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The Mackintoshes and McLarens #2
The Bowie Bride
Alec Bowie never wanted a wife. He never wanted a hearth and home. And he most assuredly never wanted to be chief of his clan. But much to his vexation, he finds himself in possession of all three. His desire for peace and to protect his clan are stronger than his desire to remain free and untethered. He agrees to the marriage in the hopes his wife will bed him only long enough get with child then leave him the bloody hell alone.Leona MacDowall -- or Leona ‘Odd Eyes’, Leona the Witch, or Leona ‘The Devil’s Spawn’ depending on to whom you speak -- is all too happy to volunteer to marry the Bowie Chief. Though the clan Bowie's reputation as murderers and thieves precedes them, she believes life with Alec more palatable than living the rest of her life untouched, unmarried, and under the hateful rule of her spiteful father. But nothing turns out the way they expect. Alec doesn't know if he can keep to his original plan of leaving his wife alone after he gets her with child. Leona is beginning to suspect she might not get the happy home she's always wanted. And worst of all, someone's set on murdering Leona — and might just succeed before anyone's dreams can come true.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2017
556 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Suzan Tisdale
88 books663 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, SUZAN TISDALE lives in the Midwest with her verra handsome carpenter husband. All but one of her children have left the nest. Her pets consist of dust bunnies and a dozen poodle-sized, backyard-dwelling groundhogs – all of which run as free and unrestrained as the voices in her head. And she doesn’t own a single pair of yoga pants, much to the shock and horror of her fellow authors. She prefers to write in her pajamas.
Suzan writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways.
She published her first novel, Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011, as a gift for her mother. That one book started a journey which has led to more than twenty published titles. To date, she has sold more than 750,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.
Suzan writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways.
She published her first novel, Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011, as a gift for her mother. That one book started a journey which has led to more than twenty published titles. To date, she has sold more than 750,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into Italian, French, German, and Spanish.
You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
April 24, 2017
Gosh, I love Ms. Tisdale's writing style. She can tell a Scottish tale like no other! While this specific story doesn't stand out in any unique way, it is still a pure joy to escape to!
October 13, 2017
4 Stars
Reading "The Bowie Bride" reminds me of the old Julie Garwood books, like the sweet historical romance where the heroine warms the warrior hero's feet. "The Bowie's Bride" was sweet with maybe a bit too much self-awareness yet still an affective highland romantic getaway. It can be read as a stand-alone. (I've yet to read Ian's Rose.)
Reading "The Bowie Bride" reminds me of the old Julie Garwood books, like the sweet historical romance where the heroine warms the warrior hero's feet. "The Bowie's Bride" was sweet with maybe a bit too much self-awareness yet still an affective highland romantic getaway. It can be read as a stand-alone. (I've yet to read Ian's Rose.)
April 18, 2017
This was a great read. I love when a book is able to take me back to a different time. A time when things seem so much simpler than today. Susan wrote a story that will touch readers hearts with the love shown between the characters. A wonderful read.
I volunteered to read/review this book because I love historical romance.
I volunteered to read/review this book because I love historical romance.
May 8, 2018
I gave the first book in this series, Ian’s Rose, 5 stars. This one was even better! I laughed out loud. I cried! Great series!
April 29, 2017
I love suzan Tisdale's books. She knows just how to draw you into a bad ok and keep you turning the pages to see where the story goes. She writes great complex characters and very witty dialogue. The secondary characters are loveable as the main characters.
Alec Bowie wants nothing but peace for his clan and he's convinced that he needs to marry to form an alliance with the Mackintoshesmand McLarens. Leona Macdowall thought to be a witch with strange eyes volunteers to wed the Bowie. Never thinking it happen but always dreamed of marriage and children of her own sees this as her only hope. They strike up a bargain of trust and mutual respect but never a love match. They begin their life together but bargains are hard to stand behind when you start to have feelings for each other.
There are twists and turns that I did not see happening. You will laugh and cry and at times want to smack Alec Bowie for being so bullheaded. The only thing that I found fault with the book was it was a bit slow in the middle but once passed that I could not put it down.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Alec Bowie wants nothing but peace for his clan and he's convinced that he needs to marry to form an alliance with the Mackintoshesmand McLarens. Leona Macdowall thought to be a witch with strange eyes volunteers to wed the Bowie. Never thinking it happen but always dreamed of marriage and children of her own sees this as her only hope. They strike up a bargain of trust and mutual respect but never a love match. They begin their life together but bargains are hard to stand behind when you start to have feelings for each other.
