Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Chief (Highland Guard #1)

by Monica McCarty (Goodreads Author)

4.14 of 5 stars 4.14 · rating details · 3,428 ratings · 265 reviews

An elite fighting force unlike the world has ever seen...

Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the...more

Mass Market Paperback, 405 pages

Published March 23rd 2010 by Ballantine Books (first published January 3rd 2010)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

The Dark Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning

Best Highland/Scotland Romance Novels

24th out of 293 books — 861 voters

Best Medieval Romance Novels

16th out of 271 books — 327 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Oct 23, 2012 Blacky *Mistress of doom* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorite-historical, favorites, read-historical, best-of-the-best, of-course, highlanders, 5-stars-for-quality, 5-stars-for-enjoyment, read-medieval

"Together they were a force to be reckoned with. He felt like he was standing on the edge of something momentous. As if history were about to be made. The dawn of a new age of warrior harkened—the dawn of the Highlander."

-Dunvegan Castle-

Well! I've found another author I will certainly adore And one more fantastic Highlander series I'm in heaven

One warrior Highlander Chief - enough to make you swoon

An elite warrior Highlander army - heart palpitations! Beware!

The background

I just have t...more

44 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2010 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of steamy historical romance with hot, alpha highlanders

Shelves: highlanders-hunks-in-kilts-scots, im-a-cover-hottie-ho, monica-mccarty-highlanders, historical-romance, historical-romance-medieval-misc, cop-bodyguard-govop-merc-military, 2010-reads, favorites, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-alpha‎, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-stud-mantel-hall-of-fame, heroine-abused-traumatic-past-rape, heroine-i-adore, heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin, hh-widow-or-widower, i-read-no-longer-own-sold-swapped, married-couples-married-convenience, made-me-cry, sizable-packages, historical-romance-scottish, rt-book-reviews-top-pick, hh-warrior, 5-stars, best-faves-of-2010, hh-spy-agent-for-crown-and-country, favorite-romance-series

5 stars – Historical Romance

WOW! I loved this! What an awesome start to an enthralling new highlander historical romance series about an elite fighting guard of warriors handpicked by Robert the Bruce to partake in a secret mission to free Scotland from English tyranny by overtaking the throne from King Edward’s rule.

Robert the Bruce’s elite force, the Highland Guard is made up of the best of the best, warriors from the Highlands and Western Isles, selected for their exceptional skills and tacti...more 5 stars – Historical Romance

WOW! I loved this! What an awesome start to an enthralling new highlander historical romance series about an elite fighting guard of warriors handpicked by Robert the Bruce to partake in a secret mission to free Scotland from English tyranny by overtaking the throne from King Edward’s rule.

Robert the Bruce’s elite force, the Highland Guard is made up of the best of the best, warriors from the Highlands and Western Isles, selected for their exceptional skills and tactics of warfare, and to lead this band of brave fighters, he calls on the fiercest swordsman and most respected, feared warrior in all the Highlands, Chief Tormod MacLeod of Skye.

Tor MacLeod has spent the last 20 years rebuilding and fortifying his clan, and he has no plan to take part in politics or be drawn into Scotland’s war. The brutalities of his past have hardened the fierce, proud warrior and respected leader, and his devotion is given solely to the welfare of his clan. He has no place in his heart for a woman, even one as tempting and alluring as his sweet, innocent bride.

Christina Fraser is bartered to Tor as part of a political alliance and contracted agreement to train Bruce’s team of superior, deadly warriors. She’s initially frightened by his seemingly barbarian ways, but quickly comes to respect him and yearns to be his wife in every way. But Tor is unaccustomed to sharing himself with anyone or having to worry about a woman’s delicate feelings. He’ll give her unbridled passion in bed unlike she’s ever dreamed, but outside their bedroom, he keeps his emotions tightly controlled and his heart closed off.

Christina is certain Tor harbors a softer, warmer nature underneath his stony, fierce demeanor, and she’s determined to win her husband’s affection. But when her well-meaning but reckless plan to earn his love results in treachery and thrusts them into war, Tor will risk everything to save her from danger, but can the stoic, independent warrior finally concede his heart, before it’s too late?

I love the movie “Braveheart” and this takes place between William Wallace’s torture and execution and Robert the Bruce being crowned King of Scots. It’s a fascinating, riveting combination of steamy highlander romance and military suspense. The description on Monica McCarty’s website says it best: “What’s sexier than a man in a kilt? How about Special Ops in kilts. The series will marry her love for strapping, sexy Highland warriors with her other love for navy SEALs and black ops. Think Suzanne Brockmann meets Braveheart”.

Tor is a sexy, hardened, tortured alpha hero struggling to deal with feelings stirred by his young wife that are totally foreign to him, and Christina is such a sweet, endearing heroine longing for her husband’s trust and affection, that it’s just impossible not to love them both. Their relationship and romance is tentative, touching, intensely passionate, and so achingly tender and sad at times that it brought tears to my eyes, and the love scenes are blistering HOT! I simply couldn’t put it down, and I didn’t want it to end. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, The Hawk: A Highland Guard Novel, that’s scheduled for release on August 31, 2010.

(less)

37 likes · like · see review

Sep 22, 2012 ✿Alyssa✿ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, highlanders

This review was posted at My Secret Romance

To sum it up: Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all.

The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being dr...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jun 04, 2012 Lisa Kay rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bom-wmrl, character-scottish-hero, setting-scotland, genre-romance-medieval, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge, genre-historical-fiction-101, buddy-read, lupdilup-com, m-audio-loupe-ysi, m-library-sj-e-book, reviewed-by-me, authors-m

Beautiful pictures of Isle of Skye.
I think the there is something about the lighting in that part of the world.

★★★½☆ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Hmmm. I don’t know about this one. Several of the people I did a “buddy read” with in the GoodReads Western and Medieval Romance Lovers Group LOVED this highland romance (with several 5★); however, they read it while I listened. I certainly had to get used to Robert McNab’s narration. He did great job on the men. Nevertheless, since he has a de...more

20 likes · like · see review

Nov 30, 2012 Georgia ♥ Team Dex ♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Highlanders/historical romances

Shelves: 2012, historicals, love-the-cover

WOW! Monica McCarty, you earned a follower for life!

This book managed to push all my buttons... I'm a sucker for a Highlander!! There, I admit it...

Set in the magnificent Isle of Skye, off the West Coast of Scotland,

description

Try resisting this

in the year of our Lord 1305. Edward Plantagenet has crushed the Scottish resistance. William Wallace has suffered a traitor's death and Scotland, Highlands and for the first time in their history the Isles are under the rule of the English Crown. The land is savage...more

9 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2012 Kristen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: The Western and Medieval Romance Lovers group is reading this book during the month of April 2012

Shelves: historical-romance, highlanders, 4-star, medium-steam

4 stars

The Chief is a well written and informative book that in many ways felt more like an historical fiction (the quality of the author's research is very apparent) than a romance novel. However, when the hero and heroine were together they certainly steamed up the pages. Their love story was captivating, heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking. Their much deserved HEA warmed my heart.

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

17 likes · like · see review

Apr 02, 2012 ivana18 rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, historical-fiction

I don't really know what to say about this one.
I guess I'm a little baffled because I didn't expect such a detailed history lesson, but basically that's what I feel I got from this book.

Oh, and a detailed(ish) instructions about how to train a highlander special ops team, aka. the highlanders navy SEALs.

Our hero, clan chief Tormod MacLeod does his best to stay neutral and to protect his clan from Scotland’s war against the English. You see he's an Islander and up until a few decades ago the Is...more I don't really know what to say about this one.
I guess I'm a little baffled because I didn't expect such a detailed history lesson, but basically that's what I feel I got from this book.

Oh, and a detailed(ish) instructions about how to train a highlander special ops team, aka. the highlanders navy SEALs.

Our hero, clan chief Tormod MacLeod does his best to stay neutral and to protect his clan from Scotland’s war against the English. You see he's an Islander and up until a few decades ago the Islands where independent and they were not part of the Scotland. But now the Scottish nobles are expecting him to choose sides.
Christina Fraser is the daughter of a nobleman who was once imprisoned for supporting William Wallace. Her father is desperately trying to get Tor to train the elite team of highlanders, so he does a little bit of trickery, a bit of manipulation, a pinch of threatening and a whole lot of daughter beating....and as a result of it we have a compromising situation, a scared young maiden, a furious warlord, some manipulation (again) and political negotiations which all leads to (kind of) a shot gun wedding.

This is not a spoiler (honestly it's not):
He trains the special ops men and is determent to resist his lovely new wife, she does domestic stuff and tries to impress her husband and make him fall in love with her....Tor wants to keep Christina in the dark about his involvement with the special ops, and she can't help herself so she involuntarily and accidentally snoops around and trys to find out as much as possible about her husband (she's in love with him and wants to know him)....which complicates some things....blah, blah, blah....he has to do some fighting with his Highlander SEALs, and he realizes how much he loves her and he tells her so (btw that's a wonderful scene). And then they get a their HEA.

The romance part was good, and so was the historical/political/special ops training part, but basically this is a romance book so I expected more romance and a bit less historical/political/special ops training. And I know that the Highlanders last names are mostly MacSomethingorother but with all these Mac's: MacLeod, MacDougall, MacDonald, MacSorley, MacRuairi, MacKay, MacLean, MacGregor, it was just ridiculously difficult to follow.

