The Hawk: A Highland Guard Novel

I had been wanting to find a historical Scottish romance that would compare to Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. While there will never be a better love story than Jaime and Claire, I find this book to be the closest. The romance scenes are riveting and frequent. The history is well defined and believable, while not overwhelming the two main characters, which I find in some authors. This was a love story, pure and simple. If you are looking for an Outlander fix, try this author. I wasn't disappointed.

This was a fantastic read. The chemistry between Ellie and the Hawk was fabulous. After reading the Chief and the Hawk I have become a major M Mccarty fan. If you are trying to decide on whether this is worth purchasing, I can tell you - it is, read it you will LOVE it!

Both the Audible website FAQs for Whisper Sync & Audible reps assured me Whisper Sync works with Kindle Apps for ipad and the ipod/iphone, but once I bought the Kindle book and Audible audio book, Audible finally admitted Whisper Sync does NOT work with Kindle Apps. There is confusion. When I called for tech support on 10/7/12 a tech informed the rep that the Audible audio book on an ipod would sync with a Kindle app but not the other way around -- but it doesn't. After further contact with tech support, a tech finally admitted that Whisper sync doesn't work with Kindle Apps at all, but they are working on the problem. There is no estimated time when the problem will be resolved--but the repair will probably be launched in an update to the App. It sounds like it will be a great feature when it becomes available. Also, the audio book downloaded from the Audible web site has some skipping in the audio.

Audible has some nice screen features that allow you to skip back or forward by 30 second increments, and go forward or backward at multiple speeds with a tap or sweep of your finger. The problem is that I often listen to audiobooks while multitasking so I don't have 2 hands to work the screen controls. Or when I'm driving I can't look at the screen.

Audible doesn't work as well with the ear bud remote (I have the one by Puma). If I hold down the reverse too long the system jumps to the very beginning of the book. If I do the quick skip, which in the CD's & MP3's takes me back to the beginning of the track, with the Audible book I end up at the beginning of the chapter. With the remote, Audible will only let me skip back to the beginning of the current chapter. I can't go to previous chapters without going to the screen and using the screen controls. I can skip forward to the next chapters.

The story is entertaining and funny. I love how the bossy heroine confuses and perplexes the hero. If you've read the book, the audio version can be confusing as the narrator has unexpected pronunciations and is a bit staid in the reading. For example he pronounces the character's name McLeod as "Mc Cloud", and McKay as "Mc Eye".

The story is enjoyable and I would rate that a 4, but I down graded the rating for the product due to the false advertising in regards to Whisper Sync.
In summary I think Audible has some great features in the works but still needs improvement.

I received this as a gift, a bundle called Campbell Trilogy and it was one of the best birthday gifts I received. If you do a wish list on the store and it is public, friends and family can choose books you have on your wish list. Thankfully, this was purchased for me and a great idea for other's if they are avid reader's for gifts of e-books.

I enjoyed this more than the first and I think it was because I liked the h better in this story.

I read about 3-4 books a week, depending on length of course and this is the first time I can think of that we get a look at the clan who was the villains in book 1 but have their story told in book 2. I couldn't get over how much I enjoyed looking at it from the other perspective. What it boils down to is no-one is innocent.

I am not going into the blurb as many have told it, but just what I got out of reading it.

We have passionate, somewhat descriptive lovemaking. But since I LOVED this couple, it felt right, not vulgar. The author has such a way of writing, that I used all my emotions because I felt I was living what they were going through. That doesn't happen much with many stories I'm afraid. I could feel the anguish from both our H/h at different times. The heart ache they both felt and more than once.

We get HEA, lovemaking, no cliffhanger as far as our h/H go. We get a glimpse of the h/H from book 1 and I enjoyed that too. Suspense, intrigue and a romance that was amazing.

Yes, I do recommend this book but the whole bundle. It could be a stand alone, but the story will mean more if you have some back ground of the villains from book 1 who star in this story. (ljb)

This writer is amazing when I first read the chief I was like okay I see you and this look had me laughing and have my heart racing and me going crazy I was like oh my God no this is not happening right now!!! I cannot even believe this book was so amazing it was just everything. If you have a bad heart then don't read this book because she is taking you for a ride. I am so excited to read the rest of the series do not start this series if you have some important work to do because this book is ruining my life! And I love it!

