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The Border Chronicles #5
The Border Vixen
Dugald Kerr, the laird of Brae Aisir, has lost his male heirs in the raging border wars. He has but one inheritor remaining: a beautiful headstrong graddaughter known as Mad Maggie. There are many eager to wed Maggie, for with her comes the profitable right to exact tolls at a famous safe passage through the border hills, which has been under the protection of the Kerrs for generations.
Keenly aware of the covetous interest in his lands, the laird announces that any man who can outrun, outride, and outfight Mad Maggie will win her and her inheritance. His proposition causes more chaos than resolution, for feisty Maggie's reputation precedes her, and the one man to take up the challenge is roundly defeated.
But young King James V learns of the laird's problem and dispatches his cousin Fingal Stewart into the borders to wed the heiress without delay so that the valuable pass may be protected. But the laird insists his conditions be met, and the heated contest of wills between Fin and Maggie brings out the fire in them both. But there are those who will stop at nothing to gain control of Maggie's inheritance - even if it means getting rid of Fingal Stewart, and his border vixen.
Keenly aware of the covetous interest in his lands, the laird announces that any man who can outrun, outride, and outfight Mad Maggie will win her and her inheritance. His proposition causes more chaos than resolution, for feisty Maggie's reputation precedes her, and the one man to take up the challenge is roundly defeated.
But young King James V learns of the laird's problem and dispatches his cousin Fingal Stewart into the borders to wed the heiress without delay so that the valuable pass may be protected. But the laird insists his conditions be met, and the heated contest of wills between Fin and Maggie brings out the fire in them both. But there are those who will stop at nothing to gain control of Maggie's inheritance - even if it means getting rid of Fingal Stewart, and his border vixen.
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
38 people are currently reading
723 people want to read
About the author
Bertrice Small
216 books1,128 followersBertrice 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 6, 2010
Review by C.M. Lessard for Romance Novel News
Maggie Kerr is the spitfire granddaughter of a border lord who controls the Aisir nam Breug, an ancient pass between England and Scotland. For generations, the Kerrs have maintained the pass, allowing passage for peaceful purposes only.
Maggie is not like any other Scottish lass. Dubbed Mad Maggie, she is brazen, speaks her mind and can run, hunt and fight better than most men.
At seventeen, Maggie is of age to wed but she’s not willing to be dominated by someone she does not respect. Her grandfather decrees that any man seeking Maggie’s hand must be able to outrun, outride and outfight her.
Ewan Hay, a neighboring clan member, accepts the challenge but he is soundly defeated - and humiliated.
Scottish King James sends his kinsman Fingal Stewart to wed the heiress. After a feisty first meeting, Fin agrees to the challenge but first allows her time to get used to him. And when Fin barely bests her in the challenge, the entire village is convinced that Fin is a worthy match for Maggie.
Four years later, King James issues a call to arms to fight the British. Fingal answers the call and is gravely wounded in battle. Suffering from partial memory loss, Fingal recuperates at the home of an elderly British woman. On his journey back to Scotland, he is detoured into an adulterous encounter with two sex-starved sisters.
During Fingal’s absence, Maggie must ward off Ewan Hay and his invading army. Ewan has positioned himself to become Maggie’s husband now that Fingal is believed dead.
“The Border Vixen” begins with a battle of wills. The feisty Maggie and sensible Fingal complement each other well. His patient pursuit of her is admirable and when he finally claims Maggie as his wife, the pages ignite with sensuality in typical Bertrice Small-style.
The story is tedious at times as Small explains the history of Scotland, most of which is complicated and irrelevant to the plot.
The biggest flaw is Small’s decision to involve Fingal in a raunchy threesome while his wife is at home pregnant, awaiting his return. Although Fingal does not recall having a wife and three children, the gratuitous sex scene contradicts Fingal as a man of restraint and defiles the love story.
Maggie’s devotion to family never falters and her strategic thinking saves her people from invaders, making her the true hero.
http://bit.ly/9ZoWN1
Maggie Kerr is the spitfire granddaughter of a border lord who controls the Aisir nam Breug, an ancient pass between England and Scotland. For generations, the Kerrs have maintained the pass, allowing passage for peaceful purposes only.
Maggie is not like any other Scottish lass. Dubbed Mad Maggie, she is brazen, speaks her mind and can run, hunt and fight better than most men.
At seventeen, Maggie is of age to wed but she’s not willing to be dominated by someone she does not respect. Her grandfather decrees that any man seeking Maggie’s hand must be able to outrun, outride and outfight her.
Ewan Hay, a neighboring clan member, accepts the challenge but he is soundly defeated - and humiliated.
Scottish King James sends his kinsman Fingal Stewart to wed the heiress. After a feisty first meeting, Fin agrees to the challenge but first allows her time to get used to him. And when Fin barely bests her in the challenge, the entire village is convinced that Fin is a worthy match for Maggie.
Four years later, King James issues a call to arms to fight the British. Fingal answers the call and is gravely wounded in battle. Suffering from partial memory loss, Fingal recuperates at the home of an elderly British woman. On his journey back to Scotland, he is detoured into an adulterous encounter with two sex-starved sisters.
During Fingal’s absence, Maggie must ward off Ewan Hay and his invading army. Ewan has positioned himself to become Maggie’s husband now that Fingal is believed dead.
“The Border Vixen” begins with a battle of wills. The feisty Maggie and sensible Fingal complement each other well. His patient pursuit of her is admirable and when he finally claims Maggie as his wife, the pages ignite with sensuality in typical Bertrice Small-style.
The story is tedious at times as Small explains the history of Scotland, most of which is complicated and irrelevant to the plot.
The biggest flaw is Small’s decision to involve Fingal in a raunchy threesome while his wife is at home pregnant, awaiting his return. Although Fingal does not recall having a wife and three children, the gratuitous sex scene contradicts Fingal as a man of restraint and defiles the love story.
Maggie’s devotion to family never falters and her strategic thinking saves her people from invaders, making her the true hero.
http://bit.ly/9ZoWN1
June 30, 2011
This was a pleasant change from the other books in this series. I love Small's books, but I don't like that in many of her books, a main character dies. No one important died in this book.
June 11, 2019
This book quickly abandons the romance story and becomes more of a Historical novel about James V and the war between England and Scotland. They'll be pages of descriptions and facts about the time period with maybe a paragraph thrown in there like, "oh and the main woman, Maggie, had a baby in the winter."
Still, I stuck with the novel up until the main guy got amnesia and cheated on his wife with two sisters in graphic detail. It was so ridiculous and unnecessary.
Still, I stuck with the novel up until the main guy got amnesia and cheated on his wife with two sisters in graphic detail. It was so ridiculous and unnecessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
As with many of Lady Small's novels, this one is even better the second time around. Fifth in her Border Chronicles, but a standalone. Oh, how I love my Small standalones. This is the tale of the Asher Nam Berg, a passagebetween the Scottish and English sides of the border. The Scots heiress, Mad Maggie Kerr, needs a husband who can be her equal, and Fingal Stewart is just such a man. Shat starts as a play for political advantage turns into a great love that is more than a match for familial treachery, politics, war, and the harsh environment in which they live. Add in a villain whom I first thought might have been a hero candidate (oh how wrong I was) who gets one of the best comeuppances in all Small, and it reminds me exactly why Lady Small is a must for those who love a story steeped in history, with plenty of emotion and spice.
January 6, 2011
A lot more Scottish history than I thought it would have, based on the back cover. Still, I liked Maggie even though she was a bit much at times, but hey, she was only 17 or thereabouts at the beginning of the book. Fingal's return to Maggie, after losing his memory and nearly his life, was a bit too Odyssey-esque, complete with lots of sex with strange women (in his case, two lusty sisters with whom he had to stay for a few days, and have sex with them, as price of his passage). Meanwhile, Maggie had to fend off unwanted suitors not unlike Penelope. Still, they did come together in the end, of course. I liked the cover on which the model portraying Maggie looked like Liv Tyler.
May 30, 2011
Not your typical huistorical romance, it doesn't end once the hero and heroine decide they are in love with an epilogue about their first born. This book continues well into their happy marriage and the border wars between Scotland and England. This is not a period I am overly familar with and I appreciate the autthor sprinkling in the historical facts as needed and not turning it into a history book.