There are twists and turns that I did not see happening. You will laugh and cry and at times want to smack Alec Bowie for being so bullheaded. The only thing that I found fault with the book was it was a bit slow in the middle but once passed that I could not put it down.
I can't wait to read the next book.
April 21, 2017
Stubborn hearts!
If you're as much a fan of Suzan Tisdale as I am, you have to read this one! If you've not read anything by Suzan, you have to read this one! In other words, you can't miss reading this one. One stubborn Scot from a clan known only as reivers and thieves; to a woman whose different colored eyes has her unloved and abused by her father and known as a witch to their clan, this journey includes murder, lies and a villain you didn't see coming and the coming together of two hearts that badly need each other. Do not miss this one!
If you're as much a fan of Suzan Tisdale as I am, you have to read this one! If you've not read anything by Suzan, you have to read this one! In other words, you can't miss reading this one. One stubborn Scot from a clan known only as reivers and thieves; to a woman whose different colored eyes has her unloved and abused by her father and known as a witch to their clan, this journey includes murder, lies and a villain you didn't see coming and the coming together of two hearts that badly need each other. Do not miss this one!
April 21, 2017
Five stars
Suzan Tisdale is one of my favorite author's and does not disappoint with this book. It is well plotted with lots of twists and turns. The story is intriguing and kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime. Suzan's characters are so well developed that even the secondary characters take root in your heart causing you to cry when misfortune comes their way. The only problem with this author is she writes too slowly. I WANT THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!
Suzan Tisdale is one of my favorite author's and does not disappoint with this book. It is well plotted with lots of twists and turns. The story is intriguing and kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime. Suzan's characters are so well developed that even the secondary characters take root in your heart causing you to cry when misfortune comes their way. The only problem with this author is she writes too slowly. I WANT THE NEXT BOOK NOW!!!
April 20, 2017
Suzan you must have really enjoyed writing this book it is Brilliant, you had me in tears a laughing. I loved Gylys and Kyth. I liked the way you built Leona and Alex's relationship. I loved the way you had them up and down liked the bit of sex in there, then you dropped us like a hot cake very clever you really bought on the tears but didn't let me down with the ending. Loved the book.
April 22, 2017
Wonderful
Suzan never fails in storytelling! This book draws you in and you never want to stop reading! It was great!
Suzan never fails in storytelling! This book draws you in and you never want to stop reading! It was great!
May 20, 2017
I truly loved The Bowie Bride. Alec Bowie and Leona MacDowall's story is exceptional. This is not only a love story because there is intrigue and suspense as well. I was thankful for that because it kept me at the edge of my seat while cheering the hero and heroine on.
Alec, never wanted a wife at all. His past has brought him to that decision. He never wanted to be Clan Chief and now he is. He finds himself agreeing to an alliance marriage with the Mackintosh/MacLaren Clan. Any woman at this point will do for Alec, the key will be who will want to willing be a Bowie. His clan has had a terrible reputation. All he needs is to wed her, bed her and obtain an heir...then he can be left alone.
Leona MacDowall has been the woman her clan has always talked about... up until she became the Laird's wife's friend and it was discovered she was also her cousin. Prior to that she was called "Odd Eyes" and some gossipped she was a witch and a bit strange in the head. As she listens to her Laird's request for a lass to voluntarily wed The Bowie...she makes a decision that hopefully will change her life for possibly a wee bit better than the one she has had. She remembers Alec, he kept his word in helping her before.
These two have difficult past. Pasts that have made them the way they are. This is a new journey for both of them...that is hard enough, but add evil that lurks around and you are in for one heck of a ride.
There was humor, suspense, intrigue and love. I look forward to reading Brogan's Promise soon.
Great job Ms. Tisdale!
Alec, never wanted a wife at all. His past has brought him to that decision. He never wanted to be Clan Chief and now he is. He finds himself agreeing to an alliance marriage with the Mackintosh/MacLaren Clan. Any woman at this point will do for Alec, the key will be who will want to willing be a Bowie. His clan has had a terrible reputation. All he needs is to wed her, bed her and obtain an heir...then he can be left alone.
Leona MacDowall has been the woman her clan has always talked about... up until she became the Laird's wife's friend and it was discovered she was also her cousin. Prior to that she was called "Odd Eyes" and some gossipped she was a witch and a bit strange in the head. As she listens to her Laird's request for a lass to voluntarily wed The Bowie...she makes a decision that hopefully will change her life for possibly a wee bit better than the one she has had. She remembers Alec, he kept his word in helping her before.
