Truly Madly Plaid

Prince Charlie's Angels #2

by Eliza Knight

These Highland warriors are prepared to give up everything to fight for their country.

Annie MacPherson's world was torn apart when her family's castle was ravaged during the war. Determined to aid her countrymen, she braves the battlefield and finds Lieutenant Craig MacLean left for dead. Soon, her heart belongs to the fierce warrior.

As the English dragoons draw closer to Annie's makeshift hospital, Craig knows they have to escape together if they'll have any chance to survive. But when they come face-to-face with the enemy, and Craig is imprisoned, Annie will have to risk everything she has to save the man she can't live without.

History and adventure come to life in Eliza Knight's thrilling Scottish Highland romance. Annie is based loosely on Anne MacKay, Anne Leith and Lady Maxwell, who risked their lives to protect Jacobite soldiers by hiding them, healing their wounds, and aiding in their escape from enemy forces.

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

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 29, 2020

About the author

Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women's fiction as Michelle Brandon.

While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.

CONFESSIONS OF A GRAMMAR QUEEN out now! LOST IN THE SUMMER OF '69 out June 9, 2026!

For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com

If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...

To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction

Reviews

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

MORE THAN JUST HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Usually, with historical romance novels, the romance is the most prominent and sometimes even the only plot. Those books are just fine, but usually not all that special to be honest. This book has more than just romance. It has danger, fighting, war and rebellion. All that makes it something extra in my opinion.

👍 What I Liked 👍

Annie: I love a strong female character and Annie was certainly one of them. She doesn't take a seat on the bench while the men are of doing their duty for King and country. She joins them in the thick of things. As a healer she sees a lot og stuff that other ladies of her time wouldn't ordinarily and she still keeps running towards danger. She was strong, tenacious, loyal, smart and brave. Just how I like it.

Action: Action is not a thing usually seen in historical romance, especially not to the extend shown in this book. Here we have a full fledged battle. And not just any battle. The Battle at Culloden of 1746 during the Jacobite rebellion in Scotland. I really loved how this extra layer of historical realism was added to the story. And I loved how this story wasn't rosy red. Characters died, others were mortally wounded more than once. Danger was all around and some points even felt a little angsty. Which I actually enjoyed because it was different from what I am used to with historical romance.

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Prince Charlie’s Angels
Publication Date: 12/29/20
Number of Pages: 384

We are all aware of the atrocities committed against Scotland by the English. Even though some Scots were in support of the English crown, every Scot was treated as less than human. It was a grim, gruesome, terrible, stressful time for Scotland, and the Scottish population was decimated. Life expectancy was very short and losing friends and family members to a violent death were the norm rather than the exception. Women or children – it didn’t matter – everyone was maimed, murdered, executed, tortured, imprisoned. That grim time is the setting for this series. It isn’t just an ‘in the background’ thing. The strife – particularly Culloden – is heavily featured in the series. In this book, the battle at Culloden is front and center – as a matter of fact, it takes up about the first 60-70% of the story. The author’s research into the subject is thorough and deep and she shares a lot of that in the first half of the book. This is not a lighthearted romance, it is very dark and tense, but it is an EXCELLENT story.

We met Annie MacPherson along with her close friends, Jenny and Fiona in the first book of the series, The Rebel Wears Plaid. The three friends are devoted to Prince Charles and have vowed to do all within their power in support of him gaining the throne. Each of them has a particular skill to lend to the cause – Jenny is an extraordinary warrior, Annie is a superb healer, and Fiona is a messenger who has the stealth of a ghost.

Annie travels with the Prince’s troops from battle to battle and acts as Prince Charles’s nurse and healer for all of the wounded. Without her extraordinary gifts, they would have lost many more men than they have so far. Even her younger brother, Logan, was wounded and lost his foot – but he survived – and that was what was important. Everyone knows of Dr. Annie and everyone loves and respects her.

Lieutenant Craig MacLean is a member of Prince Charles’s army and is a staunch supporter of Charles and the Jacobite movement. He learned his fighting skills from his father who threw him into untenable situations from a very young age and Craig had to fight to save himself. Craig is a skilled warrior, a hero, and a consummate leader. He is also best friends with Graham MacPherson, Laird of the MacPherson clan, and Annie’s brother.

Craig and Annie had a bit of animosity between them at first and neither was sure why. That quickly became an attraction that both of them denied – until they couldn’t deny it any longer. Things really blossomed after Culloden where Craig was gravely injured and Annie dragged him and several others from the battlefield and nursed them back to health.

Times were tense because the Redcoats were hunting all of the survivors and putting them to death immediately. They were burning the cottages, destroying the contents, stealing the livestock, etc. of anyone they came across whether they were aiding the battle survivors or not. Craig and Annie knew the Redcoats were after them and that they had to leave the small cottage in which they were hiding. They also finally both realized their feelings for each other and acknowledged those feelings to themselves.

Annie is one of the strongest and bravest heroines I’ve ever read. She’s smart, determined, cunning, and so very, very brave. I absolutely loved her character. Craig is one of the most honorable and brave heroes I’ve read. I loved both of the characters very, very much and it really saddened me to feel that their romance was sort of lost in the background of the battle story. I had expected it to be the other way around – with the battle and strife in the background and the romance front-and-center, but, to me, that wasn’t the case. I would have much preferred a lot less of a history lesson and a lot more of the romance. Were I to be categorizing this book, I would categorize it as Historical Fiction rather than Historical Romance.

I also have to take a bit of an issue with the book’s title. I know most people love it, but, again, to me, it seems inappropriate. The title makes me think of lighthearted romps through the heather and thistle, and there was absolutely nothing happy or lighthearted about this story. I also mourned the death of a favorite character that I had hoped would be featured in his own book. That came out of left-field and I put the book down for a bit before continuing with the story. Yes, given the times it was expected, but I didn’t want to see it. Announcing the deaths of people I hadn’t met and liked is fine, but don’t let me become attached to a character and then kill them off.

This was an excellently written book. It was well-researched and the characters were compelling. I’m so glad I got to meet Craig and Annie and will be looking forward to seeing what has happened to them when the next book is released. I will tell you, quite honestly, I would not purchase or recommend this as something for my really soft-hearted friend to read, but I would recommend it for other friends.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Nothing sucks me in and absorbs my attention like an Eliza Knight Book, and this was pure elixir.

Absolutely loved every page, a thrilling adventure filled with passion and romance, enough for any avid reader of this genre.
I can’t wait for more.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years ago, Annie MacPherson along with her friends Jenny and Fiona made a vow to serve the rightful king of Scotland Prince Charlie. Annie’s contribution to the Jacobite cause is healing, she has followed the Prince and his army for months, but after falling ill herself after caring for the Prince, her brother Graham, insists that she return to their home, Cullidunloch Castle to recover and to tend their brother Logan who was injured and lost his foot in battle as well as many others. When she leaves, Graham makes his friend Craig MacLean swear to take care of Annie if anything ever happens to him, even though he has never met her – a vow he makes, but is sure he will never have to fulfill. Unbeknownst to Graham and even Annie herself, Craig has met Annie and since she threatened to kill him, he is sure he will never forget her.

Craig and Annie meet again when he and Graham come to the castle with several men from their army to rest and recover before the next battle. There is no denying the attraction Annie feels for Craig, but now is not the time for romance – they both have important work to do and can’t afford the distraction. Craig and Graham leave and shortly after, dragoons arrive and beat Logan, take several of the men prisoners and torch the castle. After seeing to the wounded and sending Logan and the others to their cousin in the lowlands, Annie escapes with her maid and a few men to find Graham and let him know what has happened. But instead of finding her brother – she finds the gruesome aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. While frantically trying to find her brother, she manages to find a few men that have been left for dead – Craig among them. When it is clear the dragoons are returning to kill any survivors, she and her small group take the few men she was able to save and find shelter. But the danger has just begun and HEA is but a dream.

I thought this was a very good story, I felt that it had more romance than the previous book, but I still wouldn’t go as far as to call this a historical romance novel. And despite the fun and flirty series name and the book titles – this is not a fun, flirty read – it is heartbreaking, tragic, and gritty. Ms. Knight doesn’t shy away from the devastation of Culloden and is equally as frank about the treatment the Scottish people endured at the hands of the English. At times the story was hard to read, but beneath the loss, pain, and gore, Ms. Knight was able to show the reader the indomitable spirit and dedication of the Jacobites – it was very well done and touched my heart. I loved Annie and Craig, my heart broke for them and the challenges and struggles they faced in their fight to put Prince Charlie on the throne, their romance was muted and somewhat dimmed by the tragedies they faced, but when they were together, it was magic and the love scenes fell somewhere between “very warm” and “steamyish”. There were a few things in this book that I wish the author had addressed/followed through with and there were a couple of contradictions that left me scratching my head, but overall, it was a good read and I would recommend it. This is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. *

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly Madly Plaid is a gripping historical romance that follows Annie as she heals and protects wounded Jacobites before and after the battle of Culloden. Lieutenant Craig MacLean, a friend of Annie’s brother, is one of the wounded warriors. He has vowed to always protect Annie, even in his wounded and weakened state. Hiding from the Dragoons that are searching the country for their enemies, Annie and Craig must risk everything to protect each other and escape the clutches of the enemy.

A dual third-person narration offers an in-depth view of Annie and Craig’s inner thoughts and feelings. Annie is a strong and determined woman who does not cower in the face of danger. Vowing to help the Jacobite cause, she uses her skills as a healer out on the battlefields. She is fierce and intelligent, and her take-charge personality, as well as her immense skill and loyalty, is admirable.

Craig is a fantastic Highland hero. A strong leader, he is not used to being helpless. He is a protector who finds it difficult to resist his growing feelings for the smart and compassionate Annie. Fiercely loyal and a bit stubborn, Craig will do whatever it takes to fulfill his vow to Annie’s brother.

The romance between Annie and Craig is my favorite part of the novel. They have a bit of the enemies-to-lovers romance with a little forbidden love sprinkled in, and I was there for it! Both struggle with their duties to the cause versus their personal desires. When they talk about a loss they both suffered, they offer each other comfort in the most beautiful of ways. The depth of their love is immense and lovely, especially since they find love in the midst of war and loss.

As mentioned before, the story takes place shortly before and after the battle of Culloden. The battle is devastating and intense, and the characters in the novel suffer heart-breaking loss. I like that the author delved into Scottish history and showed that love can bloom even under the most turbulent and devastating circumstances.

Though Truly Madly Plaid is the second book in the series, you do not need to read the first one to appreciate this one. That being said, I enjoyed this book so much that I intend to read the first in the series as well. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablanca, and Eliza Knight for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful surprise.
This historical romance is based on 3 real women, blended into our fiction heroine, who did everything they could to save Jacobite soldiers in history.
With that said, Annie is a lovely heroine to read from. I genuinely found her character strong yet vulnerable, and fierce when needed.
Though our hero is a brute on the battlefield, Craig is very much in love with Annie, but afraid that it won't be enough.
This plays out in a way that I really enjoyed. I hope you will as well.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up!

With her family’s castle ravaged by enemy troops during the Jacobite Rebellion, Annie MacPherson finds her existence shattered by war. Deciding she must use her healing skills to help her countrymen in any way she can, Annie combs battlefields herself seeking wounded men she can heal. There she finds her brother’s friend, Lieutenant Craig MacLean, gravely wounded. As she works to heal his injuries, she soon finds the warrior has stolen her heart.

With patrols of English dragoons circling ever nearer to the cottage Annie has been using as a hospital, Craig knows they must leave soon and stay together if they’re to survive. But their flight brings them to a meeting with the enemy and Craig is imprisoned, leading Annie to risk everything, knowing life without Craig would’ve been worth living.

This book was chocked full of adventure and action more so than romance, and yet the romance still came through in the end and was very memorable for me. This one had me tearing up, biting my nails, and later, swooning over how sweet Annie and Craig were together. I loved how both of these characters really came into their own even in the midst of so much turmoil, Craig overcoming his childhood torments and feelings of inadequacy, and Annie deciding to take something for herself for once. I was also thoroughly charmed by the additional unions being formed at the end of the book. It was so nice to end on that high note after such a heavily charged and at times difficult to read book. I liked this book better than its predecessor. Though we still had a very slow burn here and a lot of danger, the stress of that somehow didn’t get to me quite as badly as it did with the first book. There was still plenty of tension, but I enjoyed the fact that it didn’t take Craig and Annie that long to decide they wanted to be together and once they’d made that resolution, they didn’t let anything keep them apart. I think this is a very tough time period to set a romance in and the author is doing an excellent job of making it work. Even with the heaviness of some scenes which had me putting this aside and taking a break with something lighter, the romance still won out in the end and I’m left with a happy feeling from this couple. Now I look forward to Fiona’s story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

Blog Link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Madly Plaid
Prince Charlie's Angels Series #2
Eliza Knight
https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightf...
Release Date 12/29/2020
Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight takes you into the heart of the Highlands, where these warriors are prepared to give up everything in the fight for their country.
Annie MacPherson's world was torn apart when her family's castle was ravaged during the war. Determined to aid her countrymen, she braves the battlefield and finds gravely wounded Lieutenant Craig MacLean. Soon her heart belongs to the fierce warrior.
As the English dragoons draw closer to Annie's makeshift hospital, Craig knows they have to escape together if they'll have any chance to survive. But when they come face-to-face with the enemy and Craig is imprisoned, Annie will have to risk everything she has to save the man she can't live without.
History and adventure come to life in Eliza Knight's thrilling Scottish Highland romance. Annie is based loosely on Anne MacKay, Anne Leith, and Lady Maxwell, who risked their lives to protect Jacobite soldiers by hiding them, healing their wounds, and helping them escape from enemy forces.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will war tear them apart or bring them together ...

