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The Viper (Highland Guard #4)

by Monica McCarty (Goodreads Author)

4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 · rating details · 1,383 ratings · 107 reviews

The war for Scotland’s sovereignty rages on—as Robert the Bruce is crowned king and the Highland Guard, his elite fighting force of legendary warriors, battle for land . . . and love.

Prized for his snakelike stealth and deadly strikes, Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi is a warrior to enlist but not to trust. His only loyalty is to his purse, his indifference sealed by bitter betr...more

Mass Market Paperback, 381 pages

Published October 18th 2011 by Ballantine Books

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Jan 16, 2013 Dija rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, awww, authors-i-stalk, cotton-candy-fluff, favorites, hr, my-reviews, my-harem, read-in-2013, reread-worthy, sequels-challenge, wow

Spoiler-free mini review

I'm so completely hooked on this series and McCarty's world! The Highland Guard books are a combination of every single thing I adore in historicals - beautiful settings, strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes, heart-stopping suspense, lots of action, adventurous plots, and best of all, unforgettable romances. These books are absolutely perfect for winters and I'm enjoying every word.

Favorite passage from The Viper:

“You’re a hard man to love, Lachlan MacRuairi, but I do

...more

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Apr 03, 2013 JennyJen rated it 1 of 5 stars

Recommended to JennyJen by: Dija

Shelves: out-of-my-comfort-zone, oh-boy, group-read, please-no-cheese, because-dija, please-dont-suck, historical-romance, are-ju-serious, ayfkm, blah, cheesefest, corny, disappointing, dnf, eye-strain-from-copious-rolling, facepalm, gimme-a-break, hero-doesnt-do-it-for-me, i-give-up, i-m-over-it, i-never-learn, idgaf, lackluster, laughable, no-soup-for-you, not-my-cup-of-tea, oy, read-2013, reviewed, somebody-slap-that-protagonist-pls, stoopit, tl-dr, unimpressed, womp-womp, you-would-think-i-would-know-better

Disclaimer: I hadn't read a historical romance since I was a teenager. A TEENAGER. •_• (I'm 34.)

Lately, I've been wondering if I should try one again. Thankfully, I have this wonderful little friend named Dija, who reads HR's. She insisted I read this book. It was planned as a group read, but of course, the rest of the "group" ~~Alky and Anzu~~ dropped it and I ended up taking one for the team. I read 40% before my brain shut down. I can read no more.

I wanted to divulge this info before I talk about...more

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Oct 21, 2011 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlander-books

http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...

This story begins with our heroine Lady Isabella MacDuff being led into a cage-a cage suspended above the courtyard at Berwick Castle. We see her strength of body, mind and spirit tested, as Bella has finally realized what crowning the Bruce king has cost her. The biggest price? She’s lost her daughter. They had to leave 12 year old Joan behind with her father, which wasn’t an awful fate for the girl since her father loved her, but imagine a loving mother...more http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...

This story begins with our heroine Lady Isabella MacDuff being led into a cage-a cage suspended above the courtyard at Berwick Castle. We see her strength of body, mind and spirit tested, as Bella has finally realized what crowning the Bruce king has cost her. The biggest price? She’s lost her daughter. They had to leave 12 year old Joan behind with her father, which wasn’t an awful fate for the girl since her father loved her, but imagine a loving mother being forced to leave her daughter behind.

I feel that the hardest part about this book was the emotional torment of Bella. Not only did she leave her daughter behind, but Bella was captured, imprisoned, hung suspended from a cage for almost 2 years, she then was forced time and time again to make decisions no mother should have to make. The welfare of her daughter over her own, of course, but the costs were high. Her jailor/tormentor used her daughter as a reason to keep Bella in line. “We will let you write to her, if you...” or “if you escape, we will hurt your daughter...”

Lachlan and Bella’s paths were constantly intertwined, as the two of them spent a lot of time together. He rescued her from her prison, but would she ever allow him close? It seemed that having been an object of lust her entire life, Bella wanted just one man to look at her without that gleam in his eye. But for some reason, when Lachlan looked at her with desire in his eyes, it didn’t bother her as much.

I will definitely say that this is a very emotionally draining book. But Bella has become one of my favorite heroines of all time. She survived so much, she did so much, and she never came off as a perfect heroine, she was flawed, and she was so strong. Not just due to Ms. McCarty’s incredible writing, but this woman was real, her imprisonment in the cage was real. My favorite thing about these books is the vast amount of truth and history woven into the story. I suggest reading the author’s note at the end.

