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MacCarrick Brothers #1
If You Dare
With If You Dare, Cole introduces a thrilling new romance trilogy featuring fierce Scottish brothers with dangerous lives, dark desires, and a deadly curse. Can he exact revenge? High in the Pyrenees, a band of mercenaries led by Courtland MacCarrick wages war for General Reynaldo Pascal. When Court turns on the evil general, Pascal orders him killed but Court narrowly escapes and exacts revenge by kidnapping Pascal's exquisite Castilian fiancée. Can she deny her passions? Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente despises her towering, barbaric captor almost as much as she does Pascal. Her inexplicable attraction to the Highlander only fuels her fury. But nothing will stop her from returning to Pascal -- for if she doesn't wed him, she signs her brother's death warrant, as well as her own. Can there be love between them? From the moment Court discovers that Anna's prim façade masks a fiery, brave lass, his heart's ensnared, and he dares to defy the curse that has shadowed his life -- to walk with death or walk alone. But Pascal vows that he'll hunt the two, never stopping until he's destroyed them both.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2005
518 people are currently reading
9457 people want to read
About the author
Kresley Cole
76 books27.3k followersKresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings.
Her IAD books have been translated into 23 foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a RWA Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.
Cole lives in Florida with her family. Learn more about Kresley at: www.kresleycole.com & www.thearcanachronicles.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 689 reviews
August 11, 2012
2.5
Wow, where to begin. Okay, obviously, at the beginning. If this book weren't written by Kresley Cole, one of my absolute favorite authors of all time, I would not have finished it. About page 65 or so, I hated the heroine's idiocy and thought our Alpha male hero was just a jackass rather than an Alpha.
I am glad I finished it because around page 250 or so I began to like the book. Why such the gap? I can't be sure, but I feel like our idiotic heroine and our jerk of a hero became two separate characters. And not in the good "Oh they've grown" kind of way, in the "Am I sure this is the same book? Same names, yep, same title, yep. Okay same book."
So, with all this not really liking or caring about our people, why the decent rating you might ask?
Well, it's really a 2.5 star, but since goodreads doesn't give it halfsies I added a half star for Kresley's witty dialogue. She is the only author who can write an historical romance during the Victorian era of all times, and use current snarky sarcasm in her witty banter and PULL IT OFF!! So, well done, KC, well done.
By the last hundred pages plus, I found some amazing lines from Court that I just loved, and they are so typical KC,
"I never want to see you with a gun in your hand, Anna."
"Why not?"
"You were no' meant to," he said simply.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
His gaze caught hers, and she saw his eyes were bleak. "It means people like me were put on the earth so people like you never had to do bad things and suffer from them."
The first time I actually saw who Court really was.
Next, Annalia was naked in front of him, and getting shy because Court was staring. I loved how again we see a glimpse of the real Court, who feels he doesn't deserve her and would never see her.
"I'm starin' because you're more beautiful than I could ever imagine and it gives me pleasure tae look at you, all of you. I'm starin' because I never thought I would."
My favorite one, isn't really all that fantastic or romantic, but I loved how Court sees himself. He's telling her why he can't stay in her room with her, since she's safe now.
"I might do something we'd both regret."
"Why do you think I'd regret that?"
She saw his shoulders stiffen, his hands clench. "You doona know me, Anna." As he shut the door behind him, she barely heard him mutter, "If you did, you would no' waste your interest in me."
I think with the snarky but sassy heroine and the Alpha male, and the fated mates, I can see Kresley Cole entering her flow as far as what she uses in her IAD series. But here, it drove me nuts.
So, I liked the book after about 2/3 of the story, and at that point I would definitely have put this book off if it weren't a KC.
Wow, where to begin. Okay, obviously, at the beginning. If this book weren't written by Kresley Cole, one of my absolute favorite authors of all time, I would not have finished it. About page 65 or so, I hated the heroine's idiocy and thought our Alpha male hero was just a jackass rather than an Alpha.
I am glad I finished it because around page 250 or so I began to like the book. Why such the gap? I can't be sure, but I feel like our idiotic heroine and our jerk of a hero became two separate characters. And not in the good "Oh they've grown" kind of way, in the "Am I sure this is the same book? Same names, yep, same title, yep. Okay same book."
So, with all this not really liking or caring about our people, why the decent rating you might ask?
Well, it's really a 2.5 star, but since goodreads doesn't give it halfsies I added a half star for Kresley's witty dialogue. She is the only author who can write an historical romance during the Victorian era of all times, and use current snarky sarcasm in her witty banter and PULL IT OFF!! So, well done, KC, well done.
By the last hundred pages plus, I found some amazing lines from Court that I just loved, and they are so typical KC,
"I never want to see you with a gun in your hand, Anna."
"Why not?"
"You were no' meant to," he said simply.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
His gaze caught hers, and she saw his eyes were bleak. "It means people like me were put on the earth so people like you never had to do bad things and suffer from them."
The first time I actually saw who Court really was.
Next, Annalia was naked in front of him, and getting shy because Court was staring. I loved how again we see a glimpse of the real Court, who feels he doesn't deserve her and would never see her.
"I'm starin' because you're more beautiful than I could ever imagine and it gives me pleasure tae look at you, all of you. I'm starin' because I never thought I would."
My favorite one, isn't really all that fantastic or romantic, but I loved how Court sees himself. He's telling her why he can't stay in her room with her, since she's safe now.
"I might do something we'd both regret."
"Why do you think I'd regret that?"
She saw his shoulders stiffen, his hands clench. "You doona know me, Anna." As he shut the door behind him, she barely heard him mutter, "If you did, you would no' waste your interest in me."
I think with the snarky but sassy heroine and the Alpha male, and the fated mates, I can see Kresley Cole entering her flow as far as what she uses in her IAD series. But here, it drove me nuts.
So, I liked the book after about 2/3 of the story, and at that point I would definitely have put this book off if it weren't a KC.
June 19, 2022
1.3 stars
The kind of couple that makes people tweet if the heterosexuals are alright
If you like constant yelling and bickering this is your holy grail
The kind of couple that makes people tweet if the heterosexuals are alright
If you like constant yelling and bickering this is your holy grail
June 10, 2016
I loved this book!! LOVED IT!!! Kresley Cole writes some of THE best male characters and her female leads possess all the qualities I require in order for me to enjoy the book - they are smart, funny, independent, sexy and in most cases 100% badass!! If you read and loved Kresley's Game Maker Series, you will absolutely ADORE her MacCarrick Brothers Series. Think macho/alpha male but in a HIGHLANDER form!! Trust me, it doesn't get any more macho or any more alpha than this!! Throw in Kresley's signature writing and you have yourself a winner!
If you are looking for a change of scenery, in terms of genre/setting, pick up this book and join Courtland MacCarrick & Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente on their exciting journey! I promise, you won't regret it.
Kresley's signature banter between MCs is VERY much present and as entertaining as ever!
Cheers!
December 19, 2010
WHAT EVERY GOOD HISTORICAL ROMANCE NEEDS:
- A virile and masculine hero who is incredibly dangerous, stubborn and a tease. Must be at least six feet plus (obviously). Add in battle scars and he becomes the sexiest man alive! CHECK!
- A strong and relatable heroine who is smart and can turn on the charm CHECK!
- Beautiful settings CHECK!
- Two bonus brothers who are equally, if not more , sexy than the hero. The reasoning here is that three is better than one! Duh. CHEECCK!
And most importantly,
- The use of Scottish accents to cause enflamed panties and melt them away! DEFINATELY CHECK!
Yup. Cole has it all!
KC can do no wrong! Whether writing paranormal romance or historical romance, Cole shines. I’ve always thought that pnr and historical romances had the best heroes. But now I’m thinking Cole writes the most desirable heroes!
Courtland is the youngest of the MacCarrick brothers. As a mercenary, he is as dangerous and as ruthless as they come, but when his life is saved by a pretty little lady namedAnnie Annalia, Court finds himself struggling against his baser needs to claim her as his own.
Annalia is such a fierce heroine. In the face of various attempts on her life, she still remains as strong and determined as she is when arguing with Court.
Their relationship starts off rocky, as with all of Cole’s romances, because of their prejudices against one another. Anna is disgusted to find herself in the presence of an insensitive and rash Scot. And the Scot cannot accept her without ruining her. The two stubborn heads clash, but it’s still enjoyable to read about them. I liked Anna before, but I started loving her more when she began to develop feelings for Court. After all, he can be infuriating sometimes.
But despite his teasing attitude, Court is such a great lover. The love scenes were hot! And I loved his possessiveness!
I thought Olivia was such a great character as well. With her bored expressions and vicious threats, I couldn’t help but enjoy her annoying comments here and there. She brought in unexpected humour as long with Court’s men who certainly caused some havoc themselves.
Now if Hugh and Ethan are anything like Court, then the MacCarrick series surely will be one of my favourites!
- A virile and masculine hero who is incredibly dangerous, stubborn and a tease. Must be at least six feet plus (obviously). Add in battle scars and he becomes the sexiest man alive! CHECK!
- A strong and relatable heroine who is smart and can turn on the charm CHECK!
- Beautiful settings CHECK!
- Two bonus brothers who are equally, if not more , sexy than the hero. The reasoning here is that three is better than one! Duh. CHEECCK!
And most importantly,
- The use of Scottish accents to cause enflamed panties and melt them away! DEFINATELY CHECK!
Yup. Cole has it all!
KC can do no wrong! Whether writing paranormal romance or historical romance, Cole shines. I’ve always thought that pnr and historical romances had the best heroes. But now I’m thinking Cole writes the most desirable heroes!