These two have difficult past. Pasts that have made them the way they are. This is a new journey for both of them...that is hard enough, but add evil that lurks around and you are in for one heck of a ride.
There was humor, suspense, intrigue and love. I look forward to reading Brogan's Promise soon.
Great job Ms. Tisdale!
June 28, 2021
Is Alec strong enough to fall in love??
Loved watching the gruff Alec Bowie fall in love with Leona. She had so much love to give after a lifetime of abuse; he didn’t know it, but giving his heart to Leona did not make him weak, it proved how strong he was.
The chemistry in the story was perfect. I loved the banter between the Bowie clansmen. There had to be a villain and I was a little shocked at the outcome of who it was, along with the history behind the hate.
Overall, another great story by Author Suzan Tisdale…and I am heading to the next book in the series!!
P.S. I love that we get to see characters from previous books!!
Loved watching the gruff Alec Bowie fall in love with Leona. She had so much love to give after a lifetime of abuse; he didn’t know it, but giving his heart to Leona did not make him weak, it proved how strong he was.
The chemistry in the story was perfect. I loved the banter between the Bowie clansmen. There had to be a villain and I was a little shocked at the outcome of who it was, along with the history behind the hate.
Overall, another great story by Author Suzan Tisdale…and I am heading to the next book in the series!!
P.S. I love that we get to see characters from previous books!!
May 10, 2017
Loved it!
This was such a pleasure to read and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Leona so deserved her happily ever after and it was fun to watch Alec succumb to love, fighting it every step of the way. Trying to figure out the mystery of who it was who wanted Leona dead kept me riveted to the end. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Definitely a keeper for me and a book I recommend highly.
This was such a pleasure to read and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Leona so deserved her happily ever after and it was fun to watch Alec succumb to love, fighting it every step of the way. Trying to figure out the mystery of who it was who wanted Leona dead kept me riveted to the end. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. Definitely a keeper for me and a book I recommend highly.
January 28, 2018
Of the four books in this series ( I start with Fredrick's Queen) I enjoyed this one the most. I loved Leona's character and even Alec wasn't too bad. I laughed out loud on their wedding night when Leona took out her book and started to give Alec instructions on how she wanted to be sure he would give her her release.
What I found puzzling was how Alec identified so much with being a Bowie. He was fostered as a child and then he spent many years in France and Italy. I would think he wouldn't have much of a connection with the Bowie clan. Also, him not having proper manners seemed strange. A person as well travelled as he would have picked some up along the way.
The mystery of who the villain was I thought was well told. I had my guesses but Tisdale did a pretty good job with obscuring who that person was until the end. This was a good story and a good happy ending
What I found puzzling was how Alec identified so much with being a Bowie. He was fostered as a child and then he spent many years in France and Italy. I would think he wouldn't have much of a connection with the Bowie clan. Also, him not having proper manners seemed strange. A person as well travelled as he would have picked some up along the way.
The mystery of who the villain was I thought was well told. I had my guesses but Tisdale did a pretty good job with obscuring who that person was until the end. This was a good story and a good happy ending
November 1, 2018
I Loved this Book so so much . Leona was abused and mistreated her whole life cause she was born with 1 blue eye and 1 green. She volunteers to marry Alec Bowie to bring peace to the 2 clans. Alec never wanted a wife but agrees to it. The Bowie Clan is Rough and Brutish , but she is so sweet to everyone. I love how at first she was afraid the clan would not accept her but he was proud to show her off. He see her like no one else does. I love how tough he is but has a soft spot for her. I don't want to give too much away but this book was so good. If you like Julie Garwood's Books You will love this. I fell in love with Alec & Leona. I can not wait to start book 3
September 20, 2020
Suzan Tisdale doesn’t disappoint! The author has the unique ability to transport you to Scotland’s wild Highlands and make you never want to leave. Alec, Leona, and all the support characters weave their way into your heart and refuse to let go. From the moment the story begins until the very end, you are swept away. The villainous element to this story is extremely well done and will have you turning pages to find out who has it in for the lovely Leona. I would definitely recommend this book!
November 28, 2021
A story filled with tears and so much unexpected laughter! A wee woman was able to break her stone-cold warrior. I also loved the suspense with the twists and turns leading your thoughts in one direction and then in another. And then such sorrow leads Alec and Leona down the path to true love. Truly a great read.