October 18, 2010
I normally like Beatrice Small's books...and this one is OK...but just barely OK. Ms. Small is underestimating the intelligence of her readers with this one...and seems to be relying on an excess of sexual conduct rather than good writing with a solid story line. I will finish the book but I am very disappointed.
January 7, 2021
by and1515
They called her Mad Maggie because she didn't act like any typical young woman should and was extremely outspoken and way to stubborn to boot.
It would take her grandfather a miracle to find her a husband whom she'd accept.
And when the hopefuls boast about being able to put an ordinary female in her so-called place only to lose.
However when a would be suitor goes running with a wild tales to the Young Scottish King hoping that he'd be getting his way and the poor girl only to be sent packing.
Fingal Stewart wasn't sure if he was a lucky man or not when his cousin the king would have him do his bidding and check out an unusual story.
However once meeting the lass' grandfather and explaining why he was there and how there King came to know about his family.
Fingal was many things but fool wasn't one of them and he knew in order to expected and even respected here he needed to compete just like every other man had but he intended win.
And win he did in more ways then one and Fingal Stewart was looking forward to the long winter months.
Fingal couldn't be happier with his life he had a new wife and bairn on the way for the moment what more could a man ask for.
Maggie let lose with her kitty claws on her husband who was sorely trying her patience she would be the one naming their son
and the one that followed.
Fingal Stewart was a man raised to be loyal to his King and when you receive an invitation from said man you didn't hem-haw you merely went.
He might have sold his sword for an income however nothing prepared him for the lose nor the wounds that sorely tired him.
All she could do was grit her teeth and pray feverishly that her husband wasn't dead and that he would return.
It took Fingal Stewart running into his hired man to finally have all the missing pieces fall into place as he now recalled what he couldn't before.
With the knowledge that his family was being threaten by outside forces encroaching where they didn't belong it was time he put his house back in order.
They called her Mad Maggie because she didn't act like any typical young woman should and was extremely outspoken and way to stubborn to boot.
It would take her grandfather a miracle to find her a husband whom she'd accept.
And when the hopefuls boast about being able to put an ordinary female in her so-called place only to lose.
However when a would be suitor goes running with a wild tales to the Young Scottish King hoping that he'd be getting his way and the poor girl only to be sent packing.
Fingal Stewart wasn't sure if he was a lucky man or not when his cousin the king would have him do his bidding and check out an unusual story.
However once meeting the lass' grandfather and explaining why he was there and how there King came to know about his family.
Fingal was many things but fool wasn't one of them and he knew in order to expected and even respected here he needed to compete just like every other man had but he intended win.
And win he did in more ways then one and Fingal Stewart was looking forward to the long winter months.
Fingal couldn't be happier with his life he had a new wife and bairn on the way for the moment what more could a man ask for.
Maggie let lose with her kitty claws on her husband who was sorely trying her patience she would be the one naming their son
and the one that followed.
Fingal Stewart was a man raised to be loyal to his King and when you receive an invitation from said man you didn't hem-haw you merely went.
He might have sold his sword for an income however nothing prepared him for the lose nor the wounds that sorely tired him.
All she could do was grit her teeth and pray feverishly that her husband wasn't dead and that he would return.
It took Fingal Stewart running into his hired man to finally have all the missing pieces fall into place as he now recalled what he couldn't before.
With the knowledge that his family was being threaten by outside forces encroaching where they didn't belong it was time he put his house back in order.
August 2, 2023
What a mess! I couldn't make heads nor tails of this book. Not sure what was the point of the story. Definitely wasn't a romance. There was barely any chemistry between the MCs. It was more a history of aisir nam bray, which is probably fictional. The story started good but steadily got worse and worse. The author was often repetitive and didn't develop the romance between the MCs. Could have cut the book in half. Also, not sure what was the point of the descriptive infidelity scenes with the two sex-addicted sisters (while suffering with Amnesia), which the MMC never confesses to his wife. It doesn't even enter his mind again after he regains his memory. I hate that this was left unresolved. How can a book that started as a 4-5 star read end up as a 1 star. The FMC deserved so much more than this author gave her. I was not convinced that the MMC loved her, and I doubt he loved his children.