Hopefully the following books will focus more on romance and less on the politics and the Highlander SEALs abilities.
(less)

6 likes · like · see review

May 25, 2012 HeatherJay rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: alphas-cavemen-yummy, historical-romance, pathetic-heroine, highlanders

Between my obsession of UF, Paranormal and Dystopian books, I LOVE me some historical romances. Highlanders, smexy times and heaving bosoms are my perfect trifecta in a good romance.

The Chief is the story of Tormod MacLeod. Chief of Clan MacLeod and Scotland's "Greatest Warrior of All". The story begins shortly after the death of William Wallace, prior to the crowning of Robert the Bruce as King of Scotland. Tor has remained neutral in the rising tensions between England and Scotland. His first...more

7 likes · like · see review

Jun 29, 2011 Kelly22 rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Historical Romance with ultra Alpha Highlanders

Shelves: alpha-hero, heroine-beautiful-pretty-covetted, brooding-dangerous-hero, favorite-heroine, gorgeous-handsome-attractive-hero, hero-accomplished-lover, historical-romance, highland-scotts-medieval, hottest-love-scenes-ever, lairds-chieftans, marriage-betrothal-of-convenience, married-couples, opposites-attract, tortured-hero, virgin-herione, widow-widower-divorcee, young-girl-much-older-hero, hero-real-jerk-yet-irresistible

The story sets back in 1305, when Scotland just lost its war with the English. Robert the Bruce of Scotland decides to use special operation force to lead Scotland against England. To do so, he chooses Tormod ‘Tor’ MacLeod who has no interest whatsoever in the war of these two countries. All he wants and considers is about his clan’s growth and piece.

Christina Fraser, a daughter of a Scottish noble and patriotic family, and her sister are two forced candidates of marriage to the brutal warrior...more
The story sets back in 1305, when Scotland just lost its war with the English. Robert the Bruce of Scotland decides to use special operation force to lead Scotland against England. To do so, he chooses Tormod ‘Tor’ MacLeod who has no interest whatsoever in the war of these two countries. All he wants and considers is about his clan’s growth and piece.

Christina Fraser, a daughter of a Scottish noble and patriotic family, and her sister are two forced candidates of marriage to the brutal warrior Tor. Nevertheless, since her sister is the timid and weak one, she volunteers to be the chief’s bride instead.

Bruce offers Tor to marry Christina and her dowry in exchange of his service of training special force men to get ready for the war. Tor is least interested in the prize and the alliance, yet is attracted to Christina. Still, he deters the offer reasoning that his clan restoration and the war of Scottish independence come before his individual aspiration. But however, circumstances make him marry the chit and take up with the offer reluctantly.

The book describes various war footing rationales and foundations in those of the medieval time’s special forces unit restoring the newness of the story. The dynamics of the married couple are depicted delightfully and succeed to provide authenticity to various insights of the problems the couple faces.

The wife is thrilled to begin her new life, but is rapidly disappointed when her husband does not returns the sentiment and continue living his life according to his previous routine. He shares nothing with his wife and treats as if she doesn’t exist. Well yeah ofcourse, except in their bed. During their brief love making sessions the couple really connect well and enjoy their exchange to a whole new level. But after the end of their romantic interlude, the husband becomes the chief instantaneously and leaves his wife’s bed to sleep by the fire with his clan men.

It was then when she determines to have patience for her new husband who knows nothing much other than being a chief for his clan. She decides to make her husband care for her in every way and not just in bed.

The transition of Tor’s feelings for Christina obviously takes place and is shown nicely to make the characters and their relationship believable. They are two opposite characters. Tor is fierce, protective, responsible and uptight. He is overtly matured and has no rooms for fun or normal dialogue exchanges other than business. Christina is full of life and a very positive person. She is soft and emotional yet very fit to be a wife of such a ferocious warrior.
The books answers question whether these two opposite characters find their way towards each other by overcoming their conflicts and have their very own happily ever after.

I would have given it a 5.00 star rating if only at times (which in fact was quiet frequent) I did not found it reminding me of Julie Garwood’s ‘The Bride”. It was almost like I am reading the same story.
Nevertheless, it is a terrific start of the series.

(less)

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2010 Misfit rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, wall-banger

Basic set up: Robert the Bruce needs an elite guard of highlanders who don't fight by the *knightly code of honor* who can go in and do the dirty work that the *true knights* won't do and send the awful English King Edward back south of the border where he belongs. They want Tor MacLeod to train and lead the elite force, but he's not interested so more devious means are contrived and Christina Fraser is the bait. Christina is happiest spending her time reading romance novels (I loved how it was...more

13 likes · like · see review

Jul 01, 2010 Nonieღserenity2bliss rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow!!! This book is a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect to love it as much. I thought the story would be serious and full of historical facts. But it turns out to be a sexy, romantic read.

