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Highland Guard #3
The Ranger
Chosen to help Robert the Bruce in his quest to free Scotland from English rule and claim his crown, the legendary team of warriors known as the Highland Guard battles on.
Embedded deep behind enemy lines, Arthur “Ranger” Campbell is prized for his razor-sharp senses and his ability to blend into the shadows. But when Arthur infiltrates the clan of the chieftain who murdered his father, his heart is locked on revenge. Inside he faces unexpected resistance from the sweetest of obstacles—a honey-haired siren who is his enemy’s daughter.
Intrigued by this ruggedly handsome newcomer to her father’s forces, the vivacious, enchanting Anna MacDougall is a woman whose skill at uncovering deception rivals Arthur’s own. Though yearning for a quiet life with a good man to love, Anna is drawn to this mysterious knight whose eyes devour her but whose words push her away. As danger, treachery, and the threat of looming war draw them closer into each other’s arms, a warrior made of steel must make a choice from the heart: love or revenge.
Embedded deep behind enemy lines, Arthur “Ranger” Campbell is prized for his razor-sharp senses and his ability to blend into the shadows. But when Arthur infiltrates the clan of the chieftain who murdered his father, his heart is locked on revenge. Inside he faces unexpected resistance from the sweetest of obstacles—a honey-haired siren who is his enemy’s daughter.
Intrigued by this ruggedly handsome newcomer to her father’s forces, the vivacious, enchanting Anna MacDougall is a woman whose skill at uncovering deception rivals Arthur’s own. Though yearning for a quiet life with a good man to love, Anna is drawn to this mysterious knight whose eyes devour her but whose words push her away. As danger, treachery, and the threat of looming war draw them closer into each other’s arms, a warrior made of steel must make a choice from the heart: love or revenge.
398 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
241 people are currently reading
3436 people want to read
About the author
Monica McCarty
61 books2,960 followersWhat do you get when you mix a legal career, a baseball career, motherhood, and a love of history with a voracious reader? In my case, a Historical Romance Author.
Like most writers, I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in California there was always plenty to do outside, but all too often I could be found inside curled up with a book (or two or three). I started with the usual fare: The Little House on the Prairie series, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Watership Down, Nancy Drew, and everything by Judy Blume. Once I cleared off my bookshelf, I started swiping books from my mom. Some, like Sidney Sheldon’s The Other Side of Midnight, probably weren’t the most appropriate choice for a pre-adolescent—although they were definitely illuminating. I can still remember the look of abject horror on my mom’s Catholic-girl-face when I asked her what a virgin was. After that rather brief conversation, she paid a little closer attention to what had disappeared off her book shelf, and steered me in the direction of Harlequin and Barbara Cartland romances. I was hooked. I quickly read through the inventory of the local library and was soon buying bags of romances at garage sales.
In high school, with the encouragement of my father (who I think was a little concerned about the steady diet of romances), I read over eighty of the Franklin Library’s One Hundred Greatest Books ever written—including Tolstoy, Confucius, Plato, and the entire works of Shakespeare. Some of them were tough going for a teenager, but the experience would prove an invaluable foundation for college. After reading War and Peace, I wasn’t easily intimidated.
For some reason Monica decided to go into writing and not fashion.
After graduation, I loaded up the VW (Jetta not Bus) and trekked down I-5 to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in Political Science and minoring in English (see why all that reading helped!). I joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and when I wasn’t studying or at football games, did my best to support the local bartending industry. Ah, the good old days.
With that kind of fun, four years of college wasn’t quite enough. So leaving Tommy Trojan behind, I traveled back up north to Palo Alto for three more years of study at Stanford Law School. Once I survived the stress of the first semester, law school proved to be one of the best times of my life—garnering me a JD, life-long friends, a husband, and an unexpectedly intimate knowledge of baseball. (See “The Baseball Odyssey” below).
Law School was also where I fell in love with Scotland. In my third year, I took a Comparative Legal History class, and wrote a paper on the Scottish Clan System and Feudalism. So I immediately dropped out of law school and went on to write Scottish Historical Romances…well no, not quite. You see, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My father was a lawyer, I was a “poet” (i.e., not into math), and I love to argue. It seemed natural.
So I finished law school, got married, passed the CA bar, moved to Minnesota (with a few stops along the way), waived into the MN bar, worked as a litigator for a few satisfying years, moved back to CA, had a couple of kids, realized that a legal career and being a single parent for most of the year (due to husband's career) would be extremely difficult, and THEN decided to sit down and write.
And how did I end up writing romance? It’s not as divergent as it seems. What I loved about being a lawyer are the same things I love about being a writer—research and writing. The only thing missing is the arguing, but that’s what a husband and kids are for, right?
Like most writers, I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in California there was always plenty to do outside, but all too often I could be found inside curled up with a book (or two or three). I started with the usual fare: The Little House on the Prairie series, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Watership Down, Nancy Drew, and everything by Judy Blume. Once I cleared off my bookshelf, I started swiping books from my mom. Some, like Sidney Sheldon’s The Other Side of Midnight, probably weren’t the most appropriate choice for a pre-adolescent—although they were definitely illuminating. I can still remember the look of abject horror on my mom’s Catholic-girl-face when I asked her what a virgin was. After that rather brief conversation, she paid a little closer attention to what had disappeared off her book shelf, and steered me in the direction of Harlequin and Barbara Cartland romances. I was hooked. I quickly read through the inventory of the local library and was soon buying bags of romances at garage sales.
In high school, with the encouragement of my father (who I think was a little concerned about the steady diet of romances), I read over eighty of the Franklin Library’s One Hundred Greatest Books ever written—including Tolstoy, Confucius, Plato, and the entire works of Shakespeare. Some of them were tough going for a teenager, but the experience would prove an invaluable foundation for college. After reading War and Peace, I wasn’t easily intimidated.
For some reason Monica decided to go into writing and not fashion.
After graduation, I loaded up the VW (Jetta not Bus) and trekked down I-5 to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in Political Science and minoring in English (see why all that reading helped!). I joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and when I wasn’t studying or at football games, did my best to support the local bartending industry. Ah, the good old days.
With that kind of fun, four years of college wasn’t quite enough. So leaving Tommy Trojan behind, I traveled back up north to Palo Alto for three more years of study at Stanford Law School. Once I survived the stress of the first semester, law school proved to be one of the best times of my life—garnering me a JD, life-long friends, a husband, and an unexpectedly intimate knowledge of baseball. (See “The Baseball Odyssey” below).
Law School was also where I fell in love with Scotland. In my third year, I took a Comparative Legal History class, and wrote a paper on the Scottish Clan System and Feudalism. So I immediately dropped out of law school and went on to write Scottish Historical Romances…well no, not quite. You see, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My father was a lawyer, I was a “poet” (i.e., not into math), and I love to argue. It seemed natural.
So I finished law school, got married, passed the CA bar, moved to Minnesota (with a few stops along the way), waived into the MN bar, worked as a litigator for a few satisfying years, moved back to CA, had a couple of kids, realized that a legal career and being a single parent for most of the year (due to husband's career) would be extremely difficult, and THEN decided to sit down and write.
And how did I end up writing romance? It’s not as divergent as it seems. What I loved about being a lawyer are the same things I love about being a writer—research and writing. The only thing missing is the arguing, but that’s what a husband and kids are for, right?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 469 reviews
October 21, 2011
4.5 stars
It's no secret that I love Monica McCarty's Highlanders, but it's a well deserved love. In fact I'd say Monica's Highlanders started me on the road to becoming the Highland Hussy.
I will make this as spoiler-free as I can.
For those of you who haven't read The Chief or The Hawk, this is a new take on our Highlanders, and a new take on Highland Warfare. Imagine "special ops in kilts." Now that we all have that lovely image in our minds, (I know I'm imagining a Navy SEAL in a kilt, and yummmm)..I'm sorry, where was I?
After William Wallace was killed, Robert Bruce finally steps up to the plate and looks at what is best for Scotland. In this series, he finds the best warriors in Britain, and uses their specialties; so about a dozen men, all trained in different skills, but trained to work together. It's not easy.
Arthur Campbell has a special skill of having heightened senses. He gets a feeling, he can hear things before others can, and he's a damned good fighter. He is also deep undercover, part of the Highland Guard loyal to the Bruce, but on the surface, he's working for the English. One night, Arthur accidentally saves a lass from an ambush by his men, and in doing so, seals his fate.
A year later, he is sent by the Bruce into his enemy John of Lorn's castle as a spy. And finds out the beautiful lass he'd saved was his mortal enemy's daughter! What happens next is such an intriguing, suspenseful ride that I almost wish it could also be marketed as a romantic suspense. Obviously it can't be as simple as boy meets girl, they fall in love, happily ever after. Oh no, it has to be not only are they on opposite sides of the war, but they can't even tell each other that much. Between the secrets, and the passion, and stress of remembering which side he's really on, Arthur is trying his hardest to keep Anna at a distance. But her father has asked her to keep a close eye on him. In other words, she follows him around til the men are poking fun at Arthur. One of the hardest parts in the book for me to read was where Arthur saved Anna and her brother from an attack, only to find out he'd killed 9 of his own men. My God, how does he live knowing he saved the enemy at the cost of his friends' lives?
At one point in the book, Anna has been utterly rejected by Arthur, who can't let her get close to him, and she agrees to marry a former suitor and potential ally. Her father sends Arthur with her as a scout, and Arthur goes crazy with jealousy. One of my favorite scenes happens after Anna tells Hugh Ross she'll marry him. I think that watching Arthur realize he's in love with her was wonderful, but being an alpha male, he pulled the whole, "I can't have you, but I won't let anyone else have you either" crap and it drive me nuts!
Anna is blunt, caring, feisty and sweet. She is the perfect match for Arthur who just needs someone to love and understand him. That his solitary existence has been to protect himself from getting close to anyone, that he's not a freak with unnatural abilities. He's just a man who loves a woman so much he won't do anything about it, so that when the war marches to her door, and her world falls apart around her, and she sees he's betrayed her, that maybe it will save her a bit of hurt.
I loved the way Anna was able to see through Arthur's exterior and love him despite his attempts at pushing her away. I loved how Arthur couldn't let her marry Ross. And I loved how Anna handled the discovery that Arthur was a spy and her father had him tortured.
I urge you all to read the author's note, because it's so full of the real names, histories and clans that Monica McCarty uses in her series. It's amazing how much true history is woven through this Highland Romance. I love how easily it is to visualize the descriptions and how realistic everything feels as you read.
With a name like The Highland Hussy, I get asked all the time which Highlanders are my favorites? Monica McCarty's are always at the top of the list, which is saying something considering I should really be suggesting my Highlanders and my book.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
It's no secret that I love Monica McCarty's Highlanders, but it's a well deserved love. In fact I'd say Monica's Highlanders started me on the road to becoming the Highland Hussy.
I will make this as spoiler-free as I can.
For those of you who haven't read The Chief or The Hawk, this is a new take on our Highlanders, and a new take on Highland Warfare. Imagine "special ops in kilts." Now that we all have that lovely image in our minds, (I know I'm imagining a Navy SEAL in a kilt, and yummmm)..I'm sorry, where was I?
After William Wallace was killed, Robert Bruce finally steps up to the plate and looks at what is best for Scotland. In this series, he finds the best warriors in Britain, and uses their specialties; so about a dozen men, all trained in different skills, but trained to work together. It's not easy.
Arthur Campbell has a special skill of having heightened senses. He gets a feeling, he can hear things before others can, and he's a damned good fighter. He is also deep undercover, part of the Highland Guard loyal to the Bruce, but on the surface, he's working for the English. One night, Arthur accidentally saves a lass from an ambush by his men, and in doing so, seals his fate.
A year later, he is sent by the Bruce into his enemy John of Lorn's castle as a spy. And finds out the beautiful lass he'd saved was his mortal enemy's daughter! What happens next is such an intriguing, suspenseful ride that I almost wish it could also be marketed as a romantic suspense. Obviously it can't be as simple as boy meets girl, they fall in love, happily ever after. Oh no, it has to be not only are they on opposite sides of the war, but they can't even tell each other that much. Between the secrets, and the passion, and stress of remembering which side he's really on, Arthur is trying his hardest to keep Anna at a distance. But her father has asked her to keep a close eye on him. In other words, she follows him around til the men are poking fun at Arthur. One of the hardest parts in the book for me to read was where Arthur saved Anna and her brother from an attack, only to find out he'd killed 9 of his own men. My God, how does he live knowing he saved the enemy at the cost of his friends' lives?
At one point in the book, Anna has been utterly rejected by Arthur, who can't let her get close to him, and she agrees to marry a former suitor and potential ally. Her father sends Arthur with her as a scout, and Arthur goes crazy with jealousy. One of my favorite scenes happens after Anna tells Hugh Ross she'll marry him. I think that watching Arthur realize he's in love with her was wonderful, but being an alpha male, he pulled the whole, "I can't have you, but I won't let anyone else have you either" crap and it drive me nuts!
Anna is blunt, caring, feisty and sweet. She is the perfect match for Arthur who just needs someone to love and understand him. That his solitary existence has been to protect himself from getting close to anyone, that he's not a freak with unnatural abilities. He's just a man who loves a woman so much he won't do anything about it, so that when the war marches to her door, and her world falls apart around her, and she sees he's betrayed her, that maybe it will save her a bit of hurt.
I loved the way Anna was able to see through Arthur's exterior and love him despite his attempts at pushing her away. I loved how Arthur couldn't let her marry Ross. And I loved how Anna handled the discovery that Arthur was a spy and her father had him tortured.
I urge you all to read the author's note, because it's so full of the real names, histories and clans that Monica McCarty uses in her series. It's amazing how much true history is woven through this Highland Romance. I love how easily it is to visualize the descriptions and how realistic everything feels as you read.
With a name like The Highland Hussy, I get asked all the time which Highlanders are my favorites? Monica McCarty's are always at the top of the list, which is saying something considering I should really be suggesting my Highlanders and my book.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
March 25, 2015
It was great, I really liked it, but I just don't feel like writing a review for it now :)
December 31, 2023
Yazarın kalemi o kadar akıcı ki hemen bitiyor kitaplar😎
January 2, 2011
I'm having a hard time writing this review because I really did enjoy this story. It was well written, had great characters, good action, Lots of sexual tension. Monica sure knows how to write one heck of a kissing scene too. What I felt I missed in this book that Monica had written in the others was the heat factor. Those of you who know me know that I love my heat in a romance. The Ranger did have some heat but it was mainly sexual tension. It seemed to me that the H&H thought too much about each other and how much they wanted each other. Once they finally made love and I must add it was done very well, it seemed to stop there. OK so there was a good reason it took so long to finally make love. There was also another reason why once they did, they did not get together again for a while more. What got me was once they where finally together it was like the doors closed shut. I wonder if Monica just wanted to end the story by that point in the book and for me, that might have meant the difference in getting another 1/2 star.
All and all I must say once again that I enjoyed this story. I look forwards to reading more book's to come in this series and I REALLY hope the next book Monica brings the heat. I have lost too many authors because they decided to tame the heat in their book's, I certainly hope that's not the case here.
BTW, Happy New Years to all my friends here at Goodreads.
All and all I must say once again that I enjoyed this story. I look forwards to reading more book's to come in this series and I REALLY hope the next book Monica brings the heat. I have lost too many authors because they decided to tame the heat in their book's, I certainly hope that's not the case here.
BTW, Happy New Years to all my friends here at Goodreads.
December 30, 2010
Overall, another great highlander romance by Monica McCarty. It started a wee bit slow, but when it picked up I couldn't put it down.
I have to say how much I love that this author always writes heroes and heroines who must move mountains in order to make the relationship work. There are no 'big misunderstandings' or silly obstacles to get around, they literally must triumph over true hardships to find their HEA. In 'The Ranger' not only are Arthur (Ranger) and Anna are on opposite sides of the war, but Anna's father (whom she adores) killed Arthur's father 14-years earlier. This book kept me guessing and wondering all the way to the end about how they are going to get an HEA!
The only reason I didn't give this a full five stars is because I felt there was more 'telling' than 'showing' going on than her other books. I would have liked to see more relationship building dialogue/storyline between Arthur and Anna. Too often we were told they spent time together or lusted over each other, but I prefer seeing that instead of being told about it.
I would also recommend reading the series in order to get the full meaning of the battles taking place in the book, but it could be read stand-alone. The war is progressively being won throughout the series, and I do think some of the story may not make as much sense if read out of context.
I have to say how much I love that this author always writes heroes and heroines who must move mountains in order to make the relationship work. There are no 'big misunderstandings' or silly obstacles to get around, they literally must triumph over true hardships to find their HEA. In 'The Ranger' not only are Arthur (Ranger) and Anna are on opposite sides of the war, but Anna's father (whom she adores) killed Arthur's father 14-years earlier. This book kept me guessing and wondering all the way to the end about how they are going to get an HEA!
The only reason I didn't give this a full five stars is because I felt there was more 'telling' than 'showing' going on than her other books. I would have liked to see more relationship building dialogue/storyline between Arthur and Anna. Too often we were told they spent time together or lusted over each other, but I prefer seeing that instead of being told about it.
I would also recommend reading the series in order to get the full meaning of the battles taking place in the book, but it could be read stand-alone. The war is progressively being won throughout the series, and I do think some of the story may not make as much sense if read out of context.
January 18, 2018
For me, this was the perfect book in the series, and I am pretty sure it will be hard to top it. The hero was exactly how I like them, a loner and misunderstood. I love love loved the heroine. She was beautiful, smart, canny, and very observant for an HR character. The plot was well developed. It was also a story that worked really well for McCarty's style of love stories. The doomed relationship and the longing and improbability of a happy ending was really convincing too. I applaud her for ending the book and giving an ending that was satisfying and beautiful. My favorite characters of the series, and again amazing writing and historical details. Definitely Recommend it.
November 17, 2021
Edit to add steam stats 11/17/21
Still adored this book on my quick reread! It was a bit slow, but McCarty just really wraps my emotions up and has that amazing angst I love.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes
Original review 6/14/2019:
Arthur’s been deep undercover for Robert the Bruce, pretending to side with the English. When Arthur senses something wrong with a mission, he ends up saving a woman’s life.
A year later they are thrown together again, as Arthur poses as a knight helping John MacDougall, Lord of Lorn. His mystery woman is Anna, Lorns Daughter.
The daughter of his enemy, he should have had no problem ignoring and avoiding her. But she is so happy and filled with pure enjoyment of life he can’t help but be drawn to her. Arthur has lived with the thought of revenge for his fathers death and it’s what has powered him through living a lie with no close friends, in the death and destruction of non stop battles, playing both sides. She is a salve to his dark soul.
Something I feel like Monica McCarty does well is character description. I love her paragraphs about how her heroes look. I feel like I can usually get a good vision of them and...mmmm. Do you ever read a book and get like halfway through and think that you don’t even know the color of the heroes eyes? I don’t ever feel like that with her.
Arthur tries to be downright cruel to Anna to keep her away from him. I don’t feel like he came across as a total jerk though. Probably because most of those interactions take place from his view and you see and feel how much he is struggling with it, and it tears at his heart as he tries to continue it.
You’ll wait over 120 pages for the first kiss, but it’s so good. May have been fanning myself after that one 😂
Their situation really does seem impossible with revenge, spying, and a war thrown between them. They cannot stop how they feel or stay away from each other.
Arthur totally loses his mind over Anna. I loved the all consuming passion, jealousy, breaking control struggle he goes through fighting his instinct for her while trying to do the right ring and keep his mission first.
There are scenes of torture in this story.
I loved this book. I really think Monica McCarty is one of my favorite authors. So far, of the 4 I’ve read, every one has been a 5 star. I love the way she makes me feel, I get the wanting, the tension, I get the angst, the worry of how it will ever work out. And honestly I would say I don’t like battle scenes, or lots of action but I love what she does in her books. It’s written to keep me interested, on edge to see what will happen. There’s a balance between the action and the love.
This book is third in the highland guard series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend the first two. If I HAD to place this one, I think I would place it my second favorite, after The Hawk (then The Chief third). I didn’t have high expectations for it, especially after reading The Hawk, but it was wonderful. I think I’m going to try spacing her out a bit and hopefully every book in the series will be a wonderful treat. Hopefully this doesn’t ruin the next ten books for me like The Hawk did 🤣
Still adored this book on my quick reread! It was a bit slow, but McCarty just really wraps my emotions up and has that amazing angst I love.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes
Original review 6/14/2019:
Arthur’s been deep undercover for Robert the Bruce, pretending to side with the English. When Arthur senses something wrong with a mission, he ends up saving a woman’s life.
A year later they are thrown together again, as Arthur poses as a knight helping John MacDougall, Lord of Lorn. His mystery woman is Anna, Lorns Daughter.
The daughter of his enemy, he should have had no problem ignoring and avoiding her. But she is so happy and filled with pure enjoyment of life he can’t help but be drawn to her. Arthur has lived with the thought of revenge for his fathers death and it’s what has powered him through living a lie with no close friends, in the death and destruction of non stop battles, playing both sides. She is a salve to his dark soul.
Something I feel like Monica McCarty does well is character description. I love her paragraphs about how her heroes look. I feel like I can usually get a good vision of them and...mmmm. Do you ever read a book and get like halfway through and think that you don’t even know the color of the heroes eyes? I don’t ever feel like that with her.
Arthur tries to be downright cruel to Anna to keep her away from him. I don’t feel like he came across as a total jerk though. Probably because most of those interactions take place from his view and you see and feel how much he is struggling with it, and it tears at his heart as he tries to continue it.
You’ll wait over 120 pages for the first kiss, but it’s so good. May have been fanning myself after that one 😂
Their situation really does seem impossible with revenge, spying, and a war thrown between them. They cannot stop how they feel or stay away from each other.
Arthur totally loses his mind over Anna. I loved the all consuming passion, jealousy, breaking control struggle he goes through fighting his instinct for her while trying to do the right ring and keep his mission first.
There are scenes of torture in this story.
I loved this book. I really think Monica McCarty is one of my favorite authors. So far, of the 4 I’ve read, every one has been a 5 star. I love the way she makes me feel, I get the wanting, the tension, I get the angst, the worry of how it will ever work out. And honestly I would say I don’t like battle scenes, or lots of action but I love what she does in her books. It’s written to keep me interested, on edge to see what will happen. There’s a balance between the action and the love.
This book is third in the highland guard series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I highly recommend the first two. If I HAD to place this one, I think I would place it my second favorite, after The Hawk (then The Chief third). I didn’t have high expectations for it, especially after reading The Hawk, but it was wonderful. I think I’m going to try spacing her out a bit and hopefully every book in the series will be a wonderful treat. Hopefully this doesn’t ruin the next ten books for me like The Hawk did 🤣
July 3, 2018
Şu anda “Hani bana, hani bana?” diyen serçe parmağın kıskançlıktan ağlayan cinsi oluyorum ben. 😒YOK MU ULAN BİZ DE BİR ARTHUR CHAMPELL?
Umutla birinin üzerime hiç değilse MacRuair’yi atmasını bekleğim hasta yatağımdan sesleniyorum: OKUYUN BU SERİYİ!
Umutla birinin üzerime hiç değilse MacRuair’yi atmasını bekleğim hasta yatağımdan sesleniyorum: OKUYUN BU SERİYİ!
Arthur canını ona borçluydu. Ve içinde bir umut yeşermişti. “Hay, lanet olsun,” diye tiksintiyle homurdandı MacRuairi. “Sen de MacSorley gibi o aynı ebleh ifadeyle bakıyorsun. Vaktimiz yok böyle şeylere. Devamını sonra anlatırım.”
December 24, 2012
Gah! I have rewritten this review like 3 times and I can't make my thoughts order! So this is gonna be a bit messy...
The Ranger is the 3rd book in Monica McCarty's Highland Guard series, and revolves around Arthur Campbell, aka "Ranger", who is the best of the best when it comes to scouting and evaluating the enemy, and being a spy on the English by infiltrating their ranks. The lead man he is spying on also happens to the man who killed his father while his back was turned, and stole his family's lands and holdings. What he didn't anticipate was that while working to destroy the man he would fall for his daughter Anna.
So from the start this book has a lot of emotional angst. Arthur who is completely loyal to Bruce, and Anna who is completely loyal to her father whom she thinks can do no wrong. Each are so sold on their own side that from the beginning the author makes their relationship seem completely impossible. Thus the angst in this book can be just UNBEARABLE at times. Not because its sad or whatever just because it is ANNOYING.
And most of the annoyance in my opinion centers around Anna. She starts out damn near stalking Arthur. Yes, at the beginning her father asks her to keep an eye on him because he was a bit suspicious of Arthur, but she could have been like 87 times more subtle about it. She made them both the laughing stock of the castle with her forwardness and assumptions that all of her advances were welcomed. Yes, he was attracted to her but anyone who tells you flat out to leave them alone means it. Yet she doesn't!
My god, it was like reading a YA novel where the hero avoids and is rude to the heroine and she in her idiocy sees it as playing hard to get and that he really must love her because he couldn't possible want to be alone when he could be with her.
NOTE TO AUTHORS: PLEASE LEAVE THIS PARTICULAR LITTLE CLICHE IN THE YA GENRE. Or just let it die, that would be nice too.
He kept trying to warn her that they couldn't be together, that it wouldn't work, that she didn't really know him. And she always replied that she did know him, that she didn't care what he was going on about, that they would be together forever!
What made this STUPID was that she kept saying these things in the 2 months leading up to war. She knew he had an upcoming battle to focus on, the survive through, yet she wanted to host parties, games, etc "to boost morale". She was crazy naive most of the book. Yes she recognized the aftermath's of war, but had no concept of war itself.
I don't know, all I kept thinking was that she would never betray her clan and he would never betray Bruce - which neither of them did. And frankly if she had gotten Arthur to turn on Bruce I would have stopped reading at once. She actually asks him to choose her over his loyalty, duty and honor at one point which just totally pissed me off. Talk about selfish.
Blah...basically I loved Arthur. He was a good man, and an amazing warrior, and I am glad that he got a happy ending. Anna just annoyed me the entire book though, which meant I didn't like it near as much as I expected. Besides you very rarely do you read an entire series and love every installment. Hopefully others like her and the book more than I did, and I like the next book - The Viper - more than I did this one.
The Ranger is the 3rd book in Monica McCarty's Highland Guard series, and revolves around Arthur Campbell, aka "Ranger", who is the best of the best when it comes to scouting and evaluating the enemy, and being a spy on the English by infiltrating their ranks. The lead man he is spying on also happens to the man who killed his father while his back was turned, and stole his family's lands and holdings. What he didn't anticipate was that while working to destroy the man he would fall for his daughter Anna.
So from the start this book has a lot of emotional angst. Arthur who is completely loyal to Bruce, and Anna who is completely loyal to her father whom she thinks can do no wrong. Each are so sold on their own side that from the beginning the author makes their relationship seem completely impossible. Thus the angst in this book can be just UNBEARABLE at times. Not because its sad or whatever just because it is ANNOYING.
And most of the annoyance in my opinion centers around Anna. She starts out damn near stalking Arthur. Yes, at the beginning her father asks her to keep an eye on him because he was a bit suspicious of Arthur, but she could have been like 87 times more subtle about it. She made them both the laughing stock of the castle with her forwardness and assumptions that all of her advances were welcomed. Yes, he was attracted to her but anyone who tells you flat out to leave them alone means it. Yet she doesn't!
My god, it was like reading a YA novel where the hero avoids and is rude to the heroine and she in her idiocy sees it as playing hard to get and that he really must love her because he couldn't possible want to be alone when he could be with her.
NOTE TO AUTHORS: PLEASE LEAVE THIS PARTICULAR LITTLE CLICHE IN THE YA GENRE. Or just let it die, that would be nice too.
He kept trying to warn her that they couldn't be together, that it wouldn't work, that she didn't really know him. And she always replied that she did know him, that she didn't care what he was going on about, that they would be together forever!
What made this STUPID was that she kept saying these things in the 2 months leading up to war. She knew he had an upcoming battle to focus on, the survive through, yet she wanted to host parties, games, etc "to boost morale". She was crazy naive most of the book. Yes she recognized the aftermath's of war, but had no concept of war itself.
I don't know, all I kept thinking was that she would never betray her clan and he would never betray Bruce - which neither of them did. And frankly if she had gotten Arthur to turn on Bruce I would have stopped reading at once. She actually asks him to choose her over his loyalty, duty and honor at one point which just totally pissed me off. Talk about selfish.
Blah...basically I loved Arthur. He was a good man, and an amazing warrior, and I am glad that he got a happy ending. Anna just annoyed me the entire book though, which meant I didn't like it near as much as I expected. Besides you very rarely do you read an entire series and love every installment. Hopefully others like her and the book more than I did, and I like the next book - The Viper - more than I did this one.
June 5, 2019
This was a reread.
I had this at a 5 star first time reading but I've downgraded it to a
3.5
I just had issues with their romance. The pushing away and how it progressed. Some of it was understandable but after a bit it became overkill.
Not my favorite of the Highland Guards.
I had this at a 5 star first time reading but I've downgraded it to a
3.5
I just had issues with their romance. The pushing away and how it progressed. Some of it was understandable but after a bit it became overkill.
Not my favorite of the Highland Guards.
August 17, 2012
Why I liked 'The Ranger'
1. Truly enjoyed romance between Arthur and Anna
2. Loved how Monica writes a story that full of history
3. There's no boring part in 'The Ranger'
Recommended!
1. Truly enjoyed romance between Arthur and Anna
2. Loved how Monica writes a story that full of history
3. There's no boring part in 'The Ranger'
Recommended!
March 29, 2020
La historia que tenemos entre manos no es fácil. Creo que de las tres que llevo leídas, este es el más duro de todos los personajes. No lo van a tener fácil por ser parte de bandos opuestos, porque hay demasiado dolor, venganza, ganar de tener justicia y una batalla entre ellos. Y aún así el amor florece aunque uno de Arthur intente detener lo que siente, la pasión y química se desatan, aunque no sea lo correcto. Los tambores de guerra se escuchar y el final es inminente.
Monica McCarty nos entrega una obra trepidante, con gran acción de por medio, su pluma deliciosa te hará realmente pasarlo cuando crea necesario. De esta manera nos pone ante una obra magnífica donde el honor, la venganza, la traición , el deber y el amor batallan para que exista un único ganador y entonces parezca un invitado más: La absoluta rendición.
¿Recomendable? Absolutamente. Estamos ante una obra de romance precioso que te hará suspirar, delirar, sufrir y emocionarte ante un hombre y una mujer que aman aunque eso no sea lo correcto. Sobra decir que estoy enamorada y agradezco de nuevo a Alicia del blog Por Siempre Jamás por organizar esta Lectura conjunta de la serie entera.
Por mi parte no tengo más que decir, salvo desearos una ¡Feliz lectura!
Monica McCarty nos entrega una obra trepidante, con gran acción de por medio, su pluma deliciosa te hará realmente pasarlo cuando crea necesario. De esta manera nos pone ante una obra magnífica donde el honor, la venganza, la traición , el deber y el amor batallan para que exista un único ganador y entonces parezca un invitado más: La absoluta rendición.
¿Recomendable? Absolutamente. Estamos ante una obra de romance precioso que te hará suspirar, delirar, sufrir y emocionarte ante un hombre y una mujer que aman aunque eso no sea lo correcto. Sobra decir que estoy enamorada y agradezco de nuevo a Alicia del blog Por Siempre Jamás por organizar esta Lectura conjunta de la serie entera.