I confess I pushed forward my reading of this book after reading some reviews telling it was a rather dark story. And yes, I must agree it is not one for the faint-hearted, it has plenty of gruesome details as the Culloden battle is described in all its horror and the afterwards effects on the still living soldiers left on the battlefield.
I have plenty of time read about this battle, but never from the inside, so much I googled it and what I read is even worse than I thought.
The author does a great job rendering the violence of this moment, yet told from the point of view of her hero, it is still ugly but with a more human dimension, which is more bearable.
Then from her heroine’s side, Eliza Knight describes perfectly the trauma and anguish of those waiting on the sidelines.

I remember having been moved by the first book, the heroine was astonishing and has been magnificently brought to life under the ink and words of the writer with a ideally shaped hero for her. And here, the author does not disappoint. Craig and Annie are awesome together, ready to sacrifice everything for one another and the others.
Annie devoted her life to help the wounded and the sick, so much she follows them in battles and is not afraid to stand close by in order to be able to reach them as soon as possible.
Because of her choice of life, she kind of puts aside the idea of romance until her elder brother’s best friend’s appearance unsettle her. She fights her attraction, determined he is not a man for her with everything they all have at stake.
Craig went through many hardships to become the man he is now, but he rose himself with his hard work to the rank he is now. But he has done everything right to be proud about. Why he tries to dose his pull toward his best friend’s sister. She is a lady, he is a mere soldier.

Their romance is a beautiful one, as they fight for their life and survival, they draw closer to one another’s heart, until their surrender to their affinity but danger is lurking close by, and physical harm is threatening to fall on them.
Their love is one born of blood and ash, as though from the horrors, love is the only force able to survive and last through everything else.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed foreplays and lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, passionate story full of emotion and historical background that will tear at your heart and leave you breathless.

As usual Eliza brings the past alive, to the point of horrifying reality of how fierce and brutal the war between England and Scotland played out. Culloden being the focal point in this story with our warrior hero, Craig MacLean, and his best friend's sister, Annie MacPherson, healer for Prince Charlie and the wounded men who fought for him.

Prepare to become immersed and not able to stop once you turn the first page. A must read!

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this eARC from Netgalley in exhange for a honest review
Sadly this was just not my cup of tea. Boring characters, boring story and i did not feel the chemistry between the characters. Hard Pass.

[Sam Goodale · Rating 2 out of 5]

You guys, I did it. I read Truly Madly Plaid. I hear all of you crying, “How was it, Sam, how was Truly Madly Plaid? Well, you guys, it was truly madly BAD SMACKED.

Seriously though, this book was pretty inoffensive and fine, I guess. It really wasn’t what I was expecting, though. If you’re looking for a raunchy romp through the Scottish Highlands with everyone banging each other and maybe some gay horse sex in there, too idk, then you are gonna be mildly disappointed. There is no gay sex, no horse sex, and barely ANY sex at all in this entire book. I was ravenous; I was begging Eliza, please please show me some banging, any banging, I do not care. The characters’ continence was compounded by the overarching plot—holy smokes, it is boring. Eliza doesn’t really give us much smut to cling onto, so we’re left with boring characters doing things we do not care about.

My main problem with this book is that the larger goings-on seem trivial—the characters are just kinda there, and their relationships are superfluous. Seriously, Eliza was telling me about dudes like Mr. Downey, and Max, and Jenny, and I was like, Eliza, huh? Eliza, wha? Who the hell are these people? This girl Jenny pops in, pulls out her boobs to cause a distraction (idk it happened off-screen), then leaves. Eliza, you have too many characters in your book, buddy; why is this necessary? I think the next book in this series is about Jenny, so maybe that’s why she gets name-dropped, but it was still weird. Characters pop up and disappear with seemingly little explanation. And if there is a logical reason for their comings and goings, you are not gonna care enough to piece them out. I couldn’t tell you ANY of the supporting characters’ names or characteristics. They are boring, boring, boring, and serve no other purpose than to move the plot forward.

All of this adds up to one BORING ass book. Seriously, that little healing interlude after the battle dragged on for soooo long, oh my god. It was so repetitive. Annie was all like, “Craig, nay, ye canna do that, ye’re injured.” Then Craig would be like, “Suck my ballocks, wench, for I am a Scottish Highlander, and I am wearing a kilt,” then he’d do it anyway. Okay, so that’s basically the first half of the story, and the second half is Craig and Annie being WAY too in love with each other WAY too quickly. Mans were saying I love you, and let’s get married after they made out what? Twice? Apart from being cute, they don’t really have a ton of chemistry. Eliza kinda pulls it off sometimes, but other times it fell flat. Like, the ending was pretty garbage, but I’ll talk about that later.

This is all obviously coming from a guy who does not have much experience with or interest in romance books. I was wanting a wacky, goofy wild fuck fest, and this is not that. Though the novel’s tone remains consistently lighthearted, Eliza is presenting a pretty serious historical event. And I have no problem with this whatsoever. But when you take this approach, it’s challenging to do both the narrative and the banging justice. The reader is never really captivated by Eliza’s vision of 18th century Scotland. I was not invested in the rebels or their cause, nor did I really care about the fate of any of the characters. And honestly, I don’t think Eliza did either. Graham straight up gets shot with a cannonball in the dick, and two pages later, his sister is making googly eyes at Craig’s boner. I just can’t care about your characters when you don’t, Eliza.

It doesn’t really help that this reads like a 9-year-old’s fan fiction—seriously, I think I wrote some more risqué crap than this back in my Harry Potter Wattpad days. Eliza’s talking about making out like it’s the hottest thing ever, and I am screaming at this book to just show me some dick. Eliza, you separate the gay lovers on, like, page 50, and you make me wait till page 330 for banging to happen; it’s just unacceptable; I will not stand for it.

It may not come as a surprise for this type of book, but Eliza’s writing can be stilted and awkward. This is one of the worst lines I encountered: “He grinned, said softly, seductively, ‘There’s always time for kissing.’” Ew, Craig, what did you just say? Tell me that doesn’t make you wanna vomit up your chicken McNuggets. Eliza’s descriptions can also be repetitive. The number of times this girl said, “he claimed her mouth” when they kissed made me want to claim a better book. Anyways, I don’t think anyone came here for poetic prose, so we’ll just move on.

