So I got Denny off to his new job today ( which will be yesterday when this posts tomorrow), got home in time to make the school improvement committee, then popped in at home to grab the boys to go try to sell popcorn for the scouts, go home eat two peanut butter cups for dinner chased with a banana and ice cream for desert. Now here I am working on the blog while sipping some sleepy time iced tea, hoping to get some answers from a few authors to come visit for some Author Spotlights.
The Chief is the first book in Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series…..ah I know…but you all know how I love my kilted men.
Damn, I love her covers. My hats off to the art department and not just for the men, the kilts and the swords…gotta love the swords ladies… right SE over at Tartan Ink! There is a uniformity about the books that catches the eye and is very pleasing, they look very nice next to each other on the shelves as I’ll show you later. Each cover is in a different color but the background pictures shows us something related to the hero and I love the ones with the armbands. When you get to the end and see the covers for the entire series you’ll know what I mean.
The Highland Guard is a secret army of 10 select warriors, the best of the best. They are brought together by Robert Bruce to help him free Scotland from England and King Edwards tyranny and secure his crown as King of Scotland. Tor MacLeod is known as the best swordsman in the Highlands or anywhere else for that matter, a commander of men. That trait is how he is given his war name The Chief. A fierce Highland Warlord and Laird willing to do anything and everything to prosper and protect his clan from King Edward’s war on Scotland. He is determined to keep his clan out of King Edward’s notice and not becoming involved in the Bruce’s bid for the crown and Scotland’s freedom. While he is seeking the chance to keep his clan from warring with a neighboring clan over his brother’s theft of a bride, he is tricked and later extorted into marrying the lovely Christina Fraser. Tor agrees to secretly train the Bruce’s Guard but refuses to lead them once their training is complete, he is a hard man because he’s had to be. He watched his family slaughtered as a young boy and has had to protect and lead his clan since then. Tor has trained hard to be the best, he’s hardened not only his body but his heart so as never to be hurt again.
Christine Fraser is a pawn to her father who hasn’t been the same since he returned from imprisonment at King Edward’s hands. Her father tricks her into helping trying to trick and force the MacLeod Laird into an alliance through marriage. Christina has no plan to wed the warrior but tries to use the event as a way for her and her sister to escape to sanctuary in a nunnery. Unfortunately Christina does end up a bride believing Tor married her to protect her honor. She is heartbroken when she finds out he married her to save his clan from war, not to save her honor. She is not happy that the only tenderness and consideration Tor shows her is in the dark of the night before he returns to sleep with his men in the hall. The fact that Tor disappears for days at a time and doesn’t trust her at all is made worse when she notices that his previous leman also disappears at the same time and is often seen speaking privately with him.
Don’t you love it when the hero is bound and determined not to bend and give in to his feelings? Sometimes I want to shake the book ans tell the hero to take his head out of his arse and open his eyes before it’s too late. The pull to and fro gives him that angst that I just love as I am pulled along too. Watching Tor change and finally see what is right in front of him makes it all worthwhile. Of course, like I said there were a few times he needed to be beat over the head with a rolling-pin.
We are introduced to the rest of Bruce’s Highland Guard in this first book and the foundation is laid quite well for a wonderful series. I enjoy reading the author’s notes at the end. Monica did a lot of research, it must be because I love history that, that interests me so. And again cudo’s to the art department for the wonderful covers.
An elite fighting force like the world has never 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. 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. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his agreement to command the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to his 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 something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in the 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 against England, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and open his heart—before it’s too late.
Excerpt:
From Chapter Two: Christina and her sister Beatrix stumble into the middle of a fight between Tor (the golden-haired warrior) and his nemesis Lachlan MacRuairi (the dark-haired warrior).
As they drew closer the charge in the air intensified. With each step, her heartbeat raced faster. Her sister felt it, too. The quickening of Beatrix’s breath matched her own.
Out of the corner of her eye she could see the men not ten paces from her. She fought the urge to shudder, realizing how much larger and more daunting they were up close.
We have to get out of here.
The causeway wasn’t far now. Twenty paces or so and they’d be safe.
All of a sudden, she heard a man let out a vile oath, followed by the blood-curdling crash of steel on steel. Before she could react, the crowd had tightened around them, cutting off their path.
They were trapped.
At first Christina feared that they would be caught up in the melee, but then she realized only two men were fighting—the same two warriors she’d noticed before.
A swordfight in the middle of the courtyard? Goodness, did these Barbarians fight everywhere?