June 2, 2020
Why did I read this I have no idea??! I played Crusaders Kings 2 on my PC and was in a mood for a medieval erotica. I stopped midway because the author went on to drivel about how virgins cant enjoy sex the first time which is complete BS. I mean I get it for a man from that time it would make sense for him to be ignorant but he had prior experience with prostitutes it's not like he was without experience. Plus the whole novel felt like the character was trying to be a sexier n grown up version of Merida. The writings is nice, but I felt like her dialogue was wordy and just spilling information about ancestors and bloodlines. I honestly skipped lines and I was able to still understand most of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2018
Beatrice Small was one of my first favorite romance authors but I had stopped reading historical romances. This reminded me of how much I enjoyed reading her books. I loved that Maggie was a strong woman and that Flinn didn’t try to diminish her.
March 16, 2020
A strong Scots woman needs a strong, sensible Scots man. Not a little weasel (no disrespect meant to the four-legged animal). Margaret Kerr is strong, both physically and of will. She can not stand a weak man. Ewan Hay is weak and stupid. Unfortunately, he is also a dangerous enemy.
Read
December 26, 2024I was half way through the book and realized I knew this plot. I don't know if I have read this book before. I went to last chapter and read it and then put it in the done pile. Not sure how to rate so I'm not going there.
September 5, 2017
An excellcent read and a educational read as well. I am looking forward to reading all the Border chronicle Series.
June 5, 2018
Border Scott story in the time of King James the V
July 25, 2018
A 1
Yet another page turner. I am never disappointed with the historical romance novels of Beatrice Small. They are highly enjoyable and hard to put down.
Yet another page turner. I am never disappointed with the historical romance novels of Beatrice Small. They are highly enjoyable and hard to put down.
December 3, 2019
wow what a great book I loved this from the beginning I cant wait to read more books by this author these where such great charters
September 7, 2022
Too much history, not enough romance.
Read
January 30, 2017Standard Bertrice. Enjoyed!
August 12, 2024
Historical romance.
December 26, 2014
A Worthy Installment in the Border Chronicles Series
This is the 5th in Small's Border Chronicles series. I would rank it not as good as the first, second and fourth but better than the third (see list below). I have found all of them worthy reads but for reasons stated in my review, I did not recommend the Captive Heart. Since the books are stand alones, you can read some and not all but I do recommend beginning with the first two. Small has a very different style and tells very complex historical stories, which I don't have to tell you if you are already a fan, but if you are not, you should be prepared for a very different historical romance.
This series, while not connected in time or people in all cases, is tied to a place. It tells the stories of men and women living in Scotland in the 15th and 16th centuries along the border with England, a fascinating place. Each tale includes a deep historical background of the times, including the Scottish royalty. There are long narratives, detailed descriptions of the meals served, repeated scenes told through different characters' eyes, "head hopping" from one character's perspective to another in rapid succession, and a well woven tapestry of events, all of which lead to captivating stories in my opinion. You have to adjust your expectations, however, as the happy ending may not be with the hero you expected. While I find Small's stories realistic for the time and quite absorbing, there are disturbing elements in some you might not like: death of a much loved character, even the hero, twisted characters, perversions and violence against women as well as men, including rape. The world has always included these and the border of Scotland at the time no doubt did, but if you prefer light romance this likely isn't the author for you.
In this installment, we are introduced to a 17 year old girl who is the last of her line of Kerrs who rule the Scottish side of the great toll road, Aisir nam Breug (which in English means "the false passage"). Raised like a boy she can run, ride and fight better than any man (they call her Mad Maggie Kerr). Since she was 14, Maggie has governed the passage with expert hands and all her people respect her. When her grandsire decides she must marry to produce an heir, she agrees but sets as a test that the man must be able to out run, out ride and out fight her so she can respect him. Only one man tries, Ewan Hay, and he fails miserably to become a bitter, twisted man. When he goes to King James to complain, the King, who takes an instant dislike to him, send his cousin, Fingal Stewart to wed the lass. Fingal is a noble man of great depth of character who recognizes Maggie for the prize she is. They are wed by contract but before Maggie will allow him in her bed he must pass the test. Like any Small romance, that is merely the beginning. Maggie, who would prefer to be free and to lead her people, must come to terms with being a wife and mother and the limitations those roles impose upon her. Fingal must meet the competing responsibilities of serving his king and being lord of the manor and ruler of the road. And much happens to block their happiness at finding love. The book spans several years in the lives of Maggie and Fingal and they are separated for a time that challenges them both. I do recommend this one.
