The Chief: A Highland Guard Novel

By Monica McCarty

AN ELITE FIGHTING FORCE UNLIKE THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN . . .

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 23, 2010
• ISBN: 9780345518231

Monica McCarty

Monica McCarty is the bestselling author of the Highland Guard series, the MacLeods of Skye trilogy, and the Campbell trilogy. Her interest in the Scottish clan system began in the most unlikely of places: a comparative legal history course at Stanford Law School. After realizing that her career as a lawyer and her husband’s transitory life as a professional baseball player were not exactly a match made in heaven, she traded in her legal briefs for Scottish historical romances with sexy alpha heroes. Monica McCarty lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their two children.

Reviews for The Chief

[myab-3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was pretty good. I enjoyed the characters and the elite guard is made up of men that should bring forth some intriguing stories.

[virago77 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was pretty good. Not something I would have picked for myself, so I'll have to thank the group read for turning me on the this series. I enjoyed this enough to want to read the next book in the series. I liked Tor, he was a brute, but in a good way. And Christina was not an overly annoying heroine. I didn't do a facepalm every time she tried to do something to attract Tor's affections, I cheered for her.

There was a lot more battle/strategy/training/planning in this than expected--or perhaps what I'm used to. Haven't decided how i feel about it. I love battles and war, but I'm used to minimal amounts in the romance novels I usually read. but then I'm an old school romance lover. I miss he stories hey used to write in the 80's and early 90's. However, all of the war preparation made this not-your-typical-romance-novel, but in a good way. Still don't know if I love it or hate it. I'll reserve judgement until after I've read the next in the series, which I can only assume (and hope) continues in some way where this story left off. I never understood the point of writing a series if the stories weren't connected in some way. I mean why bother calling it a series? I digress; good read, I may decide to change my rating for 3 o 4 stars...

[jorgeousjotts · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Eesh. I had seen a couple reviews saying that the heroine drove them up a wall with her idiocy, but in the start she was just young, and sheltered, and had a romantic tendency, I was willing to overlook some poor choices. But good grief. She just kept getting worse! **She was like a modern 13 year old dropped back in history. No understanding for nearly any aspect of life at the time, over emotional, entitled, determined to squeeze a man into a pre-formed notion of her ideal. It was actually painful.** Every time the hero would give her an inch she would try to force a mile, inevitably make a giant mistake (often putting lives at risk), and then get indignant when things didn't work out just how she'd wanted. Seriously, just painful. I'm hesitant to read the next in the series, but surely McCarty wouldn't make all of her heroines such disasters! Besides the heroine, it wasn't a bad story.

[dpappas_25 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"You are never to be ill again." He crossed his arms, looking very chiefly. "I won't permit it."I've come across some reviews of this series that left me curious so when I saw this one available as an ebook from my library I grabbed it up. I am always up for a so-called Highlander Romance. There is just something about big muscled, strong Scottish men that really gets to me. I don't expect much historical accuracy when reading Highlander books so I was pleasantly surprised that the author actually did some research.While reading this I loved the main characters, Tor and Christina. After I finish this and reflected on it the more I began to see just how annoyed by them I could be at times. Tor is very strong but very set in his ways (so that he can protect his clan). He was an absolute jerk to Christina for a lot of the book. At times it was a bit over-the-top. Christina, on the other hand, was so naive and acted like a little puppy too much. She was just dying for a little affection from Tor that I wished she would have not basically have clung to him as much as she did. I really enjoyed where the two of them ended up in the end.I wasn't all that sold on the whole Highlander special forces thing but I did enjoy all the action it brought to the story. I also liked reading the parts in which the group was training. I couldn't put this down while reading it but I still haven't decided whether I want to continue with the series.

[fishbourne-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great read, with wonderful and well developed characters

[dawn772 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I did finish this historical romance but I skimmed most of it. The majority of the story was told from characters thoughts along with lots of ruminating. The plot of the romance was common and conflict so extreme it wasn't very believable. Under a threat from her father, Christina's tricks Tor into marriage for a political alliance.

[judycroome_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable light reading for a day when I didn't feel like straining myself. I love Highland romances and this fits the genre nicely. Doesn't have the emotional intensity of, for example, Claire Robyns' The Devil of Jedburgh, but I enjoyed it for what it was and will be reading the rest of the Highland Guard series.