She and Beatrix watched in horror as they attacked one another with a viciousness that could only mean one thing—a fight to the death. It was horrible. Violent. Their wild, brutal fighting style nothing like the “civilized” practicing she was used to on the lists or the tournaments she’d seen as a child.
Neither man wore mail, only the leine and padded leather cotun studded with metal—seemingly woefully inadequate protection against the penetrating steel blades of their swords. They both wore soft leather boots to just below the knees, leaving a gap of bare leg to the lower thigh.
The golden-haired warrior had his back to her, but she could see the muscles in his back flare as he swung the enormous two-handed longsword in a high arch over his head and brought it down with crushing force. The sword seemed a part of him—as if he’d been born with it in his hand.
The dark-haired warrior blocked it with one of his two short arming swords, resulting in a piercing clatter that shattered the peace of the day, making her ears ring and teeth rattle. He allowed his blade to drop to the ground, pinned beneath the other, but then he spun and whirled the other over his head to return the strike.
The warriors exchanged blow after deadly blow, neither showing signs of tiring, wielding their enormous blades as effortlessly as if they were made of wood and not steel. The ground reverberated with each terrifying stroke.
She should look away. She should attempt to escape. But Christina was as mesmerized as she was horrified by the brutal savageness of the spectacle before her.
Was this what the Romans had felt watching the Gladiators?
If they weren’t so obviously trying to kill each other, there would almost be something beautiful to their movements. Despite their powerful builds, they moved with leonine grace. In the back of her mind it occurred to her that if they weren’t so fearsome looking the men might be considered handsome. Nor could she ignore that there was something blatantly male and attractive about such brute strength. But the thought was fleeting and quickly forgotten in the heat and clamor of the battle. The clang of steel mixed with the grunts of the combatants and the ebbing and flowing murmurs of the crowd.
At first she thought they were well matched, but as the fight drew on she recognized the superior skill of the golden-haired man. His blade fell harder; his reactions were quicker and his movements more precise. He controlled every aspect of the battle.
Her gaze was drawn to him.
When it became clear that she and Beatrix were not in danger, she grew more bold in her observation, noticing the hard lines of his jaw, the wide mouth, and forbidding brow. The noble bearing that permeated the air around him. As the fight had started without warning, he wore no helm or bascinet to protect his head. His hair was actually more brown than blond as she’d first thought, but the sunlight picked up all the golden strands, making it appear much lighter.
She was fascinated by the way his muscles bunched and flexed with each blow of the sword. Looking at him, the idea of Lancelot bending steel bars didn’t seem so far-fetched. Such power would normally terrify her, but detached like this she felt a strange heat shimmering through her.
But she hardly had time to process the strange reaction before the battle shifted and took on a far more ominous tone.
Ok, I’m going to stop there…..now you have to go get the book if you don’t have it already to continue the battle.
I give The Chief 4.75 tail Swishes.
Here is a look at the rest of the series which you’ll be seeing soon. Click on the cover to go to the book page for more tidbits.
And coming out soon is book 6 The Recruit
Here’s how the covers look in my book-case.
I like how the titles are in the same place on all the books, the small picture and the author’s name all in the same place, makes them look so nice on the shelf, eye-catching to the reader, at least to this one.
So if you’d like to go check Monica out here are her links, enjoy everyone.
http://www.monicamccarty.com/index.php http://monicamccarty.blogspot.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Monica-McCarty/18042425673
Z Seawitch
Ivy
Oct 16, 2012 @ 07:28:15
I’ve not read any of these yet. Do think I have the first 1 or 2…now I’m gonna have to look & see.
seawitchreviews
Oct 16, 2012 @ 09:30:12
They are good, I’m reading The Saint right now and I hate for it to end…but The Recruit is coming out soon.
Ivy
Oct 16, 2012 @ 07:33:17
Nope..Highlander Untamed & Highland Scoundrel…
seawitchreviews
Oct 16, 2012 @ 09:30:45
I have those too, they’re over there on my bookshelves.
Mary Preston
Oct 16, 2012 @ 08:48:55
They all look amazing – covers & story wise.
seawitchreviews
Oct 16, 2012 @ 09:37:48
I love covers that work well like that, it’s my ocd side coming out, I like things to be even and symmetrical. I hate wrinkles in my bed before I go to sleep at night and have to straighten them out, I can feel crumbs even if they are on Denny’s side. Drives him insane that I make him get up to shake out the sheets and get rid of wrinkles. That’s how I like my books too, alphabetical order by author, in series and in the correct order.
