THE HIGHLANDER’S TEMPESTUOUS BRIDE (The Highlander’s Bride #3) by Cathy MacRae-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 11, 2014

Returning home after a ten-year absence, Ryan Macraig falls for a fiery, red-haired lass from the wrong side of the firth. He can’t ignore his need to see her again, even knowing she must be a hated Macrory.

Gilda Macrory trespasses Macraig land, but haunting memories of the young man she once met there draw her to the forbidden place. Learning he is Laird Macraig’s son threatens her dreams, for her father would never agree to a marriage between his daughter and their enemy’s son.

With pirates raiding the coast, bad blood between the Macraig and Macrory clans could cost Ryan and Gilda their love—and their lives.

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REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S TEMPESTUOUS BRIDE is the third installment in Cathy MacRae’s The Highlander’s Bride historical romance series. Advancing the series approximately twelve years, THE HIGHLANDER’S TEMPESTUOUS BRIDE focuses on Ryan Macraig and Gilda Macrory. Gilda is the daughter of Laird and Lady Macrory whom we met in book two-The Highlander’s Reluctant Bride.

The storyline focuses on the simmering feud between the Macraig and Macrory Clans. When Laird Ranald Macrory calls a meeting of the local Lairds to deal with the recent threats by pirates and thieves, it does not go unnoticed the attraction between his daughter and that of his enemy’s son. What ensues is a hastily arranged personal and private declaration between two young lovers whose actions put into motion the growing animosity between father and son, and the neighboring clans. An attack by pirates against the Lairds and their villagers, finds Gilda caught between two families and yearning for the love of a man she had only known for a very short time.

The relationship between Gilda and Ryan is quick to develop. While each has been betrothed to another, Gilda and Ryan ensure that their future belongs to one another. The sex scenes are passionate but mostly implied.

The secondary and supporting characters include Gilda’s parents Ranald and Catriona, her younger siblings as well as Ryan’s family and best friend Conn. Ryan’s father wants nothing to do with his son’s choice for a wife but circumstances will change when the families go to war against marauding pirates and thieves.

Cathy MacRae continues to build upon the Highlands of Scotland, the stormy seas of an unforgiving ocean and the backdrop of Scottish castles and thriving villages. Her continued use of Scottish brogue and text brings the foothills of Scotland onto the pages of The Highlander’s Bride Series.

My only complaint is the quick resolution and reveal as it pertains to a major plot point in the story. The building animosity and mistaken beliefs were quickly remedied within a short period of time. There are moments of heartbreak and presumed betrayal that barely merited a mention but ones that could have aroused painful and intense feelings of anger and hurt.

THE HIGHLANDER’S TEMPESTUOUS BRIDE is a compelling and seductive addition to Cathy MacRae’s The Highlander’s Bride historical romance series. The breathtaking and stunning grounds of the historical Scottish Highlands stirs the imagination and startling wonder of times long ago.

READING ORDER
The Highlander’s Accidental Bride
The Highlander’s Reluctant Bride
The Highlander’s Tempestuous Bride

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy