Tag Archives: Cathy MacRae

The Highlander’s Welsh Bride (Hardy Heroines #5) by Cathy MacRae & DD MacRae-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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THE HIGHLANDER’S WELSH BRIDE (Hardy Heroines #5) by Cathy MacRae and DD MacRae-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release DateDecember 27, 2018

From the sweeping mountains of Wales where Prince Llywelyn made his last stand against the English, to the treacherous Isles of Scotland where Vikings and pirates rule the waters, comes a tale of betrayal and loss, deceit and passion. An epic tale of honor and the redeeming power of love.

It was over. Prince Llywelyn was dead, his soldiers fleeing before King Edward’s army. Carys, a distant cousin to the prince, herself a princess of Wales, had picked up arms alongside her husband more than a year ago in the fight for Wales’s independence. Now homeless, her husband buried beneath the good Welsh soil, she seeks shelter in the north, far from the reach of Longshanks’s men.

It was time. Birk MacLean has been ordered to take a bride and produce an heir. He grows weary of the lasses paraded before him, women of delicate nature and selfish motives. He desires a wife strong enough to help lead one of the most powerful clans in Western Scotland.

One like the Welsh woman sitting in his dungeon, arrested for poaching MacLean deer.

Can Birk convince Carys marriage to him is preferable to a hangman’s noose? And will the heard-headed Scot be worthy of a Princess of Wales?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S WELSH BRIDE is the fifth instalment in Cathy MacRae and DD MacRae’s adult, Highlander, historical romance series. This is Baron and Laird Birk MacLean, and Princess Carys Wen, filia Pedr’s story line. THE HIGHLANDER’S WELSH BRIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE WELSH takes place approximately thirty years after the events of The Highlander’s Norse Bride.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Birk and Carys) THE HIGHLANDER’S WELSH BRIDE follows Carys in the aftermath of war as she journeys, along with her brother Hywel, to safer land. Pirates and a storm at sea find Carys one of only two survivors of a shipwreck that claimed the lives of everyone she loved, a shipwreck that would place her in harm’s way once again. Enter Baron/Laird Birk MacLean, the man with whom Carys would fall in love. What ensues is the marriage of convenience, and building relationship between Carys and Birk, and the potential fall –out as secrets and lies continue to follow our story line couple.

Baron Birk MacLean is a widower with two young daughters, and is desperate to find a wife equal to his power and charm. Hearing about a ‘warrior’ woman aboard The Seabhag from its’ captain Murdoc Ferguson, Birk was shocked when the woman found hunting on MacLean lands turns out to be the woman he believed would be a perfect mate for a widower like himself. Carys lost her family to war and the sea but meeting Birk MacLean meant a second chance at a happily ever after but second chances came with a price. Once a prisoner, now Lady of the Manor, Carys is a strong willed, fierce fighter and protector of the people she loves.

The relationship between Carys and Birk begins acrimoniously as Carys is held prisoner in our hero’s dungeons. Drawn to the woman that would steal his heart, Birk makes Carys an offer of marriage, in exchange for her life. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Birk’s daughters Abria and Eislyn; Captain Murdoc Ferguson and his son Tully, and Carys’ brother Prince Hywel. We are reintroduced to Birk’s mother Hanna (The Highlander’s Norse Bride 3.5), and his half-sister Gillian.

THE HIGHLANDER’S WELSH BRIDE like the previous instalments blends historical facts and fiction as the author weaves a wonderful tale of secrets, lies, second chances, and love. The premise is intriguing and lively; the characters are sassy, strong and spirited; the romance is provocative and energetic. THE HIGHLANDER’S WELSH BRIDE is an enthralling and animated story line that is sure to please. Fair warning-there is plenty of Gaelic and Norse prose throughout the story.

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

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Historical accuracy in historical romance by Cathy & DD MacRae

The Highlander’s Welsh Bride is the 5thbook in the Hardy Heroines series, stories created to showcase the power of women in a medieval setting. Each book begins with a historical challenge, and in the back of each you’ll find our notes for the research on that particular story. Does every author accept historical fact into their tales? Undoubtedly, many—or even most—do. However, with accurate information often sketchy from ancient times, we’ve found that historical facts are either verbatim on multiple websites due to the ‘copy and paste’ that is so easy to do, or possibly wildly divergent depending on who’s viewpoint you’re doing research from.