Por mi parte no tengo más que decir, salvo desearos una ¡Feliz lectura!
December 28, 2022
Bir Monica kitabını daha yüzümde bir sırıtmayla bitirdim. Arthur beni bazen çileden çıkardı ama sondaki hareket müthişti. Hiç ilgimi çekmeyen Yılan’ın bile hikayesini deli gibi merak ediyorum bu kitaptan sonra.
May 19, 2017
Third book in McCarty's Highlander Guard series. This one is centered on Arthur "Ranger" Campbell, one of Bruce's secrete Guard members who infiltrates enemy ground to get revenge on his father's killer John Lorn chief of MacDougall clan. What he doesn't expect is Lorn's daughter Anna MacDougall, the sweet-natured warm hearted innocent girl who distracts him and intrigues him more than he would like to admit. Things get very complicated and a tangled mess when he and Anna grow closer together and can't deny the growing feelings between them. The question here is what wins out, vengence and justice or love?
This book seriously surprised me. In a good way. After reading the first book in the series "The Chief" I was underwhelmed and overall disappointed. I felt the intensity and drama that were present in McCarty's previous books was nonexistent. So it left me a little discouraged and just meh but the set up and backdrop she painted of the legendary warriors and their distinctive skills and dynamic personalities left me intrigued. In the first book she sets up the characters and their distinctive background and clan history really nicely. She's an author who pays a lot of attention to detail and historical accuracy. I couldn't not try reading another from the series. I'm glad I followed my instinct and snatched this up. As usual there was the ever-present McCarty equation seen in her work and overall style of writing which is: lots of tension and angst between the hero and heroine, if you don't like forlorn angsty couples then this isn't the book for you. Second, the battle and struggle of obligation, duty and loyalty between your family/clan and the person you love, here particularly it was very Romeo + Juliet. Falling in love with your sworn enemy and not realizing until its too late. Sorry for the cliche example but there it is. And of course it isn't McCarty book without some form of deception thrown into the mix. While at times it may be predictable given it's a HR book but there are dramatic twists and turns that you don't see coming which I really like. And of course the sexual tension is just oozing all over the place, I'm a romantic junkie so yeah I don't mind it. It's a bit over the top at times and cliche I'll be honest but seriously you have to give the author credit for her detail in everything. Her books are packed with historical information so she's legit in my book. To some it may just be another 'bodice ripper' romance book but to me it's much more. Loved it from beginning to end.
Arthur and Anna were just really sweet and very surprisingly innocent in the way they fell for each other. Arthur struggles incredibly hard to stay away from her and fights back his growing feelings but he gives in and boy! does he. :P And get your mind out of the gutter cause that's not what I'm talking about (well partly not. ha lol) He shows her exactly what he feels and how far he's willing to go to not lose her. What I loved is the character growth and realizations of what is really important. It's something McCarty loves to test in her books, demonstrating how far couples are willing to go for one another and test their love for each other. McCarty always makes sure to include in all her books that climactic moment where either the hero or heroine makes a life changing decision and must chose between loyalty, obligation and love. And I have to say I really liked the heroine in this, Anna. I've had issues with some of McCarty's heroines in the past, they were either too manipulative and fickle or incredibly naive and oblivious. Here Anna while yes was naive and had some things to learn, she was incredibly open-minded, generous with a big heart who was free-spirited and SMART. So I really liked her and I loved Arthur. They made an adorable couple who you really *believed* loved each other.Really great book nicely handled. Can't wait to read the other books in this series!
This book seriously surprised me. In a good way. After reading the first book in the series "The Chief" I was underwhelmed and overall disappointed. I felt the intensity and drama that were present in McCarty's previous books was nonexistent. So it left me a little discouraged and just meh but the set up and backdrop she painted of the legendary warriors and their distinctive skills and dynamic personalities left me intrigued. In the first book she sets up the characters and their distinctive background and clan history really nicely. She's an author who pays a lot of attention to detail and historical accuracy. I couldn't not try reading another from the series. I'm glad I followed my instinct and snatched this up. As usual there was the ever-present McCarty equation seen in her work and overall style of writing which is: lots of tension and angst between the hero and heroine, if you don't like forlorn angsty couples then this isn't the book for you. Second, the battle and struggle of obligation, duty and loyalty between your family/clan and the person you love, here particularly it was very Romeo + Juliet. Falling in love with your sworn enemy and not realizing until its too late. Sorry for the cliche example but there it is. And of course it isn't McCarty book without some form of deception thrown into the mix. While at times it may be predictable given it's a HR book but there are dramatic twists and turns that you don't see coming which I really like. And of course the sexual tension is just oozing all over the place, I'm a romantic junkie so yeah I don't mind it. It's a bit over the top at times and cliche I'll be honest but seriously you have to give the author credit for her detail in everything. Her books are packed with historical information so she's legit in my book. To some it may just be another 'bodice ripper' romance book but to me it's much more. Loved it from beginning to end.
Arthur and Anna were just really sweet and very surprisingly innocent in the way they fell for each other. Arthur struggles incredibly hard to stay away from her and fights back his growing feelings but he gives in and boy! does he. :P And get your mind out of the gutter cause that's not what I'm talking about (well partly not. ha lol) He shows her exactly what he feels and how far he's willing to go to not lose her. What I loved is the character growth and realizations of what is really important. It's something McCarty loves to test in her books, demonstrating how far couples are willing to go for one another and test their love for each other. McCarty always makes sure to include in all her books that climactic moment where either the hero or heroine makes a life changing decision and must chose between loyalty, obligation and love. And I have to say I really liked the heroine in this, Anna. I've had issues with some of McCarty's heroines in the past, they were either too manipulative and fickle or incredibly naive and oblivious. Here Anna while yes was naive and had some things to learn, she was incredibly open-minded, generous with a big heart who was free-spirited and SMART. So I really liked her and I loved Arthur. They made an adorable couple who you really *believed* loved each other.Really great book nicely handled. Can't wait to read the other books in this series!
January 4, 2011
2 ½ stars. It’s ok but I couldn’t get excited about it. Nothing special about the plot or characters. I skimmed a few parts.
STORY BRIEF:
During battle Arthur’s father could have killed Lorn but allowed Lorn to live if he surrendered. The fighting was over, the father turned his back, then Lorn stabbed and killed him. Arthur was a boy when he saw this. He vowed to kill Lorn for revenge.
It is now years later. Arthur is one of the Highland Guard, a group of special warriors serving King Bruce. Most of the Scottish clans are united under Bruce except for about two. One of them is Lorn’s. Lorn is recruiting fighters to join him in fighting Bruce. Arthur joins Lorn as a spy. The problem is he falls in love with Lorn’s daughter Anna. She wants him and lets him know it. He tries to be cold and insulting to her. He knows she will hate him when she discovers he is a spy.
Arthur’s uniqueness includes a psychic intuition knowing what is going to happen a few moments before it happens. He also has great skills with a sword and spear. When a spear is thrown, he can grab it out of the air before it hits the target. He’s the strong, silent, observant, loner type. Anna is smart, perceptive, determined, kind, and smiling. She wants to help others.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Most of the story is Arthur’s approach-avoidance conflict. He loves her but has to act like he doesn’t. After their first passionate sexual encounter she tells him she loves him, but he acts like he doesn’t care. He says “You see what you want to see – not reality. Little girls who believe in faerie tales only grow up to be disappointed” (page 248). By this time I was tired of his act. I wanted him to say yes I love you but let’s not do anything until after the coming battle. So my summary: his hurting her and reluctance went on for too long. It was no fun after a while, and I skimmed a few parts.
There was some torture in the book which was unsettling, but not as bad as it could have been. The rest of the story was ok but like many others. There were some good battle strategies and action and some good parts in the end. The author’s note in the back of the book was impressive. She was historically accurate as much as possible regarding clans and battles.
Sex scenes were ok but might have benefited from a little more emotion.
