The Striker (Highland Guard #10) by Monica McCarty-Review and Giveaway

THE STRIKER
Highland Guard #10
by Monica McCarty
Genre: adult, Highlander, historical, romance
Release Date:November 24, 2015

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 24, 2015

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.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OH YEAH .. Monica McCarty nails another one out of the park. WOW .. TOTALLY LOVED! 🙂

You know when you read a series and you expect by book 10 it will start to fade a little … UUMMM not so much with Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series. The Striker is book 10 and it is right up there as one of my faves. Always full of action, history, yummy alpha highlanders, deception, and love, I was so sad when I flipped the last screen page because that meant it was over. SNIFF!

Eoin “Striker” MacLean has had one goal in his life. To become one of Robert the Bruce’s elite Highland Guard members. Despite being The Bruce’s kin, Striker had to prove himself over and over again. Known for his cunning pirate like strategy, Bruce agrees that Striker would bring a unique gift to share with his warriors .. only one small problem. Striker fell in love with the wrong woman at the wrong time, and married her.

Margaret MacDowell is a wild one, especially in her youth. As the youngest of many brother’s and the only girl, she has had to learn to live in a man’s world and to hold her own to be respected. In the fine courts however, and despite her innocence, she is cast as a whore and something despicable. Both Eoin and Margaret feel this strong pull to each other and decide on the spur of a moment that they are meant to be. A hurried marriage and consummation seals the deal, but neither of them truely know what it means for them to be together. Maggie is a member of a family that is the sworn enemy of The Bruce. How can a man who is to become a Highland Guard suppose to have a trusted marriage with such a woman. Sworn to keep his identity secret by The Bruce, Striker must walk a fine line with his Maggie. When they return to his home as a married couple, her reception is less than kind. With Striker constantly leaving her for missions and not telling her what is going on, it’s only a matter of time that she feel cast aside and runs away .. but not before accidentally betraying her husband.

Many years have past and Maggie believes Eoin to be dead. Now living with her family, she is raising her son (yup that’d be Striker’s son), and about to remarry. When Striker makes his appearance, Maggie is shocked .. relieved and fearful, she must ensure that Striker knows that she never intended to betray him. With so much hurt, a son, and another chance at love, can these two finally get their own heads out of their you know what’s and lay it all out .. or will their families and secrets once again tear then apart? Can forgiveness truely happen and can love conquer all?

OH ME OH MY .. LOVE LOVE LOVE! Monica really writes a great story. I am not usually a fan of books that start in the present and then fire back to the past, but for this book to be this good, it needed to be this way. Maggie stole my heart right from the beginning, and I love how strong and capable she was. Eoin (Striker) was most assuredly Highland Guard worthy. Their fast romance was captivating, hot, and so endearing. When they separate you wonder how they will find their way back to the other. Well Monica didn’t disappoint there either .. LOL Characters you love to hate, but also honestly feel sorry for were present and this entire story was wrapped around a landscape and history that was so rich and believable. My fave part of all the Highland Guard books is the end where Monica writes a little blurb on the true history that inspired her story. It amazing how much research goes into her novels.

I am not one to reread many books, but I would reread this series in a heartbeat. Please do yourself a favour and start with the first book The Chief .. I promise you, if you love a great highland historical romance, you will be very happy with this entire series!

Cannot wait for the next one!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T

The Reading Cafe and Monica’s publisher are offering a paper copy of THE STRIKER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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