Highland Hero (Scottish Knights) [Mass Market Paperback]

Amanda Scott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2011 | Series: Scottish Knights (Book 2)

LADY IN DISGUISE
Lady Marsi Cargill refuses to marry a man who wants her land rather than her love. To escape her arranged betrothal, she disguises her noble lineage and accompanies her young cousin--the future King of Scots--on a secret journey across the Highlands. Their guide is a mysterious knight known only as Hawk. Heat flares between the beautiful maid and the brooding warrior, but when Marsi's true identity is revealed, Hawk's desire gives way to fury...

KNIGHT AT THE READY
Summoned by the King to guard his son, Sir Ivor "Hawk" Mackintosh now has two royals to protect. This daring, willful woman has invaded Hawk's every thought, and laid siege to his heart. Soon the solitary soldier is yearning for a life with Marsi at his side and in his bed. But as their passion grows, so too does the danger surrounding them. Powerful enemies watch their every move, and to survive, Hawk and Marsi must fight for Scotland's future-as well as their own new-found love.

(2010)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Amanda Scott has done it again - provided us with an exciting, adventurous tale set in Scotland." (Romance Reviews Magazine on HIGHLAND HERO 2011)

"Her colorful characters and their inter-relationships will absorb readers, while her plotting, dialogue and narration are also excellent. She's a true master of the Scottish historical romance." (Romance Reviews Today on HIGHLAND HERO 2011)

"The settings and cultural feel authentic; readers who appreciate history will be sucked right in." (Wickedly Bookish on HIGHLAND HERO )

"As always in an Amanda Scott historical the inclusion of real persona and facts enhances the romance; while treachery and betrayal are a normal part of the court." (Harriet Klausner on HIGHLAND HERO )

"TOP PICK! Scott's story is a tautly written, fast-paced tale of political intrigue and treachery that's beautifully interwoven with history. Strong characters with deep emotions and a high degree of sensuality make this a story to relish." (RT Book Reviews on HIGHLAND HERO )

"Great with sensual scenes, Scott escapes the cliche of a masterful male taming a 'wildcat' woman; instead, Fin and Catriona learn to communicate and compromise in this solid romantic adventure....Scott...deftly handles period dialogue and attitudes." (Publishers Weekly on HIGHLAND MASTER )

"5 H's -- for 'HOT' ! Scott, known and respected for her Scottish tales, has once again written a gripping romance that seamlessly interweaves history, a complex plot and strong characters with deep emotions and a high degree of sensuality. The mix of political intrigue and romance makes for a highly satisfying page-turner you won't be able to put down....The political machinations and Fin's attempts to protect Cat result in a surprising climax." (RT Reviews on HIGHLAND MASTER )

"Blue-ribbon rating - 4 ! Deliciously sexy....Highland Master is a rare treat of a read." (romancejunkies.com on HIGHLAND MASTER )

"[Scott] uses her knowledge of Scottish history to weave an engrossing and sexy story about Highland life in the 1400s." (The Salinas Californian on HIGHLAND MASTER Robert Walch )

About the Author

Amanda Scott is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She has won the Romance Writers of America's RITA/Golden Medallion awards and both a Career Achievement Award and the Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Scottish Historical (for her 2008 novel Border Wedding) from Romantic Times. She began writing on a dare from her husband. That resulted in her first book, The Fugitive Heiress. ­­Highland Hero is her fifty-sixth book.

Amanda is a fourth-generation Californian who was born and raised in Salinas. She has a Bachelor's Degree in history from Mills College in Oakland and a Master's in History from San Jose State University. She has long specialized in British history and is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Amanda lives with her husband in northern California and has a married son, who is a firefighter.

You can learn more at:

amandascottauthor.com.

(2011)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446574309
• ISBN-13: 978-0446574303
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 6.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #258,018 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

The author of over 40 romance novels and the recipient of the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award, Amanda Scott lives in California, outside Sacramento. She is a fourth-generation Californian.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should we always think before we speak?, November 6, 2011

By 

Mary J. Gramlich "The Reading Reviewer" (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Highland Hero (Scottish Knights) (Mass Market Paperback)

Lady Marsi Cargill is looking for a marriage with a love match, not a land acquisition. Her husband must be kind, handsome, and completely faithful and Sir Ivor "Hawk" Mackintosh is all those things. Hawk is only interested in the protection detail he has been assigned not a woman who will not stop talking.

Hawk is assigned by the King the task of protecting James, the 8-year-old boy who is second in line to the throne by hiding him from the castle. The need for protection comes from an obscure relative who has plans to use young Jamie as a chess piece in his goal to control the country. Under the guise of a lady's maid Marsi joins the group to avoid a forced marriage and sees the possibility of getting away with no one the wiser.

The one thing Hawk does not like is talkative women and liars, both of which seem to be character traits of Marsi. Hawk will uncover the truth and figure out what she is up to and keep the young Jamie safe from the predators who are hunting him. The journey they impark on is long, the road they take is treacherous, but to Hawk's surprise the company enchanting. He has his hands full with a young child used to getting his own way, but more so with a sassy woman who every day seems to get deeper under Hawk's skin and giving him over powering urges. Not one to dally with emotional attachments Hawk thinks Marsi has found a way to capture his heart as well as his passion even though he knows better than to ever touch let alone kiss her.

With the enemy in hot pursuit and closing in on them Hawk and Marsi learn to rely on each other more with each passing day especially when a declaration comes out of Marsi' mouth that changes everything. They may be traveling under the most adverse of situations but Hawk and Marsi know they key to solving the problems is staying together and stating the truth. However, will the whole truth help Hawk understand Marsi more or cause him to cast her aside for her lack of honesty?

Amanda Scott dazzles readers with the perfect combination of romance, suspense, and a touch of history. Hawk is as handsome as he is fierce and Marsi is a strong and determined woman who will have her way. Both of them are tough enough to handle anything together.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Road Trip Romance in 15th Century, November 7, 2011

By 

SNG (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Highland Hero (Scottish Knights) (Mass Market Paperback)

The hero, Hawk, and the heroine, Marsi, fall in love while on a secret journey across the Highlands in the early 15th century. They travel by foot, by horse and by boat and in none of their travels did Marsi seem to be especially likable. I couldn't see why Hawk was attracted to her beyond her looks. Marsi wasn't particularly warm, funny or open-minded. Instead, she was often high-handed and stubborn.

The "road trip" as plot device has been done many times in romance novels, so it would be great to find some originality in a few aspects of the story. There isn't a ton of originality in Highland Hero (Scottish Knights) but there were some bright spots. The dialogue between characters contained a lot of old-fashioned Scottish words and terms, which helped transport me back in time to the Middle Ages. Also, the descriptions of Scottish castles, inns, food, and clothing seemed very accurate and made the book more interesting. On the whole, I'd give this story a lukewarm recommendation.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars deep early fifteenth century Scottish romance, September 27, 2011

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Highland Hero (Scottish Knights) (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1402 in Scotland eighteen year old Lady Marsi Cargill refuses to marry for anything but love, but must avoid the vows of an arranged marriage that her guardian the King of Scotland has arranged for her. The dying Queen Annabella tasks her youngest Lady-in-Waiting Marsi to escort the heir to the throne, her seven years old cousin Jamie, to his father the king.

The frail aging King assigns Sir Ivor "Hawk" Mackintosh to bring his son to him. The monarch fears his brother Albany will control the lad once the king joins his late wife. Hawk accompanied by Henrietta Childs and nursery maid Marsi escorts Jamie. As the knight falls in love with the disguised Marsi, the danger mounts from those who either want the heir dead or abducted. To keep the lad safe while on the treacherous journey, Ivor and Marsi pretend to be married, which in Scotland means they are married. When she finally tells her beloved protector that she is cousin to the heir, he becomes irate with her for her deception. However, he knows the mission comes before his contradictory disdain and love for Marsi.

Highland Hero is a deep early fifteenth century Scottish romance starring a strong cast. As always in an Amanda Scott historical the inclusion of real persona and facts enhances the romance; while treachery and betrayal are a normal part of the court. Readers will enjoy the historical romance between Ivor and Marsi as they escort and protect the future king of the Scots while falling in love.

Harriet Klausner