The Arrow, Monica McCarty, Ballentine
Highland Guard #9
As King Robert the Bruce of Scotland plots to retake his English occupied castles, he needs the stealth and skill of his elite soldiers, the Highland Guard. Fearless and indomitable, no men are more loyal to their king, or cherished by the women they love.
The talents of legendary marksman Gregor “Arrow” MacGregor are crucial now, as Bruce moves to reclaim his Scottish holdings. Gregor is considered the most handsome man in Scotland, and his fame as an archer is rivaled only by his reputation with the lasses as a heartbreaker. But when his infamous face is exposed during a covert mission, Gregor is forced to lay low. He returns home only to find a new battle waiting: a daring game of seduction involving his now very grown up and very desirable ward, Cate of Lochmaben.
A born fighter, Cate was clinging to life when Gregor rescued her after a vicious English raid on her village left her mother dead. But five years later, the once scrappy orphan Gregor took under his protection has become a woman. Brave, strong, and skilled in warfare, Cate is determined to lay claim to the warrior who refuses to be trapped. The heat in his eyes tells her she has his attention . . . and his desire. But will Gregor allow his heart to surrender before danger finds them, and the truth of Cate’s identity is revealed?
REVIEW:
I can't believe we are already 9 books in to this fabulous series. I have yet to read one that wasn't beautifully written with not only the strong alpha heroes we expect but also strong women to stand beside them.
The way that Cate and Gregor meet she can't help but think of him as her hero. He literally plucks her from an abandon well and saves her life. Then for reason he can't quite understand he takes her on as his ward and takes her to his home in the highlands. The absolute adoration that Cate feels for him is genuine but Gregor doesn't think it's real.
Gregor has lived his whole life hearing how beautiful he is and for a while he uses it to his advantage but in reality he hates the reaction that women have to him. He has worked hard to prove himself and become the best archer in Scotland. What starts out as striving for respect from his father quickly becomes his drive for putting the man that he respects above all others, Robert Bruce, on the throne.
There are a lot of secrets on both sides in this book and you know that's never a good thing. I don't know that I could have forgiven Gregor for some of his mistakes and felt the hurt in my heart when he betrayed Cate.
This book is full of action, battles, romance and passion. It continues the saga of the Highland Guard and the men and women who are at the core of the war. Ms. McCarthy does a great job of blending the ugliness that is war with the romance and passion that make the war worth fighting. Even with the historical liberties that she takes her work always has an authentic feel to it.
I love this series and say BRING ON THE NEXT GUARD!
RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries. This book was given to us by Netgalley. Many thanks.