I really like the writer's style of writing. She painted the picture vividly just by using the simplest terms and adjectives. I really love the way Christina was first introduced in the story; a young girl eating sweet plum while sneakily reading a love scene between Lancelot and Guinevere. I immediately take...more

4 likes · like · see review

Oct 02, 2011 Kat ~ Forever Book Lover ♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

WOW! I think I am going to love this series. An elite group of men, who have been gathered together to Bruce to victory. Each one is chosen for their unique skill and together they are the greatest warriors of all. The first book is Tor and Christina, at first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it since their relationship was formed of trickery. I am glad I continued on...

Pros:
Great storyline/plot.
Characters are developed.
Steamy romance scenes.
Although there were a number of characters to ke...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 31, 2011 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: part-of-series, traded-sold

This was a very cookie-cutter Highlander historical romance. Christina was your usual naive, overly sensitive maiden with a romantic streak, and Tor was a delicious but typical proud warrior hero. The first half almost made me DNF the book. I got so tired of Christina and her “tender feelings” and her ridiculous expectations of Tor and her marriage. The 2nd half was much better – she finally used the brains the author gave her and Tor let some of her emotions seep into the ice surrounding his he...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 31, 2012 Jetches (My Not So Vacant Shelf) rated it 4 of 5 stars

View more of my review and others at my blog: www.mynotsovacantshelf.blogspot.com
I really enjoyed this novel, but I found myself frustrated. I wanted to slap Tor right all up in his face. And then probably kiss him, but still the slapping is first. He was such a jerk sometimes that I had no clue how Christina could put up with it. But, then there were the moments that he showered tenderness. From when he first saw her, stared at her at dinner, saved her from some disgusting man, and everything p...more

like · see review

Sep 11, 2012 HÜLYA rated it 5 of 5 stars

İki Ateş Arasında Aşk-Monica Mccarty

Orjinal adı The Chief Highland Guard Serisinin 1.Kitabı. Bu romanda Asi romanından tanıdığımız Rory Macleod'un altı kuşak önce atası olan Thor Macleod'un hikayesi idi..Goodreads Puanı 5/4,12 bence 5/5
Serinin ilk kitabı idi ama ummadığım kadar da beğendim...

Çeviri mükemmeldi bence kitap aktı gitti..Bir kere karakterler çok güzel yansıtılmıştı.Christina Fraser ve Thor Macleod'un duygu ve korkularını yazar çok güzel işlemişti..Tarihi mekan içinde muhteşem bir aş...more İki Ateş Arasında Aşk-Monica Mccarty

Orjinal adı The Chief Highland Guard Serisinin 1.Kitabı. Bu romanda Asi romanından tanıdığımız Rory Macleod'un altı kuşak önce atası olan Thor Macleod'un hikayesi idi..Goodreads Puanı 5/4,12 bence 5/5
Serinin ilk kitabı idi ama ummadığım kadar da beğendim...

Çeviri mükemmeldi bence kitap aktı gitti..Bir kere karakterler çok güzel yansıtılmıştı.Christina Fraser ve Thor Macleod'un duygu ve korkularını yazar çok güzel işlemişti..Tarihi mekan içinde muhteşem bir aşk hikayesi okudum ki...Son zamanlarda kitaplarda uğradığım hüsranı bu hikaye ile dindirebildim..

14.yüzyıl başlarında geçen romanımızda yine gerçek karakterler vardı romanda..Bu yönden Monica Mccarty'nin kalemine bayılıyorum..Serinin devamını merakla bekliyorum...
Zaman zaman romandaki Thor içimden karakterini tokatlamak da gelse de..Vee Christiana'ın sabrı da bazen beni çileden çıkarsa da iki tarafın selameti açısından sabır belki faydalı oldu ama beni de bir o kadar illet etti...Aslında bu kızcağıza da fazla kızmamak lazım ki, Malum devir orta çağ devri kadının ne hakkı var ki? Mal gibi alınıp veriliyor..Kendisi için kesinlikle söz sahibi olmayı bırakın.babasının çıkarı için tanımadığı bir adamın yatağına da zorla sokulabilecek kadar değersiz bir varlık..İsyan etmemek ne mümkün...Öyle bir baba ...Bir de rahibe olmak isteyen bir abla..Sadece onun için Christiana tüm zorluklara göğüs germeye kararlıdır..Ama işler umduğu gibi gitmez..Babasının hilesi ve zorlaması ile kendini Thor Macleod'un yatağında bulur..Namusu lekelenir..
Thor Macleod bu oyundan önce Christiana'yı muhtemel bir tecavüzden kurtarmış olsada kendisi bir tecavüzcü durumuna düşer..Christiana'nın ona tuzak kurmasını affedemez..Ama mevcut siyasi durum neticesinde evlenmeye ikna olmak zorunda kalır..
Evlendikten sonra aralarında resmen savaş başlar...Christina Thor'un kendisiyle isteyerek evlendiğini zannetmektedir.Durum elbette öyle değildir..Her ne kadar Christiana'yı gördüğünden beri aklında çıkaramasa da...Thor duygularını gösteren bir erkek asla olmamıştır..Ona göre bağlanmak acı çekmektir..10 Yaşında iken Anne, babasının gözünün önünde hunharca öldürülmesi ve annesinin başına gelenler...Onun daha sonra 10 yaşında iken büyük sorumluluklar ile boğuşması,evliliği,çocukları derken ne eski karısına ne de çocuklarına sevgisini göstermemiş bir adam..Ama çok acı çekmiş bir erkek..
Christina ile olan evliliğinde o karısı olacak sadece verdiklerini kabul edecekti..Tüm plan buydu..Unuttuğu bir şey vardı karşılaştıkları andan itibaren olaylar hiç de planlandığı gibi gitmiyordu..Karısı onun tüm hücrelerine sızması onu çok korkutuyordu..O kadar ki tüm kontrolü yitirmekten ödü patlıyordu.Duygusallık ona göre büyük zayıflıktı..Ama karısınıda üzmeye gönlü elvermiyordu...Onun üzülmesine bazen tabiri caizse odunluk yapsada dayanamıyordu..Çok sevdim...Son zamanlardaki hüsrana uğradığım kitaplardan sonra ilaç gibi geldi...Tavsiyemdir!!!!
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Aug 27, 2012 Marru Aguilar rated it 4 of 5 stars