I really like that by the end, Bella was able to see that her husband was not as cruel as she’d originally thought him, that he deserved her pity more than anything, and she was able to let go of many hard feelings (oh don’t get me wrong, the man was an ass, but it was nice to see a heroine look back and see that several things could have been handled differently and maybe her marriage wouldn’t have been as awful as it had been). That’s one of the reasons I love to read Ms. McCarty’s work- she never takes the easy way out. Her characters have to work for their happy ending.

The only thing I missed was seeing the Guard act together more. But I think Lachlan needed to realize that even though he always says he works best alone, that he’s come to depend on the other members of the Guard. And dare I say it, he kind of likes them. There is a scene at the end where he realizes just how much the Guard means to him, and he to them.

My favorite quote from this book was actually at the end. It shows everything from Bella’s spirit, to how not everyone gets the pretty Happy Ever After. Sometimes it’s more bittersweet than that, and you have to work for what you want. I loved that.

“I know you were hoping for a different ending,” Lachlan said quietly.
This war had taken so much from her. But Bella refused to let it cost her her daughter. “It’s not the end, it’s only the beginning.”
With Lachlan by her side, she would fight to the end.
(less)

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Aug 26, 2012 Sha Mslvoe ♥♥♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-nook, highlander, historical-romance, medieval, hot-warrior, scottish-highland, keepers

Monica McCarty is one of my favorite romance writers and I always know when I pick up one of her books that I'll feel better when I'm finished.

I love this scene. I laughed hysterically as I read Viper hit Chief :D
"Damn it, Viper," a familiar voice said from above.
"What the hell did you hit him with?"Lachlan's stomach pitched forward. Ah hell.
"Hawk?"His cousin's grinning face peered down at him. He winked.
"At your service."Lachlan started over toward the body moaning on the ground.
"Who did I...more

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Apr 15, 2012 Kat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review, historical, romance, read-2011

Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link

Lachlan MacRuairi is a sword for hire, loyal only to those who can pay him. The latest bargain he has made is with Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s new king. Because of Lachlan’s talent for stealth and his warrior prowess, he is now part of an elite special forces unit for Bruce. But few members of the Highland Guard like Lachlan, and fewer still trust him, the man known as “Viper.” Lachlan doesn’t care what the others think of him. No one matters to...more Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link

Lachlan MacRuairi is a sword for hire, loyal only to those who can pay him. The latest bargain he has made is with Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s new king. Because of Lachlan’s talent for stealth and his warrior prowess, he is now part of an elite special forces unit for Bruce. But few members of the Highland Guard like Lachlan, and fewer still trust him, the man known as “Viper.” Lachlan doesn’t care what the others think of him. No one matters to him; not anymore. Then he’s sent to protect and escort Bella MacDuff to Bruce’s coronation…and everything changes.

It’s tradition for a MacDuff to crown Scotland’s king, and Bella risks everything by defying her husband to crown Bruce. She doesn’t know if she can trust Lachlan, but she can’t deny her attraction to the dark warrior.

Then everything goes wrong, and Bella is taken captive by the king’s enemies. Imprisoned and cut off from her daughter, Bella’s only hope to be rescued and reunited with her is Lachlan MacRuairi, the man she believes betrayed her.

Author Monica McCarty is a master of blending fact and fiction, and that talent is showcased in THE VIPER. Lachlan and Bella’s story is a spectacularly entertaining romance, and the intrigue and danger that stem from the battle for Robert the Bruce’s kingship make THE VIPER come alive.

I love that Lachlan MacRuairi and Bella MacDuff are based on their real life counterparts. THE VIPER’s Lachlan and Bella are characters you have to love. Bella risks everything for what she believes in, and the cost is enormously painful. She can be a bit short-sighted at times, but her flaws ultimately add to her character. As for Lachlan…for the majority of the book, he is a hero worth drooling over. I love watching the rough “bad boy” of the Highland Guard struggle with his feelings for Bella. The contrast between his stone-like outer shell and the red-hot emotions inside is hot as hell.

There is a wealth of passion in THE VIPER, making it an emotionally fulfilling read. I got caught up not only in Bella and Lachlan’s romance, but in the war for Scotland’s sovereignty. I haven’t yet read the first three HIGHLAND GUARD books – THE CHIEF, THE HAWK and THE RANGER – but I cannot wait to do so. Bring on more of Ms. McCarty’s sexy-as-sin warriors!

Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.(less)

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Nov 01, 2011 Xia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

The Viper is definitely one of my favorite historical romance books. The story was full of intrigue, betrayal, and lots of steamy scenes.
The Viper tells the story of Isbella MacDuff and Lachlan MacRuairi, aka Viper. The beginning of the story is from Bella's point of view in captivity, but then takes us back to when Lachlan and Bella first meet and he's come to take her to Scone to crown Robert Bruce. Bella is forced to leave her daughter behind which tears her apart. She hates Lachlan for it b...more

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Feb 07, 2013 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, historical-scotland, medieval-romance, highland-heroes, favorites

Lachlan "Viper" MacRuari, an elite highland warrior in service to Robert the Bruce has gained his reputation and code name because he strikes with deadly stealth. He's also known for a loyalty only to his purse which has made him coldly efficient and caustically indifferent to what moves the heart of most. Betrayals so deep can often have long-reaching ramifications, but Lachlan has honed his skill of detachment from anything in this life which would steer him away from his steel control of abs...more

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Nov 17, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: beauty-and-the-beast, favorite-heroes, highland-romance, historical-romance, keeper, medieval-romance

I've been looking forward to reading Lachlan's book ever since he was introduced in The Chief. He's the dark, dangerous, hard and mysterious member of the Highland Guard. (Did I mention he has piercing green eyes and longish, dark hair? It's my favorite.) Anyway, I'm glad I finally got to find out all his secrets, and what made him the way he is. He's thought by his fellow Guardsmen and the whole of Britain to be one horrible S.O.B. who killed his wife ten years earlier, and led his clansmen int...more I've been looking forward to reading Lachlan's book ever since he was introduced in The Chief. He's the dark, dangerous, hard and mysterious member of the Highland Guard. (Did I mention he has piercing green eyes and longish, dark hair? It's my favorite.) Anyway, I'm glad I finally got to find out all his secrets, and what made him the way he is. He's thought by his fellow Guardsmen and the whole of Britain to be one horrible S.O.B. who killed his wife ten years earlier, and led his clansmen into a trap where they were all slaughtered. He still feels the guilt for those deaths. He presents himself as a cynical, stone-cold mercenery with allegiance only to himself and his purse. But Bella MacDuff comes along, and she slowly chips away at the bitter, implacable facade that Lachlan has built around himself. He becomes obsessed with rescuing her from her imprisonment at the hands of King Edward, and plots for over two years to get to her. *Swoon*

I really loved Lachlan. He was a bad boy, which is my favorite kind of hero. He would be a nightmare in real life, though. Lachlan kept saying brutish things to Bella to keep distance between them, and I just kept hoping she would tell him off and then leave. She didn't. Instead, she kept pecking at him to get under his skin.

I guess Bella is my only complaint: She was supposed to be Scotland's revered heroine, because of the personal sacrifices she made in order to crown Robert Bruce king. But then she kept having these TSTL moments where her daughter, Joan, was concerned. Granted, she was separated from Joan for quite some time. I feel a bit guilty criticizing a mother for doing whatever she can to be reunited with her child, but she simply came across as whiny and petulant, trying to get her way. She put herself and the lives of Lachlan and the men who where trying to help her at risk, just to have a glimpse of her daughter. Then she tried to get close to Joan and get her attention. This was all in the midst of a crowd of enemies who would kill them if they were identified! I wanted to strangle her!

Another thing that really annoyed me about Bella: Every time a man looked at her, she got disgusted, because she thought they were all lusting after her. She was voluptuous with large breasts, and hated it, because she "just knew" they only wanted her for her body. Oh, woe is me! What is a girl to do! It's actually explained later on why she reacts this way, but I couldn't stop rolling my eyes every time she had these inner monologues about how desirable she was, and what lechers all the men were. Gag.

As usual with the awesome Monica McCarty, this novel is chock-full of true historical details and real historical figures. It's such a great way to get a lesson is Scottish history! I always love her stories, and look forward to reading The Saint. I'm very intrigued with Magnus McKay and his tendre for a certain engaged young lady.