I am loving all these Highland Guards but Hawk is my favorite so far. This story starts out three months after Robert Bruce is crowned King of Scotland at Scone Abbey. King Edward has squashed the rebellion and the Pope has excommunicated the Bruce for murdering his rival who turned on him. Many have refused to follow the Bruce and ten warriors, his secret Guard, are what stands between his failure and his life. Kind Edward is showing no mercy and these warriors will risk everything for the freedom of Scotland.

Eric "Hawk" MacSorley is chosen because of his excellent swimming abilities and his sailing skills plus the fact the man knows no fear. He is also a magnificent specimen of a man, in my opinion.

Ellie is the daughter of the Earl of Ulster. She's betrothed to a man that she has no connection with but realizes her sister and the man have a chemistry. Ellie has taken her siblings under her wing after her mother's death and her sister, Mattie, tells her she has became dull and boring, that she isn't happy-go-lucky like she used to be so challenges Ellie to join in some festivities that involve swimming in the freezing waters.

While she's swimming she goes to a cave where she is found by some mercenaries. They believe she has overheard their conversation and attempt to take her and kill her. Hawk saves her by telling the mercenaries that he will dispose of her after they have their "fun" with her. That way there isn't a body to be found had the mercenaries killed her.

The last thing either want is to want the other. She has no interest in him and she isn't what he normally looks for in a woman. They both feel this tingling shock when they touch. She finds him entrancing but looks down her nose at him. All he sees is this waif but there's something that draws him to her. It is driving him crazy that she is immune to his smiles and banter.

He thinks she is nursemaid to The Earl of Ulster and when he finds out who she is he understands the risk he has put the Bruce's mission in by keeping her with him. He takes her back home and almost gets himself captured until she tells him to "go" and she lies for him giving him time to escape.

I felt such heartache for them as they try to find their HPE. This story is one of danger, death, fight for life, learning to let go, and finding an honest and pure love with one of the most amazing love scenes I've ever read.

Monica McCarty is definitely an auto buy for me!

After really enjoying The Chief I was looking forward to continuing this series and getting to spend more time with Robert the Bruce's elite Highland Guard. Having already met Hawk and seen what a charmer he is I was sure I would love his story and Monica McCarty didn't disappoint.

This story sees Hawk charged with the task of employing a group of Irish mercenaries to fight for Robert against the English King, Edward. Hawk is in charge of helping the men avoid the English as they cross the Irish sea to join up with Robert's army and he must make sure they arrive on time to take part in the battle that has been planned as Robert fights for control of Scotland. Ellie is the daughter of a powerful Irish Lord, one who publicly backs Edward even though he is related to Robert by marriage. When Ellie is caught eavesdropping by Hawk and the mercenaries she pretends to be a simple nursemaid because she fears what could happen if they realise she is from such a prominent family and comes with a healthy dowry. The last thing Hawk wants to do is take Ellie along with him but his honour won't allow him to leave her with the mercenaries when he knows that they want to kill her.

Hawk is a cocky bugger but I dare any woman to resist his charms, he is fearless and full of himself but at the same time he comes across as incredibly likeable and he really does have a way about him that leaves most women throwing themselves at him. Ellie seems completely immune to him though and it was hilarious seeing how shocked he was that she was able to resist him. Hawk is a risk taker, he is convinced that he will always win and he takes great pleasure in baiting the English and then coming out on top in their confrontations. He lets Ellie believe that he is a simple pirate because it isn't safe for her to learn of his connection to Robert, he cares for her and worries that she would be in danger if she found out the truth.

I loved the fact that Ellie stands up for herself and fights to escape when Hawk captures her. She is understandably wary of the men who have captured her and she doesn't take their word that she won't be harmed, after all they have given her no reason to trust them. It takes time for her to get to know them before she starts to realise that she is safe and it is only then that she stops plotting ways to escape. I can find it really irritating when characters aren't honest with each other about who they really are but in this case I felt they both had good reasons to keep their identity a secret. As Ellie starts falling for Hawk she wants to be honest with him but until she is sure of his feelings she is scared to tell him the truth in case he marries her just for her dowry rather than because he really cares about her.

