Ransom (Highlands' Lairds Book 2)

Garwood is, hands down, my favorite author of historical romance. And of all her books, Ransom is the one I could read every day and never get bored. The heroine is wonderful and the hero is sublime. The story moves at a fast clip, never once dragging the reader down. Be sure and start with The Secret as this is the sequel, but you won't be disappointed in either. Thank you, Julie Garwood!! You have given me many, many hours of escape and enjoyment.

Summary
Gillian was just a child when her home was attacked, and her sister disappeared, and her father murdered in front of her, and the Baron Alfred took over and sent her away to her uncle up to northern England. Now its been ten years and she has been called back to the Baron, who wants to know the location of a box that belonged to King John, and thinks that the family still has possession over it. When she plans a escape with a child, Alec, who falls down a gorge, and she rescues him, they are caught by Baron’s men, and in order to protect the boy, Gillian is severely beaten. And they escape knowing if she doesn’t find the box or her sister the Baron will kill her uncle, a man that is her only family, and was like her own father and raised her, and she will do anything to save him. Gillian and Alec make their way to Scotland, to Brodick Buchanan, who is Alec’s protector and close friend to Alec’s father. Gillian and Brodick are drawn together by circumstances, and even though her life is in England, and she must return there, her heart belongs to a fierce Scot who would protect her at all costs…but will it be enough?

The Hero
Brodick Buchanan is now laird over th Buchanan’s who are known as heathens among the Scots. Brodick, once wanted a English lass, but when he and his friend Ramsey when to England in search of some sweet passionate lasses, they found none that they liked and were both used. Ever since he made a promise to himself that he would never marry a English lass only a Scottish lass. But when he hears of a woman claiming to be his bride, he is intrigued, and finds himself drawn to Gillian, who is so different from any other woman he has ever known. Brodick is a hoot for a hero….he is one of the most fiercest Scots, and always wearing a scowl, most women fear him, but not Gillian. His character is quite amusing, because he is used to issuing commands and having them obeyed and no protests allowed, I loved his stubbornness, strength, and ways he manages Gillan.

The Heroine
Gillian has only known pain and grief, she loved her family, but when she witnesses her father being killed right in front of her, her life changed. Gillian as a child, was quiet and kept to herself, and had nightmares. As a woman, she has grown into herself, and is self assured and confident. She stands up to the Baron, and doesn’t let him weaken her resolve. She is protective of those innocent and those she loves most. She is patient with Alec (who is a child with endless questions and she never loses her temper…so bravo) She stands her own ground again Brodick, and isn’t afraid to disobey or disregard his rules he sets down. She is determined to save her uncle, no matter the risk to herself.

Plot and Story Line
For quite some time I have been wanted to re read Julie Garwood’s historical romances. Now of all the authors that write historical romance, Julie Garwood is at the top. Its been years, so I decided to download the audio version, and the narration was amazing and did the accent quite wonderfully. (And as a side note its on sale at Audible for $3.49–which is quite a bargain so I recommend heading over there while the price is so low.) Ransom is the second book in series, and I recommend if you haven’t read this series yet, you might want to read Secret first since it’s a bit connected to Ransom. The story begins with some background information on our heroine, we see her as a child and a bit traumatized as well from what she witnesses. My heart just went out to her, but then we skip ahead and see her as a woman, and her character was so endearing. She is one of those heroines that accepts what has been dealt to her, but she also stands on her own and fights for what is right. Then we get an added element of a side character, Alec. And for those who have read Secret Alec is Ian and Judith’s son. And what a precocious child he is, and one of my favorite side characters I have ever read. I love the way that Gillian is with him, protects him and even though her uncle is at risk, will return him home as her first priority. And there were so many moments in this story that were charming. What I loved most about this story was the development of characters and seeing the various changes unravel in the plot that keeps the reader engaged. We also have a side love story of Ramsey and Bridgid…and oh Bridgid…just loved her. What I loved most about her character, is that she will only marry one man…the man she loves, but he has to stop “being stupid” before she will even agree. I love her bluntness and how true to herself she is, and holds nothing back. She is brave and bold and I admired that quite a bit and she brought a bit of fresh air to the story. This just might be one of my favorite books from this author, I am sure I read it ages ago when I first started reading romance, but I just don’t remember this one, but now I have decided it’s definitely going to be considered a re listen to. I would recommend it to anyone that loves a tender and fierce love story. A must read for any romance lover–HIGHEST PRIORITY!!!

The Cover
Now there are two covers for this book, the paper version and the audio version. I like both, but I like the audio version a bit more, since it connects with the setting of the story a bit more.

Overall View
Ransom is a treasure of charming characters, thrilling plot, quick-witted humor, a tale of love and brings a spicy fresh quality to it, a engrossing read that will have you stunned from beginning to end!! A RICH AND A TRUE DELIGHT!!

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. The perfect blend of mystery and romance with a hero brought to his knees by the woman that was clearly made for him. There is a secondary love story that is just as endearing. A must read for historical romance fans but you must read The Secret first to truly enjoy it.

Love Julie Garwood- this book follows The Secret. I enjoyed this book the main characters are typical Garwood. Second story line is Ramsey's story also from The Secret. I enjoyed this book not my favorite but if you read the secret a nice follow up. LOVED The Secret.

Garwood's Highlands' Lairds series are full of intrigue, romance, historic facts, and just plain fun! Ransom reunites a few of the Lairds from her other Lairds novels and gives us yet another wonderful heroine and proud but caring Highland warrior. Again, I'm delighted it's on CD - makes my travel time in the car fly by!

Ok, this is now officially my favorite Julie Garwood book. The characters are larger than life, but also true to life. The children are portrayed as real, acting as children do even today. The heroine is warm and courageous, although she doesn't think so. The hero is amazing, someone to trust and to fall in love with.

I can't imagine Julie Garwood writing a book that wasn't great. I have read 7 or 8 of her books, and have not been at all disappointed in them. I read them in 1 or 2 days, because I can't wait to find out what happens. Ransom, as well as The Prize, The Secret, The Wedding, The Bride, so on and so on, are very enthralling. Remember, these are romance novels, so if it's not what your into, don't leave bad ratings for those who love these kind of books. If you love romance, you'll love these.

Once upon a time, Julie Garwood wrote fabulous historical romance. Ransome is a prime example of her outstanding early efforts. Although this is a stand alone book, it does refer to previous characters from her medieval series so I recommend reading The Secret first to get the full effect. I read them all many years ago but found rereading delightful. The craftsmanship is superior. Garwood's more recent contemporary suspense/romance efforts have shown deterioration of quality as time went on until I stopped reading them. They are probably ghost written which I find offensive. But her early historical are first class and great fun. Enjoy!

The Ransom book by Julie Garwood is truely riviting and the characters come to life. I have this book in paper as well as on Kendal book. this is one of my favorite books by far. I have read this Ransom about 5 times now from cover to cover. Everytime i read it i capture the true essense of Characters. I would love to see the younger generation in the books to come spring to life. I cannot seem to get enough of Julie's, characters; Ian, Brodrick, Ramsey Patrick and their wives, I would love to see the story unfold more.
Thank you for your stories they are truley inspirational! A devoted Fan!

If you like humor, intrigue, and great sexual tension between strong-willed heroes and heroines in historical romance, then Ms. Garwood is one of only a handful of authors that does it best. I originally read this some years ago, but re-read it again after having discovered a great fan fiction canon for this novel, "Ramsey's Reluctant Bride." If you liked Ramsey and Bridgid as much as you loved Brodick and Gillian, you should check it out. Still waiting for Garwood's next truly great historical romance.

I just wanted something fun, a little mindless and romantic to read. It was ok, but for the most part predictable and not that great. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone since there are better books out there in this same genre, so I know it is possible to not be so mediocre.

No one develops a story the way garwood does. You are so invested in the main characters I would say garwood historical are in a class by themselves she is like Beethoven or Bach to the written word. The only disappointment was not having an epilogue

This book is so good. Fast dialogue, adventurous, romantic and full of heroic characters. You laugh, you hold your breath you cheer. I have read this book no less than 5 times. I have now added it to my Kindle. Ransom is a story of passion and mystery, you just can't put it down.The SecretThe Bride

I discovered Julie Garwood by accident and I've gone through most of her books in record time. This is one of the sweetest little stories around. If you're only interested in raw sex, look somewhere else. If you want romance, interesting and endearing characters, a good story, and if you like "braw" Scottish Lairds with a tender side, this is the book for you.

I love Julie Garwood books, but Kindle' s audio version was disappointing. All the male figures in the book spoke with a very raspy voice, and worst of all, the hero not only had a raspy throat but spoke in a whisper! The name of the narrator is not listed before you buy the audio portion of the book, so you have no way of knowing if you're getting Ms. raspy throat again in the next audio book you buy.

I love period pieces as well as romance novels. I was given this novel as a suggestion by several friends that said I would fall in love with it, and I certainly have. I must read it once or twice a year as it is always my go-to book when I want to wrap myself up like a warm blanket. It has an incredible story, great characters and makes you want to stay up all night reading.

These three lairds are fabulous. The women that capture their hearts are perfect for the. The interaction between all of them is so very entertaining. I easily get swept up in their fighting and loving. A fabulous read!

Ransom by Julie Garwood is one of my favorite books with lots of romance. I already had story on hardback and ten bought on Kindle for convenience. I call Julie Garwood historical romances my "Happy Books."

I have all her books in paperback, now getting them on Kindle. I love how she mixes romance with humor-that's life. She is one of my favorite authors.
She also is great at historical facts mixed with fiction. Hope to get all of her books on Kindle.

There are many synopsis of this story to be found on this page, and all of them are factually accurate. I'm assuming that when read, this is an action-packed, and dramatic read, especially in the beginning. But my response to this book has a lot to do with who reads it on audio: Susan Duerden.

Duerden brings a lighter, less fraught tone to the book, which makes it so much easier to enjoy. It also helps that Julie Garwood wrote it, and we are safe in her capable hands. The result is a romance unlike any other, with a fragile but determined heroine who must overcome every obstacle to protect the ones she loves, no matter what. Fortunately, she meets a hero who can help her do that. ; )

Highly Recommended! (Especially on audio -- if you've never listened to an audio book, this might be the one to start with!)

I totally loved this book and was very pleased that the characters you met in the Secret come back and are as amazing as ever. Julie is a great author if you have seen my reviews you'll notice I have read almost all her books now.

I love historical novels. I especially enjoyed this book because of its strong female characters and the delightful story. Yes I would recommend it to others. I look forward to the next book in this series

I totally loved this book and was very pleased that the characters you met in the Secret come back and are as amazing as ever. Julie is a great author if you have seen my reviews you'll notice I have read almost all her books now.

I love historical novels. I especially enjoyed this book because of its strong female characters and the delightful story. Yes I would recommend it to others. I look forward to the next book in this series

This one of Garwood's best historical romances. The plot is well bound and the events keep you on the edge from beginning to end. A must read, and a novel that will get you more attached to get everything that Julie writes. Great work this time.

I love Julie Garwood's historical romance novels, especially the ones that have to do with the Highlands. Reading this book was like catching up with old friends from the book The Secret. If you haven't read The Secret you should read that first then read Ransom so that you will be familiar with the characters. You will fall in love with Brodick and his gruff nature but you will see that he is just a pussycat, I just wish that Ramsey and Bridgid's story was a bit more longer. Either way I would definitely recommend this book to read.