[lost_lenore · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I admit that the first thing that called my attention for this book was the cover (yes, sometimes I'm shallow but it's a great cover :)) and the fact that it was an historical romance.I must admit that I was very impressed with it; Monica McCarty transformed reality into a delightful romance, full of historical facts, with a great accuracy of what was a knight and/or Highlander, their values and way of life. The fact that she gave a new life to people that did really exist and had a great role in history, Scotland and England history, gives this book an enchantment that few writers achieve.Well, it's a romance inspired by the Navy Seals of Suzanne Brockmann (another one of my favorites) but it has a light of its own. For those who like their historical with fierce Highlanders mixed with facts, this is the author you want.It all started with the death of William Wallace at the hands of Edward Plantagenet. Scotland is divided, for some clans Edward is their rightful king, for others the rebellion is the only way to conquer Scotland again.Robert, the Bruce, is by Scotland "laws" the rightful king of Scotland but he faces some difficulties in the support of all the clans. Raised as a knight, Robert changes tactics to win a war that cannot (almost) be won and with the help of Bishop Lamberton, one of the most powerful Bishops on Christendom, summons a small group of the best Highlanders warriors known by their pirate tactics. Tor MacLeod has no desire to be involved in the war and answers to no one but when his clan is in danger and when he finds himself in a difficult position, the only way to get peace in his clan is by marrying Christina Fraser, a bride he doesn't want but who brings not only a big dowry but the opportunity to lead a team of the ten greatest warriors in all Scotland.Christina Fraser is abused by her father and used in an evil scheme to make Tor MacLeod marry her but still she dreams of her Lancelot and love everlasting. By being young and naive, she tries to be the best wife and lady of the keep, but by trying to help and to make Tor love her and notice her, the only thing she does is pushing him away.In the end, some decisions are going to be made not only in their marriage but also for the good of Scotland.

[lauren2013_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Chief
5 Stars

Synopsis
Following the death of William Wallace, Robert Bruce realizes that he cannot defeat the English King, Edward I, with traditional tactics and decides to establish an elite fighting force. The man chosen to train and lead these warriors, Tormod MacLeod, is dedicated to his clan and has not intention of being drawn into Scotland's war, not even to have the beautiful Christina Fraser. However, fate and trickery have different plans and Tor finds himself wed to a woman who weakens his resolve to never love again.

Review
Compelling premise and brilliant execution.

The historical research is detailed and fascinating and the medieval setting realistic and believable. This time period is a favorite of mine, however, readers uninterested in Scottish history and politics may find it difficult to get into the story.

Tor and Christina's romance is riveting. Their chemistry is intense and passionate. Tor is an exceptional leader but hides his heart behind a cool and distant facade for fear of loving and losing. He struggles against the incomprehensible feelings Christina evokes in him but finds her sweet and giving personality impossible to resist.

Christina is an endearing heroine whose spirit slowly emerges. She works hard to thaw the ice around Tor's heart (sometimes too hard perhaps but this is consistent with her romantic nature). She definitely comes into her own as the story progresses and is ultimately the perfect match for Tor.

The plot revolving around the training of an elite group of warriors during the time of Scottish Independence is very appealing and the secondary characters are intriguing - each has a unique skill but they must all come together as a unit despite their differences both political and personal.

Overall, an incredible beginning to a promising series and I cannot wait to continue reading.

[viragoreads · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was pretty good. Not something I would have picked for myself, so I'll have to thank the group read for turning me on the this series. I enjoyed this enough to want to read the next book in the series. I liked Tor, he was a brute, but in a good way. And Christina was not an overly annoying heroine. I didn't do a facepalm every time she tried to do something to attract Tor's affections, I cheered for her.

There was a lot more battle/strategy/training/planning in this than expected--or perhaps what I'm used to. Haven't decided how i feel about it. I love battles and war, but I'm used to minimal amounts in the romance novels I usually read. but then I'm an old school romance lover. I miss he stories hey used to write in the 80's and early 90's. However, all of the war preparation made this not-your-typical-romance-novel, but in a good way. Still don't know if I love it or hate it. I'll reserve judgement until after I've read the next in the series, which I can only assume (and hope) continues in some way where this story left off. I never understood the point of writing a series if the stories weren't connected in some way. I mean why bother calling it a series? I digress; good read, I may decide to change my rating for 3 o 4 stars...

[booksandbutter · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this novel. It was predictable, but that is why I read these sometimes. The novels were developed and charming. I enjoyed the romance in the book and their relationship.

[jdquinlan_1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

From the Back Cover:AN ELITE FIGHTING FORCE UNLIKE THE WORLD HAS EVER SEEN . . .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.My Review:"William Wallace is dead."Not a bad way to start a novel and the scene that follows with Robert Bruce lays out the political scene in 1305 Scotland fairly well and sets up a potentially good story. But that story suffers in the execution. It's not actually badly written, although it probably could have been 100 pages shorter. The main problems are a heroine that is too wimpy, a hero that is too thick-headed, cliched characterizations, and too much time spent on "pirate" military training. Hot sex scenes, though. But with so many romance novels and so little time, I probably won't read another by this author.

[emigre_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Steamy and engrossing, an awesome Highlander tale.