THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE (Hardy Heroines #3.5) by Cathy MacRae-Review and Giveaway

THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE
Hardy Heroines #3.5
by Cathy MacRae
Release Date: March 17,2018
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, romance

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About the book: Release Date March 17, 2018

Caught between two kings vying for sovereignty of the Isles and Western Scotland, Hanna of Hällstein has lost everything—and vows to repay the Scots for the deaths of her husband and children. Fleeing the smoldering ruins of her village, Hanna crosses the Strait of Mull and chooses the Laird of Clan MacLean as the object of her revenge.

Alex MacLean has buried a wife and three children. Ignoring the clamors for him to wed again and produce an heir, he finds himself drawn to a Norse refugee who defies him and tests the limits of his patience—and his power as Laird.

Torn between revenge and honor, Hanna fears setting aside her vow of vengeance means she has lost her reason for living. Alex is determined to save her, even if it means defying the king.

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REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDERS NORSE BRIDE is instalment 3.5 (and novella) in Cathy MacRae’s historical HARDY HEROINES Highland romance series. This is Hanna of Hallstein, and Laird Alex MacLean’s story line. THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: For followers of this series, THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE bridges the gap between The Highlander’s Crusader Bride (Book #3) and The Highlander’s Welsh Bride (releasing sometime in 2018).

Told from dual third person perspectives THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE follows Hanna of Hallstein in the aftermath of an attack by the Scots, on her Norse village, that killed her children, and left her a widow. Hoping for revenge against the Scottish King, Hanna finds herself a willing captive, working for Clan MacLean, and their Laird. Enter Alex MacLean, Scottish Laird, and the man with whom Hanna will fall in love. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Hanna and Alex, and the potential fall-out as Hanna is unable to accept the love of a man, she once deemed the enemy.

Hanna is a strong woman with the ability to defend and protect but there comes a time when strength and determination are unequal to the conflict of war and the abuse of power. Laird Alex MacLean struggles in the aftermath of his wife’s death; raising his daughter, Alex never consider remarriage but the sight of the Norse ‘Valkyrie’ finds our hero longing for a woman, and the potential for a new heir.

The relationship between Hanna and Alex is quick to develop. Alex’s attraction to Hanna is immediate but Hanna struggles with the recent death of her husband, and murder of her three children. The $ex scenes are intimate but mostly implied.

THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE is a quick read; a sweet romance between two people who are caught in a war not of their making. Some of the premise is loosely based in historical fact as the author adds a history lesson at the end of the story line epilogue. The premise is a well-rounded, intelligent and charming look at the thirteenth century, fictionalized history, and the war between the Scottish and the Norse. The characters are strong, and inspiring ; the romance is tender and passionate. THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE is the perfect read for lovers of historical Highland romance.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The Highlander’s Viking Bride
The Highlander’s Crusader Bride
The Highlander’s Norse Bride

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Cathy MacRae lives on the sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains where she and her husband read, write, and tend the garden—with the help of the dogs, of course.

You can visit with her on facebook, or read her blogs and learn about her books at www.cathymacraeauthor.com. Drop her a line—she loves to hear from readers!

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