides that she loves him and realizes she has no reason to hate him. Besides some hot love scenes, there’s not much by way of romance in this book. The hero was ok, nothing special - a gruff mercenary who falls for the heroine almost instantly but keeps holding back, first because he doesn't think he's good enough for her, and then because of a family curse. The slightly paranormal aspect of If You Dare was another thing I wasn't too crazy about - it seemed tacked on, a contrivance that provides one more obstacle between the hero and heroine. What with the random, vague curse, an evil dictator type who's role is negligible - he wants to marry the heroine, (who happens to be royalty,) an order of assassins that pop up every now and then to try and kill the heroine, and siblings who wait around taking up space until it's their turn for their own book, the plot of If You Dare is very loose and underdeveloped, and things never come together well enough to create a clear picture of either the characters or their relationship. Show Less
LibraryThing member TheBooknerd
This is an enjoyable story, especially if you like historical romances. Kresley Cole is a talented writer who creates heroines that come across as real women you can relate to . . . and heroes who are just larger-than-life enough that it puts a twinkle in your eye. It's not a perfectly written
I first considered this book because it's set in the little-known country of Andorra. I was so appreciative of the novelty that I picked it up without really considering what the plot was. Happily, the damsel-in-distress-determined-to-save-herself storyline is entertaining, romantic, and even humorous upon occasion.
However, I must admit that I found hero Courtland MacCarrick a little . . . lukewarm. As this book starts off a series about three MacCarrick brothers, Court comes across as the younger, lesser brother. All of the characters in the book are admirably well-rounded, with both good and bad qualities. But Court's good qualities just weren't vivid enough to inspire more than a tepid response from me. At times he was even obnoxious without enough justifiable motivation. I found it a case of untapped potential. There could have been more to Court, but it never completely translated. His character needed to be developed just a little more, which, in turn, would have improved the somewhat dubious chemistry between him and heroine Annalia, who completely outshines him as an interesting character.
Court is decent, don't get me wrong, but he's not exactly the most exciting aspect of the book. Than honor goes to side characters (in this installment) Olivia and Ethan. Olivia is one of those characters who are so hateful that you've just got to love 'em. And Ethan, the eldest MacCarrick brother, has a whole lot of "mysterious" and "masterful" going on with him. Thanks to Ethan, I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Show More
book, mind, as there are some negative points. Overall, though, it's a good beginning to a good romance series.I first considered this book because it's set in the little-known country of Andorra. I was so appreciative of the novelty that I picked it up without really considering what the plot was. Happily, the damsel-in-distress-determined-to-save-herself storyline is entertaining, romantic, and even humorous upon occasion.
However, I must admit that I found hero Courtland MacCarrick a little . . . lukewarm. As this book starts off a series about three MacCarrick brothers, Court comes across as the younger, lesser brother. All of the characters in the book are admirably well-rounded, with both good and bad qualities. But Court's good qualities just weren't vivid enough to inspire more than a tepid response from me. At times he was even obnoxious without enough justifiable motivation. I found it a case of untapped potential. There could have been more to Court, but it never completely translated. His character needed to be developed just a little more, which, in turn, would have improved the somewhat dubious chemistry between him and heroine Annalia, who completely outshines him as an interesting character.
Court is decent, don't get me wrong, but he's not exactly the most exciting aspect of the book. Than honor goes to side characters (in this installment) Olivia and Ethan. Olivia is one of those characters who are so hateful that you've just got to love 'em. And Ethan, the eldest MacCarrick brother, has a whole lot of "mysterious" and "masterful" going on with him. Thanks to Ethan, I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Catherine331
I bought this book because I really enjoy Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series. Someone recommended that I try the MacCarrick Brothers trilogy because it is supposedly some of her best historical work. If this is an example of her best historical work I'm definitely better off not reading
What was up with Anna in this story? Her personality was so grating and she did such stupid things. Through out most of the book she loathed Court. Now I can understand this as I found him pretty irritating, but to hate him and then suddenly decide you're in love with him? That's pretty much exactly what Anna did.
