The Border Lord's Bride

The Border Chronicles #2

by Bertrice Small

The Border Chronicles, continues with this tale of a woman rescued, a man enraptured, and a love unanticipated by fate....

Duncan Armstrong, laird of Duffdour, has sworn not to wed unless it is to a lass he truly loves. But when he needs a favor from King James, Duncan never expects what he's forced to pay in return: the taking of a bride neither loves nor desires.

When Highland heiress Ellen MacArthur's marriage plans are thwarted by a murder attempt, she has no choice but to beg the king for help. The cost for her urgent plea: to surrender her heritage and become a lord's bride.

The price to be paid by two strangers thrown together by fate is higher than they can imagine. And more dangerous than the passion--and betrayal--that could consume them.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Scotland, Fiction, Erotica

416 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Bertrice Williams was born on December 9, 1937 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, the daughter of Doris S. and David R. Williams, both broadcasters. She studied at Attended Western College for Women and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. On October 5, 1963, she married George Sumner Small, a photographer and designer with a History Major at Princeton. They had a son Thomas David. She lived on eastern Long Island for over 30 years. Her greatest passions were her family; Finnegan and Sylvester, the family cats; Nicki, the elderly cockatiel who whistles the NY Mets charge call; her garden; her work, and just life in general.

Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.

Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.

Reviews

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars!

[Regan Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Rich Historical Scottish Bodice Ripper

While the book started a bit slow and contains more historical information and food descriptions than some might think necessary (though one meal description had my mouth watering), once I got into this romance, I found it addictive. Her writing style is unique, full of detailed descriptions of events, some repeated in various conversations and a fair amount of "head hopping" (giving many different perspectives and some in only a few lines). But here's the important point: once the story ended I found myself wanting more.

THE BORDER LORD'S BRIDE tells the story of Ellen MacArthur who was raised by her much loved grandsire. He has betrothed her to a McNabb and Ellen is content with his choice, but the MacArthurs who live on Skye with the MacDonalds are not happy. One in particular intends to take her for his bride, Ellen's grandsire notwithstanding. To protect her, she is sent to King James' court where she becomes the friend of Jamie Stewart and his aunt. Called home by her grandsire at 18, the king asks Duncan Armstrong, laird of Duffdour, to protect her on the trip home. When they arrive they find the MacArthur who wants her has killed both her grandsire and her betrothed. Through a series of events, Duffdour is required by the king to wed Ellen. Will they be able to find love and passion as events conspire to challenge their happiness?

If you love a romance that does not float on the surface of the historical background and if you like to probe the depths of the characters' emotions, I think you will like this one.

This is the 2nd in the Border Chronicles series (see complete listing below), which tells the stories of the men and women who made the border between England and Scotland home in the 15th century. It was a fascinating time in England and Scotland's history and Small's writing reflects her deep research into the times. The books are 400+ pages and take a while to read but they are well worth your time.

So you have the whole Border Chronicles series, here it is in order:

-A Dangerous Love
-The Border Lord's Bride
-The Captive Heart
-The Border Lord and the Lady
-The Border Vixen
-Bond of Passion

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

I now know why I stopped reading romance novels. The characters repeated themselves so much that I became bored, and skimmed through a lot of this book. If you explained it to your sister in law, you don't have to explain it to your husband, the priest who rescues you, the king, the little girl who lives down the lane, and her mother. sheesh. It felt like the author was just trying to make a bigger book.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really not a romance. This is a book of history, which I enjoyed, but it was extremely repetitive. The "romance" was more like disconnected sex scenes, and I didn't like that. There was a point that I was going to quit reading this book, but I did push on through the end. Spoiler alert: Ellen did not get raped. If someone's review had said she was raped, I would have definitely quit reading it.

Okay, I already said that I enjoyed the history in the book. Sometimes it was awkward, like it had to be forced, such as when King Jaimie told Ellen about his family's history. It seemed like there was a lot of repetition in order to fill a page requirement.

I didn't like the scenes that were probably supposed to be the "romance." They were crude and not romantic at all. The characters were shallow, and the words said they were in love, but there were no emotions that the book showed. I didn't feel it.

Toward the end of the book, Ellen, who is about 20 years old, is said to have better military strategy than Duncan's men or another border lord's men. Really? I highly doubt it. She seemed to take over, and the strong female persona turned into a pushy "let-me-tell-you-what-to-do" persona. Earlier in the book Duncan had complimented her on maintaining her peace while he spoke to the men at the table. After all, he was the lord, not her. That idea went out the window at the end of the book.

I give this book a 3 out of 5, but that is only because I really enjoy history. I won't continue with books in this series.

[Mysty Patell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was very redundant. We get it, your the unimportant wife of an unimportant border laird. I also felt as if there was TOO MUCH in the way of history. It felt as it the author was trying to convey to her readers just how much she knew about Scotland and England's history and it seemed as if she droned on about it to fill pages. It didn't feel like a romance novel, it felt like a history lesson. All the history, I feel, took away from the story.

[AND 1515 · Rating 5 out of 5]

By and1515
Ellen, was considered to be a bonnie lass and was dearly loved by her grandfather.
She had a good life and was well content with the groom whom her grandfather personally selected for her.
However when distant relations descended on their beloved home with their arrogant options that one of them would make a better match then an outsider.
But her grandfather wouldn't change his mind he thought them bullies and thrash who didn't deserve his treasure and insisted they leave his home.
Ellen knew sending her away was the only way her grandfather could protect her.
Because he knew desperate people were dangerous and would probably try and steal her.
With her time at the King's court coming to and end she was looking forward to returning to her beloved home.
She knew something was wrong the moment they walked into the great hall.
She nearly came undone at the madness taking place before their eyes all she could do was pray.
Ellen wasn't about to give up without a fight and fight she did and when he didn't move again she ran as fast as she could hoping to catch up with Duncan and his men.
Duncan knew there wasn't anything he could have done to stop what happened to her family.
He'd been shocked when the lass caught up with them.
Once more she was at the King's court this time trying to explain the horrible events they'd walked in and the terrible loses she'd suffered.
Duncan found himself sheltering the brave lass, her tiring woman, and his sister who would join them for propriety sake while the good King decided what to do for her.
And when his final judgement came it would have to be enough she would never see her beloved home again but her new path wasn't a bad one indeed he gave her the best he could and more.
The English were becoming more daring with each new raid stealing what ever goods and live stock they could get there hands on.
Even so life was good she and her husband were enjoying the new marriage romance that even with the addition of the heir didn't damper said feelings.
However Ellen was unwittingly drawn into a trap and was snatched by a enemy trying to get back at her family.
And when he meant to shame her she needed him to lose all reason for there in his foolish pride laid her only hope of escaping.
Once she sees her husband again being a man he can't help himself but speak foolishly.
Even though she'd barely been home poor Ellen was sommoned to again to the Scottish King's court because she was the only one who could point the finger in the right direction.
Fortune favors the bold and this plan would hopefully put and end to all the threats on the borders.
Duncan realizes he still has plenty to learn about his beautiful wife and needs to figure out how prove he believes her and will never doubt her again.

[Staci McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll preface by saying that I love everything Bertrice Small writes whether contemporary or historical!

In this book, we follow the life of Duncan and Ellen. Duncan took a vow to himself to never marry again after his awful first marriage. However he needs a favor from the King and Ellen, an heiress, has begged the King for help. His proposal to solve both issues: marry the two! Hence begins a story of their life together along with the danger, betrayal and love that they will find.

This is one of my favorite books in the series! Small always writes with wonderful descriptions of history, the land, food and life. I also LOVE Ellen!! She is feisty, loyal to a fault and strong. You would have wanted her to be your friend back then. This book is full of characters that grow as you read and you get to delve into what they're feeling and the depth they possess. Also the two don't just fall in love but you see it grow as they go about their daily life as married people.

