Also in this series: The Raider, The Viper, The Saint, The Recruit, The Arrow
Series: Highland Guard #7
on June 25, 2013
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 391
Format: eBook
Source: Self Purchased
The war for Scotland’s freedom continues as King Robert the Bruce battles on. At his command is an elite army of trained warriors, soldiers dedicated to their king, their country—and to the remarkable women they love. Prized for his unbeatable tracking skills, Ewen “Hunter” Lamont accepts a dangerous assignment: locate a missing undercover courier. But this is no ordinary target. Ewen has met his prey before as “Sister Genna,” a fiery, forbidden woman forever etched in his memory after one stolen, sinful kiss. Now that he knows her real identity, he’s more determined than ever to keep her safe. But without the protection of the veil between them, fighting the allure of the beautiful lass may be the toughest battle this extraordinary warrior has ever faced. After her ill-fated attempt three years ago to rescue her twin sister, Janet of Mar has found salvation acting as a royal messenger—until she surrenders to a darkly handsome warrior whose rough, sensual kisses stir feelings the woman in her can’t deny. But when betrayal leads to danger, and a crucial communiqué is put in jeopardy, Janet has no choice but to put her faith in the hunter who can find anything—perhaps even her heart.
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
The Hunter is the seventh installment in the Highland Guard series and I absolutely had a blast with this book. This is one of those series that I always delight in these books that Monica McCarty has written and yes I know I am really behind on these books. After reading this one I realized why I had fallen in love with these books so much. I love the setting, the set up of the Highland Guard, the mystery surround King Robert the Bruce and the strong willed heroines that blends almost flawlessly with the stories.
She was looking at him, shaking her head. “You’d better not let my sister hear you say that. I don’t think she’d appreciate being called ‘round.’”
He frowned, perplexed. What was wrong with round?
Sutherland explained. “Women who’ve just had babies can be sensitive about their weight.”
“She didn’t just have a baby. William is seven months old already.”
There was a collective groan, the four of them giving him pitying looks, apparently having given up on explaining.
In The Hunter, our story begins with our hero, Ewen, who is part of the Highland Guard, but also determined to save his people and clan who don’t have the wealth and prestige to be vital in their living. He is faithful to his king and his brothers in arms. And when the king sends him on a mission to rescue a courier, the last person he would have suspected was a nun but who is also related to the king. And as such she is forbidden to Ewen. Ewen and Janet once had a moment and a kiss and it changed everything for them both. But now Ewen and Janet are back together and as such having to confront old wounds and the taste of the forbidden. But their lives are in danger from the English, but as they join forces, they find a love. But Ewen knows how impossible a relationship with Janet is, and while he feels the intensity of their connection, he can’t encourage it but attempts to push Janet away but sometimes true love has a way of finding its circle and one wonders if Janet and Ewen will be able to find their balance and the HEA they both deserve.
“Are we talking loud enough for you, wife? I wouldn’t want you to miss any of our private conversation.”, Robert said, looking up. His expression was chastising, but his eyes were soft as they fell upon his wife.
Margaret didn’t miss a beat. “That is quite considerate of you, Robert. I’m sure it is all beyond my poor woman’s, understanding, but if you could speak a little louder that might help.”
Her eyes danced as she leaned down and whispered to Janet, “Although I ‘d hardly qualify the exchange of a few words and the occasional grunt a conversation. I don’t know which one of them is worse.”
The Hunter is a story that I had such an easy time reading and so easy to immerse myself into this fascinating world of medieval Scotland. I actually adore this era in Scotland, its one of my favorites to read. And Monica McCarty just makes this period of time come alive in so many respects. Its a story that brings together a strong alpha warrior with an unconventional heroine. I wasn’t sure at first how I felt about this pairing and most particularly the heroine. She could be selfish, secretive at times, and the beginning scene, I didn’t like how she used her hidden identity to create shame in the hero. But Janet eventually grew on me, I did feel that she could be consumed by her job as a secret courier with little remorse of the people she harmed in her wake. Janet in the end didn’t impress me all that much, however, I did feel that we saw character growth from her and that is what truly one me over in the end with her character. Now our hero, Ewen, was a delight to read. I adored his character so much and I couldn’t seem to get enough of it. He was an alpha, he is a natural protector, has a sense of honor and duty, but also is crafty and creative.
Tears swelled in her eyes when he dropped to his knee at her feet. He took her hand and looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry for lying to you. I should have told you the truth. I’m sorry for not holding you in my arms after we made love and telling you how much I loved you. I’m sorry for not having enough courage to fight for us, for not doing whatever it took to make you my wife.
Overall I found The Hunter to be a romance that is rich in its history, deep in its chemistry and vivid in emotion. An adventure of a read you will love the journey in.
The other I was thinking I need to get back into the groove of reading historical romances and was wondering which author to start with. Well now I have my answer. This series sounds awesome.
I haven’t read this author but that sounds good.