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 (Oct 2011)
This is the 5th in Small's Border Chronicles series. I would rank it not as good as the first, second and fourth but better than the third (see list below). I have found all of them worthy reads but for reasons stated in my review, I did not recommend the Captive Heart. Since the books are stand alones, you can read some and not all but I do recommend beginning with the first two. Small has a very different style and tells very complex historical stories, which I don't have to tell you if you are already a fan, but if you are not, you should be prepared for a very different historical romance.
This series, while not connected in time or people in all cases, is tied to a place. It tells the stories of men and women living in Scotland in the 15th and 16th centuries along the border with England, a fascinating place. Each tale includes a deep historical background of the times, including the Scottish royalty. There are long narratives, detailed descriptions of the meals served, repeated scenes told through different characters' eyes, "head hopping" from one character's perspective to another in rapid succession, and a well woven tapestry of events, all of which lead to captivating stories in my opinion. You have to adjust your expectations, however, as the happy ending may not be with the hero you expected. While I find Small's stories realistic for the time and quite absorbing, there are disturbing elements in some you might not like: death of a much loved character, even the hero, twisted characters, perversions and violence against women as well as men, including rape. The world has always included these and the border of Scotland at the time no doubt did, but if you prefer light romance this likely isn't the author for you.
In this installment, we are introduced to a 17 year old girl who is the last of her line of Kerrs who rule the Scottish side of the great toll road, Aisir nam Breug (which in English means "the false passage"). Raised like a boy she can run, ride and fight better than any man (they call her Mad Maggie Kerr). Since she was 14, Maggie has governed the passage with expert hands and all her people respect her. When her grandsire decides she must marry to produce an heir, she agrees but sets as a test that the man must be able to out run, out ride and out fight her so she can respect him. Only one man tries, Ewan Hay, and he fails miserably to become a bitter, twisted man. When he goes to King James to complain, the King, who takes an instant dislike to him, send his cousin, Fingal Stewart to wed the lass. Fingal is a noble man of great depth of character who recognizes Maggie for the prize she is. They are wed by contract but before Maggie will allow him in her bed he must pass the test. Like any Small romance, that is merely the beginning. Maggie, who would prefer to be free and to lead her people, must come to terms with being a wife and mother and the limitations those roles impose upon her. Fingal must meet the competing responsibilities of serving his king and being lord of the manor and ruler of the road. And much happens to block their happiness at finding love. The book spans several years in the lives of Maggie and Fingal and they are separated for a time that challenges them both. I do recommend this one.
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 (Oct 2011)
May 5, 2011
Aware of the covetous interest in his land, the laird of Brae Aisir announces that any man who can outrun, outride, and outfight his headstrong granddaughter "Mad Maggie" will have her as a wife - along with her inheritance. His proposition causes more chaos than resolution, especially when King James II sends his cousin Fingal Stewart to compete for Maggie's hand. The competition brings out the fire in both of them, and it doesn't take long for the rivals to become lovers. But there are those who will do anything to gain control of Maggie's inheritance - even if it means getting rid of Fingal Stewart and his border vixen.
I particularly liked this fifth installment of Bertrice Small's Border Series: The Border Vixen. I love the heroine, Mad Maggie. I like my heroines to be strong and Maggie fits the bill in spades. She is tough enough to play just as hard as the boys. She is also a woman ahead of her time and strong enough to survive without a man. So when her farther indulges Maggie and has a competition for her hand, he is really smart. He knows the man that Maggie takes for a husband has to be strong like she is; otherwise Maggie will run right over him. She finds her match and more in Fingal, and Fingal is more than man enough to take on Mad Maggie. He has strength and character that make you really like him from the get go.
