Review: Highlander Unmasked by Monica McCarty

Highlander Unmasked 

by Monica McCarty

(MacLeods of Skye Trilogy #2)

Source: Purchased

Alex MacLeod’s virile physique, fearsome reputation, and renowned fighting skills have helped him master to perfection the role of a hardened mercenary. On a secret mission to protect his clan, he must keep his true purpose well hidden. But his dangerous endeavor is threatened by a beautiful woman he saves from outlaws, never dreaming she will appear at court and put his plans in jeopardy.

Meg Mackinnon needs a strong husband by her side to defend her clan’s holdings, but her search has been hampered by burning fantasies of the midnight rescuer whose smoldering blue eyes and raw sensuality left her breathless. Alex pretends to be a mercenary with no loyalties, yet he is clearly much more. As Meg challenges Alex to reveal all his secrets, the stakes grow perilously high, especially for the bold woman who dares to unmask a highlander.

REVIEW

Highlander Unmasked is the second installment in the MacLeods of Skye Trilogy.

The hero, Alex, has come to the king's court in the hopes of discovering his enemy's plans to invade and "colonize" his family and ally's island, Skye. He has lived as an outlaw for the past few years and is trying to keep that a secret, but there is one person at court that could out him.

Meg Mackinnon and her mother were rescued by a band of outlaws - one of which had striking features and she knew he would never forget him. Meg has come to court searching for an honorable, strong man that can help her and her clan. She hasn't had much luck, but then Alex arrives and she instantly is interested him. Even though he has shaved and cleaned up, she recognizes him as one of the outlaws that saved her.

I gave this book 3 of 5 stars for a couple of reasons.

The hero and heroine were cute together, but there were times when I did not feel their relationship was...natural, for lack of a better word. There were times when the character's personalities did not seem to match/compliment each other. Also, I had really enjoyed Alex Mac Leods's character in the first book. He was funny and fun loving, he was a joker, but his character changed - completely! I was seriously disappointed. Now, I know tortured heroes are "in" and I LOVE heroes that have dark pasts, but it is not necessary. I really would have enjoyed this book so much more if Alex was the same man he was in the first book and not some too serious warrior.

However, the book as whole was good and I'm looking forward to Highlander Unchained.

Review: Highlander Untamed by Monica McCarty

Highlander Untamed 

by Monica McCarty

(MacLeods of Skye Trilogy #1)

Source: Purchased

Rory MacLeod is a bold and powerful Highland Chief with only one allegiance—to his clan. He vows revenge against the rival MacDonald clan, though duty demands a handfast marriage to Isabel MacDonald—a bride he does not want and has no intention of keeping. But Rory couldn't have anticipated the captivating woman who challenges his steely control, and unleashes the untamed passion simmering beneath his fierce exterior.

Blessed with incomparable beauty, Isabel MacDonald is prepared to use every means possible—including seduction—to uncover her husband's most guarded secrets. Instead Rory awakens Isabel's deepest desires and her sweetest fantasies. Now Isabel has found the happiness she's always dreamed of with the very man she must betray, and discovers that passion can be far more dangerous than revenge.

Fantastic historic highlander read!!!

This book has everything a Scottish romance needs.

Highlander Untamed is a great start to this trilogy. It begins with the eldest MacLeod brother, Rory, who is chieftain of the clan. In order to appease the king and to settle a feud, he agrees to handfast with his enemies daughter for a year. Rory has every intention for picking up the feud when the year is out and has created an alliance with a fellow clan - he is set to wed another.

Isabel MacDonald arrived at Rory's home intent on not only acting/living with him as his wife for a year, but also betraying him . She desperately craves the love of her family and is willing to do anything to gain it. But as time passes, Isabel begins to have doubts and her feelings for Rory grow. She is strong and determined to follow her heart.

The romance and slow relationship building was great. The side characters were very interesting. Rory's sister, Margaret, was great. Her back story really tugged at my heart. While Rory's brother, Alex, had a fun loving teasing personality.

What kept me from giving this book a perfect 5 of 5 stars was the pacing. At times it really captured and held my attention, but it also dragged and slowed to a crawl in some sections. The romance was wonderful, I really liked how hard Rory fought not to give into his attraction for Isabel.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of highlander romance novels. And, I have to add, I've already begun reading book 2, Highlander Unmasked.