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Highlands' Lairds #3
Shadow Music
For Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, Scotland is a land of stunning vistas, wild chieftains, treacherous glens, and steep shadows--skullduggery, betrayal, and now murder. Prized for her exquisite beauty, the daughter of one of England's most influential barons, Gabrielle is also a perfect bargaining chip for a king who needs peace in the Highlands: King John has arranged Gabrielle's marriage to a good and gentle laird. But this marriage will never take place.
For Gabrielle, everything changes in one last burst of freedom--when she and her guards come upon a scene of unimaginable cruelty. With one shot from her bow and arrow, Gabrielle takes a life, saves a life, and begins a war.
Within days, the Highlands are aflame with passions as a battle royal flares between enemies old and new. Having come to Scotland to be married, Gabrielle is instead entangled in Highland intrigue. For two sadistic noblemen, underestimating Gabrielle's bravery and prowess may prove fatal. But thanks to a secret Gabrielle possesses, Colm MacHugh, the most feared man in Scotland, finds a new cause for courage. Under his penetrating gaze, neither Gabrielle's body nor heart is safe.
For Gabrielle, everything changes in one last burst of freedom--when she and her guards come upon a scene of unimaginable cruelty. With one shot from her bow and arrow, Gabrielle takes a life, saves a life, and begins a war.
Within days, the Highlands are aflame with passions as a battle royal flares between enemies old and new. Having come to Scotland to be married, Gabrielle is instead entangled in Highland intrigue. For two sadistic noblemen, underestimating Gabrielle's bravery and prowess may prove fatal. But thanks to a secret Gabrielle possesses, Colm MacHugh, the most feared man in Scotland, finds a new cause for courage. Under his penetrating gaze, neither Gabrielle's body nor heart is safe.
339 pages, Hardcover
First published December 26, 2007
1124 people are currently reading
4921 people want to read
About the author
Julie Garwood
151 books12.5k followersWith more than 35 million books in print and 26 NEW YORK TIMES bestsellers, Julie Garwood has earned a position among America's favorite fiction writers.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
Born and raised in Kansas City, MO, Ms. Garwood attributes much of her success to growing up in a large family of Irish heritage. "The Irish are great storytellers who relish getting all of the details and nuances of every situation. Add in the fact that I was the sixth of seven children. Early in life, I learned that self expression had to be forceful, imaginative, and quick," says Ms. Garwood.
She began her writing career when the youngest of her three children entered school. After the publications of two young-adult books, she turned her talents to historical fiction. Her first novel, GENTLE WARRIOR, was published by Pocket Books in 1985. Since then, she has branched into other genres including contemporary romantic suspense. Today, her name appears regularly on the bestseller lists of every major publication in the country, and her books are translated into dozens of languages around the world. Her bestselling novel FOR THE ROSES was adapted for the HALLMARK HALL OF FAME television movie ROSE HILL.
Ms. Garwood lives in Leawood, KS and is currently working on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 911 reviews
May 25, 2017
3.5 stars
I liked this one okay but it was a little bit busy. Everyone and their cousin was in this book and it was trying to keep up with all the names. Other than the fact that it was a bit of a hot mess it was still an entertaining read.
I liked this one okay but it was a little bit busy. Everyone and their cousin was in this book and it was trying to keep up with all the names. Other than the fact that it was a bit of a hot mess it was still an entertaining read.
March 17, 2017
It starts out with a story about a kingdom that gets a ton of gold and then it disappears. The question has always been whether or not the gold went to the Pope, or if only some was sent and the rest hidden. So, it's the mysterious treasure that people have been trying to find for ages.
It'll take you about 10 minutes to figure out this treasure mystery. It took them until the last page of the book.
Good luck finding me, suckers!
This story had a lot going on. There was a bunch of politics, side stories about the villains, Scottish clan wars, and the romance. I didn't mind having a busy story because I am easily bored. It worked out well for my ADD.
We have Gabrielle, who is a princess and is marrying some old Scottish laird to keep her safe from the clutches of King John the lech, and a couple of Barons who want her for nefarious reasons. On the way to the wedding, she saves the life of a different Scottish laird's brother and takes him to the monastery where she is staying to get married. She also has four guards, whom we get to know. Her fiance is murdered on his way to the wedding. So, overall, they both had pretty eventful trips to the altar.
I have an idea. Let's NOT travel into a hostile wasteland to get married. We'll just go to Vegas.
One of the villains lies about her and says she is not a virgin, so the wedding crowd immediately calls for her death and start throwing rocks at her. Tough crowd.
She escapes the angry mob and has to marry the injured brother's brother, the laird. But, he's not too thrilled with the arrangement. Until he sees how beautiful she is. Then, he's all:
Fooled her. I'm not wearing pants!>
With his new fiance comes a whole lotta people who want to get to her, so he has to do a bunch of killing before the wedding. Oh, and there is another chick claiming that she's going to marry him. Whatever, girl! If he liked it, he would have already put a ring on it.
There were a few funny moments, and lots of action. The villains were a bit cartoonish, and the treasure thing was pretty lame. But, it was still an enjoyable enough story.
It'll take you about 10 minutes to figure out this treasure mystery. It took them until the last page of the book.
Good luck finding me, suckers!
This story had a lot going on. There was a bunch of politics, side stories about the villains, Scottish clan wars, and the romance. I didn't mind having a busy story because I am easily bored. It worked out well for my ADD.
We have Gabrielle, who is a princess and is marrying some old Scottish laird to keep her safe from the clutches of King John the lech, and a couple of Barons who want her for nefarious reasons. On the way to the wedding, she saves the life of a different Scottish laird's brother and takes him to the monastery where she is staying to get married. She also has four guards, whom we get to know. Her fiance is murdered on his way to the wedding. So, overall, they both had pretty eventful trips to the altar.
I have an idea. Let's NOT travel into a hostile wasteland to get married. We'll just go to Vegas.
One of the villains lies about her and says she is not a virgin, so the wedding crowd immediately calls for her death and start throwing rocks at her. Tough crowd.
She escapes the angry mob and has to marry the injured brother's brother, the laird. But, he's not too thrilled with the arrangement. Until he sees how beautiful she is. Then, he's all:
Fooled her. I'm not wearing pants!>
With his new fiance comes a whole lotta people who want to get to her, so he has to do a bunch of killing before the wedding. Oh, and there is another chick claiming that she's going to marry him. Whatever, girl! If he liked it, he would have already put a ring on it.
There were a few funny moments, and lots of action. The villains were a bit cartoonish, and the treasure thing was pretty lame. But, it was still an enjoyable enough story.