Unfortunately I’m annoyed with the publisher’s cover picture not matching Arthur who has dark hair curling in loose waves at his neck and forehead. Cover guy has no hair below his ears.
DATA:
Story length: 406 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 17. Setting: 1307-1308 Scotland. Copyright: 2010. Genre: historical romance with a little paranormal.
STORY BRIEF:
During battle Arthur’s father could have killed Lorn but allowed Lorn to live if he surrendered. The fighting was over, the father turned his back, then Lorn stabbed and killed him. Arthur was a boy when he saw this. He vowed to kill Lorn for revenge.
It is now years later. Arthur is one of the Highland Guard, a group of special warriors serving King Bruce. Most of the Scottish clans are united under Bruce except for about two. One of them is Lorn’s. Lorn is recruiting fighters to join him in fighting Bruce. Arthur joins Lorn as a spy. The problem is he falls in love with Lorn’s daughter Anna. She wants him and lets him know it. He tries to be cold and insulting to her. He knows she will hate him when she discovers he is a spy.
Arthur’s uniqueness includes a psychic intuition knowing what is going to happen a few moments before it happens. He also has great skills with a sword and spear. When a spear is thrown, he can grab it out of the air before it hits the target. He’s the strong, silent, observant, loner type. Anna is smart, perceptive, determined, kind, and smiling. She wants to help others.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Most of the story is Arthur’s approach-avoidance conflict. He loves her but has to act like he doesn’t. After their first passionate sexual encounter she tells him she loves him, but he acts like he doesn’t care. He says “You see what you want to see – not reality. Little girls who believe in faerie tales only grow up to be disappointed” (page 248). By this time I was tired of his act. I wanted him to say yes I love you but let’s not do anything until after the coming battle. So my summary: his hurting her and reluctance went on for too long. It was no fun after a while, and I skimmed a few parts.
There was some torture in the book which was unsettling, but not as bad as it could have been. The rest of the story was ok but like many others. There were some good battle strategies and action and some good parts in the end. The author’s note in the back of the book was impressive. She was historically accurate as much as possible regarding clans and battles.
Sex scenes were ok but might have benefited from a little more emotion.
Unfortunately I’m annoyed with the publisher’s cover picture not matching Arthur who has dark hair curling in loose waves at his neck and forehead. Cover guy has no hair below his ears.
DATA:
Story length: 406 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Estimated number of sex scene pages: 17. Setting: 1307-1308 Scotland. Copyright: 2010. Genre: historical romance with a little paranormal.
July 1, 2011
I’m so thoroughly enjoying this Highland “black ops” series that Monica McCarty has created. She’s taken actual events in history and integrated her idea of the elite and dangerous fighters needed during some of Scotland’s blackest days, giving each hero a military or superhero “power” to make him a mean, lean fighting machine. On top of that, Ms. McCarty has taken her stories to the next level, twisting the lives of the hero and heroine in such a way that the emotion is wrung out of you till there’s nothing left. Then there’s only happiness all around.
We, of course, met Arthur Campbell in The Chief where he trains with those hand chosen by Robert the Bruce to be part of his new Highland Guard. Arthur’s special abilities are a sort of Spidey sense, able to detect danger and people and the like seemingly out of thin air, which has caused problems for him in the past with folks becoming suspicious when he does his thing. Therefore, he spends a lot of time alone, it’s just easier that way. During the training, Arthur is tossed out of the Guard - there’s no tolerance for any behavior but following the rules and learning what they need to know. As I felt at the time, we find out in this book that it was all a setup so that Arthur could infiltrate the English, spy where needed to give Bruce and his men the edge in his quest for the crown and trying to keep peace in the Highlands.
Arthur’s latest assignment is to insinuate himself into the good graces of John of Lorn to learn what he can to hasten Bruce’s conquest of the man. He’s been waiting for this opportunity for fourteen years after witnessing his father’s death at Lorn’s hands. Vengeance has been so much a part of his consciousness for so long that not even coming face to face with the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen can deter him from his path. He’s relieved that Anna, Lorn’s daughter, doesn’t recognize him from a dangerous encounter a year before. He couldn’t leave her at that time to walk into the middle of an ambush, and now he may pay for that with his life.
So Arthur does the only thing he can - he avoids Anna or ticks her off, anything to keep her distracted. But things just don’t work that well for him. Circumstances happen that require both his extraordinary senses and his incredible speed, and Anna is much too perceptive - and irked that he appears to dislike her - so Arthur must be even more careful around her than he’s ever been before. But the woman has her own ideas, over and above what her father has asked of her, which is, of course, unbeknownst to Arthur. She sees things in him that no one else does, things he’d rather have left alone. Arthur’s tightrope becomes more precarious by the moment in this mission he never wanted to begin with.
What makes this book for me is the situations Arthur finds himself in that require the use of his abilities. More than once he saves Anna’s life with those abilities and that makes Anna suspicious. She never could imagine what she learns about this intriguing enemy of her family, though. The emotion between them goes back and forth between longing and hurt, because Arthur wants to do the right thing when it comes to Anna, even if there really isn’t a right way that will turn out any way but bad for her. But the man puts what he can into it, refusing to fail in his mission. The action scenes are done very well, sword fighting and flying arrows at the worst times.
The historical research that’s going into this series is incredible. Ms. McCarty has interwoven her characters into past reality that makes reading it a delight, even despite the dire circumstances of the time. I believe this is her best work to date, giving these characters such an emotional roller coaster in life to get through. It all actually seems impossible at the end, but then that’s why we read romance, for the impossible to happen.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
We, of course, met Arthur Campbell in The Chief where he trains with those hand chosen by Robert the Bruce to be part of his new Highland Guard. Arthur’s special abilities are a sort of Spidey sense, able to detect danger and people and the like seemingly out of thin air, which has caused problems for him in the past with folks becoming suspicious when he does his thing. Therefore, he spends a lot of time alone, it’s just easier that way. During the training, Arthur is tossed out of the Guard - there’s no tolerance for any behavior but following the rules and learning what they need to know. As I felt at the time, we find out in this book that it was all a setup so that Arthur could infiltrate the English, spy where needed to give Bruce and his men the edge in his quest for the crown and trying to keep peace in the Highlands.
Arthur’s latest assignment is to insinuate himself into the good graces of John of Lorn to learn what he can to hasten Bruce’s conquest of the man. He’s been waiting for this opportunity for fourteen years after witnessing his father’s death at Lorn’s hands. Vengeance has been so much a part of his consciousness for so long that not even coming face to face with the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen can deter him from his path. He’s relieved that Anna, Lorn’s daughter, doesn’t recognize him from a dangerous encounter a year before. He couldn’t leave her at that time to walk into the middle of an ambush, and now he may pay for that with his life.
So Arthur does the only thing he can - he avoids Anna or ticks her off, anything to keep her distracted. But things just don’t work that well for him. Circumstances happen that require both his extraordinary senses and his incredible speed, and Anna is much too perceptive - and irked that he appears to dislike her - so Arthur must be even more careful around her than he’s ever been before. But the woman has her own ideas, over and above what her father has asked of her, which is, of course, unbeknownst to Arthur. She sees things in him that no one else does, things he’d rather have left alone. Arthur’s tightrope becomes more precarious by the moment in this mission he never wanted to begin with.
What makes this book for me is the situations Arthur finds himself in that require the use of his abilities. More than once he saves Anna’s life with those abilities and that makes Anna suspicious. She never could imagine what she learns about this intriguing enemy of her family, though. The emotion between them goes back and forth between longing and hurt, because Arthur wants to do the right thing when it comes to Anna, even if there really isn’t a right way that will turn out any way but bad for her. But the man puts what he can into it, refusing to fail in his mission. The action scenes are done very well, sword fighting and flying arrows at the worst times.
The historical research that’s going into this series is incredible. Ms. McCarty has interwoven her characters into past reality that makes reading it a delight, even despite the dire circumstances of the time. I believe this is her best work to date, giving these characters such an emotional roller coaster in life to get through. It all actually seems impossible at the end, but then that’s why we read romance, for the impossible to happen.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
February 14, 2016
Monica McCarty'nin bu serisini gerçekten seviyorum. Kitabın, konunun, o konuyu işleyişinin güzelliği bir yana, kadının araştırmalarını okumak öyle keyifli ki. Tam kitabın son satırlarını okuyorsunuz, içiniz bir kitabı daha bitirmiş olmanın huzuruyla dolmuşken, teşekkür ya da yazar notu için sayfayı çeviriyorsunuz ve yazar notunda size anlatılanlar kitap kadar dikkat çekici.
Kitapta olanlardan ne kadarının gerçeğe dayandığını, hangi kısımları yüzünden aklına bu tarz kurgunun geldiğini, aslında o olayın gerçekte nasıl olduğunu açıklıyor. Kendi notlarını ve araştırmalarını paylaşıyor ve o kısmı okumak benim için çok keyifli :))
Kitapta Robert Bruce'un gizli ekibinden İzci'yi okuyoruz bu kez. Neredeyse insanüstü denilecek dürtülere sahip ve bir şeyleri hemen olmadan önce hissediyor. Bir gün yine içine bu kötü his düştüğünde, yoldaşlarını uzaktan gözetlemek istiyor ama bir kızın hayatını kurtarıyor.
Sonra vay haline :))
Klasik historicallar gibi değildi, daha konu eğilimli ve detaylıydı. Çok azıcık sıkıldığım anlar oldu, ama konudan değildi. Arada sırada çok fazla detaylarla aynı şeylerden bahsedilip durmasındandı.
Ama kesinlikle serinin güzel kitaplarından biriydi. Tavsiye ederim.
Kitapta olanlardan ne kadarının gerçeğe dayandığını, hangi kısımları yüzünden aklına bu tarz kurgunun geldiğini, aslında o olayın gerçekte nasıl olduğunu açıklıyor. Kendi notlarını ve araştırmalarını paylaşıyor ve o kısmı okumak benim için çok keyifli :))
Kitapta Robert Bruce'un gizli ekibinden İzci'yi okuyoruz bu kez. Neredeyse insanüstü denilecek dürtülere sahip ve bir şeyleri hemen olmadan önce hissediyor. Bir gün yine içine bu kötü his düştüğünde, yoldaşlarını uzaktan gözetlemek istiyor ama bir kızın hayatını kurtarıyor.
Sonra vay haline :))
Klasik historicallar gibi değildi, daha konu eğilimli ve detaylıydı. Çok azıcık sıkıldığım anlar oldu, ama konudan değildi. Arada sırada çok fazla detaylarla aynı şeylerden bahsedilip durmasındandı.
Ama kesinlikle serinin güzel kitaplarından biriydi. Tavsiye ederim.
September 1, 2025
NARRATION
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
STORY
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
SPICE
🌶️ mild
RECOMMEND
💳 100% yes
I loved this story. It’s my second favorite of the series so far. That’s it. That’s my review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
STORY
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
SPICE
🌶️ mild
RECOMMEND
💳 100% yes
I loved this story. It’s my second favorite of the series so far. That’s it. That’s my review.
November 11, 2017
This was just one great enthralling adventure. Anna was so funny and fiesty and Arthur was the epitome of strong, silent hunkalicious manliness. In The Chief I had not really seen Arthur as being a hero that I would like a lot but I just loved him in this novel. He may be quiet but there were hidden depths to this tortured soul. At the risk of sounding cliched, I must say that Arthur is a man who proves that still waters do indeed run deep. This story of star crossed, forbidden love was very entertaining.
October 1, 2015
Great characters, ok plots. Arthur's character is a bit fuzzy though toward the end. Way too much war. Hopeless love never goes out of style. I do feel that the book missed the mark, so I can't give it 5 stars. But really really touching relationship and great characters.
I continue to be amazed at the characters in the series and how they are woven together. Really impressive imagination.
I continue to be amazed at the characters in the series and how they are woven together. Really impressive imagination.
June 20, 2019
This book about broke me. I started it yesterday around 9 PM and finished 24 hours later. I barely slept because I LOVED Ranger and Anna. Their love was truly tested and I really wasn't sure how the hell it was going to work out, but it did.
Nothing for these couples is easy. Each story has had more things thrown at them than anyone could expect. There's so much anguish in this one though, knowing the entire time that when the other shoe fell, there would be hurt on all sides.
But ... sigh ... Arthur. I don't know how anyone is going to top him for me. He was just ... everything.
Nothing for these couples is easy. Each story has had more things thrown at them than anyone could expect. There's so much anguish in this one though, knowing the entire time that when the other shoe fell, there would be hurt on all sides.
But ... sigh ... Arthur. I don't know how anyone is going to top him for me. He was just ... everything.
November 15, 2012
Arthur Campbell, known as Ranger within the Highland Guard, has secretly maintained his membership within this elite force for the past two years, spying on King Edward's forces while pretending to be one of them. He's now conflicted about it as his current target's daughter, Anna MacDougall, is seriously testing the limits of his deception. He's seeking revenge against her father but is drawn to this enchanting woman.
I really liked both characters and was looking forward to Arthur's story since his role as a spy was known only to Tor and Richard Bruce. The conflicts he faced were pretty rough and did take a toll on him but his resolve kept him focused. Anna was spirited, smart and intuitive, posing a real threat to Arthur as she actively pursued him, partly because her father asked her to spy on him and because she was personally drawn to him. Their romance worked, once it got going, and I liked the conflict.
The beginning of the story immediately captured me and the final segments couldn't have been more exciting. What wore me down was the middle of the book, which belabored the angst of both Arthur and Anna as they continued to deceive one another. There was considerably less action here than in the first two books of the series, which was a disappointment. I probably would have been more satisfied if they hadn't raised my expectations for this one.
It still was an enjoyable story even with these limitations and I'm rating it 3.5 ★s and am still so in love with this series.
I really liked both characters and was looking forward to Arthur's story since his role as a spy was known only to Tor and Richard Bruce. The conflicts he faced were pretty rough and did take a toll on him but his resolve kept him focused. Anna was spirited, smart and intuitive, posing a real threat to Arthur as she actively pursued him, partly because her father asked her to spy on him and because she was personally drawn to him. Their romance worked, once it got going, and I liked the conflict.
The beginning of the story immediately captured me and the final segments couldn't have been more exciting. What wore me down was the middle of the book, which belabored the angst of both Arthur and Anna as they continued to deceive one another. There was considerably less action here than in the first two books of the series, which was a disappointment. I probably would have been more satisfied if they hadn't raised my expectations for this one.
It still was an enjoyable story even with these limitations and I'm rating it 3.5 ★s and am still so in love with this series.
November 27, 2014
Kral muhafızları serisinin 3. kitabını da bitirmiş oldum.
Kitap, İzci lakabına sahip Arthur Campbell ile düşman klanın kızı Leydi Anna MacDougall arasındaki hikayeyi anlatıyor.
Anna'nın babası, 14 sene önce Arthur'un babasını öldürmüştür, sırtından hançerlemiştir. Bu olaya tek şahit Arthur'dur ve o günden beri bu adamdan intikam almak için gün saymaktadır.
Hikaye güzeldi. Hele bu türün kraliçesi yazdıysa okumak daha da keyifliydi. Ancak.. Kitap bana gereksiz yere uzatılmış gibi geldi.
Normalde Monica'nın kitaplarında böyle hissetmem, aksine hiç bitmesin isterim ama son 150 sayfalara geldiğimde biraz atlayarak okuduğum yerler olduğunu üzülerek itiraf ediyorum.
Yani maksimum 400de çok rahat tutabilirmiş ki aslında bu bile fazla olabilirdi..
Yine de yazarın kalemine hayranım. 4. kitapta çıktı için mutluyum. Yayınevi umarım bu yazarın kitaplarını daha hızlı bir şekilde yayınlamaya devam eder.
Kesinlikle tavsiye ederim :)
Kitap, İzci lakabına sahip Arthur Campbell ile düşman klanın kızı Leydi Anna MacDougall arasındaki hikayeyi anlatıyor.
Anna'nın babası, 14 sene önce Arthur'un babasını öldürmüştür, sırtından hançerlemiştir. Bu olaya tek şahit Arthur'dur ve o günden beri bu adamdan intikam almak için gün saymaktadır.
Hikaye güzeldi. Hele bu türün kraliçesi yazdıysa okumak daha da keyifliydi. Ancak.. Kitap bana gereksiz yere uzatılmış gibi geldi.
Normalde Monica'nın kitaplarında böyle hissetmem, aksine hiç bitmesin isterim ama son 150 sayfalara geldiğimde biraz atlayarak okuduğum yerler olduğunu üzülerek itiraf ediyorum.
Yani maksimum 400de çok rahat tutabilirmiş ki aslında bu bile fazla olabilirdi..
Yine de yazarın kalemine hayranım. 4. kitapta çıktı için mutluyum. Yayınevi umarım bu yazarın kitaplarını daha hızlı bir şekilde yayınlamaya devam eder.
Kesinlikle tavsiye ederim :)
February 13, 2011
5 stars – Historical/Scottish Romance
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September 10, 2016kad ću se dokopati naredne knjige u serijalu,
November 22, 2025
1308, Ayr, Scotland.
Arthur Campbell is the one they call Ranger. Expelled from the Highland Guard during training, he has been embedded in enemy camps, spying and taking on undercover mission for Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland against King Edward of England. His next mission will take him to the home of his sworn enemy, and the castle of the man who killed his father. Unfortunately for Arthur, John of Lorn's daughter is the same enchanting woman he saved from near death a year ago. Anna MacDougall is loyal to her father, a man who believes in educating his daughters as well as his sons, and he sets her to watch Arthur and some of his brothers who have come to court to serve as knights for Lorn. Anna and Arthur sense a connection, even as much as Arthur tries to push her away, knowing that he will betray Anna and everything she believes in for a cause closer to Arthur's heart than a woman could be: independence for Scotland.
I say when you write an enemies to lovers, it's always better for the enemies to be literal enemies on opposite sides of a war, especially one with strong ideals like independence, because it feels nearly impossible to get to an HEA, and the resolution that McCarty gives us is immensely satisfying. Arthur is a loner, developing out of habit because of his unusual talent of foresight, and he rarely thinks anything of it... until Anna crashes her way into his life with joy and charm and irresistible mouth. This was easily my favorite of the romances so far, because I love a hard-earned HEA. And while Arthur isn't a soft hero, he's also far less alpha, giving us a different type of Scottish hero than we often see. I love a hero who rides the line of keeping his emotions in check, and the desire and sometimes rage bubble out.
This series is a near perfect blend of history and romance for me. DO NOT SKIP the author's notes! Monica McCarty highlight the inspirations she took from the historical events of the era and the ones she invented for fictional purposes. The conflict in this book, including the Battle of the Pass of Brander, are real, and pitted the MacDougall clan against Bruce's troops. She takes inspiration for her characters from historical figures and molds them to the story she wants to tell.
Arthur Campbell is the one they call Ranger. Expelled from the Highland Guard during training, he has been embedded in enemy camps, spying and taking on undercover mission for Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland against King Edward of England. His next mission will take him to the home of his sworn enemy, and the castle of the man who killed his father. Unfortunately for Arthur, John of Lorn's daughter is the same enchanting woman he saved from near death a year ago. Anna MacDougall is loyal to her father, a man who believes in educating his daughters as well as his sons, and he sets her to watch Arthur and some of his brothers who have come to court to serve as knights for Lorn. Anna and Arthur sense a connection, even as much as Arthur tries to push her away, knowing that he will betray Anna and everything she believes in for a cause closer to Arthur's heart than a woman could be: independence for Scotland.
I say when you write an enemies to lovers, it's always better for the enemies to be literal enemies on opposite sides of a war, especially one with strong ideals like independence, because it feels nearly impossible to get to an HEA, and the resolution that McCarty gives us is immensely satisfying. Arthur is a loner, developing out of habit because of his unusual talent of foresight, and he rarely thinks anything of it... until Anna crashes her way into his life with joy and charm and irresistible mouth. This was easily my favorite of the romances so far, because I love a hard-earned HEA. And while Arthur isn't a soft hero, he's also far less alpha, giving us a different type of Scottish hero than we often see. I love a hero who rides the line of keeping his emotions in check, and the desire and sometimes rage bubble out.
This series is a near perfect blend of history and romance for me. DO NOT SKIP the author's notes! Monica McCarty highlight the inspirations she took from the historical events of the era and the ones she invented for fictional purposes. The conflict in this book, including the Battle of the Pass of Brander, are real, and pitted the MacDougall clan against Bruce's troops. She takes inspiration for her characters from historical figures and molds them to the story she wants to tell.
September 18, 2024
Me gustó la evolución de los personajes y la descripción de la última batalla, me tuvo pendiendo de un hilo.
Y la manera en que lograron darle cierre a la trama de venganza-justicia, estuvo impecable 🤩
Arthur es muy circunspecto para mi gusto, muy del estilo “hombre solitario torturado”, pero se portó súper bien, siempre leal a sus principios, a pesar de lo ingrata que era su misión.
Anna pasó de ser niñita mimada a toda una mujer madura, se resarció de sus comportamientos aunque muchas veces preguntó “ah, ¿entonces es mi culpa?” Y yo decía “SI” y Arthur “no” y yo 😒😒😒, pero bueno, es entendible; Él está enamorado.
En fin, estuvo súper entretenido y no tuvo tanta temática específica (el anterior libro me perdía un poco cuando describían tantas cosas de navieros y geografía 😅). Le doy sus 4/5 estrellitas.
Y la manera en que lograron darle cierre a la trama de venganza-justicia, estuvo impecable 🤩
Arthur es muy circunspecto para mi gusto, muy del estilo “hombre solitario torturado”, pero se portó súper bien, siempre leal a sus principios, a pesar de lo ingrata que era su misión.
Anna pasó de ser niñita mimada a toda una mujer madura, se resarció de sus comportamientos aunque muchas veces preguntó “ah, ¿entonces es mi culpa?” Y yo decía “SI” y Arthur “no” y yo 😒😒😒, pero bueno, es entendible; Él está enamorado.
En fin, estuvo súper entretenido y no tuvo tanta temática específica (el anterior libro me perdía un poco cuando describían tantas cosas de navieros y geografía 😅). Le doy sus 4/5 estrellitas.
May 21, 2025
Audiobook. PERFECTION! I love this book so damn much. I could’ve finished it in one day, but I dragged it out on purpose because I didn’t want to say goodbye to Arthur + Anna too soon. You can’t get anymore enemies to lovers than this. Spying, deceit, betrayal, understanding, acceptance , and forgiveness all wrapped up in a damn good bow. This is where my dog sidekick origin story began! Squire was the bestest boy. Until next time, Sir Arthur + Lady Anna. This one is my second fav of the whole series (14 books in total counting the 2 novellas).
September 13, 2024
Joj ne znam što bih rekla o ovoj knjizi. Dio o osveti mi je bio ok, ali ono cici-mici, hoćeš-nećeš, volim te-ne volim te, zašto me ignoriraš-sad ću malo ja tebe ignorirati... zbog takvih stvari bih natukla likove. Iako doduše da nema toga, knjiga bi imala ono 50 strana možda. Ali opet da nije bilo radnje s osvetom bilo bi apsolutno besmisleno čitati ju. No ja luđakinja moram nastaviti sa serijalom. A imam ono još samo 9 nastavaka. Pod uvjetom da McCarty ne napiše još koju.
Bookopoly 2024. – Person on the Cover
Buddy Readathon with Ana 2024. – 8
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala
Bookopoly 2024. – Person on the Cover
Buddy Readathon with Ana 2024. – 8
Globalni ciljevi: nastavak serijala
June 8, 2025
the descriptions are taking me out...
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