Eliza’s villains also suck dick. Not literally—although I wish they did. They are very one-dimensional—like most other characters in this book—and casually cruel and not in the name of being honest. I wasn’t expecting, you know, Sandman from Spider-Man 3 level villains here, but come on, Eliza, this was the best we could do? There is really only one named villain in this book, and he appears for, I think, a page. But all evil people in this book can be reduced to “hehehe, I am so evil and MEAN, I shoot you with my bayonet, Mr. Plaid.” They are also really freaking dumb.

Okay, Eliza, are you still reading? Now that I smacked the crap out of your book, I would like to move on to some positives. Fun fact, I liked this book more than I thought I would. It is cute. Even though there is very little banging, the banging that is there is serviceable. However, Craig is a little too perfect—you ever meet a man who is gonna eat you out and NOT get his dick sucked? Come on, Eliza. Anyways, the buildup to the banging was spectacular. It was so good. It was the most ridiculous, goofy crap ever, and that is what I came to this book for.

So buddy boy Craig gets captured, and Annie is all like, “I am saving this man. He is hot, and he is a ginger.” So she comes up with the GENIUS plan to distract the guards and disguise him as a woman. And I am thinking to myself, Eliza, what are we doing here? How are you gonna pull this one off? Girl goes into the UNLOCKED prison, bribes the guards with alcohol, and she FEEDS THIS MAN BREAD WHILE SHE SHAVES HIS BEARD AND DRESSES HIM UP AS A WOMAN. Eliza, you lost your mind with this one. It was too good. So Craig and Annie sneak out while the two guards are making out or whatever and proceed to bang as soon as they get home. The setup is fantastic, and it made the bang SO much better. Also, just the bathtub in the inn vibes really did it for me idk. Nice going, Eliza.

Okay, lastly, the ending. It was weird and not good. Idk I didn’t like it. Like, Annie is pregnant now?? Alright, cool, I guess. I didn’t care, and it came out of nowhere, and it was so awkward. Like Craig and Annie are making out, then Annie’s brother, Logan, catches them, then Craig’s sister, Marielle, comes out after her and Logan bang and tells them that she and Logan are getting married?? And then Annie is all like, “oh, by the way, I’m pregnant lol”????????? It was just so weird, and all the sibling banging is uncomfy.

So, yeah. I can now say I’ve read Truly Madly Plaid. If you have any reservations about reading these books out of order, do not. Just read this one; it has the best title. If you’re super into Scottish men, you’ll probably like this book. Idk who finds kilts hot, but there must be at least two people who do, maybe three idk. Maybe this was written for all The Highlander fans out there. I’ve never read The Highlander, but I bet this is pretty similar. I was under the impression there was more banging in The Highlander, but perhaps I’m wrong. This book is also written in a Scottish accent, so please keep that in mind when approaching it because it’s quite bad.

I recommend this book to all my plaid fans out there. You get a cool little backstory of how Craig actually invented plaid when he was a child near the end of the book. He’s a bit like Murdoch Mystery, but he is Scottish instead. Craig was actually trying to crochet Mickey Mouse, but he ended up making a skirt with a bunch of lines on it. His mom was trying to be nice and told him he looked cute. He has daddy issues, and his dad made fun of him for it, but plaid became a symbol of resilience for Craig, and thus, the rebellion as a whole. Thank you for your service, Craig. I do quite like my plaid throw blankets.

Edit
No, I will not shut up about Truly Madly Plaid, and I’m not sorry about it. I BEEN thinking about this book a little too much—I think I need help, you guys. ANYWAYS, I had a revelation tonight about the wacky, goofy Barbie dress-up rescue scene. There’s a lot more going on with this scene, thematically.

A large portion of this book is dedicated to both main characters learning to accept help from the other. Craig is dedicated to defending the Jacobites while Annie heals them. Neither are wont to allow themselves to be in a position where someone else has to take care of THEM. SO, Eliza does something really interesting in this scene with Craig—she forces him to accept help while literally reversing the conventional roles we would expect. Being rescued is commonly conceived of as effeminate. In this scene, the man is rescued by a woman and assumes the literal appearance of the woman. I know what you’re thinking: “Sam, isn’t this kinda misogynistic? Eliza is making it seem like being vulnerable and in need of help is a feminine quality!” And, buddy, I hear you. But let me hit you with this. Craig is ONLY able to escape when he assumes this female appearance. Masculinity is harmful, you guys; I know this. The whole reason Craig was in this position in the first place is cause he pulled a dumb ass MAN move. Being able to break from the mould of masculinity FREES you. When you confine yourself to your dumb man way of thinking, you essentially imprison yourself—you base your maxims around a gender ideal that does not exist. You have no agency because your idea of what a man should be is fake. This is what Craig does—and Annie helps him overcome it, isn't that cute? It’s not feminine to admit you need help, buds. Get rid of your shitty masculine ideals—they’re dumb.

Maybe I’m reading into this too much, but I was sitting on the couch, and this hit me like a freight train to the balls. I think Eliza deserves more credit than I gave her—she packed all this crap in here AND made a funny, goofy wacky scene. Good job, Eliza. Okay, I make no promises this is the last time I spew words about Truly Madly Plaid on the internet. But this is all I have to say on the matter… for now.

[Joanna Szabo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A romance with Culloden in the actual plot, not just part of a tragic back story, was a difficult premise to pull off. It’s just...so sad, so deeply depressing, and while it does offer hurt/comfort and nurse-me-back-to-health vibes afterward, it's maybe not the amount needed to make up for the devastation of that battle. Despite the HEA, there's this grim pall over the whole storyline.

In fact, there was so much care taken to really show this dark part of Scotland's history that the actual romance plot suffered a bit—it sort of jumps from hesitant hurt/comfort to sudden "I would die for you!" that didn't feel earned. There were some side characters and subplots that didn’t get the sort of page time that I wanted. There's also a character death that Hurt A Lot and felt like...either shouldn't have happened or, if it had to because of Culloden, at least that character should have been given a bit more time and attention. They felt seriously shortchanged.

I received a digital advanced copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given a copy for my honest review from Netgalley.

It was an interesting story of the highlands with a lot , and I mean a lot of history and battles within the story. Annie is a very strong heroine which I always enjoy in any romance story. Craig is having a lot of internal battles for his attraction to Annie, and its a good part of the story of him trying to figure it all out.

[Daughter of Paper and Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a cute brothers best friend romance and at the same time it was gut wrenching due to the themes and the dark period in history the book takes place in.

I was glad for the good balancing of action and romance.

Doc Annie and Craig came a long way to be together, and I enjoyed their journey towards a mutual understanding and loving.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



Favorite quotes (SPOILERS AHEAD):

“He wanted to go to her. Reach for her. Tug her off the horse and wrap his arms around her. Protect her as he’d promised Graham he would do. But Graham was there, and he could and should be the one offering her comfort. Besides, she’d likely knife him if he tried.”
-
-
“As she cleaned him, she stared into his cool emerald eyes, ringed with blue. That was when she recognized him. Had it not been for the rinsing of blood and muck from his face, she might not ever have seen him for who he was. But those eyes… She knew those eyes. And now they seemed to touch her soul.
“MacLean,” she said.”
-
-
“I’ll let ye help me,” she said to him, “if ye promise to lie back down. Ye’ll tear your wound open again.”
He grinned. “As ye say, Doctor.”
Why did she feel like the man was nothing but trouble? And why did that warm her heart?”
-
-
“Being brave doesna mean being without fear, lass.”
She stilled, his words washing over her. “Are ye scared?”
“Sometimes.”
Annie smiled. “I never would have guessed that would be your answer, Lieutenant.”
“I learned a long time ago that fear in the face of danger can often be an ally.”
-
-
“The faults of the father do no’ have to be the faults of the son. When ye have a lad, and he’s just as tiny—or perhaps twice your size, like our good hosts—ye’ll know a different approach to take with him.”
-
-
“She had to have been terrified. How had she pulled it off? She was brilliant. She was brave. She was incredible. She was his.
Even if they were caught now, his opinion on that wouldn’t change. He wanted to reach out to her, to hold her, to tell her how much he loved her, how proud he was.”
-
-
“Your body is ready for me. Is your heart?”
-
-
“Annie, ye stay put. Dinna come for me this time.”
Annie nodded, lying in that simple gesture. How could he expect that she would do anything differently? She would come for him every time.”

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly Madly Plaid by Eliza Knight
Prince Charlie’s Angels #2

In the second book of what I believe will be a trilogy we have the story of a healer and a soldier. The two have a bit of a rocky start to their relationship and their time together is not easy with war, wounds, capture, and more to contend with. They eventually do find their way to a HEA future but it is not easy.

What I liked:
* Craig MacLean: a warrior toughened through life to fight for his beliefs. He is strong, kind, lethal, and loving when it comes to friends, family and the woman he falls in love with. Sacrifice, pain and endurance are part and parcel of his life. He is perfect for Annie.
* Annie MacPherson: a healer, sister, friend, warmhearted, caring person who gives her time and effort to Bonny Prince Charles cause. She cares deeply about family, her patients and the man she grows to love. She is perfect for Craig.
* The unflinching look at the war and the Battle of Culloden in particular
* The research done by the author that makes this story authentic
* Annie’s strength and what she was willing to do to keep people safe
* Seeing Jenny and Fiona for a bit
* The supporting characters
* That there were two other couples besides Craig and Annie that found love, too, even though war, maiming and loss were also going on.
* The resilience shown by the Highlanders
* That there was a sense of hope felt in the story when hope was not all that easy to find for the Highlanders.
* The writing, plot, and location

What I didn’t like:
* The reminder that occupying forces often are not kind to the people of the land they occupy – in other words – the English behavior toward the Scots was atrocious.
* Being reminded of the impact of war on soldiers and their family – hated the death of one of the characters but…it happens.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

As the healer to Prince Charlie, Annie MacPherson knows she is risking everything as she travels the countryside during the Jacobite rebellion, healing injured Scots. Her family want her to be safe, but when the vicious Captain Boyd brings his regiment to her home, and burns it down, she is more than willing to fight, and help, and with the upcoming battle at Culloden on the horizon, she's never been more needed. After the Jacobite army fell, and the Dragoons were hunting down survivors, Annie discovers a number of injured men, and nurses them back to health. Lieutenant Craig MacLean expected to die that day, but when he is saved by his best friend's sister, who he promised to protect if he survived and Graham didn't, he knows he will do everything to keep her safe, and return her home. But when the English find them, and Graham has to give himself up to save the woman he's fallen for, can Annie save him, or will their love be doomed?

This book, I think, might have been better than the first. I liked Annie when we met her in The Rebel Wears Plaid, and was glad we would be getting her own story. I knew when we saw the dates for the book, that Culloden would play a part in the plot, and I hoped Annie wouldn't lose her brother, but, understandably, the author had to have many characters die, otherwise it wouldn't have been believably. Annie, I thought, dealt with the situation of being in complete danger, at risk of harassment, assault, or worse, with such a level head, I was in awe of her. Her character was truly incredible, and I loved that though Craig was extremely protective, he didn't want to completely coddle her, and respected her strength. The way the relationship between the two of them developed as Craig was nursed back to health, was perfect for the couple, and I loved the way it concluded. I'll be reading book 3 straight away, and hope that Fiona gets her happy ending, just like Annie and Jenny have done.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie MacPherson's world was torn apart when her family's castle was ravaged during the war. Determined to aid her countrymen, she braves the battlefield and finds gravely wounded Lieutenant Craig MacLean. Soon her heart belongs to the fierce warrior. As the English dragoons draw closer to Annie's makeshift hospital, Craig knows they have to escape together if they'll have any chance to survive. But when they come face-to-face with the enemy and Craig is imprisoned, Annie will have to risk everything she has to save the man she can't live without.
A beautifully written book but it’s not for the faint hearted & if you're looking for a light hearted romp in these unusual times then I'd read this book when the world is back on keel but I'd definitely recommend it as it is compelling reading even though there were shocking moments, things I didn’t expect nor wish for. However it is a very well researched book with wonderful characters & I would have normally devoured it in less than a day but I actually started to read it then life happened & I needed something light & frothy so I left it for a few days before finishing it
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[gabreadsbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was exciting from start to finish! I loved how this series incorporates real women who lived and fought during the time period this book is set in. It is so rare to see that and it adds a little something extra to the characters and story. I do feel someone could read this as a standalone if they wished.
The relationship between Criag and Annie is wonderful. They each get to rescue the other and I loved that. The angst is intense with these two so be forewarned! (but you know I love me an angst feast)
The plot is interesting and the writing kept me engaged with the story without feeling like I was in a history lesson.
Among the highlander romances out there this one stands out. Set during post Culloden battle, Scottish, enemies to lovers, and non-stop action? What more could a reader ask for?

[Karen Darling · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even though I love a beautiful, bold, smart, intelligent heroine, I wish she didn't play so much of a hero's role. While she is worrying and trying to think of solutions to their predicament, he does nothing but get himself caught and of course she has to come to his rescue.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Loved, loved this book. Loved the whole thing. Will continue on with this series.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book: Truly Madly Plaid

By Eliza Knight

Series: Prince Charlie’s Angels, Book #2, 386 pp

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Overall Rating:

1)Celtic Barb’s Saltire Book Review Blog
2)Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
3)Tartan Book Reviews
4)Purple Tulip Book Reviews

Heat Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Sizzling Hot!

Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Saltire Flags




Scottish Highlands
April 1746

Three women were angels of bonnie Prince Charlie Stuart. These women had been each other’s best friends since childhood and made a sacred promise to each other. The three angels of the prince would never abandon their positions or beliefs in the Jacobite cause! Just like their ancestors, grandfathers, fathers, Uncles, brothers and all their male relatives, none had fought just to lose courage, abandon their positions and quit!

This is Annie MacPherson’s story as she is Bonnie Prince Charles healer. The man they are trying to put back on the Scottish throne. She is best friends with Jenny Mackintosh, the warrior, from the last book, “The Rebel Wears Plaid”, and Fiona MacBean, the secret messenger in the next book “You’ve Got Plaid.” Each of these women had a nickname, but Annie was called either Angel or Dr. Annie, even though she wasn’t a doctor. Yet she was probably the best healer in Scotland, as she was the bonnie Prince’s healer and all the Jacobite warriors too. Including the fact she was a bonnie site and half the men in the Jacobite army were in love with her. Beside’s her bonnie looks, she could bring a man who was at death’s door and bring him back to life. She was definitely very well respected and an Angel in their opinion.

Now it was January 1746, Annie and her brother’s Graham’s best friend, Lieutenant Craig MacLean had met after the Battle of Falkirk Muir. Yet she had contacted the illness from the bonnie prince and all the soldiers were spreading the illness she had been caring for. She is so ill she becomes delirious and thinks Craig is one of Cumberland’s butcher’s. She even throws a dagger at him that nicks him and he was only trying to aid her. She actually passes out but after that he kept his distance from his friends crazy sister except Annie has no memory of this meeting. So when they meet again at her Cullidunloch her family’s castle you can feel the attraction. Annie’s brother Graham wanted her to rest at their family home. It is after her brother’s cat attack’s her that Craig actually stitches Annie’s arm that the animosity they have for each turns into mutual respect and attraction.

Now when they return to the the battlefield on April 16, 1746 Graham won’t allow his sister on the Culloden battlefield. Shortly after this The redcoats destroy Annie’s home and beat her youngest brother as the women and children hide in the family crypt. Annie returns to the battlefield to report to her brother Graham, the chieftain that they no longer had a home. Yet she does set up a temporary hospital nearby and it is here she finds Craig near death when looking for the wounded after the battle. She mends his wounds and he is convinced he would have died if left on the Culloden Moor battlefield.

However they are racing against time as Cumberland’s men are murdering Jacobite survivors on and off the battlefield. Looking to where the Jacobite soldiers are hiding so they can imprison and execute them. Yet even during such a devastating time and time is of the essence to be able to hide from Cumberland’s forces. However both Craig and Annie also fall completely in love and she will do anything to keep the man who owns her heart alive!

Will Annie and Craig have a happily ever after or will these two have to go their separate ways? As they both made vows to help Prince Charles Stuart retake his rightful place on the Scottish throne. Will Craig go find his men and Annie locate the Prince to make her next move? A move that would separate them both. Find out and read this amazing book that any lover of Scotland and history does not want to miss!

Warning: Definitely have a couple boxes of Kleenex. I have cried during reads but not like this one! Eliza Knight is one of those rare writers who writes with her heart and soul! I discovered Eliza about eleven years ago as she was my first digital and indie author. It was her Highland Brides book that absolutely blew me away. I read this book “Truly Madly Plaid” twice calling out to my Jacobite heart. Plus having Scottish ancestry and the fact I have visited Culloden battlefield in Scotland which was extremely emotional for me too. So this novel was very special to me for a variety of reasons

This novel has all the elements that Scottish historical readers love, but it also shows the reality of this time in history too. It tells the story of brave women who did their part in the jacobite movement. Yet the setting was phenomenal, brilliant dialogue and the characters were absolutely awe-inspiring and the plotting just took my breath away. This was another riveting, page turning, action packed, emotional story that weaves true history and a fiction romance which was a total masterpiece!

This is definitely one of the best books I have read in a long while and I can’t recommend this amazing book enough! I would give it a hundred stars if I could. Yes I loved this book that much and excited to read Fiona’s book next!

Prince Charlie’s Angels
1)The Rebel Wears Plaid (Jenny & Toran)

2)Truly Madly Plaid
(Annie & Craig)

3)You’ve Got Plaid
(Fiona & Brogano)


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy and an advance reader copy from the Sourcebook publishers. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.



Buy Links:

https://www.amazon.com/Truly-Madly-Pr...

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trul...

https://books.apple.com/us/book/truly...

https://play.google.com/store/books/d...

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/trul...

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

1746 Scotland is a time period I enjoy reading and the author put quite a bit of history into the story. A strong female lead, a charismatic Highlander, danger around every turn and intrigue afoot made for an exciting read! Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for access to this ARC.

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book. *sigh*

I've only read two books and one novella by this author so far, but Eliza Knight is fast becoming one of my favorite historical romance - and historical fiction in general! - authors. The amount of research she puts into her books is amazing. I felt like I was pulled into the world of the Jacobites in Scotland, to the point that the chapters about the battle at Culloden were physically painful for me to read. The author can also pack an emotional wallop - I was ridiculously attached to most of the secondary characters, not to mention the main ones - and the suspense had me on the edge of my seat for most of the end. Gah. SO GOOD.

Do not be fooled by the rather cutesy title of the book or the cover. This is NOT a lighthearted read. There is a ton of angst and pain in this book. As I mentioned in the above paragraph, the battle of Culloden happens in this book, and the main characters are right there. Graham, Annie's brother and Craig's best friend, dies on the battlefield. Graham appeared in the first book of the series, The Rebel Wears Plaid, where he is one of Mistress J's loyal soldiers (and is also in love with her). I loved his character. I loved him even more in this book, as we got to see him in the role of protective and loving brother and clan chief. And he died before Annie could reach him. Ugh. I'm not going to lie - I cried like a baby and had to put the book down for a good half an hour at that scene.

But in spite of there being so many bad things that happen in the book and in this time period, the author manages somehow to infuse the book with so much freaking HOPE by the end. I'm not even sure how she did it, because this is seriously one of the most depressing times of history for me to read about and contemplate. Logan, Annie's younger brother, survives and becomes a strong chief. They manage to rebuild the burned sections of their castle. Craig and Annie survive everything that is thrown their way and are expecting their first child. Logan finds love with Craig's sister, and Eppy and Max find their own happy ending as well. Jenny and Toran survive Culloden and are still together. Fiona is still safe. Pinecone finally makes up to Annie. SO MUCH HAPPY.

Also, I was so freaking happy to find a queer couple in this book! The two guards, Seamus and Jameson, are totally together and Annie's happy about it and YES I love it. The author was a bit subtle about their relationship, especially at first, when Annie just notes that the two men are a "pair" and always around one another. That was enough for my queerdar to ping, but the ending totally cements it. "Seamus and Jameson were once more at each other's side. Where they were free to be themselves." (p. 353). YAY GAY in historical romances! More please!

I want more from this world. I want all of the secondary characters to get their own books and to live and thrive in spite of all of the horrible things that were happening in their world. I want the soldier with amnesia to remember who he is and find a happy ending (perhaps he has someone waiting for him at home?).

I instapreordered Fiona's book as soon as I saw it was available on Amazon. I cannot WAIT for her story. And she's part of Clan MacBean! I'm a descendant of a member of Clan MacBean, John MacBean (shortened to John Bean while being transported to America). He wasn't present at Culloden; he was shipped to America as a prisoner of war / indentured servant after the Battle of Worcester, nearly a hundred years before. And I never see MacBean mentioned ANYWHERE so I'm super excited. :D

[A Klue · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are a Scottish vs English history buff, you will probably fall truly madly in love with this supposedly based somewhat on real people Jacobite tale. Since this author is a favorite of mine, I’m certainly used to her attention to detail. I was just surprised the romance aspect was an underlying sub-plot theme compared to the past and present on-going perilous conflicts, struggles of war, its bloody, merciless after effects, and all the historical details that held the spotlight much of the time. You see, it was verra heavy on the history, fear, and emotions of the time regarding the savageness of the enemy, the English. You practically felt you were with them looking over their shoulders to see if the red coats were coming.

Annie McPherson was fearless, folks. This Florence Nightingale like heroine had too much on her mind and lives to save to get overly waylaid by love, at least through a big hunk of this book. Though it seems to be implied she had verra strong feelings for the hero and vice versa. What is spelled out clearly in the synopsis doesn’t happen until about 70%, btw. That surprised me too because it’s a pretty big spoiler to give away upfront. At least I thought so.

I liked this main couple but couldn’t help sense they felt more shared admiration and respect than undying, forever type love. Again, likely because the Jacobite cause was their main focus.

Craig’s reason for avoiding Annie in the beginning seemed rather contrived. Like something had to be an obstacle so here you go. I’d think he would have been smarter than that, folks, especially since he should have known why she didn’t remember that strange encounter considering her obvious condition at the time..

Book 1 was truly a tough act to follow, which I rated 5 stars. As much as doctor like Annie was helpful on the battlefield, she didn’t hold a candle to warrior soldier Jenny, IMHO. Annie even agreed with that statement at one point. We’ll have to wait and see how Fiona, the spy messenger yields her leading man love interest in the upcoming book. Her brief cameo appearance here has my hopes set verra high indeed, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends. They will be on the road together for some time, so I know that couple will spend lots of time connecting. An ingredient that tends to make all the difference with me.

Title: Truly, Madly Plaid, Series: Prince Charlie’s Angels (Book 2), Author: Eliza Knight, Pages: 384, pub date: 12/29/20, stand-alone but part of a series, courageous healer heroine, soldier hero fighting for same cause, bloody fight scenes, perilous situations, no OW/OM drama.

Book 1 - The Rebel Wears Plaid (Jenny & Toran)
Book 2 - Truly Madly Plaid (Annie & Craig)
Book 3 - You’ve Got Plaid (Brogan & Fiona)

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or PR firm.)

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

During war, who has time to fall in love?
Never have I ever read such a detailed account of skirmishes, battles and of war than this book. The battle of English occupation of Scotland was not tolerated by most and secretly armies of men came together to fight for their honor, their home, their family, their Scotland. Each Scot was committed mind, heart and soul. Not even losing part of a limb would keep them from the cause. This book kept me in suspense and filled me with tension as the people in the story willingly gave their lives in spite of the danger all around them and it was constant. Not just here and there but everywhere and what could happen at any time. This book brought me face to face with war, the bloody carnage, the screams of pain, the fall of comrades when the English descended on the Scots. How a young woman Annie, a healer dedicated her life to the fallen that could be saved and she tried to heal them. She had to do all in secret lest the English would fall upon them. The English were barbarians. They burned, stole, pillaged, raped and murdered every man, woman and child. They had no mercy. The author through her writing brings the reader into the character's world. Whether they fought, feared for their lives, hid from danger, ran for their lives, whatever the situation was one thing was always on the forefront, their dedication and loyalty to the cause unto death. There was nothing they would not do for another compatriot when they had the power to do so. Craig was a lieutenant fighting alongside his best friend Graham. Graham was the chieftain of his clan and older brother to Annie the healer. Just before heading into battle Graham made Craig swear if he fell, he would always protect Annie. Craig swore, went to battle, Graham was killed and Craig was mortally wounded. He would have died if Annie and her people did not scour the battlefield for survivors and found him. But shortly after they had to escape because the English known as the Redcoats were returning to kill all survivors. I cannot imagine how hard it was for the author to slip in a love story in the mist of war. But the author accomplished it realistically how Annie and Craig came together after misunderstanding after misunderstanding, stubbornness but especially understanding how dedicated each were for the cause. It was hard for me to imagine not knowing who to trust and who not to when so much was at stake. The reader could feel each shaken emotion that filled each of the characters plus much, much more. This story is only one recount of the Jacobite rebellion against the Redcoats. One's mind can surely conjure many others. This is an exciting read, a real page turner, a nail biting, sit at the edge of your seat, holding in your breath as to what would happen next type of book. I highly recommend this book. You will not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Madly Plaid is the second book in Eliza Knight's Prince Charlie's Angels series. Haven't read the first one? Neither have I, but my understanding of the story and characters was not hindered in the least by missing it. Of course, now I know I need to amend that situation as soon as I can! I could not put this book down and read it basically in one day. Good thing it was the weekend!

Annie MacPherson is a talented healer who was always on the battlefield helping the Jacobite Highlanders who were fighting to put Bonnie Prince Charlie on the throne. After her dear brother Graham and his best friend, Lieutenant Craig MacLean, leave the MacPherson castle to go fight at Culloden after a visit, dragoons overrun the castle and it's ravaged. Annie takes off after the men to help and finds total devastation; so many have died, but she does find Craig clinging to life. Annie and brave Craig soon lose their hearts to each other. But when Craig is captured and imprisoned, will he and Annie be parted forever?

I totally love the premise of this series: the female leads are based on real historical figures. In this case, Annie was loosely based on Anne MacKay, Anne Leith and Lady Maxwell, all of whom risked their lives to save Jacobite soldiers. Knowing that, I found Annie's character to be one of my favorites in historical romance. She was quite brave, spunky, and had a delightful sense of humor. And then there was Craig... ~Sigh~ I simply loved that man! He was a fierce fighter, yet was so tender with Annie. It took a while for them to become intimate but when they did, the pages positively ignited. I loved the romance, but it was the historical aspect that I found most compelling. Just knowing what was to happen at Culloden was simply and utterly heartbreaking. I will be on pins and needles waiting for Annie's friend Fiona's story.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author, and I really enjoyed it! Plus, brother's best friend trope is my all-time favorite!

Annie MacPherson is a healer, and she loves feeling useful on the battlefield, helping out her brothers, and their fellow Jacobite soldiers. She's never acted as much of a traditional "lady," and on the battlefield, you'll find her just as involved, and dirty, and exhausted, as any of the men. After her family's castle is burned by the dragoons, and the terrible battle at Culloden has reached its conclusion, she is able to rescue a few soldiers still living and nurse them back to health, including her brother's best friend.

Craig MacLean is a Lieutenant in Prince Charlie's ranks, fighting for the Jacobite cause. When he's gravely injured on the battlefield, Annie rescues him, and nurses him back to health. Though he knows she should be off limits, as he vowed to her brother that he would protect her, he can't help falling for her. But, he has no hope that she might feel the same way too. While he and the other men are trying to heal, and trying to stay one step ahead of the dragoons, he just prays he can keep his promise to Annie's brother to keep her alive.

Craig and Annie had chemistry for days, and I loved their banter. They had such a strong connection, one neither had felt with another before, and I loved watching them slowly realize just what that could mean for their futures. This book was very exciting, and you were constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop with them possibly being discovered, so it kept me on my toes, and breathless. I loved their connection, and I loved how much they cared for and protected each other.

The side characters here, including Annie's 2 best friends, and her maid, and the other men she rescued, were all great, and I definitely want to go back and read Jenny's story in book 1! All the characters really had to depend on the kindness of strangers, or near-strangers, throughout the story, and I enjoyed how they made their way through, regardless of the obstacles they all faced.

This was such a lovely story, and I really adored Craig and Annie's connection. There were some aspects of the story, like some of the battles, etc. that didn't always hold my interest as much as other parts, but as a whole I really enjoyed this one, and would highly recommend to anyone who loves a Highlander hero!

ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club

[Donna Duhig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Madly Plaid is a historical and romance fiction set in the mid 18th Century in Scotland during the rebellious rise of the Jacobites against the Red Coats. The main characters in the novel swore their allegiance to Prince Charles in his attempt to overthrow King George II and restore the House of Stuart to the throne. Their loyalty to the prince and their beliefs are evident throughout the book.
    
Annie is a strong female character, who is brave, determined and courageous. She has found her role as a doctor during the rebellion, healing the wounded warriors so they may take arms against the Red Coats again. In her lifetime, Annie has experienced her fair share of losses of those dear to her that to save lives, she feels, is her calling. Until one such patient is the very handsome Lieutenant Craig Maclean, Annie has to face another battle of her own; against her duty to the prince and her inner desire. 
    
There are battles and violent events within the story that create exciting and page-turning moments. The descriptive language draws the reader into the book and conjures a real sense of the period, and I often felt I was amongst the characters. The passion between Annie and Craig is intense and steamy at times, and I wondered if it was too much. However, as a whole, it remains on the cusp of not being overdone.
    
The narration is third-person switching between the viewpoints and events of Annie and Craig. The reader is always aware of what is happening to both the characters and their true feelings. The book was predictable in parts and not in others, and I often wondered will they survive or what happens next or urging the characters to make a different choice.
    
The prologue immediately grabbed my attention, and once I started to read the first chapter, I was intrigued to know how it connected to the rest of the book. Several times Annie and Craig referred back to the prologue, and the buildup had me curious, there was potential for being something much more than what it was, and I was feeling disappointed with its outcome.

The book is well written and very descriptive. The characters are interesting, and I cared about what happened to them, and I sensed their fear and passion for duty. I thought the title was a fine choice, a play on words and fitted in well with the context of the book. Truly Madly Plaid is the second book of the Prince Charlie's Angels series, but it stands well on its own. 

The book was an enjoyable read and highly recommendable.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie MacPherson is devoted to Prince Charles’s cause in Scotland. When her family’s home is burned and her brothers are in danger, Annie does what she must to protect herself and those around her. Finding herself at the field of battle shortly after the conclusion, she does what she can to gather the wounded, including one of her brother’s friends, Lieutenant Craig MacLean. As the dragoons draw closer, Annie is torn between protecting the men in her charge, protecting her own life, and the life of the man she finds herself increasingly drawn to.

Annie is a strong willed woman, working as a medic to support Prince Charles’s fight for the throne. She and her friends have made a vow to support the war in their own ways, and medicine is her specialty. She has seen war up close, and knows how to take care of herself in tough situations.

Craig vowed to his friend that he would protect Annie should anything happen to Graham, but with his wounds he is finding it a challenge to uphold that vow. As he works to heal and also keep Annie safe, he finds himself remembering the things that intrigued him about her, even as she was off limits.

This was a fun change from my usual. The plot moved quickly, with the constant threat of discovery at the edge of the character’s minds. I enjoyed the Scottish highlands setting, as well as the backdrop of Culloden and the dragoons, though the written Scottish accent sometimes felt overdone. Annie’s character is based on some real life heroines of the time, but the actual history involved in the story is light on details and relevance. Beyond a basic understanding of the general events during the Bonny Prince’s attempt to take back the thrown, the details are not important to this story. It was however, an entertaining read and a great escape from the bustle of the everyday.

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[MammaDi3Gatti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for my honest review.

Truly, Madly Plaid is the second in Eliza Knight’s Prince Charlie’s Angels series. (Charlie’s Angels…see what she did there?) The book does a great job of standing alone though; I don’t think you need to read the first book (The Rebel Wears Plaid) to enjoy this one.

The book takes place in Scotland in the mid 18 th century, when the Jacobites were rebelling against British. I always struggle a little bit with books in this time period because I love a good highlander, and I know that this period didn’t end well for them. This book does a good job representing both the triumphs and the grief of the time.

“Charlie’s Angels” are three friends who use their individual talents to help Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s rebellion. Book 1 apparently focused on Jenny (a warrior), and this one focuses on Annie (a healer). Fiona (the messenger) will have her story next, I assume. Annie is a terrifically strong heroine who does as much (if not more) saving than Craig, the novel’s hero. Craig, for his part, wears a kilt well; he’s strong and powerful in his own right, but he also respects and admires Annie for her talents and her need to be in the throes of the action.

The only part of the book that really stood out as “off” to me is the title. Truly, Madly Plaid to me sounds like a fun highland romp, but while it definitely has fun moments, the sheer tragedy of the Battle of Culloden (historically) just doesn’t scream “romp” to me. At times, this book felt like a snapshot in time rather than a full novel with a solid story arc. I kept expecting a bigger or at least more obvious conflict for the characters to surmount (aside from the whole rebellion thing). But perhaps being part of a trilogy has something to do with it. The author’s writing style is solid though, and I don’t regret reading it.