OMFG!!! quiero un tor y no uno de los avengers! este tor es mi hombre perfecto! en momentos lo quise matar, en otros abrazar, golpear, besar pero en muchos mas acariciar y tomar por enterto dentro de mi... corazon jajajajaja

Es un jefe fuerte, desidido, atormentado pero un inexperto y torpe para el amor, el corazon, sentimientos y otras cosas pero gracias a que la mujer que le a tocado es una romanticona enpedernida puede ayudarlo a ver las cosas porque simplemente alguien como yo creo que no ha...more

like · see review

Aug 11, 2012 Misty rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very good book!

I'm new to the whole e-reader scene but since I joined a book club I've noticed that books are cheaper on my Nook than paperback (most of the time). I grew up reading with book in hand and it's been very difficult finding "AMAZING" books to read on the Nook because it's not the same process. When I would visit the library for books I would let them speak to me. The titles would grab my attention and then the backs would hook me. Now I have to read reviews and see star ratings then...more

like · see review

Oct 04, 2011 Melanie rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I reviewed this book for Romance Reader At Heart website.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Set right after William Wallace's execution, King Edward, the mighty Hammer of the Scots, is on the throne of England and Scotland, but Robert the Bruce is trying to stake his claim as King of Scotland, so he gets an idea to draft and organize a group of special `soldiers' to help him overthrow Edward and unite the Scottish clans under his banner. Bruce is looking for a special man to lead and train this `e...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 21, 2011 Sandy M rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

When I heard about the premise of this series early last year from the author herself, I was definitely intrigued. It’s so unique. Special ops with superhero characteristics meets the bravest Highlanders in Scotland to save their country from English rule. I was fascinated from the beginning.

William Wallace is dead. Scotland needs a new leader to keep Wallace’s forward momentum heading away from English tyranny, full steam ahead. Robert the Bruce is the likely candidate and he’s already looking...more When I heard about the premise of this series early last year from the author herself, I was definitely intrigued. It’s so unique. Special ops with superhero characteristics meets the bravest Highlanders in Scotland to save their country from English rule. I was fascinated from the beginning.

William Wallace is dead. Scotland needs a new leader to keep Wallace’s forward momentum heading away from English tyranny, full steam ahead. Robert the Bruce is the likely candidate and he’s already looking to the future, hatching a plan with Harry Lamberton to create an elite fighting squad of warriors that will have ability to go head to head with a superior English military.

Tormod MacLeod is their top choice as leader of this squad. He’s known for his skill on the battlefield, but the one thing standing in their way is Tor himself. He has no interest in involving himself in Scottish/English politics; his only goal is keeping his clan safe from harm after the blood and sweat he’s expended since the death of his parents, which he witnessed, and the near destruction of his clan.

Wanting out from under her father’s cruelty, Christina wants to marry, and her father is finagling to use his daughters as leverage to better his clan alliances. The man is as devious as they come and Christina walks right into his trap along with Tor, forcing a quick marriage. Tor reverses his decision and agrees to train Bruce’s warriors, which will take place near his home, but he will have no other involvement.

Christina is excited about the start of her new life, but she is quickly disappointed when her husband does not change his routine and she sees naught of him except in their bed, where they enjoy themselves immensely. She also discovers that Tor doesn’t spend the night with her, leaving to sleep among his men in the great hall. Her determination to make him sit up and take notice, to help out where she can only leads to trouble every time.