I love Ms. Small’s Border series; it has hot Scots and the women they love, and you cannot go wrong with that combination in my book. I believe this book should be read in order, after the books before it. It helps to understand some back story and why Maggie’s hand would be so important. This is a great addition to the series and I hope there are many more to come.
I particularly liked this fifth installment of Bertrice Small's Border Series: The Border Vixen. I love the heroine, Mad Maggie. I like my heroines to be strong and Maggie fits the bill in spades. She is tough enough to play just as hard as the boys. She is also a woman ahead of her time and strong enough to survive without a man. So when her farther indulges Maggie and has a competition for her hand, he is really smart. He knows the man that Maggie takes for a husband has to be strong like she is; otherwise Maggie will run right over him. She finds her match and more in Fingal, and Fingal is more than man enough to take on Mad Maggie. He has strength and character that make you really like him from the get go.
I love Ms. Small’s Border series; it has hot Scots and the women they love, and you cannot go wrong with that combination in my book. I believe this book should be read in order, after the books before it. It helps to understand some back story and why Maggie’s hand would be so important. This is a great addition to the series and I hope there are many more to come.
January 13, 2011
The Border Vixen by Beatrice Small
Historical Romance – Oct. 5th, 2010
3 1/2 Stars
Sassy and independent Margaret "Mad Maggie" Kerr seeks a husband. Of course, she will not settle for just anyone. She values her freedom but needs wants a man who is strong and she can respect.
To make sure that her future husband can handle her, Maggie’s frustrated grandfather, the laird of Brae Aisir, challenges Scottish men to compete for her hand by proving they can "outride, outrun and outfight" her. Maggie is a big prize because she will inherit the key pass between Scotland and England. This Kerr kin have patrolled and collected tolls for over five centuries so with it comes wealth, too.
Most men loose to the athletic Maggie. The villain, Ewan does so embarrassingly and to try to force her to marry him tries to impregnate her instead of winning her heart. It isn’t until King James V sends his cousin Fingal Stewart with instructions to win her hand and gain control of the critical passage that Maggie is really bested. Fingal passes the tests and more when he wins Maggie's love.
I am a huge Beatrice Small fan, but this was not my favorite Beatrice Small novel, just because I didn’t feel the connection between the Maggie and
Fingal. I think in the love scenes, I just didn’t see the connection like I normally do. I loved all the historical descriptions and details that are typical of Small’s work.
While this was a good read, it was not one of my favorites by the author.
Reviewed by Sophia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Historical Romance – Oct. 5th, 2010
3 1/2 Stars
Sassy and independent Margaret "Mad Maggie" Kerr seeks a husband. Of course, she will not settle for just anyone. She values her freedom but needs wants a man who is strong and she can respect.
To make sure that her future husband can handle her, Maggie’s frustrated grandfather, the laird of Brae Aisir, challenges Scottish men to compete for her hand by proving they can "outride, outrun and outfight" her. Maggie is a big prize because she will inherit the key pass between Scotland and England. This Kerr kin have patrolled and collected tolls for over five centuries so with it comes wealth, too.
Most men loose to the athletic Maggie. The villain, Ewan does so embarrassingly and to try to force her to marry him tries to impregnate her instead of winning her heart. It isn’t until King James V sends his cousin Fingal Stewart with instructions to win her hand and gain control of the critical passage that Maggie is really bested. Fingal passes the tests and more when he wins Maggie's love.
I am a huge Beatrice Small fan, but this was not my favorite Beatrice Small novel, just because I didn’t feel the connection between the Maggie and
Fingal. I think in the love scenes, I just didn’t see the connection like I normally do. I loved all the historical descriptions and details that are typical of Small’s work.
While this was a good read, it was not one of my favorites by the author.