August 20, 2008
In this sequel of sorts to Garwood's Ransom, Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, a daughter of an English Baron, is sent by King John to marry an older highland Laird to keep peace between the borders (??!! more on this later). Two of John's scheming Barons with their nefarious (and ridiculous) schemes get involved and Gabrielle's intended is murdered, she is disgraced as a wanton woman and disinherited and banned from England (this from one woman accusing her of entering a wounded man's bedroom??). She meets up with Laird Brodick Buchanan who is her cousin by marriage, as Brodick is married to Gillian a distant cousin of Gabrielle's father. Accompanying Brodick is the fearsome Laird MacHugh who takes her into protection after her banishment. There is also a big mystery about the search for some missing gold that is all too predictable, I figured where that was at the first mention of.... well I won't be a spoiler but trust me you'll spot that one a mile away.
Sound exciting? No, it's not, it's actually quite awful and I'm having a hard time believing Garwood wrote this. Although her older historicals are not high fiction, the healthy dose of humor she throws in along with the romance usually makes for an entertaining read. Unfortunately, along with an embarrassingly bad plot Garwood forgot to throw in the humor that might have saved a story that's predictable from the first page to the last. Even worse, there is little description of the sights, sounds, clothes, etc. to give the reader a good sense of the time period. I don't think I heard mention of any Scott wearing a kilt until well towards the end of the book, Gabrielle's clothing was only noted by the color of the dress she was wearing, etc. I won't even get started on the way Brodick was ruined -- without the banter between he, Gillian, Ramsey and Ian what was an awesome hero in Ransom is reduced to nothing but mush. We don't even get a glimpse of Gillian, only occasional mentions of her being home and pregnant. And worst of all, there is absolutely no chemistry between our two main protagonists, an absolute death knell for any romance book.
And finally, although I don't expect an historical romance to be historically accurate, I appreciate it when an author makes some effort to have knowledge of the period they're writing in. I wish I'd taken notes, because I'm not able to remember all the boners in this book to recount them here. Examples, and since I'm not a history major anyone may correct me if I'm wrong:
* Gabrielle's native country St Biel (somewhere in Europe where the crusaders passed through), is invaded and occupied by King John !!??? John Lackland who couldn't even hold on to Normandy?
* What is it with the women running around with their long hair flowing loose? No woman in medieval times, especially a noblewoman would be seen in public without a proper head covering.
* Gabrielle's original marriage was to settle the border disputes between England and Scotland. Hellooooo, if I recall correctly John was too busy trying to subdue the Welsh to be bothered with Scotland. And what help does a marriage to a highland Laird have to do with any border wars? The borders are in the lowlands - you'd think a marriage to someone with closer ties to the border would make more political sense.
All in all, this is pretty close to one of the worst books I've ever read - not quite but almost. Boring, predictable and downright silly. Garwood would have done much better by making her sequel to Ransom writing about the Buchanans, Ramsey and Sinclairs and putting those people together into her story. Better yet, put their grown children together into a tightly woven story with that sadly missing dose of humor and she might have had something here. As it is, this is a bad way to spend $18 on a hardback and a serious waste of a tree. If you are dead set on reading it, get it from the library (as I did) or wait for the mass market paperback.
Last complaint - what the heck is with the book cover? The man and woman in the bottom corner are in evening dress and the building with the onion dome looks like something out of the Far East, and certainly not a castle that one would find in Scotland. It's all just stupid, stupid, stupid and doesn't even deserve one star.
Sound exciting? No, it's not, it's actually quite awful and I'm having a hard time believing Garwood wrote this. Although her older historicals are not high fiction, the healthy dose of humor she throws in along with the romance usually makes for an entertaining read. Unfortunately, along with an embarrassingly bad plot Garwood forgot to throw in the humor that might have saved a story that's predictable from the first page to the last. Even worse, there is little description of the sights, sounds, clothes, etc. to give the reader a good sense of the time period. I don't think I heard mention of any Scott wearing a kilt until well towards the end of the book, Gabrielle's clothing was only noted by the color of the dress she was wearing, etc. I won't even get started on the way Brodick was ruined -- without the banter between he, Gillian, Ramsey and Ian what was an awesome hero in Ransom is reduced to nothing but mush. We don't even get a glimpse of Gillian, only occasional mentions of her being home and pregnant. And worst of all, there is absolutely no chemistry between our two main protagonists, an absolute death knell for any romance book.
And finally, although I don't expect an historical romance to be historically accurate, I appreciate it when an author makes some effort to have knowledge of the period they're writing in. I wish I'd taken notes, because I'm not able to remember all the boners in this book to recount them here. Examples, and since I'm not a history major anyone may correct me if I'm wrong:
* Gabrielle's native country St Biel (somewhere in Europe where the crusaders passed through), is invaded and occupied by King John !!??? John Lackland who couldn't even hold on to Normandy?
* What is it with the women running around with their long hair flowing loose? No woman in medieval times, especially a noblewoman would be seen in public without a proper head covering.
* Gabrielle's original marriage was to settle the border disputes between England and Scotland. Hellooooo, if I recall correctly John was too busy trying to subdue the Welsh to be bothered with Scotland. And what help does a marriage to a highland Laird have to do with any border wars? The borders are in the lowlands - you'd think a marriage to someone with closer ties to the border would make more political sense.
All in all, this is pretty close to one of the worst books I've ever read - not quite but almost. Boring, predictable and downright silly. Garwood would have done much better by making her sequel to Ransom writing about the Buchanans, Ramsey and Sinclairs and putting those people together into her story. Better yet, put their grown children together into a tightly woven story with that sadly missing dose of humor and she might have had something here. As it is, this is a bad way to spend $18 on a hardback and a serious waste of a tree. If you are dead set on reading it, get it from the library (as I did) or wait for the mass market paperback.
Last complaint - what the heck is with the book cover? The man and woman in the bottom corner are in evening dress and the building with the onion dome looks like something out of the Far East, and certainly not a castle that one would find in Scotland. It's all just stupid, stupid, stupid and doesn't even deserve one star.
May 19, 2021
For some reason, I had it in my head that this was a contemporary which is why I hadn't read it yet, but it IS an HR, and it is part of the Lairds series (book 1 was about the Maitlands; book 2 was Buchanan with a dash of Sinclair; this one is MacHugh). There was a lot of action and a lot of moving pieces (almost too many to track).
The story was good overall, but it was a massive tease. The main characters didn't even meet until 40% of the way through the book; they didn't do anything more than kiss until 84%; and then I only got ONE sex scene that was pretty half-assed. You did me dirty on this one, JG.
Full RTC
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 2/5
Violence --- nothing overly graphic - some battle scenes; nothing domestic
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
The story was good overall, but it was a massive tease. The main characters didn't even meet until 40% of the way through the book; they didn't do anything more than kiss until 84%; and then I only got ONE sex scene that was pretty half-assed. You did me dirty on this one, JG.