I enjoyed watching Tor’s feelings change toward his wife. Even her inadvertently bad-timing helpfulness can’t keep him from falling for her, though heaven knows he tries. When danger and death hit much too close to home, Tor finally realizes what he has in Christina.I also enjoyed the training scenes and byplay between among the chosen warriors. Tor puts them through some grueling paces.

Ms. McCarty has a winner on her hands with this new series, and this book is one terrific start to it. I’m anxiously looking forward to all of the upcoming books. The Hawk is due to be released at the end of this month. I can’t wait!

See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com (less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 13, 2011 Tyra Berger rated it 5 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying that most of the historicals that I have read have had a paranormal aspect to them, Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series and Diana Gabaldon's Outlander. So I never really considered myself a reader of straight historicals, history was never one of my favorite subjects in school but it wasn't my least favorite either(math). So with this in mind I was a little surprised when I picked up Monica's first book Highlander Untamed, a few years ago and could not put it down and c...more Let me start by saying that most of the historicals that I have read have had a paranormal aspect to them, Karen Marie Moning's Highlander series and Diana Gabaldon's Outlander. So I never really considered myself a reader of straight historicals, history was never one of my favorite subjects in school but it wasn't my least favorite either(math). So with this in mind I was a little surprised when I picked up Monica's first book Highlander Untamed, a few years ago and could not put it down and couldn't wait to get to the next one. I have now read everything that she has written and have gone on to read a few other authors historicals. So thanks Monica, for opening my eyes and helping me learn to enjoy a time before running water and penicillin.

This series begins right after William Wallace has been executed and Robert the Bruce is fighting to become king of Scotland and drive out the English. He has decided to create an elite guard to help him in his quest. To do this he must convince Tor Macleod to not only train these men but to lead them. Tor is known in the highland's as the greatest warrior of that time. The problem, Tor doesn't want to become involved in a war that he doesn't think concerns him.

Christina Fraser is the daughter of a scottish noble who has just recently been released from an English prison and he is looking for revenge. He will stop at nothing to achieve this including using his two daughters. In an attempt to spare her sister Christina agrees to the plan that her father comes up with to trick Macleod into marriage. Unfortunately the plan works to well and before Christina knows what's happenening she has lost her virginity and Macleod refuses to marry her. Eventually he does relent and does marry her but it's not the most trustworthy of ways to begin a relationship.

Much of this book is spent building the world in which the series will be written, so there is a lot of history and character development, which is tedious for some people, cough Jenn cough, but I think needed for this type of series. I enjoyed seeing the relationship build between the couple but I think my favorite part was seeing the relationships develop between the members of the guard. These men come from different clans many of which were fighting with each other, so I thought those scenes were some of the most entertaining.(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 28, 2010 Naomi James rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This book was a gift from my daughter for Mother's Day. I love stories about Highland warriors and couldn't wait to finish reading my other book so I could delve right in. The Chief begins with Robert the Bruce being informed of William Wallace's death. This sets in motion the creation of his legendary Highland Guard, a small group of the deadliest, most highly skilled fighting force of all time. These men will be pivitol in helping him gain the throne of Scotland. But this group needs a leader....more This book was a gift from my daughter for Mother's Day. I love stories about Highland warriors and couldn't wait to finish reading my other book so I could delve right in. The Chief begins with Robert the Bruce being informed of William Wallace's death. This sets in motion the creation of his legendary Highland Guard, a small group of the deadliest, most highly skilled fighting force of all time. These men will be pivitol in helping him gain the throne of Scotland. But this group needs a leader.
Enter Tormond MacLeod, the larger than life chief of clan MacLeod and one of the best trainers of fighting men who ever lived. Tormond's iron will and cool demeanor have helped him maintain a careful neutrality in the escalating tensions between Edward and Robert Bruce. He has no wish to involve his clan in another war. His reluctant agreement to attend a council of island chiefs in the Western Isles puts his vow of neutrality to the test. With all of his duties and the balancing act he must maintain, Tor neither wants nor needs the distraction of a woman in his life.
Christina Fraser keeps herself entertained by reading romantic tales of Lancelot and Guinevere. She is very much an innocent and longs for the same kind of love in spite of the unyielding control her violent father maintains over her life. When they travel to the Western Isles, Christina finds herself an unwitting pawn in her father's treacherous scheme to form an alliance with the powerful MacLeod warlord. For her part in it she is forced to wed Tor. However, Christina makes a vow to do everything she can to prove to her new husband that she can be trusted as well as be the kind of wife he could be proud of.
Which will win out? His iron will to resist her or her efforts?
This book had me hooked from page one with the promise of intrigue, romance, warriors (always a favorite), and fight scenes. Tor's intensity, and the way he molded men who were once enemies into a fighting force of brothers to be reckoned with didn't disappoint. I was RIVETED!
I really wanted to like Tor, and I did...as an exceptional leader of other exceptional men. Unfortunately, the romantic aspect of the book left me greatly disappointed in him and alternating between pity and being annoyed by Christina as she all but begged for crumbs of affection and validation from her husband. Given the challenges he faced over twenty years, I could understand why Tor was the way he was, to a point. Saying that, the microscopic bits of tenderness he showed Christina over time were so far overshadowed by his seeming indifference to her efforts as to be inconsequential. From the beginning he made it clear that he wasn't some valiant knight out of a 'bard's tale' and his tiny wife had better get used to it.
At times though, Tor was so cold, thoughtless and/or callous to her that I just flat out didn't like him. As the book progressed I, like Christina, kept hoping he would make at least ONE significant concession to her. It was not to be. He stubbornly refused to let his wife be a trusted part of his life, yet kept his former mistress within his inner circle of only the most trusted. It made me dislike him even more. In regards to Christina, I often found myself cringing at her continually rebuffed efforts to please Tor. Time and again he'd turn his back on her 'kicked puppy dog' expressions and leave her standing in a pool of misery, trying to console herself by remembering that she just needed to be patient with him. I kept wanting her to stand up for herself at least a little. By the time he finally thawed and she FINALLY took a stand, I'd been put through too much as a reader. I was thoroughly put out by them both.
I give this book 2.5 stars because I loved the premise of the elite Highland Guard. I do hope to better connect with the characters in the next book in the series which is entitled, 'The Hawk.' (less)

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2010 RomanceNovelNews.com rated it 4 of 5 stars

“The Chief,” (Historical, Ballantine, 405 pages, $7.99), by Monica McCarty: The first book in Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series takes place in 1305 during a turning point in the fight for Scottish independence. Resistance leader and champion of Scotland, William “Braveheart” Wallace, meets a grisly end at the hands of the ruthless English King Edward. Morale is at an all-time low.

Robert the Bruce steps up to establish a secret army of warriors and guerilla warfare tact to deal with the inva...more “The Chief,” (Historical, Ballantine, 405 pages, $7.99), by Monica McCarty: The first book in Monica McCarty’s Highland Guard series takes place in 1305 during a turning point in the fight for Scottish independence. Resistance leader and champion of Scotland, William “Braveheart” Wallace, meets a grisly end at the hands of the ruthless English King Edward. Morale is at an all-time low.

Robert the Bruce steps up to establish a secret army of warriors and guerilla warfare tact to deal with the invading British army. The one man capable of leading this band of rebels is Highlander Tormod MacLeod, Chief of McLeod from the Western Isle of Skye. The only problem, Tor doesn’t want the job. The strong-willed leader wants to stay out of the conflict and focus on the well-being of his clan.

In order to help secure his cooperation, he is offered a young woman to wed. A brutish nobleman is willing to sacrifice his daughter’s happiness and virtue for the fight against England. Tor, who does not want a wife, is ultimately persuaded to join the cause and marry the tempting Christina Fraser. But he embarks on his own personal resistance movement by keeping his distance from her.

Christina is unaware of the secret military plan and only wishes to please her husband. Trouble ensues when Christina unintentionally leads a spy to her husband’s training grounds. Her good intentions threaten the mission along with the lives of Tor’s clansmen.

Although the dialogue can be melodramatic at times, readers will enjoy the way Christina’s charm chips away at the hardened warrior.

McCarty infuses actual events and historical figures adding authenticity to this love story set in a particularly disheartening time in Scotland’s complicated history. Her large blocks of narrative can be overwhelming, especially for those looking for a light romance. However, fans of Highlander romance, and their virile heroes, will find “The Chief,” to be an epic read.

review posted on RomanceNovelNews.com 4/26/10

(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jul 27, 2012 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, historical-romance

It all starts with the "Chief", Tor. There is a secret elite team of highlanders who specialize in certain aspects of battle and Bruce has selected Tor to be their Chief. Bruce knows that Tor isn't going to agree to this easily and hopes that prospect of a bride might sway his decision. However, Tor wants nothing to do with the secret team nor does he want to make an alliance with Fraser's. However, Christina's abusive father makes Christina sneak into Tor's chambers while he's asleep so that sh...more

like · see review

Apr 06, 2010 Brandy *Ahviel* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, historical-romance

OKAY..... I have to say that I like the book. I love Scottish Historical Romance books, but for me this was a disappointment because when I think of SHR I think of reading and hearing their scottish bur, however, this book lacked that. It was a good story line don't get me wrong and I look forward to reading the second book. but this book was written in more current langauge. Which is something that I did not like.

So onto the story Christina is beaten by her father who nearly kills her sister....more

4 likes · like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 Edna Lyn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, historical-romance

I was in the mood to read something set in a different time than the English Regency era. Highlander books (Julie Garwood!) were some of my first romance novels and it had been a few years since I've ventured into the period so I thought to give it a try again.