Reviewed by Sophia from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
February 13, 2011
Mini-Review: Another wildly passionate Bertrice Small historical novel filled with fiery Scottish wenches and strapping border lords. What is not to like. Bertrice has the gift of telling an engrossing tale backed up with historical detail. I own pretty much every book she has ever written, and this latest story doesn't disappoint. Not as naughty as most of her other stories, but still enough to make you blush. I love her descriptions of the lands, the customs, the foods and most of all the fashions of early 1500's Scotland. Sort of wish I had been around during that era -- than again, I like my modern conveniences and well quite frankly the ability of women to be able to own property and not just be a breeding mares - I know picky picky. But the fashion is very tempting and quite frankly suit my body type. If you want a tale for a cold winters night or lounging around on the beach, this here it is. Now hopefully tonight I will dream of a strapping Scottish lad.
4 Dewey's
I bought my copy from Chapters and nobody paid me crap to put this review up -- but hey I love to promote Bertrice's books. She's a wonderful writer and a truly decent women!
4 Dewey's
I bought my copy from Chapters and nobody paid me crap to put this review up -- but hey I love to promote Bertrice's books. She's a wonderful writer and a truly decent women!
June 9, 2011
What attracted me to read this book was the sword-wielding, athletic, competive, fearless, outspoken heroine Maggie. I was curious how the author would portray such an unusual 16th century Scotswoman. I liked the beginning of the book but about 3/4 into it I lost interest as once Maggie married and had children she hung up her sword and became domestic (though still strong willed). When a conflict arose and she was ready to raise her sword again it just never happened. Big disappointment. It wasn't a wasted read in fact I breezed through it. I really liked her love interst, Finn. But be forewarned that there are some X-rated love scenes, which were fine when Maggie and Finn were the couple, but not the other characters.
March 29, 2012
I thought I'd read this one, but I hadn't. When I saw it on the shelf at the book store I grabbed it because I hadn't read a new Small book in a long while.
If you like Small, you'll probably like this one, though to me the characters and story were kind of off the shelf. Feisty, beautiful heroine who is also an important heiress, alpha hero who for once is not a jerk, but is apparently the only man in Scotland who can outrun, outride, and outfight her. Evil villains who want her inheritance and wouldn't mind putting her in her place, and a lot of well-researched history(my favorite thing about Small's books).
It's not her best work, but it's a good read.
If you like Small, you'll probably like this one, though to me the characters and story were kind of off the shelf. Feisty, beautiful heroine who is also an important heiress, alpha hero who for once is not a jerk, but is apparently the only man in Scotland who can outrun, outride, and outfight her. Evil villains who want her inheritance and wouldn't mind putting her in her place, and a lot of well-researched history(my favorite thing about Small's books).
It's not her best work, but it's a good read.
December 17, 2010
I love Bertrice Small's historical romances because I love to read about how people lived long ago. I love to read about the marriages, even ones forced upon them and I need to have an eventual HEA. Bertrice Small produces all with wonderful style.
On the other hand, the political history she details bores me to death. I usually skip over all of the Kings and Queens, who married who, sons and daughters, who lived, who died and what battles or wars had been fought. That type of history is more to my husband's liking, not mine. I only need the most basic info for why the H/H are being forced to marry, not a long political explanation.
On the other hand, the political history she details bores me to death. I usually skip over all of the Kings and Queens, who married who, sons and daughters, who lived, who died and what battles or wars had been fought. That type of history is more to my husband's liking, not mine. I only need the most basic info for why the H/H are being forced to marry, not a long political explanation.
July 12, 2015
I read this as a memorial of Bertrice Small who was one of the authors who first got me hooked on historical romance. This had some of her old traditions - liberal doses of history and lusty, exuberant love scenes- but no unexpected lengthy separations of hero and heroine -- with second lovers to teach the heroine the way to wander in the gardens of Eros while the hero is presumed dead. Also Bertrice was a fan of tell don't show whenever expedient. Out of fashion maybe but it helps to cover territory quickly. I enjoyed The Border Vixen for what it was, but it won't send me back to all the Bertrice Small I missed as I grew past her.
April 24, 2013
This was a classic Small where you're taken back into time, into the tangles of history and love, murder and deceit. History is woven flawlessly through a romance that kept me hooked from beginning to end. There were moments where I had to say no - that's an exaggeration. Points like where the heroine seemed to have abilities that were a little questionable as her barefoot running skill that could outdistance any man. But those incidents are woven so easily into the charm of the story with engaging characters that you forgive an exaggeration or two.
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