If you love historical Scottish romance then you will love this one. The one thing that annoyed me was that there are many moments in the book where the story of how they got to where they are is repeated and it is just unnecessary!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Ellen will inherit her grandfather's lands upon his death and he makes a marriage contract to another clan. A distant cousin wants Ellen and the lands for his youngest son. When turned down she is sent to king James for safety. With a false letter she go to her grandfather to learn it a trick. Escaping with her life she runs into Duncan again he takes her back to the king. The king decides she is safer with Duncan . One day the kings calls them back to court and decides they will wed. With an English lord wanting revenge on her husband he takes her. With a trick up her sleeve she escapes . Good book

[Judith Sherrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Border Lord's Bride

Acting like two cats with sore tails, Scotland and England must battle all along their border. The Border lairds and their families must always answer to their King and fight to keep what little they have. Marriagable women are few and far between, so when your King gives you one of his wards hand in marriage, you take it. Sometimes love comes sometimes it's to a cruel master they go. Luckily Ellen was given to Duncan Armstrong a laird that grew to love her furiously.


S

[Aurora Moore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Long read

I got to a certain point when the main two characters Ellen and Duncan get married, and felt like it was close to being over, but in fact I was barely through half of the book. Almost all the conflict happened after the couple was wed which is pretty much the opposite of the rest of the books I read. Because of this, the story just seemed liked it would never end. And when it did end, it wasn’t an entirely satisfying ending, which is due in part to the style of writing.

[Jennifer]

An old-fashioned bodice ripper. The heroine is sexually assaulted in the first 10% of the book - which can’t be a spoiler. It’s simply not to my taste.

To be fair, the author knows her history and the details of life at the time (enough to impress an amateur historian). I almost kept reading for that.

[Amy~My Book Obsession~]

This isn’t a romance book it’s a history lesson. I DNF at 50%. I couldn’t take anymore of the retelling of everything and all the history. There was barely anytime for Ellen and Duncan to get to know each other. Let alone fall in love. I wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t connect with the characters and all the information dumping.

[Patricia Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable!

Not one
to disappoint, Beatrice Small has produced yet another page turner. I love reading her romance stories and escaping the daily worries for just a little while. I am a sucker and not afraid to admit it.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm liking this series about medieval life in Scotland. Though, at times the prose is a bit overdone, overall the books are enjoyable.

[Brenda Franks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book.

I enjoy BertriceSmall's books - some more than others. This series is one that I have really enjoyed. In my opinion it is better than some of her others.

[Kim Fasano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

Best historical fiction . Another great read by Beatrice Small, she weaves a great tale between truth and fiction, end

[K Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but lengthy and too heavily focused on the small details that frustratingly kept adding to the plot.

[Lit Shit Podcast · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll preface by saying that I love everything Bertrice Small writes whether contemporary or historical!

In this book, we follow the life of Duncan and Ellen. Duncan took a vow to himself to never marry again after his awful first marriage. However he needs a favor from the King and Ellen, an heiress, has begged the King for help. His proposal to solve both issues: marry the two! Hence begins a story of their life together along with the danger, betrayal and love that they will find.

This is one of my favorite books in the series! Small always writes with wonderful descriptions of history, the land, food and life. I also LOVE Ellen!! She is feisty, loyal to a fault and strong. You would have wanted her to be your friend back then. This book is full of characters that grow as you read and you get to delve into what they're feeling and the depth they possess. Also the two don't just fall in love but you see it grow as they go about their daily life as married people.

If you love historical Scottish romance then you will love this one. The one thing that annoyed me was that there are many moments in the book where the story of how they got to where they are is repeated and it is just unnecessary!