I have enjoyed the series and canna wait to get my hands on The Recruit.
Cathy P
Oct 16, 2012 @ 10:15:50
Congrats on Denny’s job again, Zina! Monica is a new author for me, but after reading your drool worthy review and seeing the Highlander cover, I definitely have to read her books.
seawitchreviews
Oct 16, 2012 @ 13:23:35
I’ll be giving away The Chief at the end of the month as part of my 100 celebration.
June M.
Oct 16, 2012 @ 10:42:42
I love Monica’s books! I found THE CHIEF when it first came out and loved it so much that I had to get her other books (The Campbell trilogy &The MacLeod’s of Skye trilogy). Loved them all. I am looking forward to THE RECRUIT.
seawitchreviews
Oct 16, 2012 @ 13:24:40
I have the both the other series too but haven’t read them. I know about 2 weeks and The Recruit comes out.
Diane Sallans
Oct 16, 2012 @ 11:19:16
I loved Monica’s books. I read the first five Highland Guard and am looking forward to the The Recruit.
I just finished her first six books which are portrayed as two trilogies (first about the MacLeans then about the Campbells) but they really flow in order over all six – a few of the Campbells make appearances in the MacLean trilogy.
But after I read the Recruit I’ll have finished all of her books!
And I love that Monica includes authors notes about the real history of the time and people (makes me feel like I’m learning something while enjoying my reading).
seawitchreviews
Oct 16, 2012 @ 13:27:33
Thant’s how I feel too about the author’s notes. I have enjoyed Monica’s books and as you wish she could write faster, of course there are lots of authors I wish could write as fast as a super hero.
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Oct 16, 2012 @ 11:47:03
Thanks for mentioning me, Zina. You’re right – swords are wonderful. I don’t read other Scottish romance authors, so haven’t (and won’t) read McCarty. I have, however, heard great things about her from the very first when she appeared on the scene a few years ago. Word is, her books are fabulous. (I’m sure they are) Her covers are always amazing. I’ve also heard she’s a very nice person.
Thanks again for mentioning me/Tartan Ink.
seawitchreviews
Oct 16, 2012 @ 13:38:44
Yes, I know you don’t read anyone else’s stories, except Karen Ranney’s I believe. I had to make a reference to your sword swinging from your post as it had me chuckling all day. She is nice, I met her very briefly at a RWA book signing.
BTW, as part of my 100 celebration I’m giving away a copy of Devil In A Kilt and Highlander In Her Bed. I know some would say your Allie titles aren’t a series but they are tied together by Buck’s County and many of the Highlanders were friends and are such good stories I just have to share the love.
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Oct 16, 2012 @ 14:03:44
Zina, I don’t read Karen Ranney either. I -did- read two of her titles during her brief association with Tartan Ink. Autumn in Scotland (think that was the title), which I thought was excellent. And her more recent A Scottish Love. I also read her Vampire short story, which she kindly sent to me. It was really cute and original. She’s an excellent, well-loved author. But other than the above titles, I haven’t read her. (and won’t) It seemed right to read her when she was involved in Tartan Ink. For that reason, I made an exception. Otherwise, I keep to a strict no same-genre reading rule.
Thanks so much for including Devil In A Kilt and Highlander in Her Bed in your upcoming celebration. Keep me posted and I’ll again send the winners signed book-plates and other goodies.
Surprised you have a copy of Highlander In Her Bed. That book’s been oop for ages.
And, yes, the Allie Mackay books are all connected through my Bucks County heroines and Wee Hughie, etc…
seawitchreviews
Oct 16, 2012 @ 14:20:33
You’ll laught…it took me a minute to figure out what oop meant. I hope I didna stick my foot in my mouth. Ah I have my ways…perhaps Devorgillia has sent some magic my way……
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Oct 16, 2012 @ 14:28:15
No worries, Zina. I wish the book wasn’t ‘oop.’ But that’s the way of it – if sales aren’t good enough, NY puts the books to the pasture, I’m presently fighting very hard to get the rights back. When I do, I’ll be indie publishing this title so new readers can read it. It remains one of my favorite Allie Mackay titles.
leahluvsmedieval
Oct 16, 2012 @ 17:19:37
Zina, I saw where you won The Recruit on one of the blogs we both follow. I was cheering for you on that win. 🙂
I haven’t read any of these but they are all on my wishlist. I was smiling when I read about The Chief. What had me smiling is, I have a replica of the Macleod sword used in the movie Highlander hanging on the wall here beside my computer. I do believe the powers that be are telling me to get this book. I’ve put a star beside it on my list so when I purchase books next, it will be one. These covers are amazing! I always find my eye drawn to the sword first on a cover, before the man. I love when they have castles in the background too. All these books sound like amazing reads.
seawitchreviews
Oct 17, 2012 @ 23:47:30
OMG, I didn’t see it until you just told me, it may be too late to claim it, that happens when you take a day or so after an MRI. We’ll see what Fatin says, they may have already chosen a new winner.