Full RTC
Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 2/5
Violence --- nothing overly graphic - some battle scenes; nothing domestic
Language --- some
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild (nothing descriptive); 2/5 - 3rd base action/1 home run; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere (a couple of full-on steamy scenes); 4/5 - yes please! (erotica territory); 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
March 23, 2019
Reread. Changed rating.
Rating 4.o. It was good but not quite a 5 star as her other books.
Enjoyable read.
Rating 4.o. It was good but not quite a 5 star as her other books.
Enjoyable read.
May 9, 2012
I have to say, while I liked the book, I didn't love it. It was a tad disappointing having just read the other 2 books in this series as well as the 2 books from Laird's Fiancees.
It could have been excellent, but there were too many people to keep track of and surprisingly, the storyline/plot was weak. I didn't get drawn into the Highland world as I did in Garwood's previous books, and did not feel the connection with the characters as I did in the past.
Both the H/H were ... weak, in my opinion.
May 10, 2008
3.5 stars for this one. I actually enjoyed this book for the most part. I think it was because after reading so many negative reviews my expectations were extremely low. So maybe others were disappointed after having high expectations. Yes it is great to see Garwood doing a historical again., but there were missing elements to the story. It was 'likeable' Although Colm and Gabriel as individuals were great, there connection took a long while in the book. The sex was non-existant for 3/4 of the book, but that worked for me as it was a natural progression (however, the sex scene was somewhat disappointing when they finally got to it).
Garwood's writing on the history of the time was some of the most interesting and easily understood that I have read for a while. Sometimes the history in some books gets so convoluted, I tend to get confused and skip it.
There were a few moments in the story that didn't flow well for me. It was a bit sporadic. It seems like you have to read quite a few pages for the story to get going and then you wait some time before the h & h actually meet.
Overall, I liked the book. It was definitely not one of Garwood's best, but, to me, was still better than some of the stuff I have been reading lately. I just think she's is just a little off her 'historical zone.' I'll be eagerly awaiting her next one anyway.
Garwood's writing on the history of the time was some of the most interesting and easily understood that I have read for a while. Sometimes the history in some books gets so convoluted, I tend to get confused and skip it.
There were a few moments in the story that didn't flow well for me. It was a bit sporadic. It seems like you have to read quite a few pages for the story to get going and then you wait some time before the h & h actually meet.
Overall, I liked the book. It was definitely not one of Garwood's best, but, to me, was still better than some of the stuff I have been reading lately. I just think she's is just a little off her 'historical zone.' I'll be eagerly awaiting her next one anyway.
April 5, 2021
This cover is horrible.
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My mission to read all Julie Garwood backlist continues!
Another solid storytelling by the ever precious queen Garwood. It was a bit slower than I expected as the first 20% of the book was mainly staged as this exposition for the treasure of St. Biel. Usually, I might've been bothered by this but I like it as it is.
As for the character development and the couple's chemistry, rather than saying there's lack of them, I think I would pick the other route and say that this book needs to be longer than it is. We barely scratched the surface of what made this couple ticks rather and I would love it better if the we got more time to spend together with this couple.
And as always, the side characters in any JG books are always amazing and this is no different.
----------
My mission to read all Julie Garwood backlist continues!
Another solid storytelling by the ever precious queen Garwood. It was a bit slower than I expected as the first 20% of the book was mainly staged as this exposition for the treasure of St. Biel. Usually, I might've been bothered by this but I like it as it is.
As for the character development and the couple's chemistry, rather than saying there's lack of them, I think I would pick the other route and say that this book needs to be longer than it is. We barely scratched the surface of what made this couple ticks rather and I would love it better if the we got more time to spend together with this couple.
And as always, the side characters in any JG books are always amazing and this is no different.
May 13, 2020
Not as good as her others
This was good but not great. It lacked something but I can't put my finger on it. Broderick was in it so that was a bonus for sure. The h is a Princess and is being sent to Scotland for an advantageous marriage. Everyone wants her and she supposedly knows the secret of where her countries treasure is buried. Of course evil peop!e abound and kidnappings, killings and kings are all afoot. She meets her Laird of course and he is amazing. He is going to marry her to protect her from some evil rumors and the King. It's a good story but there is not much of a romance in my opinion. Yes it was there but there was so much else going on, it was kind of buried. I still love Garwood and I don't remember ever reading this before but I must have because it was already rated. Now I have to go see what the other books in this trilogy were. She is still my favorite historical romance author. I still have never read her suspense novels. I may need to try them. Safe.
This was good but not great. It lacked something but I can't put my finger on it. Broderick was in it so that was a bonus for sure. The h is a Princess and is being sent to Scotland for an advantageous marriage. Everyone wants her and she supposedly knows the secret of where her countries treasure is buried. Of course evil peop!e abound and kidnappings, killings and kings are all afoot. She meets her Laird of course and he is amazing. He is going to marry her to protect her from some evil rumors and the King. It's a good story but there is not much of a romance in my opinion. Yes it was there but there was so much else going on, it was kind of buried. I still love Garwood and I don't remember ever reading this before but I must have because it was already rated. Now I have to go see what the other books in this trilogy were. She is still my favorite historical romance author. I still have never read her suspense novels. I may need to try them. Safe.
December 5, 2022
Η λαίδη Γκάμπριελ, πριγκήπισσα του Σεντ Μπιελ, είναι το ατού του βασιλιά της Αγγλίας, μιας και θα την παντρέψει με έναν από τους πιο ισχυρούς άρχοντες των Χάιλαντς κι έτσι θα αποφύγει έναν πιθανό πόλεμο. Πηγαίνοντας λοιπόν στη Σκωτία για να παντρευτεί, σώζει τη ζωή κάποιου, αφαιρώντας τη ζωή ενός κακοποιού κι αυτό τη φέρνει σε δύσκολη θέση. Όταν ο Κόλμ Μακχιού επισκέπτεται το αβαείο θέλοντας να μάθει περισσότερες πληροφορίες για την κακοποίηση του αδερφού του, βρίσκεται μπροστά στον εξευτελισμό και την την εξορία της Γκάμπριελ. Αποφασίζει λοιπόν να την πάρει μαζί του και υπό την προστασία του. Όμως, κάτι δεν υπολόγισε σωστά...
Τρίτο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς Μυστήρια στα Χάιλαντς της αγαπημένης πλέον Julie Garwood.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο, οι πολιτικές / βασιλικές ίντριγκες είχαν την τιμητική τους, χτίζοντας έτσι την ιστορία, ώστε να γνωρίσουμε καλύτερα τους δυο βασικούς πρωταγωνιστές μας.
Το ρομαντικό στοιχείο ήταν ακριβώς τόσο όσο.... κι αυτό τα λέει όλα για μένα.
Με κίνδυνο να γίνω γλυκανάλατη, θα πω, ότι δύσκολα θα καταφέρει κάποια άλλη συγγραφέας του είδους να βγάλει τη συγκεκριμμένη από την κορυφή των προτιμήσεών μου.
Αυτό βέβαια, δεν σημαίνει ότι θα σταματήσω να διαβάζω βιβλία του είδους... Τουναντίον!
Θα συνεχίσω γιατί τα ρομαντικά εποχής με βγάζουν από τη ρουτίνα μου και με βάζουν σε ένα ρόζ συννεφάκι.
Αν το συννεφάκι περιέχει Χαιλάντερς ή/και κακά αγόρια, ένας ακόμη λόγος να μην αντισταθώ!!!
Τρίτο και τελευταίο βιβλίο της σειράς Μυστήρια στα Χάιλαντς της αγαπημένης πλέον Julie Garwood.
Σε αυτό το βιβλίο, οι πολιτικές / βασιλικές ίντριγκες είχαν την τιμητική τους, χτίζοντας έτσι την ιστορία, ώστε να γνωρίσουμε καλύτερα τους δυο βασικούς πρωταγωνιστές μας.
Το ρομαντικό στοιχείο ήταν ακριβώς τόσο όσο.... κι αυτό τα λέει όλα για μένα.
Με κίνδυνο να γίνω γλυκανάλατη, θα πω, ότι δύσκολα θα καταφέρει κάποια άλλη συγγραφέας του είδους να βγάλει τη συγκεκριμμένη από την κορυφή των προτιμήσεών μου.
Αυτό βέβαια, δεν σημαίνει ότι θα σταματήσω να διαβάζω βιβλία του είδους... Τουναντίον!
Θα συνεχίσω γιατί τα ρομαντικά εποχής με βγάζουν από τη ρουτίνα μου και με βάζουν σε ένα ρόζ συννεφάκι.
Αν το συννεφάκι περιέχει Χαιλάντερς ή/και κακά αγόρια, ένας ακόμη λόγος να μην αντισταθώ!!!
October 27, 2024
The plot of this book is my favorite of the three books in the Highlands Lairds series, but it came up short in the romance department—mostly because the MMC was absent quite a bit and was practically nonverbal when he was present. Still a satisfying read.
April 15, 2025
This was not a good ending to the Highlands' Lairds series.
Colm MacHugh, the MMC, is an arrogant, grumpy, unapologetic, mean and ruthless man. And he doesn't grow on you throughout the book because even though he finally warms up to the MFC at around 60%+ of the book he still acts like an unapproachable person.
Gabrielle, the MFC, is... well she is 😂
Is she brave? Yes
Is she smart? Aha
Is she funny? Nope
Is she friendly? Extremely
Is she strong? Yes and no
Is she loveable? Meh
She was kind of a bland MFC though she had all the qualities to be an exceptional character. But she was meek at times. Submissive most of the times. Clueless more than I would have wanted her to be.
The plot has many loopholes, with a dash of stupidity, in it.
1- Her father is a subject of the court yes but he simply accepts the King's bargaining with his daughter's future as if they are playing chess. The king edicts the father graciously agrees. Neither him nor his daughter have a say in anything.
2- Her guards who are supposed to "guard" her 24/7 sometimes leave her in the most dire of circumstances.
3- A nobody and a monk accuse her of being a whore and the whole of Scotland and part of England immediately believe it and ban her from England, in the name of the King, verbally abuse her, one even so much as punches her in the face.
4- Her father disappears days on end without leaving word and clueless about what is happening to his daughter.
There are too many loopholes to count and I feel disappointed because this book came 8 years after Book 2 and JG had more than enough time to come with an elaborate plot.
In conclusion, this book fell flat. It did not give me all the warm feelings inside. I was just happy Brodick Buchanan popped up a lot in this book.
Only saving grace is Liam 😍, the MMCs brother. He was so gracious and gentle and sweet with Gabrielle that I was literally rooting for them to end up together instead. 😂
📝 ticking another Bingo square
56) "Best of GR Romance between 2006-2010"
Squares Count: 47
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🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃🔴┃69┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃🔴┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃81┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃🔴┃11┃83
Colm MacHugh, the MMC, is an arrogant, grumpy, unapologetic, mean and ruthless man. And he doesn't grow on you throughout the book because even though he finally warms up to the MFC at around 60%+ of the book he still acts like an unapproachable person.
Gabrielle, the MFC, is... well she is 😂
Is she brave? Yes
Is she smart? Aha
Is she funny? Nope
Is she friendly? Extremely
Is she strong? Yes and no
Is she loveable? Meh
She was kind of a bland MFC though she had all the qualities to be an exceptional character. But she was meek at times. Submissive most of the times. Clueless more than I would have wanted her to be.
The plot has many loopholes, with a dash of stupidity, in it.
1- Her father is a subject of the court yes but he simply accepts the King's bargaining with his daughter's future as if they are playing chess. The king edicts the father graciously agrees. Neither him nor his daughter have a say in anything.
2- Her guards who are supposed to "guard" her 24/7 sometimes leave her in the most dire of circumstances.
3- A nobody and a monk accuse her of being a whore and the whole of Scotland and part of England immediately believe it and ban her from England, in the name of the King, verbally abuse her, one even so much as punches her in the face.
4- Her father disappears days on end without leaving word and clueless about what is happening to his daughter.
There are too many loopholes to count and I feel disappointed because this book came 8 years after Book 2 and JG had more than enough time to come with an elaborate plot.
In conclusion, this book fell flat. It did not give me all the warm feelings inside. I was just happy Brodick Buchanan popped up a lot in this book.
Only saving grace is Liam 😍, the MMCs brother. He was so gracious and gentle and sweet with Gabrielle that I was literally rooting for them to end up together instead. 😂
📝 ticking another Bingo square
56) "Best of GR Romance between 2006-2010"
Squares Count: 47
🔴┃🔴┃87┃13┃68┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃76┃44
🔴┃86┃04┃45┃🔴┃98┃50┃🔴┃85┃75
88┃51┃🔴┃02┃🔴┃🔴┃24┃🔴┃82┃01
100┃🔴┃17┃🔴┃43┃49┃64┃🔴┃15┃38
🔴┃🔴┃62┃🔴┃21┃73┃28┃🔴┃90┃77
03┃12┃🔴┃69┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃23┃🔴
18┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃93┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃58
57┃🔴┃16┃🔴┃05┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃81┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃79┃🔴┃53┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃89┃🔴
🔴┃19┃🔴┃66┃55┃27┃20┃🔴┃11┃83
December 26, 2021
Have really enjoyed this series.
December 17, 2018
JG never disappoints! Even if not as focused on the romance as usual for JG, I still loved it and devoured it in almost one sitting!
December 9, 2017
Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel travels to Scotland with her guard to marry a highlander. King John has arranged Gabrielle's marriage in hopes it will facilitate peace in the Highlands. As Gabrielle and her party cut through the woods, they stumble upon a badly beaten man who is about to be buried alive. Gabrielle stops the whole process with her bow, saving the man's life.