For example, in The Highlander’s Norse Bride, the Battle of Largs had very different meaning and context to Scots and the Norse. A Norse saga praises King Haakon for commanding the largest armada ever seen, sent to Scotland in righteous anger over King Alexander II’s attempt to wrest control of Western Scotland from Norwegian rule (https://deremilitari.org/2016/09/the-norwegian-invasion-of-scotland-in-1263/). Scottish accounts show a young king wily enough to stall the powerful Norwegian king until fickle Scottish weather destroyed King Haakon’s advance.

Yes, being historically accurate has its challenges. Here are some points of note from The Highlander’s Welsh Bride. We liked the possibility of our hero, Birk MacLean, marrying a woman from Wales, but what would it take to bring the two close enough to meet when an entire country separated them?

The setting became 1283, Wales. Prince Llywelyn was dead, possibly betrayed by his own countrymen, though accounts differ. From a war-torn land, we created Carys Wen, filia Pedr, a young woman who took up arms against the English when King Edward Longshanks rode against the Welsh. She is widowed, her family dead or scattered, and in danger should she, a cousin of the prince, be captured. What should she do?

Sail to Scotland, of course.

We loved researching the shipping routes, timing, currents, etc. Actually, DD is more into ships than I am, but we put together the circumstances that would allow her to sign on as an oarsman (in disguise, of course) and flee Wales.

Towns are also scrutinized for historical accuracy. Carys and Birk visit Campbelltown in The Highlander’s Welsh Bride, but in the 13thcentury, it was called Kinlochkillkerran. Character names are always of interest to us, as well. I prefer names that are easy to pronounce, and tend to suggest names that haven’t been over-used. You’ll note most of the names in this book are rather unusual, but all are as accurate as we can make them.

One cool twist to the story (imho) was the discovery of the Corryvreckan whirlpool which lies between the isles of Scarba and Jura. It’s the 3rdlargest maelstrom in the world, and lies along the sailing route I’d planned for Birk and Carys to travel on their trip to Kinlochkillkerran. I believe my thoughts went something like: “maelstrom—birlinn (sailing ship)—pirates—oh, my!” And the rest of the story was born.

Do we twist historical accuracy to fit our stories? Typically, no, though I adjusted the timeline in The Highlander’s French Bride to include an intriguing historical figure. I gave full disclosure at the beginning of the book, and readers appear to be okay with that.

In an upcoming book slated to release late 2019, we plan to take an historical figure from one of the Hardy Heroines stories and give him a HEA. History will tell you he died by poisoning at the hand of his wife during a political struggle, but we thought he deserved better than that.

Do you expect complete historical accuracy in historical romance? Do you enjoy an ‘alternate’ history if you are told up front the historical facts have been changed to suit the story?

Thanks so much! It’s been a pleasure being here today!

~Cathy & DD

 

Follow Cathy: Twitter / Goodreads /Website / Facebook

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!

••••••••

D.D. MacRae enjoys bringing history to life and considers research one of the best things about writing a story! With more than 35 years of martial arts training, DD also brings breath-taking action to the tales. You can connect with DD through Cathy’s website.

Cathy MacRae is gracious offering an ebook copy of THE HIGHLANDER’S WELSY BRIDE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Cathy MacRae on Facebook.

4. Add THE HIGHLANDER’S WELSH BRIDE to your GOODREADS mountain.

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from December 26-December 31, 2018

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The Highlander’s Norse Bride (Hardy Heroines #3.5) by Cathy MacRae-Review & Giveaway

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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

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / Amazon.au /

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.

•••••••

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

Follow Cathy: Twitter / Goodreads /Website / Facebook

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!

Cathy MacRae is gracious offering a  $20 Amazon Gift Card to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Cathy MacRae on Facebook.

4. Add THE HIGHLANDER’S NORSE BRIDE to your GOODREADS mountain.

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway is open internationally

9. Giveaway runs from April 15-20, 2018

Share

The Highlander’s Crusader Bride by Cathy MacRae-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE ( Hardy Heroines #3) by Cathy MacRae (& DD MacRae)-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

The Highlander's Crusader Bride Banner

THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE
Hardy Heroines #3
by Cathy MacRae
Release Date: October 24, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, romance

The Highlander's Crusader Bride

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

About the Book: Release Date October 24, 2017

Born in the Holy Land only a few years after the Third Crusade, half-Armenian, half-Scot Arbela MacLean is a true daughter of the desert, beautiful and untamed. Trained to be a warrior to avoid her gentle mother’s fate, Arbela has honed her skills with Turkish bow and arrow, sword and throwing darts—and dreads the day her father choses a man for her to marry.

After more than thirty years in the Holy Land, Donal MacLean, Baron of Batroun, is recalled to Scotland, the last son available to take up leadership of clan MacLean. He brings with him knights, treasure, trade—and a daughter of marriageable age.

Caelen MacKern, known as the Bull of the Highlands, is cynical about women. His first marriage formed an alliance, and he did not grieve when his spoiled, immature bride passed away. He has agreed to marry again—against his better judgement—for the men, means and coin to recover from a devastating pestilence that all but wiped out his clan.

Though more than a little resentful at finding himself forced to remarry, Caelen’s proposal to Donal MacLean’s headstrong daughter nevertheless piques her interest. Each will receive what they want most from life—the ability to live as they please without interference from a meddling spouse. But their marriage of indifference will soon change to one of passion that neither Arbela nor Caelen could have predicted.

••••••••••

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE is the third instalment in Cathy MacRae’s adult HARDY HEROINES historical, Highlander romance series. This is half-Armenian, half Scot Arbela MacLean, and Caelen MacKern’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Caelen and Arbela) THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE is a stand alone story line that follows the marriage of convenience between half-Armenian, half Scot Arbela MacLean, and Laird Caelen MacKern, leader of Clan MacKern in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Death and disease has ravaged the MacKern Clan, and with it comes the struggles to feed and support the numerous bodies within the Keep. To add insult to an already suffering Clan, Laird MacKern’s former father in law seeks revenge against the Laird for the untimely death of his daughter, Caelen’s first wife, plundering small herds and burning down the outlying crofts. Enter Laird Donal MacLean, who offers up his twenty year old daughter Arbela MacLean in exchange for provisions, repairs and additional security. What ensues is the marriage of convenience between the independent and warrior-trained Arbela MacLean, and Laird Caelen MacKern, and the potential fall out as Laird MacGillonay demands custody of Caelen’s only son attacking the Clan and the woman with whom Caelen is falling in love.

Arbela MacLean is half-Armenian, half-Scot, and royalty by birth, but our heroine is unlike any of the Scottish woman Caelen has ever met or seen. Warrior trained in both the defensive and offensive ways of war, the head-strong but beautiful Arbela is a one-woman army unto herself. Darker skinned with an attitude to match, Arbela will become the victim of racist slurs and savage attacks that accompany her marriage to a Scottish Laird. Five years earlier Caelen MacKern’s wife died leaving our hero a single father with a one-year old son. Discouraged by his first marriage Caelen vows never to remarry as he battles to maintain control of his struggling Clan. A marriage of convenience will aid in the resurrection of the MacKern Clan but a marriage that is doomed to fail as both Caelen and Arbela refuse to accept anything beyond a marriage in name only.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters. Not everyone is true to the MacKern Clan-there are traitors in the midst, some closer than others. The introduction of Bram MacKern softens our heroine’s heart as she grows to love the child as her own.

The relationship between Arbela and Caelen begins as an arrangement. Arbela had no plans for marriage; and Caelen refuses to enter into a marriage with another unhappy wife. Their unwritten agreement to keep separate lives is quickly extinguished when their palpable sexual attraction is heightened by threats against the people they love. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

THE HIGHLANDER’S CRUSADER BRIDE mixes historical facts with fiction creating a wonderful story line about two people pulled together by circumstance and love. There are moments of betrayal and devotion, hatred and friendship, discrimination and acceptance, romance and love. The premise is entertaining, revealing and engaging; the characters are real, colourful and charismatic; the romance is passionate and slow to build. Cathy MacRae adds another dimension to her Hardy Heroine’s –a series of strong, independent and beautiful women who find the courage to live and love.

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

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

About the Author

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!

•••••••••••

DD MacRae enjoys bringing history to life and considers research one of the best things about writing a story! With more than 35 years of martial arts training, DD also brings breath-taking action to the tales.

You can connect with DD through www.cathymacraeauthor.com. It’s always exciting to hear from readers!

Connect:

Site: www.cathymacraeauthor.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathymacraeauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cmacraeauthor
Goodreads: Cathy: https://goo.gl/o7dwLk   DD: https://goo.gl/Phh881

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The Highlander’s Viking Bride by Cathy MacRae-Review, Giveaway & Excerpt Tour

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THE HIGHLANDER’S VIKING BRIDE (Hardy Heroines #2) by Cathy MacRae-Review, Giveaway and Excerpt Tour

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THE HIGHLANDER’S VIKING BRIDE
Hardy Heroines #2
by Cathy MacRae
Release Date: May 22, 2017
Genre: adult, historical, Highlander, slightly paranormal, romance

The Highlander's Viking Bride

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

Add to Goodreads: https://goo.gl/k5LpBx

About the book: Release Date May 22, 2017

Calder MacGerry, laird of an impoverished clan, has resolved to end the bitter feud between the MacGerrys and Sinclairs. He jumps at Laird Sinclair’s offer of marriage to his only daughter, Katja, to seal the agreement between their clans—only to get more than he bargained for.

Katja’s chance to escape her father’s harsh treatment appears to be too good to be true. But becoming Lady of a clan that despises her because she’s a Sinclair, doesn’t make her life any easier. When the attacks turn deadly, she fights her way out, making a dangerous passage to the Shetland Isles for refuge with her Viking family.

Calder and Katja’s marriage, built on mistrust, rushes quickly into disaster. As Calder seeks to repair the damage, Katja discovers not another enemy, but a husband who pledges a new beginning.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S VIKING BRIDE is the second installment in Cathy MacRae historical, slightly paranormal HARDY HEROINES romance series. This is Laird Calder MacGerry, and Katja Sinclair’s story line. THE HIGHLANDER’S VIKING BRIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Calder and Katja) THE HIGHLANDER’S VIKING BRIDE follows Laird Calder MacGerry as he must make peace and end the feud with Clan Sinclair upon the death of his father. Without food or supplies for the upcoming winter, the new Laird is desperate for find provisions for his suffering clan. When Earl Sinclair offers a truce, the truce comes with a caveat-a proviso of sorts-Calder MacGerry must marry the Earl’s only daughter, and in doing so would be granted the woman’s dowry and everything that comes with. Enter Katja Sinclair, the mysterious and only daughter of Earl Sinclair, and the woman with whom Calder will fall in love. What ensues is the tepid but growing relationship between Calder and Katja, and the struggle for Katja to trust the man who has all but destroyed her heart and her soul.

THE HIGHLANDER’S VIKING BRIDE is a story of romance, betrayal, revenge and mistrust. Calder never thought about taking a bride but with his clan in total disrepair, Earl Sinclair’s offer is something he could not refuse. Katja is an independent young woman who has struggled all of her life to find a place in her father’s heart only to be rejected time and again. Her marriage to Laird Calder MacGerry comes with a promise of love but a love that will be threatened by sins of the past. The $ex scenes are intimate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

THE HIGHLANDER’S VIKING BRIDE, like many of Cathy MacRae’s previous Highlander tales finds our couple apart for a good portion of the building story line. Katja believes she is better off, away from the Laird and his clan, and finds herself on the run, searching for family she hasn’t seen in years. Meanwhile Calder MacGerry must go in search of his wayward bride. More time together would have increased my enjoyment of the overall story. The premise is entertaining and passionate; the characters are colorful, strong willed, and charismatic; the romance struggles in the face of mistrust and threats against the heroine’s life. THE HIGHLANDER’S VIKING BRIDE is a dramatic and energetic story where a young woman finds happiness against the odds.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Excerpt

(Katja meets Calder)
Katja reluctantly heeded her father’s summons to the great hall. She much preferred taking meals in her chamber, as constant criticism and scorn from her father made for poor company. Her only regret was not spending the time with her brothers. She remembered the days before her amma died when mealtimes were pleasant, even enjoyable. She did not remember the days when her ma was alive.
Everyone in the keep knew guests had arrived—rumored to be the hated MacGerrys. Her father would likely use the opportunity to dangle her as bait again for some sort of alliance, her hand in marriage as part of the bargain. She grimaced. The MacGerry laird was as old as her sire—as were all the men her da had presented as prospective husbands.
“I willnae marry a man thrice my age. Why does he keep bringing such old relics about, Freki? Has the man not made the acquaintance of anyone younger than two score?”
Her companion did not answer.
Katja hurried to the great hall with Freki at her side. If she allowed her sire to wait too long, he would add to her humiliation by displaying her like a freshly caught trout in front of his guests. Much as she disliked appeasing him, flaunting her disdain was far worse.
When they reached the door to the hall, she raised a hand, whispering a command for her companion to wait outside the door as she perused the people seated in the great hall. Pale auras of color surrounded each man, giving the room a festive look were it not for the unsettling tale each told her. The reds of anger and lust, the brown of dishonesty, gray and sulphur of dark thoughts and pain. From long practice, she ignored the pale green of pity she knew were aimed at her.
Skirting the red auras, Katja moved silently into the room, attracting no attention. Years of avoiding her father gave her the skill to move about the castle like a ghost, finding tremendous value in being invisible when the need called for it. It wasn’t until she stood near the foot of the lower tables that anyone noticed her. Laird Sinclair’s eyes gleamed.
“Ah, here is my daughter. Katja, meet the new MacGerry Laird.”
The sight of a young man instead of the old laird she expected startled Katja. Tall, lean of muscle with dark brown hair and fair skin, his deep blue eyes were the color of sapphires or perhaps the ocean on a calm day. A high forehead, strong jaw and full lips made for a very handsome face. Lips which curved into a kind smile at her.
His eager blue eyes stared at her, as if caught in a pleasant dream. Katja’s stomach twisted in a way she’d not experienced before. Heat scorched its way from her head to her shoulders, tingling along her breasts and descending lower. She didn’t recognize or understand the strange awareness. Her breathing picked up its pace as her heart beat tripled. How could one look from a man inspire such a reaction?
She averted her gaze in an effort to wrestle her body and emotions under control. Inhaling deeply, she raised her eyes again only to find the same sensations slamming into her anew. She needed a distraction.
Use the sight. It doesnae lie.
Looking past her normal ability to see, she glanced first at her father. The darkening gray aura surrounding him reflected his greed, his nature growing more corrupt with time. A band of deep brown layered on top of the gray was new today. She knew it as a sign of deceit and wondered what he was up to. Scanning the rest of the table, the light blue surrounding her brothers Bjorn, Christer and Patrik reflected

About The author

Cathy MacRaeFollow Cathy: Twitter / Goodreads / Website / Facebook

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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The Highlander’s French Bride by Cathy MacRae-a review

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THE HIGHLANDER’S FRENCH BRIDE (The Highlander’s Bride #5) by Cathy MacRae-a review

The Highlander's French Bride

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 27, 2015

Heir to a lairdship, Kinnon Macrory is driven to prove his worth by fighting the English on the battlefields of France. His dreams of heroic valor are destroyed by the realities of war—the atrocities visited by fellow soldiers on the very people he is sworn to protect. Three years in a French prison for a crime he did not commit leave Kinnon longing for the one thing of beauty in his war-torn life—a young woman of great kindness and wisdom named Melisende.

Melisende de la Roche struggles to stay one step ahead of soldiers who would imprison her for helping an injured Scotsman wrongly accused of treason. She finds refuge in her uncle’s shop—until a chance encounter sends her fleeing into the unknown once again, haunted by the beguiling friendship with the troubled young Scotsman she is certain she will never see again.

Determined to find the woman of his dreams, Kinnon returns to France, only to discover a trail of clues to Melisende’s whereabouts. Their reunion will open the doors to passion, but half-truths and lies from the past could destroy the one thing they both are willing to fight for—each other.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S FRENCH BRIDE is the fifth installment in Cathy MacRae’s THE HIGHLANDER’S BRIDE historical romance series. This is Scotsman and heir to the Macrory Lairdship Kinnon Macrory, and French woman Melisende de la Roche. Kinnon is Gilda Macrory’s brother-first introduced in The Highlander’s Tempestuous Bride. THE HIGHLANDER’S FRENCH BRIDE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

Told from third person point of view THE HIGHLANDER’S FRENCH BRIDE follows Kinnon Macrory onto the battlefields of France and into the lives of French sisters Melisende and her younger sister Lucienne. For weeks, Kinnon travelled to the sisters’s farm in search of food for himself and his men, but war soon came to the small village, and Melisende found herself trapped in town aiding the wounded and dying while her sister played nursemaid, back home, to an equally wounded Kinnon. When Kinnon is charged with treason and abandoning his post, Melisende and her sister become embroiled with the soldiers only to find themselves on the run with no place to go. Years would pass before Melisende would set eyes on the man with whom she had fallen in love, but not before Lucienne embarks on a journey for herself.

