Mary has been dealt a rough hand. She married a handsome
knight at 14, with stars in her eyes and a head full of
romantic notions. However, she soon realizes that her
husband is not interested in settling down with just one
woman and he sees no reason to curb his womanizing just
because he is married. She becomes pregnant on their
wedding night and sees little of her husband for the next 2
years. By the time her son is 9, Mary's husband has been
hanged as a traitor against England for fighting with the
Scottish, and her son has been taken away from her and is
being raised in the Prince of Wales home as an apprentice.
Mary is forced to sell her embroidery and sewing at local
fairs to supplement her property income to ensure she is
never again dependent upon a man.
Kenneth Sutherland is dead set on becoming one of the
Bruce's Highland Guards -- an elite secret army. To join the
guard, Kenneth must compete in, and win, the Highland Games,
which will require him to keep his legendary temper under
control.
Mary and Kenneth first meet at Dunstaffnage Castle in
Scotland when she is sent to the Highland Games to meet with
the King of Scotland as part of an envoy from the King of
England. Sparks immediately fly between the two, but Mary
is determined to resist the attraction. One night of
passion before returning to England has unexpected
repercussions for Mary. And when Kenneth shows up in
England several months later on an undercover mission, he
discovers Mary is carrying his child.
THE RECRUIT is a historical, romance with lots of action and
intrigue. Monica McCarthy did a superb job of fleshing out
her characters -- Kenneth Sutherland is a strong, rough-hewn
warrior with a tender side hidden under his armor and Mary
is a complex, multi-layered woman who is a mother, wife, and
lover. The descriptions of the Scottish and English
countryside are breathtaking and I felt like I had been
transported back in time. Definitely a book to add to your
to be read list.
Scotland’s King Robert the Bruce is retaking his kingdom from the invading English. To win, he’ll need all the grit and courage of his elite band of warriors, the Highland Guard, men who fight without fear and love without limits. Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherland is a true champion—skilled with any weapon and driven to win. Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: joining Robert the Bruce’s secret army to fight among the elite. Kenneth’s best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games. Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman—and a stolen moment of wicked seduction. Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood. He will win his place in the guard—and in Mary of Mar’s bed. The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better. Mary vows that her surrender will be sport only—no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion. Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard-wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man. But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more. Now Mary wants his heart. But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?