The Highlander's Bride by Amanda Forester Series: Highlander Trouble #1
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on September 1st 2015
Genres: Historical Romance, Medieval Era, Scottish Highlands
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
ISBN: 1492605433
Critically acclaimed author Amanda Forester entertains readers with a new, romantic Scottish Highlander series…
After years of fighting in France, Sir Gavin Patrick longs for his Scottish home and for an easier life off the battlefield. However, laden with a shipment of orphans, a massive treasure to transport, and Lady Marie Colette—a sharp-tongued French heiress—Gavin realizes that the real battle is only beginning. Colette expects a painless trip as Gavin transports her to her Highland fiancé, but their relationship takes an unexpected turn…
Forced to pose as a married couple in order to sneak out of France, Gavin and Colette fight against their developing, forbidden attraction…all the while yearning to fulfill their pent-up desire.
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Summary
Highland Warrior, Gavin Patrick, fighting in the 100 hundred years war, for France against the English. Gavin ends up saving the life of a French nobleman, a nobleman that has a plan for him and a way to return to his homeland. His duty is to escort Lady Marie Collette, to her Scottish fiancee. Marie Collette, knows that she has never had choices in her life. Never been show any affection accept with her father. Other than that, she lives a lonely existence. Gavin knows that once they start their journey, that his job is going to get tougher. There are English patrols everywhere along their path to the shore. And with the large entourage, Gavin knows their risks are higher. From the start, Gavin and Marie can barely tolerate each other. They don’t understand each other, but soon their journey becomes full of danger and peril. Gavin will have to use every tool at his disposal to get Marie to her destination, because if the English find her, her life is forfeit.
The Hero
Gavin Patrick, is a capable and proud Scottish Warrior. Gavin has come to France, to help fight against the English. Gavin’s life changed the moment he agreed to escort Marie Collette. Gavin is proud and capable and full of honor and can fight. Gavin is a character you instantly gravitate towards from the get go. He is chivalrous without coming off as being pompous or full of himself. He can be humble when the situation warrants it, and admits when he is wrong but stands by what he thinks is right. Gavin is one of the best heroes I have read in a while. I love the way he stands up to Collette, and makes choices that save lives. Gavin is such a great main character, a well-balanced personality.
The Heroine
Marie Collette, has lived a very sheltered life all of her life. Her mother died giving birth to her, and her father set her up with five maids, all of whom are strict and cool in demeanor and don’t have one touch of affection for her. All they care about is that Collette acts with propriety in every situation. She loves books, especially stories that are packed with adventure because she craves adventure. There are many different sides to her character. At first she is very closed off, and comes off as being cold but in reality that is just how she acts on the outside, on the inside she yearns for affection and love and some adventure. This is where we see hidden depths to her character. Like an onion, with each chapter, we see one layer get pulled off and see the true essence of Marie Collette. I will admit, in the beginning I didn’t care for her very much. She seemed to have too much hold on material things, but as the story progresses, we see how that is all she has ever known. We see amazing growth and development in her character, and see the kind and loving person she can be.
Plot and Story Line
I have been a fan for Amanda Forester for quite some time but have only read a couple of her works. But when I saw The Highlander’s Bride on the shelf, I knew I had to grab it up!! I love highlander romances, but this story line really hooked me in. Many who have read my reviews, know that I love a romance that has some adventure and historical context to it—or what is the point of historical romance???
Well, Amanda Forester has introduced us to a story that is full of historical facts and makes the reader get in touch with events that I knew very little of beforehand. Of course, I was always intrigued by the Hundred Years War, which was a conflict in the 1300’s-1400’s between England and France. Both sides had other groups of people aiding them in their fight. On France’s side Scotland came to their aid (which considering how the English and the Scots felt about each other is no big surprise) The story sets off with seeing a battle between the English and the French and seeing a brave Scot save the life of a nobleman that is surrounded by English troops. There is courage and bravery in the hero of the story. He is eager to get back home and is willing to take on the duty of seeing Collette safely transferred to Scotland.
But the dangers along the way are difficult, and soon the reader is wrapped in a story of adventure, passion, and danger lurking in every corner. There is a pivotal moment in the story, which is where we see fabulous character development when the group comes upon a town that the English burned and pillaged and no one survived except an infant. Which then leads them to five children—all females. They manage to find homes for all of them except for Pippa and the baby. Pippa is outspoken, and has seen much in her small lifetime, but is brave and loving. I really enjoyed Pippa’s influence on the story, because she refuses to marry just anyone. I like that she stands up for what is right and this influence is a turning point for Collette.
But even when they get to Scotland, their journey and struggles don’t end there, there is something evil waiting for them and it will take working together and finding unexpected allies to hold onto the love that Gavin and Collette both feel for each other.
The Cover
What a wonderful cover, I love the pose here. How strong and formidable it seems, but also has a soft and gentle look about it.
Overall View
A Highlander’s Bride is an emotionally driven story that takes us back in time through history, to a time of fighting for what is right. We see a love blossom against all odds, one that is full of strife, turmoil and adventure. A story that will stay with you for a long time. A SPELLBINDING LOVE STORY!!!
About Amanda Forester
Amanda Forester holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a Masters degree in theology. As a psychologist, she has worked as a clinical researcher and a university instructor (what they call you when they don’t want to give you tenure). None of which has anything to do with writing romance novels. After trying for many years to stop the internal storylines floating around her head, she finally gave up and wrote one down. Now when she is caught daydreaming and talking to herself she can just say, “I’m plotting a scene for my next novel,” which sounds so much better than, “I’m hallucinating and responding to internal stimuli.”
Amanda lives in the Pacific Northwest with her officer and a gentleman husband and their two remarkably active, naturally brilliant children. They share their home with two fiendishly destructive cats and one lazy dog.
The Highlander’s Series represents Amanda's first venture into writing historical fiction, so she would greatly enjoy hearing from readers.
Awwww, this sounds like an EPIC! Like you, I enjoy stories a wee bit more when they actually take place during real historical events. Even if they give a spin on those events, I can’t put those books down either.
With the emotions of their romance this does sound awesome! Great review!
This looks like a great historical romance with how they have to travel through dangerous territory. Gavin sounds like a great hero with how he’s chivalrous and stands up to Collette. Chollette sounds like a nice character as well with how she’s sheltered, but craves adventure. And it sounds like the author handles the historical really well too. Great review!