Monica McCarty takes time to develop the romance so it never felt rushed or unbelievable, I enjoyed watching the characters getting to know each other and it was a pleasure to see them slowly fall in love. Alongside the romance you have the fantastic banter between Hawk and his men, I do love the camaraderie they have and I'm enjoying seeing how all of the Highland Guard members have a distinctive role to play in the ongoing story of Robert's fight for the crown. We don't get to spend time with all of the Guard because they're all off carrying out very different missions but I can't wait to continue reading the series to see how everything ties together in the long run.

Having read several of Ms. McCarthy's Scottish romances and enjoying them, I was prepared to savor her latest Highland Outlaw. The writing is good but I just did not admire the heroine. She was uncertain and above all lacked perception.

Patrick MacGregor is the hero of this story and he is a good one. He is part of the outlawed MacGregor clan and loyal to his chieftain. He has lost his home to the Campbells and has horrible memories of his parent's death. But now he has found a way to reclaim his lands and hopefully help his clan; if he weds Elizabeth Campbell he can hold his lands as they are part of her dowry. He hatches a plan to win her which almost fails thanks to his hotheaded brother who attacks her carriage. Fortunately, Patrick is able to save Elizabeth from a "McGregor attack". He uses an alias, escorts her to her castle and soon becomes one of her Guardsmen.

Elizabeth is grateful for Patrick's help and is immediately drawn to the handsome highlander. She has had a disastrous betrothal, and does not trust men; her first fiancé wanted her for her land and money only. She has never gotten past the betrayal so she questions her feelings about Patrick constantly. At first she is quite courteous to him but as the book progressed she became suspicious of his actions and at times was dismissive. She was allowed to lose her temper but he never could without Elizabeth taking it very personally.

Elizabeth is also courted by another suitor, a cousin who is a Campbell and he is not really a bad sort at all. Patrick feels at a loss in his courtship because he has nothing to offer Elizabeth while her other suitor has land and money. Elizabeth seems to enjoy baiting these two against each other and revels in the fact they both want her. This was quite self serving.

Patrick knows his time as Elizabeth's guardman is running out as his brother wants to move swiftly against the Campbells. This puts Elizabeth in a dangerous position and forces the couple to be on the run from those nasty "McGregors". Poor Patrick, his loyalties are really divided. He hates that he is lying to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth ran hot and cold with me. Sometimes she was kind, considerate and certain with Patrick but most the time she seemed unsure, distrustful (rightfully so about his identity but not his feelings) and she totally lacked insight into her or Patrick's actions. She often lived her life as if she were reliving her first betrothal and even in the light of Patrick's sacrifices she still did not see his devotion and selflessness.

I tend to enjoy Monica McCarty's Highland novels because they are thrilling with bigger than life characters. Her hero, Hawk fit this description aptly, he is bold, daring, reckless, handsome, charming and so very charismatic that he leaps off the page. He is a born leader and his actions matched his descriptions. I was sufficiently wowed by him but the heroine of this story, Ellie, was so very pale in comparison that I just never felt like they belonged together.

Hawk is one of Robert the Bruce's "Highland Guard", dedicated to assisting the Bruce in regaining his Scottish Throne. Hawk and the Bruce are in Ireland regrouping and on a mission to hire mercenaries to join forces with Bruce's own men, Hawk is in charge of obtaining the mercenary's cooperation and rendezvousing with the Bruce soon thereafter. His plans are disrupted when a woman is caught in the cave while he is negotiating with mercenaries. Fearing that the disreputable band of paid fighters will harm her, Hawk takes the woman into his custody intending on releasing her whenever he can safely do so.

Ellie is no ordinary woman, she is a daughter to one of the most powerful noblemen of Ireland, sister-in-law to the Bruce and she is no simpering miss. She lies to Hawk about her identity claiming she is but a nursemaid to the nobleman's children.

