Before I say anything else, let me say this: if you are a
fan of historical romance and have not read Monica
McCarty, what the heck are you doing?! This oversight is
only forgivable if you've either never heard of her. Other than that, welcome
to your new favorite author, y'all. The detail is rich
and sumptuous - you feel like you are actually in
medieval Scotland.
THE STRIKER is one of the books in the Highland
Guard series, about a group of elite fighters serving
under Robert the Bruce. They were real fighters in the
war with England and McCarty is meticulous in making sure
each of her warriors has authentic connections to the
real dudes. The afterwords in each of these books is
extensive and super helpful for those of us who like to
fall down historical rabbit holes.
This story is a great second chance story. Eoin and
Maggie were married clandestinely ages ago but Maggie
thought Eoin died in battle and Eoin thought Maggie
betrayed him to cause that battle. In a story told in
present-day and flashbacks, the two find their way back
to each other and to the future Scotland has for them.
I simply could not put THE STRIKER down. The characters were
frequently frustrating, but in the way that made them
real, not poorly written. The world was tangible; it felt
so real. I was cheering for all folks to find their
joy at the end.
One of the other things I appreciate about McCarty is
that her dialogue is snappy. Too many authors of
historical fiction fall into the trap of making folks
speak so authentically to their time period that the words
make no sense now. The best folks straddle the then and
now and McCarty is definitely one of the best.
THE STRIKER is recommended for any folks who like historical
fiction, any folks who like second chance romances,
anyone who likes stubborn folks finding their peace in
each other and fans of historical versions of the secret
baby trope.
New York Times bestselling author Monica McCarty
continues her Highland Guard series in this tenth steamy
historical romance set against the sweeping backdrop of the
Scottish Highlands.
When Eoin MacLean decides to
fight with Robert the Bruce, he knows he will earn the
enmity of his new bride’s father, but he doesn’t expect
Margaret MacDowell, the spirited girl he’s fallen in love
with, to betray him. Blaming her—and himself for trusting
her—for the disaster that led to the death of Bruce’s two
brothers, Eoin cuts her out of his heart and leaves her
behind with no intention of ever coming back.
But when Bruce
puts him in charge of conquering the troublesome southwest
province of Galloway—ruled by his wife’s father—Eoin
reconsiders. Especially after he learns that his treacherous
wife who thinks him dead plans to remarry. That’s one
wedding he has no intention of missing.