In summary: Luscious hero Lachlan, excellent historical detail, and smooth writing made this book 5 stars for me. Bella's character flaws, unfortunately, took off half a star. 4.5 Stars(less)

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Jun 21, 2012 Natalie Murphy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I was a little worried about the plot of this book--McCarty is dealing with some serious stuff here, with Bella's imprisonment. However, I should have trusted McCarty more. Her book is not only good, it's amazing. Lachlan is the epitome of bad boy, but with a soft side to him that you don’t expect. Bella is tough and sweet at the same time, her love for her daughter and for Scotland is evident on every page. The plot was 100% unique for romance, and the writing was superb, as always. I know some...more

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Nov 03, 2011 Kimberly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highland-lovers, historic-romance

Let me say this, I LOVE my Highland men! They NEVER disappoint when I need a good read! And this book proves it! Monica McCarty has used facts from history and put a spin of romance on it that is just amazing! The two people she choose to use in this book could not have more perfect! You have Lachlan MacRuairi also known as Viper, a member of Robert the Bruce's elite Highland Guard. He is sent on a mission to collect Isabella MacDuff so that she can meet up with Robert the Bruce and crown him Ki...more

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Oct 19, 2011 Angie Lippard rated it 3 of 5 stars

Oh Monica, Monica, Monica! Why?! I've read all your other books/series and have been waiting patiently for this book so I can read about the breathtaking Highland Guard. I waited till midnight so I could download it. (Ended up being 3am my time so I scratched that idea)

Lachlan wasn't my favorite character from the previous books but I still couldn't wait to read his story and get to know his past along with revisiting my other favorite Guardsmen. But why the language? Yes, I understand he is su...more Oh Monica, Monica, Monica! Why?! I've read all your other books/series and have been waiting patiently for this book so I can read about the breathtaking Highland Guard. I waited till midnight so I could download it. (Ended up being 3am my time so I scratched that idea)

Lachlan wasn't my favorite character from the previous books but I still couldn't wait to read his story and get to know his past along with revisiting my other favorite Guardsmen. But why the language? Yes, I understand he is supposed to be crude and uncouth but two "F" words before page 50?! And crude he was! Using that same word many more times throughout the book, with it often aimed at demeaning the women he supposedly loved. I didn't like it. I don't allow that kind of language in my own life and reading it was more than difficult. The first time he used that word to me would have been the last time.

As the story goes, it was good. I love all the history and the coolest part is that Isabella is a real, honest-to-goodness heroine. That made it even better! I don't think I could have survived what she went through. Of course, in the end, Lachlan finally succumbs to Bella's love and becomes a better man for it.

The story line was intense and hard to read at times. The abuse Bella suffered from her husband, jailer, and Lachlan himself, started to become depressing. Then add Lachlan's backstory, Bella's daughter and the betrayals, punishments, torture and rough sexual encounters - all of it started making me wonder if I would ever see a ray of sunshine in their lives. I actually started skimming over the rougher stuff because it was so discouraging.

One thing I missed in this book that seems to be more prominent in Mrs. McCarty's other books, are the battle scenes. I love those battle scenes of power, team work, brute strength, sweat and weapons. This book was pretty much Lachlan getting Bella out of numerous scrapes, traps and seeing his own final mission completed. Yes, the other warriors were mixed in but not in the same way as previous books. I felt some of the camaraderie was missing.

I know many people won't agree with me about the language but as an avid book reader and reviewer, I felt bound to disclose that the "F" word is used many times. Just like I don't frequent movies with that kind of language, I wouldn't have purchased this book - even though I was dying to read it. I just had to say it because there are people who would like to be aware of that information before purchasing.(less)

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Dec 16, 2012 Caroline rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Definitely my favourite book in the wonderful series of the Highland Guard. It is so hard not to fall in love with such stubborn, prideful, strong, determined and loyal hero and heroine. These two characters are more perfect for each other than any other historical novel I have read! And I've read A LOT. They're personalities are so similar in certain aspects and compliment each other in other aspects.
The chemistry between these two characters jumps off the page and is nearly palpable. They are...more

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Dec 28, 2012 Bry rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, historical-fiction, romance, series

What does the word Viper make you think?

Poisionous? Viscious? Mean? Fast? Strike? Slither?

All of the above?

All of these words were used to describe Lachlan MacRiuari in this series, and at first you as the reader believes it! On the other hand Bella MacDuff, the woman who sacrificed everything to crown King Robert Bruce is described as loyal, brave, strong, and idealistic. You wouldn't think they would have anything in common, but they more more alike than either realized.

They were both so dama...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Gladys (glad4twilight) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlanders, juicebox

The best part of this book was at the end so if you hang in with all the waiting it is worth it! The Viper as he is known is so mysterious. You never really get to know his story until the end and it makes up for all of the suspense building storytelling you have to read to get there.

Viper from the moment I met him in the first book of the series was probably the most interesting of the highlanders. I always felt that he was up to no good or he was going to betray the Highland guard in some way....more

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Nov 29, 2011 OCLS Staff Picks rated it 4 of 5 stars

Book 4 in Monica McCarty's Highland Guard series. This book focuses on Lachlan MacRuairi, also known as Viper, part of Robert Bruce's secret band of 12 elite warriors who battle the English for Robert's place on the Scottish throne. Lachlan's current mission is to secure the safe passage of Bella MacDuff to the coronation of Robert Bruce in order to legitimize him as the rightful holder of the crown of Scotland. Bella and Lachlan are both people who have been hurt in the past and struggle to com...more

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Nov 18, 2011 CoffeeTimeRomance andMore rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

The Viper is one of those amazing books that capture your attention right from the get-go. The action, danger, brilliant settings, and bold characters are nonstop and lead the reader on a continuous journey that empowers the book’s very essence. Ms. McCarty has written a tale fit for a king that contains a woman determined to place the crown on the rightful person even if it means sacrificing herself to do so. I fell in love with this novel as I watched Lachlan transform from this deadly warrior...more

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Feb 25, 2012 Mindy Kenyon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, historical-romance

Again I loved this book! Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi is a tortured warrior soul, named specifically for his snake like personality. He doesn’t have friends and is only loyal to himself. Bella MacDuff is a passionate and devoted woman who stands up for what she believes in. Bella was imprisoned for crowning Robert Bruce the King of Scotland and betraying Britain’s King. Upon capture Bella was put in a steel cage and hung from a tower to be made and example of what happens when he is betrayed. Lachl...more

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Mar 29, 2013 Anzu The Great Destroyer marked it as to-read

Shelves: romance-historical, wtf-am-i-doing, buddy-or-group-read, blame-the-darksiders

I am going to regret this...

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Sep 12, 2012 Nance rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, nance-s-rrr-2012-challenge, books-read-2012, 10-best-books-of-2012

So Monica McCarty has done it again with another spectacular Highland Guard novel. Loved the hero, loved the heroine, and loved their story of learning to trust, learning to need, and learning to love each other. Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi (great name) is the epitomy of danger. His look is dangerous, his demeanor is dangerous, and most of all his outlook on life is dangerous. He is sent to rescue the Countess Isabella MacDuff. Hanging first from a cage for her betrayal to the English crown, and n...more So Monica McCarty has done it again with another spectacular Highland Guard novel. Loved the hero, loved the heroine, and loved their story of learning to trust, learning to need, and learning to love each other. Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi (great name) is the epitomy of danger. His look is dangerous, his demeanor is dangerous, and most of all his outlook on life is dangerous. He is sent to rescue the Countess Isabella MacDuff. Hanging first from a cage for her betrayal to the English crown, and now imprisoned in a small room high in a tower, Bella vows to help the now crowned leader of Scotland, Robert the Bruce. Bella is the wife of Earl John Comyn, an unfeeling and dispicable ass that has no regard for her as a person. He’s tried to embarrass her and break her spirit. But nothing that he ever did, allowed him to break through that outer shell of strength and courage. She was a survivor, and a survivor she would be for her young daughter, Joan, who eventually she has to leave behind to protect. Out of all the books that I have read so far in this series, I have enjoyed this one the most. Staying up long into the night to be mesmerized and entranced by the love story, along with the excitement of their adventures in and out of being captured, I saw some new emotions developing beween the two charcters. Neither character knows what it’s like to fully love. Both have been betrayed and treated horribly by their spouses. At first I didn’t know if I was going to like the character of Lachlan. He was sarcastic and crude – dangerous and rough around the edges. He definitely spoke his mind, not hiding exactly how he felt. But he was exciting and breathtaking. A person that you would want at your back with full control - constantly thinking ahead of the unexpected. The man just rippled with muscle and scorching hotness. And, I just was in awe with the author saying just how good he always smelled...gotta love a guy who smells scrumptious!! The character of Bella was a little more hard to read. Okay, of course, she was beautiful, but first she wanted him, then she didn’t want, then what the hell, she couldn’t deny her feelings anymore. She was not afraid when things got tough, and proved to Lachlan over and over again just what a caring and compassionate woman she really was. I liked how Ms. McCarty let their intimacy simmer through their eyes and occasional touches, even though they both were lusting after each other. It was a back and forth longing from the very beginning, and when they finally did come together, it was explosive, and their feelings were just laying there right in front of them. Both were so afraid to take that chance on the other given their past experiences, which is easily understood. There were some little comical scenes thrown in the book as well. I have learned to be pleasantly entertained with the bantering back and forth between the warrior brothers. They all seem to be able to assess each other pretty well – giving jabs of humor and poking fun when the other is in a awkward situation. It’s very funny!! Can’t wait to see what is in store in the next novel...The Saint...sure to be just as romantic and gratifying as the others in the series.(less)

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Dec 13, 2011 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

A good palate cleanser for the holidays, but I left it wanting better writing from the author. I know, I know-- I'm asking too much from a historical romance author, but whatever. The story, which was based on real people and events, was pretty great, but her storytelling didn't match the source material. It all boiled down to strapping loner fighter man and curvaceous brave sexy woman have a happy ever after ending with some interesting plot points thrown in. Still, not a bad way to spend some...more

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Dec 01, 2011 BookChick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highland

Really loved the hero & heroine. The choices and sacrifices they make are not easy. I was disappointed in the ending, I don't think the author clearly told who sent the 2 messages that led to the ambush. Were they both from the bad guys or was one really from her daughter? I also didn't like how her 14 year old daughter "chose" her path and stayed away for 6more years. Come on, she's 14, placing herself in the hands of people that want her mother dead because they know what's best for her an...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Eileen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: highlander

Monica McCarty does it again and delivers a wonderful Highland Guard story with Lachlan and Bella. I've got a soft spot for Scotland and highlander stories but the love story and the history surrounding theirs is absolutely beautiful. I love the way she intertwines the history of Scotland with her love stories and I can picture the castles she visits and the landscape of the highlands and sea towns. I am so glad to see the development of both these characters grow and find love for the first tim...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Jane rated it 4 of 5 stars

I LOVE this series! This is book four of the Highland Guard series. This is Lachlan 'Viper' MacRuairi's story. I must admit, I was unsure about Viper.... He wasn't the most 'likeable' character in the guard. But Lachlan and Bella's story is a great love story and a fabulous read.

I find Ms. McCarty's books very well researched and jam packed with Scottish history. She always includes notes at the end of the book explaining the history further and any areas she may have 'tweaked' in the story. He...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed the whole thing.
Loved Lachlan's back story, and how he earned his 'war' name. Viper is very apt for this one. He's lauded for his ability to sneak up on others and get out of tight spots.
Lachlan is a strong worrior, and definatly an Alpha Male.

Bella is quite a strong independant woman, in a time when women were not known to be. The way these two are thrown toghether, and forced to rely on eachother for their journey is quite an adventure.
There are a few (really)hot scenes among all their...more

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Oct 20, 2011 Bobbi Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hunky-higlanders, favorites, 14th-century, monica-mccarty, highland-guard-series

I cannot friggin wait for this book to come out. My little heart might implode before it's release!

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Sep 06, 2012 Diane rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am not quite sure what it is about these books that I love so much. They are pretty formulaic, and and even the storylines are similar. I guess what it is is that Monica McCarty seems to just make these characters so damned loveable! I am pulling for them from the beginning, even though I know they are going to struggle, and hurt each other. It doesn't really matter. It could also be my continuing obsession with anything and everything scottish, and historical. I think what I also love, is tha...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Alixendra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-of-romance, favorites, historical-fiction-romance

This series is one of the perfect examples of why I love historical fiction! Especially if they are about highland warriors in a secret army for Robert the Bruce fighting not just for 14th century Scotland against the English, but for love too!
Lachlan "Viper" McRuari is a cold and ruthless man after being betrayed years ago by his wife. Turning his back on his clan and giving his Chiefdom to his younger brother he has been working as a mercenary to pay back his 'debts'. Then, when the Bruce hir...more

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Apr 19, 2012 Diane Sallans rated it 5 of 5 stars

I received the 5th book in this series (The Saint) as a Goodreads First-Reads, so I'm going to start here at the beginning of the series first.
This series is about the Highland Guardians - early 14th Century "Special Forces" formed by Robert the Bruce when England's King Edward of England is trying to take control of Scotland.
This fourth book is about Lachlan MacRuairi who is the most difficult character so far. He doesn't care if anyone likes him, and not many do. The story re-introduces Bella...more

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Jan 14, 2012 Kari rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was not sure what to expect from MacRuari and I had low expectations going in to the story. Well, he turned out to be a fantastic hero. He is actually a very caring person. I liked MacRuari very much.

Great story about Isabel MacDuff based on real history. She is not the perfect heroine but considering what she has been through, she lost her child for so many years, she survived this horrible time in captivity and she got through it. There are hard times for her.

I have read all of Monica's pr...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Pam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hot-scots

This historical romance series does it again with the story of Lachlan MacRuari and Isabella MacDuff, the Countess of Buchan, who crowned Robert the Bruce King of Scotland and suffered horrible retribution for her actions. In this fictional version, she has Lachlan, Viper in the Highland Guard, who is repeatedly chosen to accompany her in flight and the resulting love story is touching and rewarding, in typical McCarty fashion. Recommended for all who love hot Scots, historical romance and the u...more

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About Monica McCarty

What do you get when you mix a legal career, a baseball career, motherhood, and a love of history with a voracious reader? In my case, a Historical Romance Author.

Like most writers, I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in California there was always plenty to do outside, but all too often I could be found inside curled up with a book (or two or three). I started with the usual fare: The Little Ho...more What do you get when you mix a legal career, a baseball career, motherhood, and a love of history with a voracious reader? In my case, a Historical Romance Author.

Like most writers, I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in California there was always plenty to do outside, but all too often I could be found inside curled up with a book (or two or three). I started with the usual fare: The Little House on the Prairie series, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Watership Down, Nancy Drew, and everything by Judy Blume. Once I cleared off my bookshelf, I started swiping books from my mom. Some, like Sidney Sheldon’s The Other Side of Midnight, probably weren’t the most appropriate choice for a pre-adolescent—although they were definitely illuminating. I can still remember the look of abject horror on my mom’s Catholic-girl-face when I asked her what a virgin was. After that rather brief conversation, she paid a little closer attention to what had disappeared off her book shelf, and steered me in the direction of Harlequin and Barbara Cartland romances. I was hooked. I quickly read through the inventory of the local library and was soon buying bags of romances at garage sales.

In high school, with the encouragement of my father (who I think was a little concerned about the steady diet of romances), I read over eighty of the Franklin Library’s One Hundred Greatest Books ever written—including Tolstoy, Confucius, Plato, and the entire works of Shakespeare. Some of them were tough going for a teenager, but the experience would prove an invaluable foundation for college. After reading War and Peace, I wasn’t easily intimidated.

For some reason Monica decided to go into writing and not fashion.

After graduation, I loaded up the VW (Jetta not Bus) and trekked down I-5 to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in Political Science and minoring in English (see why all that reading helped!). I joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and when I wasn’t studying or at football games, did my best to support the local bartending industry. Ah, the good old days.

With that kind of fun, four years of college wasn’t quite enough. So leaving Tommy Trojan behind, I traveled back up north to Palo Alto for three more years of study at Stanford Law School. Once I survived the stress of the first semester, law school proved to be one of the best times of my life—garnering me a JD, life-long friends, a husband, and an unexpectedly intimate knowledge of baseball. (See “The Baseball Odyssey” below).

Law School was also where I fell in love with Scotland. In my third year, I took a Comparative Legal History class, and wrote a paper on the Scottish Clan System and Feudalism. So I immediately dropped out of law school and went on to write Scottish Historical Romances…well no, not quite. You see, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My father was a lawyer, I was a “poet” (i.e., not into math), and I love to argue. It seemed natural.

So I finished law school, got married, passed the CA bar, moved to Minnesota (with a few stops along the way), waived into the MN bar, worked as a litigator for a few satisfying years, moved back to CA, had a couple of kids, realized that a legal career and being a single parent for most of the year (due to husband's career) would be extremely difficult, and THEN decided to sit down and write.

And how did I end up writing romance? It’s not as divergent as it seems. What I loved about being a lawyer are the same things I love about being a writer—research and writing. The only thing missing is the arguing, but that’s what a husband and kids are for, right?(less)

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Books by Monica McCarty

Highlander Untamed (MacLeods of Skye Trilogy, #1)

Highlander Unchained (MacLeods of Skye Trilogy, #3)

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The Viper (Highland Guard #4)

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