I wasn't expecting the paranormal aspect of this book. I really didn't like it either. I think I would have gone with the flow of it better if I had actually been enjoying the book. I also seriously disliked the fake Scottish accents. I had an eye twitch by the end of the book!
I don't plan on continuing with any of this author's historical novels. I think we're both better off that way.
Show More
anymore of them.What was up with Anna in this story? Her personality was so grating and she did such stupid things. Through out most of the book she loathed Court. Now I can understand this as I found him pretty irritating, but to hate him and then suddenly decide you're in love with him? That's pretty much exactly what Anna did.
I wasn't expecting the paranormal aspect of this book. I really didn't like it either. I think I would have gone with the flow of it better if I had actually been enjoying the book. I also seriously disliked the fake Scottish accents. I had an eye twitch by the end of the book!
I don't plan on continuing with any of this author's historical novels. I think we're both better off that way.
Show Less
LibraryThing member risadabomb
This book has become one of my all time favorite and I have re-read it several times. I loved Courtland and Anna and Kresley Cole does a wonderful, wonderful job with this romance. It is romantic and erotic at the same time.
LibraryThing member flemmily
Really enjoyed it, although all the highlander hullabaloo makes me laugh. I like the "I hate you but secretly I love you" dynamic.
LibraryThing member wyvernfriend
It's telegraphed from the Romance tag. When she, Lady Allalia Tristan Llorente, meets him, Courtland MacCarrick, it's a rescue. She rescues him (nice change); from a murder attempt by his former employer, as a mercenary, Generald Reynaldo Pascal. She finds him attractive but offputting, he finds
They do find a way. It's nothing special in the genre, the character accents are a bit grating and don't really come across as convincing and the distances belittled a little too much. All the way from Andorra to London is a pretty big distance in the, pre-modern, whenever this is set (my mind isn't helping with the details, post guns anyway, pre-20th). Readable but has no depth.
Show More
her attractive but the curse his family is under is in the way.They do find a way. It's nothing special in the genre, the character accents are a bit grating and don't really come across as convincing and the distances belittled a little too much. All the way from Andorra to London is a pretty big distance in the, pre-modern, whenever this is set (my mind isn't helping with the details, post guns anyway, pre-20th). Readable but has no depth.
Show Less
LibraryThing member tundra
I had a hard time reading this book. I normally love historical romances but I didn't like the characters at all in this book, and I had a hard time following Cole's writing. I feel like I have a pretty low bar when it comes to romances, so the fact that I couldn't stand to do anything other than
Also I think the cover is really terrible. I thought the man was a woman at first because it looks like he is wearing a strapless dress. I had to stare at it a while to realize it was supposed to be a blanket. The cover didn't affect my rating, but I still wanted to complain.
Show More
skim the last 200 pages prompted my low rating. Also I think the cover is really terrible. I thought the man was a woman at first because it looks like he is wearing a strapless dress. I had to stare at it a while to realize it was supposed to be a blanket. The cover didn't affect my rating, but I still wanted to complain.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Capnrandm
Love, loved it! The "curse" aspect of the book was a bit over the top, but the romance was spot on. I loved the way their physical relationship developed (and there are several scenes worth reading again and again).
LibraryThing member Karla.Brandenburg
I didn't want to like this one, but it drew me in. The " magic" part was sorely lacking, resulting in mild superstition, but the fiery temperaments suited each other.