October 10, 2018
4.5/5.0
Ms. Tisdale knows how to write historical romance.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Ms. Tisdale knows how to write historical romance.
Read full review in the 2017 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
September 27, 2019
Alec was my favorite secondary character in Ian's Rose. I'm so glad he got his own book.
April 17, 2017
*I was given a copy via the author in exchange for my honest review.
Amazing! This book has so much mystery and passion that I couldn't put it down. There was an instant connection between Alec and Leona, but both had secrets and pasts that kept them from showing their true feelings. I knew they would need to let go of everything and something big to happen for them both to put the walls down. The mystery of who was set on killing Leona was so good! I had a couple of suspicions of who it was and was so wrong. Who it was and the reason was so shocking that I dropped my phone in surprise while reading. The ending was perfect as was the whole book.
Leona is a shy, but strong woman. She is not one that you want to mess with because she can be loud and you take what she says seriously. I loved her from the start and how she was with everyone human or animal. My heart broke for when talked about her past and everything that happened during the book.
Alec wants to protect his heart, but he lost it before he knew it. I loved how he kept trying to convince himself of things and how he slowly changed. He came off as a huge tough guy that believed it was his way or no way, but he was different in many ways. My heart broke for him too near the end because of everything happening.
I loved so many characters even Derrick when the truth was told and Satan/Patches. This is must read that you can't miss out on.
Amazing! This book has so much mystery and passion that I couldn't put it down. There was an instant connection between Alec and Leona, but both had secrets and pasts that kept them from showing their true feelings. I knew they would need to let go of everything and something big to happen for them both to put the walls down. The mystery of who was set on killing Leona was so good! I had a couple of suspicions of who it was and was so wrong. Who it was and the reason was so shocking that I dropped my phone in surprise while reading. The ending was perfect as was the whole book.
Leona is a shy, but strong woman. She is not one that you want to mess with because she can be loud and you take what she says seriously. I loved her from the start and how she was with everyone human or animal. My heart broke for when talked about her past and everything that happened during the book.
Alec wants to protect his heart, but he lost it before he knew it. I loved how he kept trying to convince himself of things and how he slowly changed. He came off as a huge tough guy that believed it was his way or no way, but he was different in many ways. My heart broke for him too near the end because of everything happening.
I loved so many characters even Derrick when the truth was told and Satan/Patches. This is must read that you can't miss out on.
April 17, 2017
Alec Bowie took control of the Bowie clan a short while ago. He is trying to turn them into a peaceful clan and stop them forever thieving. The best way to start making peace with the other clans is marriage. So he is going to ask for a bride.
Leona McDowell has lived without love all her life, even her own father hates her. Marrying the Bowie chieftain is her only chance of a marriage and children .
Ooh, our poor heroine tries so hard to do everything she can to make a home . Our hero is so busy with rebuilding the clan, he can't see what is happening under his nose.
There is someone in the keep who wants the clan to stay war like and is mad enough to kill whoever stands in the way. You will never guess who it is.
I was dragged into the lives of the clan from the first page. Do they really deserve the terrible reputation they have ?? Trying to read the last few chapters was difficult because I was crying so much.
You can read this as a stand alone and love it, but I think it would be better reading the series in order.
Leona McDowell has lived without love all her life, even her own father hates her. Marrying the Bowie chieftain is her only chance of a marriage and children .
Ooh, our poor heroine tries so hard to do everything she can to make a home . Our hero is so busy with rebuilding the clan, he can't see what is happening under his nose.
There is someone in the keep who wants the clan to stay war like and is mad enough to kill whoever stands in the way. You will never guess who it is.
I was dragged into the lives of the clan from the first page. Do they really deserve the terrible reputation they have ?? Trying to read the last few chapters was difficult because I was crying so much.
You can read this as a stand alone and love it, but I think it would be better reading the series in order.
April 20, 2017
I anxiously awaited this book since finishing Ian's Rose several months ago. It was worth the wait! What an excellent story, and I LOVED the cover. I got so caught up in it, I couldn't set it down. I even snuck some time in at work to read it on my phone! I loved Alec and Leona, and the secondary characters too. I had my suspicions about half-way through and was surprised, but not totally shocked who the villain was that wanted to kill Leona. Parts of this story were laugh out loud, bring tears to your eyes funny and other parts were truly heartbreaking and my heart broke along with them. I look forward to reading the next books in this series. I will gobble them up as soon as they're published!