This is the third book in Julie Garwood's Highland Lairds series. As with the previous books in the series, the hero is the Laird of his clan. Colm MacHugh is a giant of a man who first sees Gabrielle when she is being accused of being a harlot. He doesn't know what to make of her but knows that she is innocent of the claims. Gabrielle is sweet. Everyone loves her. She has a stubborn streak and a mind of her own. She knows that two of King John's Barons are behind the lies but doesn't know how to prove it.
Overall, this was a quick read that doesn't take itself too seriously. The villains are laughable. The story of the lost treasure is easy to figure out. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This is the third book in Julie Garwood's Highland Lairds series. As with the previous books in the series, the hero is the Laird of his clan. Colm MacHugh is a giant of a man who first sees Gabrielle when she is being accused of being a harlot. He doesn't know what to make of her but knows that she is innocent of the claims. Gabrielle is sweet. Everyone loves her. She has a stubborn streak and a mind of her own. She knows that two of King John's Barons are behind the lies but doesn't know how to prove it.
Overall, this was a quick read that doesn't take itself too seriously. The villains are laughable. The story of the lost treasure is easy to figure out. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
February 8, 2022
Sólo le doy 2.5 estrellas porque la historia se ha centrado casi más en las disputas entre ingleses y higlanders y clanes de higlanders que en la historia de amor. De hecho ha tardado un 50% en entrar en materia la cosa, al principio ni sabía quien iba a ser el protagonista masculino.
En ocasiones se me ha hecho un poco pesado en cuanto a narración e historia.
No es d los mejores d la autora.
En ocasiones se me ha hecho un poco pesado en cuanto a narración e historia.
No es d los mejores d la autora.
November 18, 2017
Julie, kitabı serinin diğerlerinde olduğu gibi biraz daha uzun yazıp karakterlerin arasındaki ilişkiye de değinseymiş keşke. Çünkü o kadar çok olay vardı ki bunlardan Colm ve Gabrielle’ye vakit kalmamıştı kitabın içinde. Aralarındaki aşkı hissedemeyeceğim kadar hızlı gelişti ilişkileri maalesef.
“Colm ona altı ay verdin.”
Colm uysal bir şekilde yanıt verdi: “Gabrielle’nin istediği buysa razı olurum.”
Brodick ve Liam güldü.
“Bu kadar uzun dayanabileceğini mi sanıyorsun? Neredeyse benim karım kadar güzel,” dedi Brodick.
“Elbette bekleyebilirim. Ben sizden daha disiplinliyim.” Colm şatoya geri döndü. Liam ve Brodick gidişini izledi.
“Ne düşünüyorsun?” diye sordu Brodick.
“Kardeşim iradeli ve disiplinlidir. Ona fikrini değiştirmesi için bir gece veriyorum.”
“Ben bir saat veriyorum.”
August 25, 2025
REVIEW
Rating: 2.5/5
POV: 3rd; Dual
Tropes: HR - Medieval; Marriage of Convenience; Class Difference (sort of); Virgin FMC
Heat Level: .5/5
Kinks: N/A
Likes:
* I liked the FMC and I liked her guards. If I could rewrite the story I would make her end up with one of her guards, lol.
Dislikes:
* The MC's don't even meet until after 40%. The first 40% was just nonsense!
* The overall story is so slow. It literally lacked any romance
Conclusion:
Well I never thought I'd type this for a JG book but I'm disappointed. This was not her typical writing at all. She didn't have the MC's even actually meet one another until right after 40%. That's absurd for a romance. The first 40% was literal trash. Just a bunch of crap that didn't even make sense (I mean it did but I'm mad lol). The MMC was nothing special. He was her typical gruff medieval laird with a witty good looking younger brother but this time around the MMC just wasn't romance at all. Not one romantic bone in his body. JG usually at least writes her MMC's to have a special place in their cold dark hearts for the FMC.. but not this time around.
Honestly, all i've done is bitch in this review and I still am giving it 2.5 (rounded down) because it's JG and I love her. I guess I will allow an author to have one bad book out of their many good haha.
2.5/5
Rating: 2.5/5
POV: 3rd; Dual
Tropes: HR - Medieval; Marriage of Convenience; Class Difference (sort of); Virgin FMC
Heat Level: .5/5
Kinks: N/A
Likes:
* I liked the FMC and I liked her guards. If I could rewrite the story I would make her end up with one of her guards, lol.
Dislikes:
* The MC's don't even meet until after 40%. The first 40% was just nonsense!
* The overall story is so slow. It literally lacked any romance
Conclusion:
Well I never thought I'd type this for a JG book but I'm disappointed. This was not her typical writing at all. She didn't have the MC's even actually meet one another until right after 40%. That's absurd for a romance. The first 40% was literal trash. Just a bunch of crap that didn't even make sense (I mean it did but I'm mad lol). The MMC was nothing special. He was her typical gruff medieval laird with a witty good looking younger brother but this time around the MMC just wasn't romance at all. Not one romantic bone in his body. JG usually at least writes her MMC's to have a special place in their cold dark hearts for the FMC.. but not this time around.
Honestly, all i've done is bitch in this review and I still am giving it 2.5 (rounded down) because it's JG and I love her. I guess I will allow an author to have one bad book out of their many good haha.
2.5/5
October 22, 2010
After going through an extensive paranormal book reading fest, I felt it was time to dive into something different, and I decided on a historical fiction novel by Julie Garwood. I’ve enjoyed a few of her books in the past and have found her light and somewhat mischievous writing is the perfect antidote to a brain that has been on vamp!re cr@ck for months.
Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in this novel and surprised at how far she veered from her normally formulaic and predictable plots and enjoyable characters. Now don’t get me wrong, for some writers taking a chance is a good thing and much needed in some cases, but when you have a well known historical writer that’s expected to deliver witty, fun, well blended characters with a ton of chemistry getting something on the opposite side of the spectrum is quite the disappointment from any angle.
Shadow Music tipped the scale in historical fiction, so I got what I was looking for there, but the majority of the novel was focused on intrigue, deceit and political strife, leaving behind the opportunity to develop the main characters where you’re hoping to get some chemistry, romance and light hearted conversation. Gabrielle and Colm very rarely interact or engage in any meaningful conversations, which I’m used to getting from Garwood. So with the lack of chemistry between these two characters, when the love story is sloppily plugged in at the final hour, I had no interest in reading it because it didn’t feel credible to me.
What bothered me the most was the focus on St. Biel. Okay, really? I went to Catholic School for a pittily twelve years and when I first read that, I asked myself “St. Biel?? There’s no St. Biel!” :/ So how am I supposed to accept the fact that this King named his land after a saint that never existed to protect his people; and the holy crusaders nor the Church, including the Pope would not know there was never a St. Biel? The plot was immediately placed on a square table with only three legs to stand on. S.L.O.P.P.Y!
I was surprised at the amount of characters Garwood infused in this book, most of whom I didn’t care one bit about. It’s always interesting to read about the feuds that occur between the low and highlanders, but I don’t think it was necessary to include everyone and their laird. Pick a couple of clans and go with it and leave the rest of Scotland alone.
Although this book is interesting to some minimal degree, I don’t feel it’s representative of the magic Garwood is capable of. If you’re slightly versed in the holy crusades, the plot will fall apart for you at the starting gate; and if you have an ounce of problem solving ability, you’ll figure out in a few short chapters the secret of St. Biel and the myth of the hidden treasure, thus making it a long journey to the finish line.
Unfortunately, I was quite disappointed in this novel and surprised at how far she veered from her normally formulaic and predictable plots and enjoyable characters. Now don’t get me wrong, for some writers taking a chance is a good thing and much needed in some cases, but when you have a well known historical writer that’s expected to deliver witty, fun, well blended characters with a ton of chemistry getting something on the opposite side of the spectrum is quite the disappointment from any angle.
Shadow Music tipped the scale in historical fiction, so I got what I was looking for there, but the majority of the novel was focused on intrigue, deceit and political strife, leaving behind the opportunity to develop the main characters where you’re hoping to get some chemistry, romance and light hearted conversation. Gabrielle and Colm very rarely interact or engage in any meaningful conversations, which I’m used to getting from Garwood. So with the lack of chemistry between these two characters, when the love story is sloppily plugged in at the final hour, I had no interest in reading it because it didn’t feel credible to me.
What bothered me the most was the focus on St. Biel. Okay, really? I went to Catholic School for a pittily twelve years and when I first read that, I asked myself “St. Biel?? There’s no St. Biel!” :/ So how am I supposed to accept the fact that this King named his land after a saint that never existed to protect his people; and the holy crusaders nor the Church, including the Pope would not know there was never a St. Biel? The plot was immediately placed on a square table with only three legs to stand on. S.L.O.P.P.Y!
I was surprised at the amount of characters Garwood infused in this book, most of whom I didn’t care one bit about. It’s always interesting to read about the feuds that occur between the low and highlanders, but I don’t think it was necessary to include everyone and their laird. Pick a couple of clans and go with it and leave the rest of Scotland alone.
Although this book is interesting to some minimal degree, I don’t feel it’s representative of the magic Garwood is capable of. If you’re slightly versed in the holy crusades, the plot will fall apart for you at the starting gate; and if you have an ounce of problem solving ability, you’ll figure out in a few short chapters the secret of St. Biel and the myth of the hidden treasure, thus making it a long journey to the finish line.
August 15, 2015
Welcome to The Book Geek's monthly feature, affectionately called The Genre Spotlight. It's where we explore and choose one of the myriad genres. We'll showcase it by having each Book Geek read and review at least one, but possibly a few books belonging to that month's chosen genre.Recently I read a western fiction book that I thought for sure would have me feeling all kinds of nostalgic but was disappointed; it turns out all I needed was a quick trip back with one of my long-ago favorite authors. It’s pretty funny actually because my mom got me first romance book and I know she had no idea what she was setting me up to read, LOOOL. Oh, man, I still chuckle about it. I was 13 and had always read Dean Koonzt and Archie Comics before that, but she read the synopsis for a Julie Garwood book called For the Roses and I was hooked.
We're hoping to expand our reading horizons to genre’s we haven’t or have barely read, and, hopefully, usher in gems our lives have been missing out on.
For sizzling August, our spotlight is on Romance.
I would troll the romance section in bookstores and try to find ones that fit my wants and getting progressively more into the PNR side of things (then I picked up Blood Fever and was forever changed). Though my tastes, and love of feminism, have evolved to the point where I deliberately choose not to read contemporary romance anymore I’m happy the new feature brought me back.
Sure, I didn’t love the story, because the slut-shaming, alpha-male, damaging masculinity, helplessness, and overall nonsense of the story just isn’t my thing anymore, but I do love how Garwood can still make me read it in a day. She is a great storyteller. I thought I had read nearly all of her books when we decided to spotlight romance this month, but then I searched and found out that she is a machine at putting out books! I mean, holy crap, for real! She may have a million or so books out there but still peppered in old names in this story and it totally brought me back.
I loved that. I loved thinking about the person I was back when I was devouring her books. It took my mom years of convincing before she would stop sending me a new Garwood book every time it was released, LOL.
My mom rocks.
If you love contemporary romance and haven’t tried a Julie Garwood please do so, you won’t be sorry!
As for me? I think I need to go call my mom and make myself some comfort food.
March 9, 2008
When I closed this book, I asked myself "What the hell did I just read?"
I have not enjoyed Julie Garwood's foray into contemporary romantic suspense. Not at all. So when I saw that she was not only returning to her historical romance roots but also to her favored setting in Scotland, I was thrilled.
This was the same woman who has written The Bride and The Secret and so many other funny, warm, poignant romances with great alpha heroes and quirky fun heroines. I have read and re-read all of her early paperbacks from the 80s and 90s. She's on keeper shelf.
SO I settled down to get into this book. The beginning starts just fine and I am thrilled. But then something crazy happens. The characters seem like lifeless retreads of some of her previous characters. The plot, likewise, is a meandering mess that tries to recall the glories of The Bride and The Secret and fails miserably.
The villains are pathetic and laughable (and they were not intended to be) and truthfully, you never really understand why anyone does what they do.
I seriously skipped whole passages, thinking...wait...it has got to get better. Right? It never did. She includes a spate of secondary characters that are obvious attempts to add color and texture, something I am usually very grateful for. But these too fall flat. Nothing about this book worked for me on any level.
And can someone please tell me why the heck this book is entitled Shadow Music? The plot, the characters nothing alludes to this. Yeah, at the end of one chapter deep into the book while a bad guy is about to get killed he sees his killer's shadow and then hears the 'music' of a sword being drawn from a scabbard. That's it. That is all there is that has even the most distant connection to the title. I kept wondering as I was reading what the title referred to. Things like this just piss me off.
If this were the first Garwood book I'd ever read, I'd've simply dismissed it as a generic piece of romance fluff and I would not have bothered to look the author up again. But I know what this author is capable of and I am severely disappointed because I know she can write better than this.
I have not enjoyed Julie Garwood's foray into contemporary romantic suspense. Not at all. So when I saw that she was not only returning to her historical romance roots but also to her favored setting in Scotland, I was thrilled.
This was the same woman who has written The Bride and The Secret and so many other funny, warm, poignant romances with great alpha heroes and quirky fun heroines. I have read and re-read all of her early paperbacks from the 80s and 90s. She's on keeper shelf.
SO I settled down to get into this book. The beginning starts just fine and I am thrilled. But then something crazy happens. The characters seem like lifeless retreads of some of her previous characters. The plot, likewise, is a meandering mess that tries to recall the glories of The Bride and The Secret and fails miserably.
The villains are pathetic and laughable (and they were not intended to be) and truthfully, you never really understand why anyone does what they do.
I seriously skipped whole passages, thinking...wait...it has got to get better. Right? It never did. She includes a spate of secondary characters that are obvious attempts to add color and texture, something I am usually very grateful for. But these too fall flat. Nothing about this book worked for me on any level.
And can someone please tell me why the heck this book is entitled Shadow Music? The plot, the characters nothing alludes to this. Yeah, at the end of one chapter deep into the book while a bad guy is about to get killed he sees his killer's shadow and then hears the 'music' of a sword being drawn from a scabbard. That's it. That is all there is that has even the most distant connection to the title. I kept wondering as I was reading what the title referred to. Things like this just piss me off.
If this were the first Garwood book I'd ever read, I'd've simply dismissed it as a generic piece of romance fluff and I would not have bothered to look the author up again. But I know what this author is capable of and I am severely disappointed because I know she can write better than this.
January 3, 2022
NOTE: This is a reread.
This is book follows Gabrielle, an English princess who was supposed to marry a Highland laird as some sort of a bargaining chip arranged by the English king to ensure peace between the two countries. As she was about to get married, her betrothed was murdered. This puts Gabrielle in a dangerous position as there are two dastardly English lords fighting to have her, or more accurately her riches. Colm, a much feared Highland laird and the hero of story, happens to be in the area dealing with his issues. Honor bound to protect Gabrielle, Colm whisks her to his land deep in the Highlands and the rest is history.
This is my least favorite of the series but I still love it. It seems Julie Garwood has a template in terms of characterization for her hero and heroine, at least when it comes to this series, but I still gobble it all up. The relationship was really cute and I love how Gabrielle found a new family and home with Colm and his clan. There is also the mystery of the gold of St. Biel which I found intriguing.
This entire series is really fun and heartwarming and it will always be one of my favorites. Each of the books in this series can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading it consecutively as characters from other books in the series make an appearance.
This is book follows Gabrielle, an English princess who was supposed to marry a Highland laird as some sort of a bargaining chip arranged by the English king to ensure peace between the two countries. As she was about to get married, her betrothed was murdered. This puts Gabrielle in a dangerous position as there are two dastardly English lords fighting to have her, or more accurately her riches. Colm, a much feared Highland laird and the hero of story, happens to be in the area dealing with his issues. Honor bound to protect Gabrielle, Colm whisks her to his land deep in the Highlands and the rest is history.
This is my least favorite of the series but I still love it. It seems Julie Garwood has a template in terms of characterization for her hero and heroine, at least when it comes to this series, but I still gobble it all up. The relationship was really cute and I love how Gabrielle found a new family and home with Colm and his clan. There is also the mystery of the gold of St. Biel which I found intriguing.
This entire series is really fun and heartwarming and it will always be one of my favorites. Each of the books in this series can be read as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading it consecutively as characters from other books in the series make an appearance.
March 6, 2021
#retorita5 #ritagarwood
#Lamusicadelassombras
Pues tenía este libro y esta serie anotada para leer desde hace mucho tiempo y una vez más gracias al Reto, he aprovechado y matado dos pájaros de un tiro.
Me gusta como escribe mucho la autora, la historia me ha parecido bastante entretenida y que el protagonista sea un guerrero de las highlands hace que me guste mucho más.
Se me hecho corta la historia.
Al principio cuando empecé a leer, pensé que no me iba a gustar pero a medida que iba leyendo me ha sorprendido para bien.
También me he llevado una grata sorpresa con los protagonistas que me han gustado bastante y los personajes secundarios también.
Espero retomar los demás libros de esta serie.
#Lamusicadelassombras
Pues tenía este libro y esta serie anotada para leer desde hace mucho tiempo y una vez más gracias al Reto, he aprovechado y matado dos pájaros de un tiro.
Me gusta como escribe mucho la autora, la historia me ha parecido bastante entretenida y que el protagonista sea un guerrero de las highlands hace que me guste mucho más.
Se me hecho corta la historia.
Al principio cuando empecé a leer, pensé que no me iba a gustar pero a medida que iba leyendo me ha sorprendido para bien.
También me he llevado una grata sorpresa con los protagonistas que me han gustado bastante y los personajes secundarios también.
Espero retomar los demás libros de esta serie.
December 5, 2021
3.5 stars
Very good read but i wanted more focus on the MC'S, there was alot of characters and side plots , the marriage didn't happen till the 3rd part of the book ( which I didn't like)
Loved Brodick's appearance i wish Gillian appeared too 😐
In general i liked it
Very good read but i wanted more focus on the MC'S, there was alot of characters and side plots , the marriage didn't happen till the 3rd part of the book ( which I didn't like)
Loved Brodick's appearance i wish Gillian appeared too 😐
In general i liked it
January 16, 2023
3.5/5* buddy reading με τις αγαπημένες Μαριλένα και Γκέο
September 11, 2016
This read more like an adventure than a romance. I still enjoyed it.
March 24, 2018
This definitely is not remotely as good as either of the first two books.
Here are some of my thoughts:
• Gabrielle is not a bad character. She is a bit annoying at times, but I don’t hate her. She is definitely more passive and less remarkable than the heroines from the 1st 2 books. I know I shouldn’t compare but it is really hard not to when both heroines set the bar so fuckin’ high. I really was hoping I would love the heroine as well.
• And I also don’t hate or dislike Colm. He is cool, but he does tend to say so little and makes it more confusing than it has to be. Definitely pales in comparison to the other heroes as well.
• I love seeing Brodick again. I am disappointed that we did not get to see his wife or any other notable crossover.
• Gabrielle’s father is sweet and considerate of his daughter. I love it.
• The Uncle Morgan and Buchanans reference aww.
• I did not see that coming with the gold mystery.
• I love Gabrielle’s guards. They’re so loyal and supportive. I am almost weepy when they have to leave to live their own life.
• Father Gelroy is hilarious. I am glad he gets his chapel.
• The first 40% has felt so uneventful. So many descriptions, so many dialogue – from the villains’ perspective and others’ that ultimately make the plot feel too slow. I mean, honestly, Gabrielle and Colm do not even meet/interact until around this point.
I am giving this 2.5 stars. It is not bad, not great.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
Here are some of my thoughts:
• Gabrielle is not a bad character. She is a bit annoying at times, but I don’t hate her. She is definitely more passive and less remarkable than the heroines from the 1st 2 books. I know I shouldn’t compare but it is really hard not to when both heroines set the bar so fuckin’ high. I really was hoping I would love the heroine as well.