LibraryThing member rosetyper9
I am so utterly disappointed by this book I LOVE Kresley Cole’s Immortals After Dark series, but this series, OMG, I can’t even keep reading the first book, and I have read some bad books. The plot line seems forced, not only is an evil general after the two lead character but the lead male is
Show More
cursed and the lead female doesn’t like him. Oh wait, after about half way through the book, she immediately and very oddly changes her mind after staying with him in the same bed overnight, drunk, at that. I haven’t even begun on the other plot lines, it completely ridiculous. I like a good highlander romance story as well as the next girl but I am sorry to say, with this book, I have lost like 4 hours of my life that will never return, and I was only half way through the book when I stopped. Show Less
LibraryThing member Tanya-dogearedcopy
This is a historical Romance set in Scotland in the late 1830s/early 1840s. The premise is that the legacy of three brothers include a curse that fates them to a loveless & childless life of violence; but of course, since this a Romance novel there must be some sort of twist that will guarantee a
Show More
HEA! In this first-in-series, Courtland "Court" MacCarrick is a mercenary serving in Spain; and Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente is the mistress of an estate in the Pyrenees. Though the story is different enough that it won't melt into the morass of Regency-era Romances that flood this market, it's not competitive with Diana Gabaldon's, 'Outlander.' Show Less
LibraryThing member Lauren2013
If You Dare
3.5 Stars
Court MacCarrick and his brothers, Hugh and Ethan, are cursed never to know love or father children. As such, they feel they have nothing to lose and live their lives on the edge. Working as a mercenary for a warlord in Andorra, Court is double-crossed and left for dead until he
The basic premise is entertaining and the hero is a sexy, scrumptious highlander (what's not to love) but the heroine almost ruins the book. Throughout the first half of the story, Annalia is prejudiced, elitist and TSTL! There are moments when I found myself wanting the villains to shoot her. She does improve somewhat in the second half, however, the damage to the romance is done.
In contrast, the secondary heroine, Olivia, is much more likable (even if she is the villain's daughter) and her romance with Annalia's brother has incredible potential but unfortunately takes a back seat.
Despite his somewhat Neanderthal-like tendencies (similar to Lachlain MacRieve in A Hunger Like No Other), Court is an admirable character caught between the knowledge that every woman he cares for will suffer and his need to love and be loved. He has the patience of a saint when it comes to Annalia and personally, I think he deserved better. Nevertheless, their chemistry sizzles and Cole definitely knows how to write a steamy sex scene.
The next two books are about Court's brothers and one can only hope that the heroines are an improvement.
3.5 Stars
Court MacCarrick and his brothers, Hugh and Ethan, are cursed never to know love or father children. As such, they feel they have nothing to lose and live their lives on the edge. Working as a mercenary for a warlord in Andorra, Court is double-crossed and left for dead until he
Show More
is rescued by the beautiful if arrogant, Annalia Llorente.The basic premise is entertaining and the hero is a sexy, scrumptious highlander (what's not to love) but the heroine almost ruins the book. Throughout the first half of the story, Annalia is prejudiced, elitist and TSTL! There are moments when I found myself wanting the villains to shoot her. She does improve somewhat in the second half, however, the damage to the romance is done.
In contrast, the secondary heroine, Olivia, is much more likable (even if she is the villain's daughter) and her romance with Annalia's brother has incredible potential but unfortunately takes a back seat.
Despite his somewhat Neanderthal-like tendencies (similar to Lachlain MacRieve in A Hunger Like No Other), Court is an admirable character caught between the knowledge that every woman he cares for will suffer and his need to love and be loved. He has the patience of a saint when it comes to Annalia and personally, I think he deserved better. Nevertheless, their chemistry sizzles and Cole definitely knows how to write a steamy sex scene.
The next two books are about Court's brothers and one can only hope that the heroines are an improvement.
Show Less
LibraryThing member WhiskeyintheJar
1.3 stars
The kind of couple that makes people tweet if the heterosexuals are alright
If you like constant yelling and bickering this is your holy grail
The kind of couple that makes people tweet if the heterosexuals are alright
If you like constant yelling and bickering this is your holy grail
Language
Original publication date
2007-03-27
Physical description
384 p.; 6.8 inches
ISBN
1416503595 / 9781416503590