What do you think?
Rate this book
MacPherson Clan #4
The Intended
From the National Best Selling Author A Bride Abandoned Lady Jaime Macpherson learned the meaning of betrayal on the Isle of Skye when her beloved Malcolm MacLeod wed another woman to save his inheritance. Her dreams of happiness crushed, she sought refuge in the elegant palace of the Duke of Norfolk. There, desire and intrigue mixed with the haunting music of the lute...and the duke's treacherous son sought to make Jaime his. A Passion Unconquered And there Jaime would find Malcolm again, a prisoner in the castle dungeon. In the icy darkness, she learns how to love again. But with England and Scotland at war, her bold scheme to free Malcolm would imperil her own life...though her passion swept her onto a battlefield of blood and tears where only a brave and true heart could save her..."Love triumphs in this richly romantic tale." -Nora Roberts"No one captures the magic and romance of the British Isles like May McGoldrick!" -Miranda Jarrett
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
240 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
May McGoldrick
582 books502 followersMay McGoldrick, Nik James, and Jan Coffey are pen names for USA Today bestselling authors Nikoo Kafi and Jim McGoldrick. Together, they have crafted over fifty fast-paced, conflict-filled historical, contemporary, and Western novels, and two works of nonfiction.
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
Nikoo’s education and training was in engineering. She worked in robotics and submarine shipbuilding. Before earning a PhD in sixteenth-century Scottish and English literature, Jim pursued a hundred and one jobs, including a decade in submarine construction.
Storytellers at heart, Nikoo and Jim were always searching for careers that gave them time for both family and writing. Then, after thirteen years of marriage, they recognized each other’s creative strengths. Nikoo is all about characters and feeling. Jim is about action and sense of place. Their first attempt in writing fiction together produced their award-winning novel, The Thistle and the Rose. Since then, their stories have touched the hearts and minds of millions of readers all over the world. Their work has been translated into over a dozen languages and counting.
Nikoo and Jim are four-time Rita Finalists and the winners of numerous awards for their writing, including the Daphne DeMaurier Award for Excellence, the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewers’ Choice Award, three NJRW Golden Leaf Awards, two Holt Medallions, and the Connecticut Press Club Award for Best Fiction.
The authors make their home in California.
Here is a complete catalogue of May McGoldrick, Nik James and Jan Coffey’s work, in chronological order.
Each book stands on its own.
MAY McGOLDRICK
Macpherson Clan Series
The Thistle and the Rose
A Midsummer Wedding (novella)
Angel of Skye
Heart of Gold
Beauty of the Mist
The Intended
Flame
Tess and the Highlander
The Dreamer (Highland Treasure)
The Enchantress (Highland Treasure)
The Firebrand (Highland Treasure)
Much Ado About Highlanders (Scottish Relic)
Taming the Highlander (Scottish Relic)
Tempest in the Highlands (Scottish Relic)
Arsenic and Old Armor
---
Pennington Family Series
The Promise
The Rebel
Borrowed Dreams
Captured Dreams
Dreams of Destiny
Romancing the Scot
It Happened in the Highlands
Sweet Home Highland Christmas (novella)
Sleepless in Scotland
Dearest Millie (novella)
How to Ditch a Duke (novella)
---
Royal Highlander Series
Highland Crown
Highland Jewel
Highland Sword
---
A Prince in the Pantry (novella)
Ghost of the Thames
---
Made in Heaven
Thanksgiving in Connecticut (novella)
NIK JAMES
The Winter Road (novella)
High Country Justice
Bullets and Silver
Silver Trail Christmas
JAN COFFEY
Trust Me Once
Twice Burned
Triple Threat
Fourth Victim
Five in a Row
Silent Waters
Cross Wired
The Janus Effect
The Puppet Master
Blind Eye
Road Kill
Mercy (novella)
Tropical Kiss
Aquarian
When the Mirror Cracks
NONFICTION
Marriage of Minds: Collaborative Fiction Writing
Step Write Up: Writing Exercises for 21st Century
---
Sign up for the May McGoldrick, Nik James, Jan Coffey Newsletter
https://www.maymcgoldrick.com/contact-us
---
Visit their author websites
www.MayMcGoldrick.com
www.NikJamesAuthor.com
www.JanCoffey.com
https://www.facebook.com/MayMcGoldrick/
https://twitter.com/MayMcGoldrick
https://www.instagram.com/maymcgoldrick/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 7, 2018
Okay, this one was on my kindle and I tried to read it because the premise hit my trope buttons. I made it about 68% in before quitting (and reading the last chapter for closure). Now, coming to the Goodreads page, I see it was a circa 90s Topaz novel, which TOTALLY MAKES SENSE. I might go back and give it another shot with that mind.
That said, despite the guilty pleasure catnip points (namely, childhood crush + mistaking-the-virgin-for-a-slut + hero-mortification-and-remorse-at-discovering-this-the-hard-way {huh huh I said "hard way"} STOP JUDGING ME THE FIRST ROMANCE I EVER STOLE FROM MY MOTHER'S NIGHTSTAND WAS A SILHOUETTE NOVEL WITH THAT PLOTLINE I AM A CHILD OF THE 70S OKAY), I couldn't completely work my way past the need for some heavy editing and the ridiculous mary-sue traits of an otherwise likable heroine. Sue me, I pretty much went into this book blind. But the whole King Henry's secret daughter, blessed by fairies thing was the last straw. And then, on top of everything that led up to 2/3rds of the book, the last chapter had battles at sea. CRAZYPANTS. Not necessarily in a bad way, I guess, but I'd have to be in the mood for it.
Good points: the author really loved her characters - you can tell. And the misunderstandings were short-lived enough to be tolerable.
That said, despite the guilty pleasure catnip points (namely, childhood crush + mistaking-the-virgin-for-a-slut + hero-mortification-and-remorse-at-discovering-this-the-hard-way {huh huh I said "hard way"} STOP JUDGING ME THE FIRST ROMANCE I EVER STOLE FROM MY MOTHER'S NIGHTSTAND WAS A SILHOUETTE NOVEL WITH THAT PLOTLINE I AM A CHILD OF THE 70S OKAY), I couldn't completely work my way past the need for some heavy editing and the ridiculous mary-sue traits of an otherwise likable heroine. Sue me, I pretty much went into this book blind. But the whole King Henry's secret daughter, blessed by fairies thing was the last straw. And then, on top of everything that led up to 2/3rds of the book, the last chapter had battles at sea. CRAZYPANTS. Not necessarily in a bad way, I guess, but I'd have to be in the mood for it.
Good points: the author really loved her characters - you can tell. And the misunderstandings were short-lived enough to be tolerable.
October 2, 2012
Oh, boooo! Terribly written. Badly plotted, to comic proportions. Villains that are such caricatures as to not really be serious villains at all. Are we sure she didn’t intend to make this romance satire and some editor goofed?
Rating = negative one bottle of wine. ‘Cause that’s how much I’m going to have to drink tonight to get this experience away from me.
[Why did you read the whole book then, Chy?]
I don’t knoooooow. Save me from myself.
Heh. In a way, though, that's kind of a perfect way to kick off Halloween month, ay? Scary.
Rating = negative one bottle of wine. ‘Cause that’s how much I’m going to have to drink tonight to get this experience away from me.
[Why did you read the whole book then, Chy?]
I don’t knoooooow. Save me from myself.
Heh. In a way, though, that's kind of a perfect way to kick off Halloween month, ay? Scary.
August 15, 2015
Jaime & Malcolm
What a great adventure story with a lot of steam. Without giving away anything I can say this was my favorite so far in the series. Jaime was raised by her Aunt Elizabeth Boleyn Macpherson and her husband due to the death of her mother Mary from sphyillus.
Her biological father was kept a secret with only a emerald ring on a chain to identify him if ever. Malcolm was also an orphan and raised by Macphersons and was educated and grew into a fine young man. Jaime forever was tagging along as a child and and she grew, also grew to love him romantically. Was their love finally brought to fruition? May McGoldrick can mix history with romance with such expertise. Read and enjoy!
What a great adventure story with a lot of steam. Without giving away anything I can say this was my favorite so far in the series. Jaime was raised by her Aunt Elizabeth Boleyn Macpherson and her husband due to the death of her mother Mary from sphyillus.
Her biological father was kept a secret with only a emerald ring on a chain to identify him if ever. Malcolm was also an orphan and raised by Macphersons and was educated and grew into a fine young man. Jaime forever was tagging along as a child and and she grew, also grew to love him romantically. Was their love finally brought to fruition? May McGoldrick can mix history with romance with such expertise. Read and enjoy!
May 6, 2017
Loved the romance & adventure.
The historical embellishments were wonderful. Also, these characters came to life just as the ones in the previous novels. The description throughout these books encourages me toward my dream of seeing Scotland.
Thank you for painting such glorious pictures with your words. Sincerely,
Ms. Alvie Hoffmann
a122500@gmail.com
The historical embellishments were wonderful. Also, these characters came to life just as the ones in the previous novels. The description throughout these books encourages me toward my dream of seeing Scotland.
Thank you for painting such glorious pictures with your words. Sincerely,
Ms. Alvie Hoffmann
a122500@gmail.com
May 22, 2017
Again, so much suspense. Through a series of cliff hangers, Malcolm and Jaime finally get their happily ever after. You have a conniving Catherine with her lust for power and Edward, the male version of Catherine, that try with their foiled plots to ruin Jaime and Malcolm, but goodness and love win out. Another great read in this series. Highly recommend.
May 6, 2024
Supongo que es un buen libro porque está correctamente escrito, pero no es una lectura necesaria o inolvidable.
Hace años disfruté mucho Sueños prestados de la misma autora, la cual me parece superior en varios aspectos, siendo el romance el más importante.
Al inicio Jane era un buen personaje, sensible, inteligente, además sus acciones resultaban firmes y coherentes, sin embargo, después de que rescató a Malcolm su carácter se volvió algo indeciso y débil. Malcolm en cambio me desagradó desde su primera intervención, ya que era grosero, ingrato y prejuicioso con la protagonista, a pesar de lo que ella hacía para salvarle la vida.
Pienso que el escenario donde transcurre su reencuentro y convivencia, repercutió en que el romance no se desarrollara de manera creíble ni emotiva. Las escenas íntimas resultaban originadas más por la lujuria que el amor. Por otro lado, en cierto punto fueron más interesantes los villanos y secundarios que aquellos que debían ser los protagonistas.
Hace años disfruté mucho Sueños prestados de la misma autora, la cual me parece superior en varios aspectos, siendo el romance el más importante.
Al inicio Jane era un buen personaje, sensible, inteligente, además sus acciones resultaban firmes y coherentes, sin embargo, después de que rescató a Malcolm su carácter se volvió algo indeciso y débil. Malcolm en cambio me desagradó desde su primera intervención, ya que era grosero, ingrato y prejuicioso con la protagonista, a pesar de lo que ella hacía para salvarle la vida.
Pienso que el escenario donde transcurre su reencuentro y convivencia, repercutió en que el romance no se desarrollara de manera creíble ni emotiva. Las escenas íntimas resultaban originadas más por la lujuria que el amor. Por otro lado, en cierto punto fueron más interesantes los villanos y secundarios que aquellos que debían ser los protagonistas.
March 12, 2023
Wouldn’t recommend
As with the last two books by this author the characters seemed to be overwhelmingly lost within in the pages. Perhaps it the fact that other characters seem to over power them simply because of the real history that actually happened. The main characters Ambrose and Elizabeth, Johns story and this one also are lost within the true annuls of history they were never actually part of so it became increasingly difficult to concentrate on those characters and it seemed being lost for a story line author resorted to sex every chapter
As with the last two books by this author the characters seemed to be overwhelmingly lost within in the pages. Perhaps it the fact that other characters seem to over power them simply because of the real history that actually happened. The main characters Ambrose and Elizabeth, Johns story and this one also are lost within the true annuls of history they were never actually part of so it became increasingly difficult to concentrate on those characters and it seemed being lost for a story line author resorted to sex every chapter
October 22, 2022
I felt Jamie's pain.....
When you can feel the characters emotional pain in the prologue you know this book is going to be great. Been there as a teenager and it doesn't matter what century you're in, didn't want to stop reading things edition either. This storyline had me on an emotional rollercoaster between Morgan's moods and Jamie's stubbornness. Glad Morgan worked it all out, to bad Jamie had to be at the end of his anger though. Will be reading this series again.
When you can feel the characters emotional pain in the prologue you know this book is going to be great. Been there as a teenager and it doesn't matter what century you're in, didn't want to stop reading things edition either. This storyline had me on an emotional rollercoaster between Morgan's moods and Jamie's stubbornness. Glad Morgan worked it all out, to bad Jamie had to be at the end of his anger though. Will be reading this series again.
September 9, 2018
This one goes from Scotland
to London to France and back, in a love story spanning decades. Although I had no interest in history as a young person, I love stories that include history now and often study the true or fuller segments of Scottish, English or American lives. Mcgoldrick stories are good for getting me started. I don't need to review this Henry, though!
to London to France and back, in a love story spanning decades. Although I had no interest in history as a young person, I love stories that include history now and often study the true or fuller segments of Scottish, English or American lives. Mcgoldrick stories are good for getting me started. I don't need to review this Henry, though!
December 6, 2017
Jaime Gets Her Way
I love stories of star crossed lovers. Jaime runs to English relatives when her Grandfather dies. Without asking her, Edward decides to marry her with or without her consent. It just gets more and more complicated so you have to keep reading.
I love stories of star crossed lovers. Jaime runs to English relatives when her Grandfather dies. Without asking her, Edward decides to marry her with or without her consent. It just gets more and more complicated so you have to keep reading.
April 15, 2019
Why?
I enjoyed the read but the explicit sexual descriptions made my rating go down. The story could have easily have been written without them...a few words and our imagination could have done the rest without it ...if we so chose.
I enjoyed the read but the explicit sexual descriptions made my rating go down. The story could have easily have been written without them...a few words and our imagination could have done the rest without it ...if we so chose.
April 1, 2025
3.5
Es entretenido. No me gustó como él protagonista se refería a la prota al principio, pero se entiende. Lo perdone porque no era lo que yo pensaba al inicio. Es decir, el nunca le propuso matrimonio a la prota, por lo que no la dejó plantada.
Además después de eso la cuidó bastante.
Es entretenido. No me gustó como él protagonista se refería a la prota al principio, pero se entiende. Lo perdone porque no era lo que yo pensaba al inicio. Es decir, el nunca le propuso matrimonio a la prota, por lo que no la dejó plantada.
Además después de eso la cuidó bastante.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2017
Dit verhaal kon me niet echt boeien... helaas
January 2, 2018
Aunque está bien planteada la historia, lo medieval no es mi favorito, el libro es inteligente y la historia de amor bonita, pero no me convence del todo.
May 1, 2019
Page turner
I had a hard time putting it down. Romance and suspense always hook me into a story. I stayed up too late reading this.
I had a hard time putting it down. Romance and suspense always hook me into a story. I stayed up too late reading this.
September 12, 2020
One of those books which starts as a good and enjoyable read, but then there are so many twists and turns added to it, that it becomes a pain to read. Less would have been more once again.
April 23, 2021
Lots of excitement in this book. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. It was thrilling from beginning to end!
February 10, 2022
Not up to the usual standard for MM. Too many words, not enough character or plot development - just a lot of nastiness, angst, and lust.
Read
April 11, 2022Dnf
Read
June 5, 2022No star rating as I didn't finish it.
November 30, 2023
3.5
Jaime's story and relationship with her intended is great. HEA.
Catherine is disgusting. Edward is a disgusting, violent, rapist and thief.
Jaime's story and relationship with her intended is great. HEA.
Catherine is disgusting. Edward is a disgusting, violent, rapist and thief.
January 16, 2026
Super buen libro, hay unos cambios inesperados, el final es bueno y la trama tambien, uno de los mejores libros que eh leído.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2017
Historical Scottish Romance. book 5 in set of 7. Romance, sensuality, suspense, and humor
September 12, 2019
Jaime MacPherson opened the closed church doors in her bridal finery late for her own wedding only to find out that there was already another woman beside her intended groom. In utter despair and humiliation she left Scotland for France (where she stayed for 3 years) then later on England. There at Norwich Castle (where Howard prisoners were tortured) she came face to face with the cause of her broken heart, Malcolm MacLeod who is now her new intended's prisoner. How Jaime deals with this situation despite the memory of her previous ridicule caused by her own faulty perception and presumption is the main plot but there are other subplots here that includes the presence of historical figures that would help move the story plus a plausible twist considering the libidinous Henry VIII.... I also find some of the villains in this story really disgusting.
August 15, 2016
Good but not as good as 1st 3 books in series
Seems a bit jumpy to me. Jaimie in the beginning seemed to not address how Malcolm kept on saying ugly words to her. I wouldn't let him do that without addressing it head-on. There's promise for an emotional ride but it never took off for me unlike the first 3 books where the heroines were not only beautiful and smart but brave and with golden hearts as well. Malcolm was hating on her one instant and then realizing he loves her next. And wasn't he supposed to be on his way to find her?
Seems a bit jumpy to me. Jaimie in the beginning seemed to not address how Malcolm kept on saying ugly words to her. I wouldn't let him do that without addressing it head-on. There's promise for an emotional ride but it never took off for me unlike the first 3 books where the heroines were not only beautiful and smart but brave and with golden hearts as well. Malcolm was hating on her one instant and then realizing he loves her next. And wasn't he supposed to be on his way to find her?
May 3, 2016
The first part is ok; the second is horrible. Boring, all in all.
July 21, 2014
Quite fun
March 28, 2017
Great book
I enjoy all the authors books and this one did not disappoint! I look forward to reading all the authors books.
I enjoy all the authors books and this one did not disappoint! I look forward to reading all the authors books.
March 29, 2017
This is my first book by the author. I thought it was an interesting read, woven with historical facts. I don't know if Catherine Howard would enjoy her portrayal, but found her quite interesting. Jaime was a strong female character, and despite the times, was determined not to marry her cousin, Edward Howard. Her love for Malcolm kept her, and him, going even during the darkest times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews