A Burly He-Man and a Spineless Lady

The Chief by Monica McCarty

Summary: Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all.
 
The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland’s war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor’s bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart.

Although her husband’s reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina’s reckless bid to win her husband’s love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart—before it’s too late.

Review: A not so romance tale of two people forced to marry with plenty of moping and drama.

I have never read anything by the author, Monica McCarty, before, but I do so love Highlanders and it seems all she writes about are Highlanders so I was willing to give it a shot. Unfortunately, The Chief was a letdown, although I never expect too much from romance novels. A good chunk of the novel was about politics and MacLeod training men so that they could fight against King Edward. While I didn't mind this fact, the training was rather boring to read through and I didn't get much of a sense of their personalities and teamwork. 

I know Christina did what she did for the good of her sister, but she was a rather spineless character. All she wanted was for MacLeod to love her because her life wouldn't be complete without her love. She was mopey whenever he was gone from the castle for a few days. He was the damn chief! He ran the castle and had responsibilities. He can't be with you every damn moment. I must admit to wanting to shake some sense into her. MacLeod was a burly he-man who had decided emotions were bad. He was about as emotionless as a stick. I honestly didn't believe the romance between Christina and MacLeod. Sure, there were some tender moments, but as a whole, I just didn't buy it. I will read the next in the series because there are nine other Highland Guards and I hope the others have better romance stories than MacLeod.

Rating:







Recommendation: I would recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romance, especially romance involving Highlanders.