The Chief was a good start to this Highland Guard series. I absolutely love the concept of an elite Special Forces team, something akin to a raw version of the Navy Seals (think Seal Team Six). Warriors, each with his own specialty to add...more

1 like · like · see review

May 01, 2011 Stevie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Much to my surprise, I really liked it. It wasn't unlike other highlander romances, big strong hero impervious to everything, except when he finds himself futilely fighting with himself about a woman he won't admit he's in love with and she become his greatest weakness which of course the villains will try to use to their advantage. I enjoyed his inner struggle and the occasional humor subtly placed. I liked his character and the way the author detailed his frustration and confusion over her. Sh...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 12, 2012 Andrea rated it 2 of 5 stars

I love the concept of this book but the execution didn't work for me. I love history and I love romance books so this should have been perfect for me. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

I knew I was in trouble when I didn't like Tor. It's never a good sign when I'm neutral about the hero. I didn't dislike him, I didn't like him, he was just OK. I did like Christina and even enjoyed their romance. It worked and felt real. I got very bored with Christina pushing for a relationship and Tor refusing her. It w...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 26, 2012 Natasha rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

A not so romance tale of two people forced to marry with plenty of moping and drama.

I have never read anything by the author, Monica McCarty, before, but I do so love Highlanders and it seems all she writes about are Highlanders so I was willing to give it a shot. Unfortunately, The Chief was a letdown, although I never expect too much from romance novels. A good chunk of the novel was about politics and MacLeod training men so that they could fight against King Edward. While I didn't mind this...more

2 likes · like · see review

Oct 18, 2011 Bobbi Jo rated it 5 of 5 stars

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

What a great love/adventure story! I thought it was very well written, and I never got bored. Tor and Christina were an unforgettable couple. She cried a little much for my taste, but was still a great heroine. I loved that she was always trying to help, regardless of whether or not she got in the way (and she usually did). But, it paid off. AND, Tor is super hot. The End. :)

PS... I am heading to the store in a bit to get the sequel, The Hawk.

2 likes · like · see review

May 21, 2013 Poppy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm happy to be able to add another author to my growing list of favorites! I've been reading only contemporary romance for the past year but was tempted to start The Chief when it showed up in my Goodreads recommendations and I'm not disappointed!

Monica McCarty is a new writer for me and her writing style appealed to me right off the bat. It's always great when this happens (especially considering it's historical romance) as it leaves you free to concentrate on the story instead of being distra...more I'm happy to be able to add another author to my growing list of favorites! I've been reading only contemporary romance for the past year but was tempted to start The Chief when it showed up in my Goodreads recommendations and I'm not disappointed!

Monica McCarty is a new writer for me and her writing style appealed to me right off the bat. It's always great when this happens (especially considering it's historical romance) as it leaves you free to concentrate on the story instead of being distracted by minor irritants.

The hero in The Chief, Tor MacLeod, jumps right off the page and you immediately accept why he is the perfect warrior to train Robert the Bruce's covert ops team known as the Highland Guard. The heroine, Christina, is plucky and loveable, and a great match for Tor. Their love story is nicely interwoven with the story of Robert the Bruce's attempt to claim the Scottish throne. All the eleven members of the Guard are introduced in this first novel of the series, you learn about their training methods, their individual skills and their personalities, and both the love story as well as the overarching storyline of Robert's fight for independence moves at a fast pace.

The Chief is a satisfying read and the series (I've finished the first two books and am wrapping up the #3) is rich with historical facts but not completely bogged down in them so that you know you're still reading fictional work. The author paints a colorful picture of life in 14th century Scotland and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Especially Viper's story and The Saint's story sound intriguing!

==================================
Overall Rating: 4
==================================
Hero: 4
Heroine: 4
Storyline: 4
Ending: 4
Sex scenes - sensuality: 3
Sex scenes - frequency: 2
Violence level: 2.5
Writing: 5
Editing (e-book): 4
==================================
Would I re-read this book? Probably
Would I read other books by this author? Definitely
==================================(less)

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (8)

More editions...

Genres

Romance > Historical Romance

214 users

Romance

150 users

Historical Fiction

30 users

Historical Fiction > Medieval

27 users

Cultural > Scotland

20 users

Adult

12 users

Historical Romance > Medieval Romance

10 users

Love

5 users

Action

3 users

Literature > 14th Century

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

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)

More about Monica McCarty...

Books by Monica McCarty

Highlander Untamed (MacLeods of Skye Trilogy, #1)

Highlander Unchained (MacLeods of Skye Trilogy, #3)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Chief

3 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

title link	preview: The Chief
avg rating	preview: The Chief Goodreads rating: 4.14 (3428 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6620670-the-chief?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351573102l/6620670.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6620670-the-chief?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Chief by Monica McCarty[/url]

The Chief (Highland Guard #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website