By Staci McIntyre

[Teressa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first book a little better than the second in this series. I found the heroine to be very likable, and I actually liked her husband a bit better than the hero of the first book. The question that kept going through my mind throughout the book was, "Were men SUCH slimy pigs back then?" Men these days seem sort of tame compared the men in the book. They are like animals, and view women as wenches or whores. It was rather shocking. The bedroom scenes just got ridiculous; there were so many, I got to the point where I was skipping them, honestly. Roger Colby was just a disgusting, vile person, and I assume that was the point of the author, to make him very unlikable. However, I began to found his actions and fantasies to be pretty vile, and had to skim them over. I have read a lot of romance novels, and they get a little heated, but this author seems to be really pushing the envelope, I think. It's not really my style in that area. The history of the book was very interesting, and I enjoyed the friendship that Ellen held with the King; it was ice to see a normal friendship between a man and woman in the book. The book does tie in with the first book, and some of the characters make an appearance, which I always enjoy.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished this book and I am writing with mixed emotions. For some reason I thoroughly enjoy reading about the Highlands. This was a new author for me so I was cautious but I enjoyed the plot pretty quickly. Yet, I got to the point where I was kind of surprised the book was still going. I really like a good love story with strong characters who face difficulties together before and during marriage, but I felt that what I enjoyed was skimmed over and the author spent more time on things such as the royal history and other events. I personally like to watch character relationships grow, to hear about Highland villages, battles, and life. Some of this was present so the book was a fun read, just not my favorite.

[Kimchi · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok, This is another book with a great story line, witty charaters and a bit of daring. The characters in this book have an instsant attraction and their love was put to the test. As we know with all stories that have a decleration of love in the beginning they will be seperated and their love put through the test. I've read all kinds of stories and beatrice small went for the original story base.
I like this book but it is not an all time favorite.

[Tanya (Girl Plus Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one fell flat for me and I didn't find it nearly as interesting or entertaining as other Bertrice Small novels, or even the first in this series (A Dangerous Love). Ellen is a thoroughly unremarkable heroine and was even annoying at times with her bland, ever-practical nature. Ho-hum. The 'hero', Duncan, was as cardboard as Ellen... and hardly heroic. Small usually writes dynamic characters but these had no spark. I hope the third in the series has more life than this one.

[Cheryl Tollestrup · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the romance aspect of this story but the end gets bogged down in historical politics and the romance gets lost. Sometimes it seems the heroine over shadows her husband and it would have been nice if they were equal in presentation. Just my humble opinion. Bertrice Small is still one of my favorite authors!

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first Beatrice Small book that I picked up at the library on a whim. It was good, but not great. After looking up a few other reviews I feel like I am not the only one who felt this way. Ellen was good character but a bit on the boring side. I thought the same of Duncan, sorry to say I felt like I would have rather read a book about King James then these two.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the story. Love the series.

Found this book at a used book store and hadn't realized I also bought the first one in the series until I was finished.
I really enjoyed it and it made sense without having to the first book in the series (which was nice).

Made me look for the other books in the series.

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I used to love Bertrice Smalls' books. Were the early ones as bad as this one? I'm going to have to find one and re-read it, I guess. This one was a lot like reading a comic book...the characters were so one dimensional and shallow. I was disappointed.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Good honest characters with depth. Some of the same folks from the first book and new ones too. Good story if you like love stories and some historical fiction thrown in (of course that means, battles, murder, kidnapping, etc).

[TJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I find I love Ms. Small's ability to weave history into a riveting story, I just can't get past the excessive use of vulgar terms and sex. She doesn't need it and it takes away from both the story and her talent. Without it her "Border" books would be 4 to 5 star.

[Linette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah!! I'm so happy I read about this book. I'll be honest" since my favorite character is Adair I spent most of the time eagerly waiting for Adair to come up. It's nice to read about Duncan finding his true love since his younger half-brother already has.

[Dee · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tad long and some of the conflict seemed forced. The heroine was okay not the best female leads that I've read but definitely not the worst.
The hero wasn't the best but was a good male lead. Strong beginning, okay middle, and alright ending.
All in all this book was an okay read.