April 27, 2017
Suzan Tisdale sure has a way of tugging at my heartstrings - or maybe it's yanking - because I always feel like I've been through the wringer after I read one of her books. And The Bowie Bride was no exception; its pages were filled with emotion and vulnerability that sucked me in and brought tears to my eyes a couple of times. Though these moments could be construed as deliberately cheap shots meant to manipulate the reader's emotions, I totally fell for it. I enjoyed the whole story. There are perhaps a few details that slipped through the editing process, but that's not reason enough to not recommend this one. A solid 4 star read.
April 21, 2017
Oh my....
Happiness, sadness, despair, utter sadness, scheming, anger, fear, romance, sword fighting, revenge,.... the only thing missing is the Dread a Pirate Roberts, Buttercup, Humperdink, Wesley, ( Farm Boy ) and the rest....
I loved it all... I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I got mad.... I never wanted it to end. Alec Bowie takes a bride, not of his clan, but, one of the neighboring one. Leona is Rose's cousin from the Clan MacLaren. Leona helped save her with Alec's help when his brother rescued her. Thus story is all about the ups and downs, highs and lows, plus intrigue and secret revenge from someone no ne expects at all......
I could not put it down!!!!!! I've already got the next one pre ordered......
Sobs...... I have to wait...... ( waaaahhhhhh )
Happiness, sadness, despair, utter sadness, scheming, anger, fear, romance, sword fighting, revenge,.... the only thing missing is the Dread a Pirate Roberts, Buttercup, Humperdink, Wesley, ( Farm Boy ) and the rest....
I loved it all... I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I got mad.... I never wanted it to end. Alec Bowie takes a bride, not of his clan, but, one of the neighboring one. Leona is Rose's cousin from the Clan MacLaren. Leona helped save her with Alec's help when his brother rescued her. Thus story is all about the ups and downs, highs and lows, plus intrigue and secret revenge from someone no ne expects at all......
I could not put it down!!!!!! I've already got the next one pre ordered......
Sobs...... I have to wait...... ( waaaahhhhhh )
April 22, 2017
Great Story
I enjoy reading Susan Tisdale books!! This one is great story about Alec Bowie and Leona. The Bowie Clan had a reputation for stealing, fighting,etc. Alec needs to marry so that he can show his enemies that the Bowles are changing! I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read!!
I enjoy reading Susan Tisdale books!! This one is great story about Alec Bowie and Leona. The Bowie Clan had a reputation for stealing, fighting,etc. Alec needs to marry so that he can show his enemies that the Bowles are changing! I recommend this book to anyone who loves to read!!
April 27, 2017
Great series 🌟
Wow,really enjoying this series. Gripping story line l couldn't put it down. it had everything to keep you hooked, and l could'nt believe l was right when l thought... no way is it that person who is the one that wants Leona dead... l would recommend this series to anyone. Can't wait to read the next one. Five 🌟 from me.
Wow,really enjoying this series. Gripping story line l couldn't put it down. it had everything to keep you hooked, and l could'nt believe l was right when l thought... no way is it that person who is the one that wants Leona dead... l would recommend this series to anyone. Can't wait to read the next one. Five 🌟 from me.
April 23, 2017
Her best book yet!
You will laugh, you will cry, you will never guess how it ends. Love, love love this book, prefect blend of action, romance and spice.
You will laugh, you will cry, you will never guess how it ends. Love, love love this book, prefect blend of action, romance and spice.
April 24, 2017
Another "I can't put it down" story. This one you don't expect what's coming. The characters are trying so hard to be what they think they want to be, which is not always what they need to be. I don't do spoilers, but this is a must read.
April 25, 2017
Bowies beware
Alex and Leona made a great match. Both knew what they wanted from their marriage. Great sex, kids, and honesty. This was a really good book, funny, suspenseful, kept me guess I g to the very end on the Who Done It. Great read.
Alex and Leona made a great match. Both knew what they wanted from their marriage. Great sex, kids, and honesty. This was a really good book, funny, suspenseful, kept me guess I g to the very end on the Who Done It. Great read.
January 8, 2024
Well done...the mystery even surprised me...never expected the person caught.
June 21, 2017
Wonderful!
Loved! Loved! Loved! It kept me guessing and I never expected the outcome! Great medieval love story with a mystery
Loved! Loved! Loved! It kept me guessing and I never expected the outcome! Great medieval love story with a mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews