The Rock by Monica McCarty

Title: The Rock 

Series: Highland Guard #11

Author: Monica McCarty 

Release Date: December 29, 2015

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.

Amazon

Thomas MacGowan has loved Elizabeth Douglas since the first time he saw her. She was a little girl then and he thought she was a princess. His father tells Thomas she is unreachable. She is a lady and he is only the son of the blacksmith. He has nothing to offer her but they become fast friends with Thomas saving her a few times. Yeas later, when Elizabeth refuses his proposal, he's devastated and decides to join Edward Bruce's cause against the English. He wants to show Elizabeth he can do better and climb the ranks to achieve a better status.  Thomas is strong and he's known to be able to climb the most difficult walls. This brings the interest from the Highland Guard to his doorstep. He might be able to climb the walls of castles and take them back from the English. Nonetheless, this is not enough to make Elizabeth stop her bethrodal.

I was so happy to start The Rock. I read The Striker and I loved it.  Monica McCarty does a great job with her descriptions and I can almost visualize myself during those hard times. I wish I had read the rest of the books but I don't believe it's necessary to enjoy it. 

In regards to the main characrters, I found myself annoyed with Elizabeth at times. She had a man promising to love her and cheerish her and she was oblivious to his love until she sees him without a shirt! Then lust takes over and then she realizes her mistake.  I know it was unheard of marrying below your status but how can she say no to Thomas!

Thomas was written perfectly. He was strong, determined and would do anything to convince Elizabeth that he could provide for her. Everything he did was for her. How many times did he save her?  I was happy Thomas was able to develop a relationship with his father and brother again. 

I really can't wait for the next one in this series.

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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The Striker by Monica McCarty

Title: The Striker 

Author: Monica McCarty

Series: Highland Guard #10

Release Day: November 24, 2015

Goodreads

Six years ago, Eoin "Striker” MacLean endured the greatest betrayal of his life, a disaster that led Robert the Bruce to a crushing defeat and left Eoin without the spirited woman who ruled his heart. Eoin knew that falling in love with his sworn enemy’s daughter was risky, dividing him between a possessive desire for beautiful Margaret MacDowell and an undying loyalty to his king. He promised Bruce that he would keep his fiery bride in the dark about the elite Highland Guard, but he could not predict the dire consequences his secret would have on his young marriage. Nor could he foresee how surrendering to temptation could cripple Bruce’s cause, forcing Eoin to blame his wife—and himself for trusting her.

Now, as Bruce prepares to challenge the resistance’s remaining strongholds, Eoin finally has his chance for revenge against the woman he once loved so fiercely and her entire clan. But when ferociously independent Margaret reveals a surprise that unites her with Eoin, neither of them will let their love go down without a fight.

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I have always loved Highlander books and The Striker was everything I hoped it would be. 

The book is set after William Wallace is killed. There is turmoil in Scotland and in the middle of this is where our main characters meet and fall in love. 

I will divide this book into two parts. The first part shows us how Eoin and Margaret meet.

Eoin "Striker" MacLean's goal is to become part of the elite group the Highland Guard. This is a secret guard created by King Robert the Bruce.  Eoin is all about strategy and he fights for what he believes to be right.

Margaret MacDowell is the only daughter of Dugald MacDowell. She is a carefree spirit. She does what she wants and she's happy that way. These two characters couldn't be more different, but they say opposite attracts. The more Eoin is in contact with Margaret, the harder it's to fight his attraction for her, regardless of how being with her will upset his plans.

Margaret's character was easy to like. She was happy and smart. She liked to push the limits. She was able to make brooding Eoin smile. I hated how Eoin's family mistreated her and their behavior was hateful.

The second part of the book happens after six years have gone by. This is the chance for Eoin to act on his revenge towards Margaret and her family. Yet, this becomes their second chance to be together. They just have to stay away from past mistakes.

It was easy to enjoy this book. I felt like I was right there with them, living their lives and tribulations. This wasn't an easy time in Scotland. It was a time of danger and uncertainty. Getting the rightful king to rule was the priority.  I believed Monica McCarty did an amazing job at portraying it.

“Even against pigheaded, humorless, too-smart-for-their-own-good horses’ backsides,”

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.