Did you notice on each cover there are different things? In the next one there is a viking ship and The Hawk is the best captain in the Highlands. How cool to have a sword. My 16 yr old son says he’ll wear a kilt for me if I buy him a real broadsword. Next year my plans are to family pictures taken with the men dressed in kilts or trews running across the field with swords going into battle. The women will be in a shot doing needlework then a group shot at a picnic in family groups. My only problemis my two son in laws, I don’t think they’ll wear the kilts. They are amazing reads.
leahluvsmedieval
Oct 18, 2012 @ 21:58:53
Those family pictures will be beautiful and you’ll have to share them with us when y’all get them done.
I know what you mean about missing posts about winning. Connie has sent me e-mails about wins I have won that I had no clue about. If it hadn’t been for her, I would have never known. We’ll just have to keep each others backs on these things, LOL!
With your son-in-laws….tell them when momma’s happy, everybody’s happy. 😉
Karen C
Oct 16, 2012 @ 21:23:13
I haven’t read any of Monica McCarty’s books, but they sure do sound like good reads and the covers are gorgeous.
seawitchreviews
Oct 17, 2012 @ 23:48:20
They are so good, The Saint that I just finished had me bawling my eyes out a time or two.
Glittergkrl
Oct 16, 2012 @ 21:59:04
I have all of Monica’s books but haven’t read them yet…I’ll bave to move them up my TBR pile! You know I love my highlander stories, sigh.
We are doing well on our trip, though we both ended up needing crowns and now have sore mouths with our “tempories” in place. No steak for us this trip…darn. I got a call from Momma’s care worker that she sent Momma to emergency yesterday…she slipped into a short coma from too much CO2 in her lungs. They admitted her for observation after improving her breathing. I ‘ll be calling my bro soon to see w she’s doing. I’d hoped all wod be quiet while I was gone.
seawitchreviews
Oct 17, 2012 @ 23:49:36
Yes, move them up and I hope things go well for you and you can return to Oregon and your mum. I hope it works out.
Lexi
Oct 17, 2012 @ 20:29:34
The series does look rather nice sitting side by side. And I love it when a book makes me want to shake some sense into the heros!! =)
seawitchreviews
Oct 17, 2012 @ 23:50:26
I wanted to whack some sense into him with my rolling pin as well!
bullrem
Oct 20, 2012 @ 02:50:03
I have read several of Monica’s books and she is very inventive and fresh with her Scottish tales. I hope some of her titles will make their way into your contest. I am happy your MRI was ok and sorry about the cold. Wishing everyone well. Helen in Ark.
Linda Townsend
Oct 26, 2012 @ 21:34:05
I’ve not read any of these books! DURN! Now I’m going to have to check them out… I love the covers too…
seawitchreviews
Oct 26, 2012 @ 22:50:20
This is the first one and its up for grabs in my celebrations.
Zina seawitchreviewsfromthebookshelf.wordpress.com
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bullrem
Oct 26, 2012 @ 22:38:36
I have never read a Monica book that was not awesome and these so far live right up to that standard and then some. Thanks for highlighting these for us. Get some real food and get some rest. Helen in Ark.
seawitchreviews
Oct 26, 2012 @ 22:48:22
Denny is here for the weekend so hopefully I’ll get some sleep. Thank you
Zina seawitchreviewsfromthebookshelf.wordpress.com
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Brenda Rumsey
Oct 27, 2012 @ 17:30:47
Your days sound as busy as mine. LOL. Raising my three grandsons keeps me busy, but it’s worth it. Love those guys. These books look awesome and like you, love the covers. Thanks for introducing me to this author.
Miranda W
Oct 30, 2012 @ 19:36:13
It’s a kilt! If I wore something under it then it would be a skirt!
Chelsea B.
Nov 07, 2012 @ 14:16:03
Oh these books… sigh. I can’t wait to start this series!