THE HIGHLANDER’S FRENCH BRIDE follows two paths that will intersect years later when Kinnon is reunited with the woman he loves. Upon his release, Kinnon needs time to heal from his debilitating wounds, but is determined to search for Melisende and her sister knowing that one or both could have been captured by the British soldiers. The relationship between Kinnon and Melisende is very slow to build as the majority of the storyline sees the leading characters separate and in different countries. The reader has a front row seat as Kinnon searches for the woman he lost; and Melisende is constantly on the run –one step ahead of the price on her head.

Cathy MacRae has admitted taking liberty with the historical accuracy and honestly I would not have noticed the timeline anomalies. Because the storyline traverses France and Scotland, we get a little bit of the Scottish brogue and the French language of love. Each of Cathy’s storylines features an animal or close pet. The premise is entertaining with a myriad of subplots and twists; the characters are colorful and animated-Lucienne’s personal story is heartbreaking and intense; Melisende and Kinnon’s life experiences add maturity and resolution; the $ex scenes are intimate but mostly implied. The romance and sexual tension between Melisende and Kinnon is sorely lacking due in part to the long separation throughout most of the storyline. I will add that the ‘long separation’ between leading characters is a regular feature of Cathy’s storylines.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Highland Escape by Cathy & DD MacRae-a review

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HIGHLAND ESCAPE by Cathy MacRae and D.D. MacRae-a review

Highland Escape

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 9, 2015

Fleeing the English army that murdered her family before her eyes, Anna Braxton rescues two young women, kidnapped by a barbaric Highland clan only to find herself unjustly imprisoned by the clan she aided. Disgusted by her treatment, she counters their belated offer of friendship with anger and distrust. But she does not count on the unexpected effect the laird’s son has on her heart.

Duncan MacGregor does not understand his da’s command to imprison the young woman who saved his sister’s life. He is more than intrigued with Anna’s skill with a bow and sword—in fact, he is fascinated by everything about her, in spite of her lack of feminine wiles. Straightforward and with a deep-seated sense of honor, Anna Braxton disrupts his entire notion of a suitable woman.

Trained as a warrior and unwilling to be any man’s chattel, Anna shuns the idea of marriage—until Duncan coaxes her into a world of acceptance and passion she never knew existed. He wants her as his wife. She will agree, but only on her own terms—conditions Duncan is not sure he can accept.

•••••••••

REVIEW: HIGHLAND ESCAPE is an historical, Highlander storyline that follows Lady Anna Braxton –of both English and Scottish descent- who must flee to Scotland following the murder of her father and brother Edrick at the hands of the English army. What ensues is the capture of Anna by the MacGregor Clan and the potential for disaster when Anna attempts an escape from the prison in which she is being held. Anna’s only sin was to save two young women from potential assault-not knowing one was the Laird’s daughter. The Laird is determined to protect Anna from those wishing to do her harm by placing her in the care of his eldest son. Not only is the MacNairn Clan looking for Anna but some of the Laird’s men are not too happy with the Clan’s latest English acquisition.

Anna Braxton is not the typical fifteenth century female heroine: she has been trained in the Chinese martial arts; sword and knife fighting; hand to hand combat; and the healing herbs; in this, she is a force unto herself. But Anna has caught the eye of the Laird’s son-Duncan MacGregor-and a relationship builds as Anna attempts to find a place within the MacGregor family dynamic. Duncan MacGregor fell in love the moment he set eyes on Anna Braxton but the beautiful English/Scottish Lady was not what he had expected. Jealousy threatens his relationship when he is unable to come to terms with Anna’s independent nature, and the hand to hand combat training she does with the other men.

The relationship between Duncan and Anna begins acrimoniously although Anna is not aware of Duncan’s attraction, to her. She believes she is being held prisoner because of her English descent, and expects to be sentenced to death for crimes against the Scottish people. When Duncan’s well meaning sister Nessa, and mother Mairi take Anna under their wing, the truth about Duncan’s attraction to Anna will be revealed.

HIGHLAND ESCAPE is a storyline with a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the MacGregor family, the Clan, and the people in the surrounding village. We will be introduced to Anna’s only remaining family, an uncle and her Grandfather Elliott, but in this, we learn very little about Anna’s early years with her father and brother. I would have liked more background information about Anna’s history and the family in which she grew up.

HIGHLAND ESCAPE is an engaging storyline; a fast paced, lively and enjoyable read with an independent, strong willed, inspiring heroine, and a swoon worthy hero who has eyes only for the Lady Braxton. The $ex scenes are seductive, sensual and romantic but limited in number as Duncan hopes to keep his bride-to-be chaste in advance of their wedding night. The premise is imaginative; the characters a unique mix of amusing, evil, and tragic; the romance intimate and heartwarming. My one complaint is the ending which appears to be a rush to the altar and a happily ever that we know nothing about. There is a potential story building for Duncan’s sister Nessa, and I hope that Duncan and Anna’s story will continue to unfold in a future tale. There is also an addendum that references some factual history that has been blended throughout the novel.

Copy supplied by the authors.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Highlander’s Outlaw Bride by Cathy MacRae-a review

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THE HIGHLANDER’S OUTLAW BRIDE by Cathy MacRae-a review

the Highlander's Outlaw Bride

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 6, 2015

Thrust into the role of laird upon his father’s unexpected death, Connor MacLaurey returns home to learn his cousin has usurped his lands and title. Furthermore, his betrothed–a lass he barely knows and certainly did not agree to marry–is hunted by the sheriff, accused of stealing cattle. His plan is to petition the king for clemency for the foolish chit, break the betrothal, and take his castle back from his treacherous cousin. Marriage is not in his plans.

Brianna Douglas has no use for men. Widowed young, berated daily for failing to give her husband a child, and sent home in subsequent disgrace, she devotes her life to holding her family’s land for her young brother as their sotted father drowns his sorrow in whisky over their mother’s death. Raiders have hit her clan hard, and to save them, she finds herself betrothed to Laird MacLaurey’s absent son to seal a pact of protection with the MacLaurey clan.

Forced into a marriage neither wants, it will take a king’s edict and sacrifice from both to discover what love means. But can they accept their losses and learn from their mistakes before Brianna marries another?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: THE HIGHLANDER’S OUTLAW BRIDE is the second installment in Cathy MacRae’s The Highlander’s Brides historical, romance series. This is Lady Brianna Douglas and Laird Connor MacLaurey’s storyline. We were first introduced to Connor in book one-The Highlander’s Tempestuous Bride wherein Conn fell in love with his best friend’s wife. Although THE HIGHLANDER’S OUTLAW BRIDE is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty.

The premise follows Brianna Douglas as she and her guards are sentenced for ‘stealing’ cattle. For two weeks, Brianna has stood by and watched as thieves have stolen livestock from the neighboring lands and farms. Unwilling to sit back and do nothing, Brianna attempts to take back what rightfully belongs to the others and in doing so finds herself facing the hangman’s noose. When presented before the King, Brianna announces her royal lineage and the King soon promises Brianna’s hand in marriage to Laird Connor MacLaurey, the man who rescued a fallen Brianna, after her escape from custody. Brianna is unwilling to fall under another man’s command, and does everything possible to prove to Connor that she is the wrong woman to become his wife. There is also the possibility that someone wants Brianna out of the way, and will go to any length to ensure Brianna’s head in a noose.

The relationship between our couple begins as a one-night stand following Conn’s rescue of an injured Brianna wherein our heroine does not reveal her true identity. Throughout the storyline Brianna continues to push Connor away in the hopes that he dissolves their betrothal, anointed by the King but a good portion of the storyline finds our couple separated when Connor must return home and claim his rightful position as Laird of Morven. When Conn fails to appear for his wedding to Brianna, Brianna ensures that Conn will never again, have any chance to break her heart. The $ex scenes are mostly implied and the building romance suffers when the couple are no longer together.

The secondary and supporting characters include Brianna’s family: her long suffering and grieving father the Laird of Wyndham, five year old brother Jamie and their Uncle Willie. We are also introduced to Brianna’s warriors and guards including Gavin-a long time friend who has fallen in love with Brianna Douglas. Connor MacLaurey’s men include friends and fellow guards Bray and Gillis, as well as his cousin Malcolm who has set his own eyes on the MacLaurey Lairdship.

THE HIGHLANDER’S OUTLAW BRIDE is a quick read; a fast paced and engaging storyline of revenge, betrayal, family and love. The characters are animated and control a good portion of the premise. The conversations are rich in Scottish brogue, and you can almost smell the clean, fresh air of the Highlands.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Highlander’s Tempestuous Bride by Cathy MacRae-a review

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

the Highlander's Tempestuous Bride

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

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.

••••••••••••••••••

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

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