The Striker by Monica McCarty Series: Highland Guard, #10
Published by Ballantine Books Publication Date: November 24th 2015
Pages: 444
Also in this series: The Ghost
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Six years ago, Eoin "Strikerβ MacLean endured the greatest betrayal of his life, a disaster that led Robert the Bruce to a crushing defeat and left Eoin without the spirited woman who ruled his heart. Eoin knew that falling in love with his sworn enemyβs daughter was risky, dividing him between a possessive desire for beautiful Margaret MacDowell and an undying loyalty to his king. He promised Bruce that he would keep his fiery bride in the dark about the elite Highland Guard, but he could not predict the dire consequences his secret would have on his young marriage. Nor could he foresee how surrendering to temptation could cripple Bruceβs cause, forcing Eoin to blame his wifeβand himself for trusting her.
Now, as Bruce prepares to challenge the resistanceβs remaining strongholds, Eoin finally has his chance for revenge against the woman he once loved so fiercely and her entire clan. But when ferociously independent Margaret reveals a surprise that unites her with Eoin, neither of them will let their love go down without a fight.
Cocktails and Books received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect our opinion of the book or the content of our review.
The Highland Guard Series by Monica McCarty has been a great historical romance featuring some sexy highlanders, and The Striker is another great addition. I would recommend the other books for context, but you can read this as a standalone. Eoin MacLean has been fighting for the Bruce from the very beginning, leaving his wife shortly after their wedding because he believed she betrayed him. The only problem is his latest assignment means he will have to corral his former father in law into submission.
I figured this was going to be a classic case where former lovers get a second chance, and in some ways it is, but there are also a couple of unexpected twists in this story I wasnβt expecting. Eoin is a typical highlander- strong, silent, a fierce protector, and loyal to a fault. Margaret is a feisty heroine who tries to do the best for her clan and her husband, even in those are at odds with each other. This is a classic case of miscommunication that leads to separation, but the circumstances of the time exacerbated the issue. I did like the growth within their new relationship that probably would not have occurred when they were younger, something I appreciated reading the second chance romance. As usual there are cameos with some of the other Highland Guard to help them navigate their relationship. I would definitely recommend this book if you are looking for a historical romance with the strong and sexy highlander with a heart of gold.