• And I also don’t hate or dislike Colm. He is cool, but he does tend to say so little and makes it more confusing than it has to be. Definitely pales in comparison to the other heroes as well.
• I love seeing Brodick again. I am disappointed that we did not get to see his wife or any other notable crossover.
• Gabrielle’s father is sweet and considerate of his daughter. I love it.
• The Uncle Morgan and Buchanans reference aww.
• I did not see that coming with the gold mystery.
• I love Gabrielle’s guards. They’re so loyal and supportive. I am almost weepy when they have to leave to live their own life.
• Father Gelroy is hilarious. I am glad he gets his chapel.
• The first 40% has felt so uneventful. So many descriptions, so many dialogue – from the villains’ perspective and others’ that ultimately make the plot feel too slow. I mean, honestly, Gabrielle and Colm do not even meet/interact until around this point.
I am giving this 2.5 stars. It is not bad, not great.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
July 21, 2018
There is nothing like an Old School Julie Garwood when you are in the mood for a historical comfort read.
August 4, 2023
It did not hold my attention ... maybe I will give it another go in the future.
January 9, 2015
Looking back on this review 6 years later, this must have been one of my first reviews because...SPOILERS AHOY! But it's been so long I dont' know what to cut out. So be warned. SPOILERS.
I picked up Shadow Music because I'd recently read The Bride and loved it. I figured I'd like this one too (plus, the cover was safe, no half nekkid people in a scandalous embrace on it). This was a great story. I think I have a soft spot for Highlanders, or maybe forced marriages, or ladies whose reputations have been ruined for no good reason. I'm seeing a pattern in all the Romance stories I've liked so far.
Gabrielle's mother was a princess from St. Biel, and her father was an English Baron. St. Biel had a curious history; there was a story of lost gold, but no one knew if it was true.
Gabrielle was a beautiful young woman, and to keep peace between England and Scotland, her king, John, had promised her to an older Laird of a Highland clan. Her dowry was to be a piece of land in Scotland that belonged to the king, but many clansman coveted this piece of land. As Gabrielle arrived at the Abbey where she was to be wed, she came upon a group of men preparing to murder another and ambush his kinsmen. Under cover of woods, she shot and killed the main attacker (with a bow and arrow!) and his co-conspirators ran. She rushed out and brought the injured man to the Abbey to be nursed back to health, but did not want anyone to know as she was not aware of the parties involved and didn't want to accidentally end up in the middle of a clan war. While at the Abbey her betrothed was murdered. There were two English Barons who had been fighting to marry her before the King gave her away and they each saw this as an opportunity marry her; however things went awry and Gabrielle was accused of being a whore and banished from England. The Baron's plan was to kidnap her while she had no protection, however, Gabrielle's cousin by marriage was there and knew the accusations were false. He convinced his friend, Laird Colm MacHugh to take Gabrielle under his protection and marry her. MacHugh did not want to do it but owed his friend a debt (favor, not money) and took her. He told her they would marry in 6 months so no one would wonder if any children were his. Of course he is very Alpha and expects her to follow his orders and she replies with "as you wish" and does whatever she wants. Oh, and the man whose life she saved turned out to be Colm's brother.
There are many trials they must face, but they do fall in love. The king finds out about Gabrielle's banishment and the lies surrounding it and has new plans for Gabrielle. He sends a messenger to apologize and offer her the land back but she knows it's a trick. She quickly (and secretly) marries Colm and is therefore free of her obligation to follow the king's orders. But one of the Barons is not done with her, he wants the rumored gold and he knows Gabrielle knows where it is! So he kidnaps her! Of course, Gabrielle outsmarts him and gets a message to her husand who comes to save her.
This was a really good book to read but hard to write about, there were so many twists and turns, it really kept my attention. I really liked the characters and rooted for them through the whole book. If Ms. Garwood's books all have such terrific characters and sexy Highlanders to boot, I think she has a new fan!
I'm not sure about the title of the book, I don't know what it had to do with the story. It might be the sound Colm's sword makes before it strikes down his enemies.
I picked up Shadow Music because I'd recently read The Bride and loved it. I figured I'd like this one too (plus, the cover was safe, no half nekkid people in a scandalous embrace on it). This was a great story. I think I have a soft spot for Highlanders, or maybe forced marriages, or ladies whose reputations have been ruined for no good reason. I'm seeing a pattern in all the Romance stories I've liked so far.
Gabrielle's mother was a princess from St. Biel, and her father was an English Baron. St. Biel had a curious history; there was a story of lost gold, but no one knew if it was true.
Gabrielle was a beautiful young woman, and to keep peace between England and Scotland, her king, John, had promised her to an older Laird of a Highland clan. Her dowry was to be a piece of land in Scotland that belonged to the king, but many clansman coveted this piece of land. As Gabrielle arrived at the Abbey where she was to be wed, she came upon a group of men preparing to murder another and ambush his kinsmen. Under cover of woods, she shot and killed the main attacker (with a bow and arrow!) and his co-conspirators ran. She rushed out and brought the injured man to the Abbey to be nursed back to health, but did not want anyone to know as she was not aware of the parties involved and didn't want to accidentally end up in the middle of a clan war. While at the Abbey her betrothed was murdered. There were two English Barons who had been fighting to marry her before the King gave her away and they each saw this as an opportunity marry her; however things went awry and Gabrielle was accused of being a whore and banished from England. The Baron's plan was to kidnap her while she had no protection, however, Gabrielle's cousin by marriage was there and knew the accusations were false. He convinced his friend, Laird Colm MacHugh to take Gabrielle under his protection and marry her. MacHugh did not want to do it but owed his friend a debt (favor, not money) and took her. He told her they would marry in 6 months so no one would wonder if any children were his. Of course he is very Alpha and expects her to follow his orders and she replies with "as you wish" and does whatever she wants. Oh, and the man whose life she saved turned out to be Colm's brother.
There are many trials they must face, but they do fall in love. The king finds out about Gabrielle's banishment and the lies surrounding it and has new plans for Gabrielle. He sends a messenger to apologize and offer her the land back but she knows it's a trick. She quickly (and secretly) marries Colm and is therefore free of her obligation to follow the king's orders. But one of the Barons is not done with her, he wants the rumored gold and he knows Gabrielle knows where it is! So he kidnaps her! Of course, Gabrielle outsmarts him and gets a message to her husand who comes to save her.
This was a really good book to read but hard to write about, there were so many twists and turns, it really kept my attention. I really liked the characters and rooted for them through the whole book. If Ms. Garwood's books all have such terrific characters and sexy Highlanders to boot, I think she has a new fan!
I'm not sure about the title of the book, I don't know what it had to do with the story. It might be the sound Colm's sword makes before it strikes down his enemies.
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