Ellie is described many times as a plain woman, thin, totally unremarkable so it must be her rapier tongue that holds Hawk's attention. Ellie is a bit impetuous and she seems to forget she is a captive going toe to toe with Hawk frequently. Elle is direct (except with her identity) and she is fascinated by Hawk but she almost blames him for her feelings because of his incredible looks and charms. Ellie is rather duty bound at home and secretly enjoys the freedom she has with Hawk and his band but Ellie just cannot get past her bossiness, she really is almost a nursemaid to her younger siblings and her take charge attitude doesn't really change with Hawk. Ellie is also engaged to an English nobleman and she intends to go through with the marriage as she is dutiful but she is not really ecstatic about the union.

For me, this couple did not seem to be an equal match. What really drew Hawk to Ellie? Perhaps it was just she was the lady who seemed the least charmed by him or a good amount of lust, although it was easy to discern why she loved him, bold daring Hawk was easy to admire. Ellie was distant, untruthful, prideful and illogical, a trait she even knew about herself when she realized how irrational it was that she wanted to marry someone she did not love over someone she did. Ellie is not really good at reading people's motives and intentions; she was oblivious to her sister, her fiancé and Hawk's feelings.

Ms McCarty's writing is, of course, well done, she drew me in completely with the opening chapters because of her attention to detail and her great descriptions of Hawk and her high actions scenes were intense and tension filled. It was only her heroine who did not strike a chord; she did not measure up to her leading man.

After reading Chief and liking it for the most part, I moved right on to the second in the series. I was sorely disappointed in this story. The author does a terrific job of drawing the reader in, explaining the characters from other books and has great descriptions of the time and place. Although at times it could be done way quicker.

The problem I had with this story was there was only a little story mixed in with telling the reader how plain Ellie was and how overly muscled Erik was, or how popular he was with the ladies. And then the sex scenes went on forever. I love hot, steamy romances but I found myself skimming because they got so boring after a while.

When Ellie's younger sister calls her boring and challenges her to take a swim in the annual Virgin's Plunge, Ellie accepts the challenge. She decides to go for a swim away from the action and ends up coming across pirates apparently making a deal with one of the guards. She accidentally gives away her location and before she knows it, she's a captive on the pirates ship. However, these aren't your typical pirates. They seem more noble than most men.

I thought this was a great continuation to the story. I enjoyed Ellie a lot more than the protagonist from the last book. Ellie is smart and stubborn and she is not going to let the captain "Hawk" intimidate her, nor will she allow him to woo her over with his roguish charms. Which throws Hawk for a loop because ever since he was little, all he needed to do was flash his dimples and ladies ate out of the palm of his hand. So when he grudgingly takes Ellie onto his ship until his mission is complete, he is not too thrilled that she appears to not only refuse to listen to him but she constantly tries to boss him around and tell him what to do.

There is even more background woven into this story like the fact that Bruce is married to Ellie's sister. We don't really get a lot of time with the other members of the guard but I cannot wait to catch up with the other men and read their story.

-Book Sniffers Anonymous

As one of the outlawed MacGregors, Patrick MacGregor sees it as his duty to regain some of what was stolen from his clan. When he learns that Elizabeth Campbell, the cousin of his enemy, the Earl of Argyll, has part of the MacGregors' land in her dowry, Patrick comes up with a plan. Staging an attack on the lady, Patrick rides to her rescue, hiding his identity as he sets out to seduce a hated Campbell. Only Patrick cannot hate Lizzie. Her beauty, spirit, and intelligence captivate him from the start.

Elizabeth Campbell has always done what she was told. Having been humiliated in the past by not one, but two broken engagements, Lizzie yearns to find a man who will see past her shy, obedient façade. When Patrick Murray rescues her from a band of MacGregors, Lizzie believes she may have found the man of her dreams; one who could respect and love her for who she is.

But Patrick cannot hide his identity forever. Nor, he finds, does he want to keep lying to Lizzie. Trapped on two different sides of politics and bloodshed, both Patrick and Lizzie have to question where their loyalties lie. For how can an outlawed MacGregor ever hope to marry a Campbell?

Star-crossed lovers have never been so sexy as in Highland Outlaw. Monica McCarty has delivered yet another intelligent, gorgeously-written romance that swept me off my feet.

Lizzie captured my heart from the first. She has been hurt by others in the past, yet she is never bitter, never loses her kindness. How can you not love a heroine who is both intelligent and giving? Patrick is a perfect example of why all of Ms. McCarty's heroes are ones to dream about. He's sensual, protective, and honorable. The responsibility he shoulders he takes seriously, but even with what has happened to his clan he doesn't believe in blindly hating his enemy. What is rather unique about Highland Outlaw, indeed about the Campbell Trilogy as a whole, is that there is no good side/bad side, no black and white. People on both sides of the battle act with honor and dishonor, giving the story a realistic feel. My heart went out to both the MacGregors and the Campbells, and to Patrick and Lizzie in particular.

Highland Outlaw is the second book in Ms. McCarty's phenomenal Campbell Trilogy. Though the romance itself stands on its own, there are spoilers for some major events which occur in the first book, Highland Warrior. I finished Highland Outlaw well-satisfied and eager for the final book in the trilogy, Highland Scoundrel. I must say, though, that both Highland Warrior and Highland Outlaw left me desperately hoping Ms. McCarty decides to write a book for Patrick's sister, Annie, and the man she loves. While I cross my fingers for that to happen, I am more than happy to sit back and be taken back once more to the enchanting romance between Patrick and Lizzie.

Shayna
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I loved the chemistry between Erik and Elle. While Erik struggled with his attraction to her with both his sense of duty and the honorable thing between right and wrong, Elle was seeking adventure and love from someone who could look past her title and position. I found Erik's character to be adventureous, fun loving, and reckless, but he was also loyal to a cause, serious when he needed to be, and fearless when it was required. But, like all men, he also has his pride and was often at times arrogant. Definately, the sexy alpha male hero who had a good heart.

I felt Elle's character was strong and independent. While she was innocent, she wasn't naive. She was intelligent enough not to mention her true identity....As time went on, she fell in love with Erik, even when he was being an arse. He had issues with many of her actions, yet she always had a reason for them and I liked her for it.

I think the author did a wonderful job with the historical detail when describing the world within the book. I have always been fascinated with the highlanders and their power struggles to keep Scotland. I also enjoy the cultural differences between the Highlanders and the English regency. I find the politics of it all to be very intriguing, the different mannerisms to be funny, and the romance of it all to be enthralling.

Overall, I found this book to be more engaging than it's predecessor, The Chief. I enjoyed the intrigue, but in truth, I would have liked a little more action. I had fun getting to know the characters better and it was nice to see a couple of returning characters. But, I would have loved an update on Tor and Christina. That being said, this story is a real page turner and I look forward to reading Monica McCarty's next installment in the Highland Guard Novels, The Ranger.

In 1606 Patrick MacGregor and his cousins are on their way to Inveraray Castle, home of their enemies the Campbells, who under the King's decree have outlawed their clan; Alasdair wants to win the archery contest. They stop at a tavern where they hear John Montgomery, brother to an earl, talk derogatorily about his plan to wed the Campbell mouse Stammering Elizabeth Montach to forge an alliance; besides he says she is wealthy and owns land. To John's chagrin, as he and his pals discuss his pathetic fiancée, Elizabeth enters the tavern hearing the derogatory comments. She slips as she walks out so Patrick although he knows to do nothing helps her up; he exposes himself to her dangerous brother the bloody Henchman before they escape with a diversion they created.

Two years later, Lizzie is on her way by coach to Castle Campbell where her family wants her to marry; the only man who ever showed her kindness was a MacGregor, but he is an outlaw. The MacGregor outlaws attack her coach, but Patrick realizes Elizabeth is inside and keeps her safe. He risks his life to insure she arrives at her uncle's castle safely. She assumes he is not a MacGregor, but her brave champion. As they fall in love, she learns who he really is, but vows to marry him anyway. He loves her but his clan must come first.

This is a terrific Scottish Highlands historical romance due to the deep support cast who insure the feuds remain ignited, which in turn leaves the lead couple as star-crossed lovers in which each side's kin wants the blood of the other. Fans will enjoy this fine tale as Patrick wants to kiss his Lizzie, but must dodge her brother who wants him dead because he is a MacGregor.

Harriet Klausner

I really enjoy the author's style of writing. The descriptions are vivid, the dialogue crisp, and the characters well-developed. The hero is Erik "The Hawk," a charismatic daredevil who meets his match in Ellie. Although Ellie's appearance is described as "plain," her wit and intellect are anything but, which Erik finds extremely attractive. The basic plot is not uncommon in the romance genre-- captor and captive fall in love-- however, the author makes it more complex against the backdrop of the First Scottish War of Independence and Erik's duties to Robert the Bruce.

The novel has an excellent balance of action, adventure, and romance with very likeable characters. I highly recommend it for a solid, entertaining read.

Another great one in this series. I love these highlanders. Author calls it Special Ops in kilts. :)

The setting of the Islands of Scotland and to Ireland is so well described.
And a swimming highlander, who won't love that :).

What a interesting setting for highland novels.

The hero was just delish. A rogue that is loved by the lasses and is a huge flirt. He just loves all women and they love him. But he really never lets anyone near. Until the heroine. She unlike most, doesn't just fall at the altar that is his irresistible highness. To say he is baffled at that is an understatement. Well matched couple.

I also love the author notes at the end. The weaving of real accounts into a fictional story. I like reading those tidbits.

Can't wait to read the next one.

** read June 2013

Erik - the Hawk - is a sea captain who loves women and won't settle down for just one. He is sent on a mission to get troops in order for Bruce to be able to overthrow the king and take back their lands.

Lady Elyne - Ellie - is the boring sister. She is the eldest and has taken care of her siblings since her mother passed away. Her sister talked her into going swimming at night. She knew better than to let go of her "boring" ways. She gets captured in the cave by a pirate (Hawk).

Thrown together they both have a mystery to figure out. She is trying to figure out what Hawk is hiding and he is trying to figure out what that strange feeling is that she makes him feel.

Good story.

In a very clever demonstration of the adage 'there are two sides to every story', McCarty has written this tale from the side of one of the outlaws from Highland Warrior: A Novel (Campbell). Patrick MacGregor and Elisabeth Campbell (sister to Jamie Campbell from the first book) are the focus of this story. I also found it interesting that each family has dark characters, demonstrating that each individual is different and entire families can't necessarily be painted with a "good" or "evil" brush.

The Scottish trained actor Roger Hampton continued to perform a five star narration of this series. He continued to give characters from the first book the voice he began with for some very nice continuity and added great new voices for the new characters added in this book. If you enjoy well performed audio books, you are sure to enjoy this 12 1/2 hour selection.

I absolutely love this book! I adored Patrick, regardless of the fact that he was lying to Elizabeth, he hated himself for the deception and his feelings were real. And he truly had a heart of gold underneath that tough warrior exterior. I loved that he was willing to protect her against anything, no matter the cost to himself. I liked Elizabeth's character as well. She was such a sweetheart. She was genuinely kind, regardless of what she'd been through. While she struggled with doing 'the right thing' she ultimately followed her heart. I can't wait to read more books by Monica McCarty. I very highly recommend. <3

Pretty much the same format in all these books, tough guy virile warrior womanizer meets dainty virgin who will not take no for an answer, He is tamed, when he realizes at end of book that he, gasp, loves her, and becomes faithful family man. Lots of battle scenes and over the top sex--how these guys ever learned what women want, given that they are always imprisoned, wounded or fighting is beyond me. Entertaining diversion. The Highland Guard is a bunch of dudes in 13th century Scotland, sort of like the seals, and they war against the English, and are eventually sidelined and trapped by determined women.

Part two of the Highland Guard series: and as before this is to relax during the summer holidays, especially as this one features a lot of beaches. The heroine feels (as so often with Monica McCarty) thoroughly modern in her views, even if she sticks to the conventions of the time and Eric McSorley is a very loveable rake.

