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.