Highlander Unchained: A Novel (Mass Market Paperback)

by Monica McCarty (Author)
Key Phrases: Lachlan Maclean, Lord Murray, King James (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Lachlan Maclean will do whatever it takes to protect his clan–even if it means abducting the most willful woman in the Highlands with the secret intention of wooing her for marriage. A born searing sensual leader possessing brute strength, and an imposing command, Lachlan is unprepared for the beautiful spitfire Flora MacLeod, who jeopardizes his plans to save his clan, and digs beneath his hard, chiseled exterior to expose a tenderness that may be his undoing.

The greatest marriage prize in the Highlands, Flora is determined at all costs to avoid her mother’s fate of being bartered away as a political pawn. Vowing to make her captor pay for his ruthlessness, she boldly engages him in a battle of wills, sweetening the challenge with dangerous passion–even as the lingering curse and deadly ghosts of a past tragedy reach out to thwart a tender love that has yet to be spoken.

About the Author
Monica McCarty’s interest in the Scottish clan system began in the most unlikely of places: a comparative legal history course at Stanford Law School. After a short but enjoyable stint practicing law, she realized that her legal vocation and her husband’s transitory career as a professional baseball player were not exactly a match made in heaven. So she traded in her legal briefs for Scottish historical romances with sexy alpha heroes. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their two young children. Visit the author’s website at www.MonicaMcCarty.com

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (September 25, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345494385
• ISBN-13: 978-0345494382
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #22,581 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it's getting hot in here!, February 1, 2008

By	V. S. Jordan "gravehearted" (Campbell, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I first saw this book, my first thought was it was a rip off of Karen Marie Moning, who is one of my favorites. However, when I saw it at my local library I decided to give it a shot. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

The heroine, Flora isn't some helpless flower, she's willful, clever, mischievous and untrusting of highlanders. The hero, Lachlan is built of steel a man, bound by honor to his clan - but with a tender heart. What struck me most was how sizzling the chemistry was between them. There were also some very spicy sex scenes too. The book did follow the basic formula of most historical romance novels - but I still thought it was an enjoyable read and well written. I'm looking forward to reading more of Monica McCarty's books.

14 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, September 28, 2007

By	Corrine (Illinois) - See all my reviews

Normally, when I wait anxiously for a book, I feel a little bit down. HIGHLANDER UNCHAINED definitely did not provoke that sentiment. If anything, this book is even better than the first two in the series, HIGHLANDER UNMASKED (#2) and HIGHLANDER UNTAMED (#1).

Flora McLeod (half-sister of Rory and Alex, the previous heroes of the series) is taking her life into her own hands. Instead of submitting to a possible arranged marriage by her powerful brothers, both Rory and her other half-brother Hector Maclean of Duart, or her powerful uncle the Earl of Argyll, she has picked her own husband and decided to elope. Her elopement, however, is ended quickly when they are stopped by Lachlan Maclean of Coll. He has his own plans regarding Flora's marriage - namely that he himself should be her husband. And in doing so, he will save his brother's life.

I absolutely loved the character of Flora - she's willful and strong, without being stupid and spoiled. She's the perfect match for Lachlan, who is prideful and powerful, but without being autocratic about it. The chemistry between them leaps off the page, and makes you fall in love with them. Excellently researched and written, HIGHLANDER UNCHAINED is a wonderful read.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The marriage prize unchains her abductor.....or is it chains? ;), October 23, 2007

By	Misuzmama (New York, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Highlander (Laird) Lachlan Maclean is desperate to protect his clan. He will do anything to restore his rightful place at his castle and bring his brother back. Anything. That includes abducting the highlander heiress and wooing her into marriage. If only it were that easy. The Holyrood hellion was aptly named. For there never was a more troublesome making woman. Och! A beauty for sure, who lefts broken hearts at court. But Lachlan isn't intimidated by the wee bonnie lass. He doesn't need or want her heart. He only needs her hand in marriage. How difficult could that be?

Flora MacLeod is determined not follow the path of her mother, a bartered political pawn. The handsome and dangerous highlander may have stolen her, but never her heart! Certainly she will never agree to a marriage. Nay! All his wooing will come to naught. For she will never succumb to his desires. Even if they become her own?

Because of her birth and wealth (of which she has no control over) Flora is know as the greatest marriage prize in Scotland. The alliance through her marriage alone would make her valuable, but with her money she is irresistible. But she doesn't want marriage on anyone's terms. She doesn't want to end up like her miserable mother. Then she is abducted and fights for her life. Bringing forth her entire arsenal of trouble making ways. While held captive she reluctantly finds love. Only the secret the hero holds can shatter the bond they so tenuously have formed. The hero is torn. Doing what is good for his people and not hurting the one woman he loves. No one will emerge from this unscathed.

If you like those strong heroine types then this is for you. Another hunky highlander and his spirited lass. Similar and just as good as the prequel 'Highlander Unmasked' (my personal favorite of the trilogy) in that the hero is torn between his duty and love. Well fleshed out characters and an intriguing plot. But the loves scenes? **thud** (that's me fainting here ;)) Maccarty doesn't call it highlander UNCHAINED for nothing! Lachlan sure doesn't hold back in his lovin'! Recommended. A fine Scottish historical romance with plenty of spice.

And kudos to the author for adding the interesting tidbit about the legend about the 'Lady's Rock'. Makes you want to believe in fairy tales and HEA endings.