I love this series and despite some of the reviews to the contrary, I think this book is the best in the series (although I have 'The Raider' on my bookshelf waiting for me to read so maybe my opinion will change). Hawk and Ellie make a great couple and I really like the fact that the author made her so different from gorgeous Christina in the first book in this series.

Monica McCarty's novels stand out in this genre due to the level of detail, where she seamlessly weaves historical fact with fiction in a manner which avoids the pitfalls of some historical fiction which feels like a turgid history lesson.

This writer has a long history writing fanciful action-romances set in/around Scotland. Her mastery of this setting is superb and many times it's like you can feel the cold mist off the North Sea. Like so many writers in this genre, her male characters are memorable. Highly skilled warriors and military strategists, handsome and an obvious hit with many of the local ladies--considering the time period--it's impossible to find an equally matched female lead. This happens--again--in this book. Historically it is accurate that women had little to do but create children and their biggest "selling point" was the size of their dowry. Still we can bend so many rules in the service of story, can't we improve the female characters? Worthwhile use of time, but not close as a keeper.

I love highlander stories. And I loved Erik and Ellie. But the story could have been told easily in 300 pages. Way longer than it needed to be for a romance. I love historicals and some history in them. Way too much in this one. It is still supposed to be a romance read. Besides that I loved Erik, Hawk. And he is perfect for Ellie. Too bad there wasnt more story for Ralph and Matty. Kind of sorry we missed that. Over all, for this story alone, a very low 4 stars. But I will continue on with the series. I love how future and past guards play a part. Hopefully, they will play bigger parts in the future. Arrow is one i am looking forward to. :-)

Love this writer, but Hawk is my favorite character. Not just for his raw masculinity and strength, but also for being able to always think of the possibilities instead of defeat. Loved the story of if at first you don't succeed ... This writer is so talented and I really love that her research into the historical data is in her authors notes for us to share. I highly recommend all her books!

I am a great fan of everything Monica McCarty has written. She does a very extensive research for her stories. She adds a author's historical note at the end of each book to give the reader a more complete reference of how she arranged the characters and their lives with history.
These are wonderful historical love stories. This is my third visit to this series.....It has been just as wonderful as the first time I read them.
If you love everything Scottish Highland you will be hooked to tis author.

Monica Mccarty is one of my favorite romance authors and this story didn't disappoint.

A solid addition to the Highland Guard series, I really enjoyed the chemistry between Ellie and Erik. Great banter and steamy romance, the only point that could make this story better would be tightening the storyline a bit more towards the end.

Absolutely the best romance novel I have ever read. Monica McCarty did an outstanding job!!! Loved the chemistry between the heroine, Ellie & the hero Hawk. After reading this book it was so totally hard for me to pickup any other romance novel and get into it. I might add I read after, Anne Stuart, Paula Quinn, Julia London and the list goes on. Congratulations Monica for giving us a read that is excellent from the beginning to the end.

Great story. Written with originality and not the common theme in Highlander books. A great love story with a twist. A Laird unlike any other his insight, His insight, extreme intelligence, compassion and lack of medieval thinking brings us a character with a extreme fighting skills and who's dislike of brutality and unfairness makes it a delightfully different read.

Finally a book about the McGregor clan . Mild in comparison to the truth, it does gives the reader a glimpse into the history of how they were treated, and all because of a misplaced or stolen land deed. Highland Outlaw: A Novel

This story was exceptional. i don't want to spoil this for other readers and give the story away, so i won't go into detail.
Ms McCarty has done it again with well rounded characters and good well mapped out theme, you could almost feel that you were there, living the lives of Lizzy and Patrick. It was nice to see secondary characters develop as well and perhaps at a future date Ms McCarty could expand on this.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and could not put it down

i found this author when i searched out scottish highland book i love that era and started reading
the viper i was hook and had to go to the beginning of the series and read them in order i haven't been disappointed yet. the characters are strong but also have honor and heart. i will continue to seek out this writer

As always Monica McCarty comes through! Erik and Ellie offset each other perfectly and the author gives us more insight to the conflict between England and Scotland and Robert the Bruce rise back to the crown. I absolutely can't wait until December for the Ranger to come out.