Courtland is the youngest of the MacCarrick brothers. As a mercenary, he is as dangerous and as ruthless as they come, but when his life is saved by a pretty little lady named
Annalia is such a fierce heroine. In the face of various attempts on her life, she still remains as strong and determined as she is when arguing with Court.
Their relationship starts off rocky, as with all of Cole’s romances, because of their prejudices against one another. Anna is disgusted to find herself in the presence of an insensitive and rash Scot. And the Scot cannot accept her without ruining her. The two stubborn heads clash, but it’s still enjoyable to read about them. I liked Anna before, but I started loving her more when she began to develop feelings for Court. After all, he can be infuriating sometimes.
But despite his teasing attitude, Court is such a great lover. The love scenes were hot! And I loved his possessiveness!
I thought Olivia was such a great character as well. With her bored expressions and vicious threats, I couldn’t help but enjoy her annoying comments here and there. She brought in unexpected humour as long with Court’s men who certainly caused some havoc themselves.
Now if Hugh and Ethan are anything like Court, then the MacCarrick series surely will be one of my favourites!
May 15, 2022
Edited: 11/1/21 to add details of sex scenes
Original review: October 2020
Overall: 2.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Romance: 💞💞
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality: 💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Safety warnings attached at end.
1856
Court is a member of a band of mercenaries that will do anything for money. His home in the highlands needs him, which is how he ends up in the Pyrenees on the edge of a civil war. Annalia comes across his close to death body in a river near her home. She nurses him back to health and he begins to really struggle with knowing he is cursed from ever finding love.
Give this book a try if you like
- Johanna Lindsey. There was just something about this novel that reminded me so much of her work. The adventure, feisty heroine, alpha hero.
- Lots of action. The hero is a wanted man and there’s lots of drama involved between the hero, heroine, her brother, and her evil fiancé
- Heroine nurses hero back to health trope
- An aggressive alpha hero. He’s pretty pushy. He cares inside but it doesn’t stop him from being aggressive with his kisses.
- Captive/kidnapped heroine
- Highlander hero
- Roadtrip romance – this book is always on the go somewhere new
Sadly, I didn’t love this book like I thought I would. I was so into the beginning of it. But once the evil fiance was introduced it went downhill pretty quickly for me. There was a lot of action and running and shooting. Even though this book doesn’t take place in the american west, I definitely felt like that is where I was. And that probably lowered my love for it too, that’s one of my least favorite locations/tropes to read about.
This hero will definitely not be everyone’s favorite. He’s pushy and arrogant and a bit of a jerk. But somehow the heroine was an even bigger jerk. She physically abuses the hero multiple times when he is trying to help her, not in self defense. And she makes rather dumb decisions repeatedly. I just really didn’t like her. It was also frustrating how she just seemed to completely change her tune about halfway through the book. It went from enemies to lovers in the blink of an eye without any real reason for that to happen. So all those factors annoyed me a bit.
I really loved a few of the first kisses, but then all the sex after did not do it for me. Probably because who wants to read about people they don’t like having sex? Lol. But I wanted more from the sex, a bit more time spent a scene with feelings and more explicit details. There’s a number of scenes in here but they are fairly brief and I would have preferred to have one or two really well developed scenes.
Here’s the page numbers of intimate scenes if you’re a peeker like Holly (possible spoilers)
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Safety warnings (possible spoilers)
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Original review: October 2020
Overall: 2.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Romance: 💞💞
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality: 💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Safety warnings attached at end.
1856
Court is a member of a band of mercenaries that will do anything for money. His home in the highlands needs him, which is how he ends up in the Pyrenees on the edge of a civil war. Annalia comes across his close to death body in a river near her home. She nurses him back to health and he begins to really struggle with knowing he is cursed from ever finding love.
Give this book a try if you like
- Johanna Lindsey. There was just something about this novel that reminded me so much of her work. The adventure, feisty heroine, alpha hero.
- Lots of action. The hero is a wanted man and there’s lots of drama involved between the hero, heroine, her brother, and her evil fiancé
- Heroine nurses hero back to health trope
- An aggressive alpha hero. He’s pretty pushy. He cares inside but it doesn’t stop him from being aggressive with his kisses.
- Captive/kidnapped heroine
- Highlander hero
- Roadtrip romance – this book is always on the go somewhere new
Sadly, I didn’t love this book like I thought I would. I was so into the beginning of it. But once the evil fiance was introduced it went downhill pretty quickly for me. There was a lot of action and running and shooting. Even though this book doesn’t take place in the american west, I definitely felt like that is where I was. And that probably lowered my love for it too, that’s one of my least favorite locations/tropes to read about.
This hero will definitely not be everyone’s favorite. He’s pushy and arrogant and a bit of a jerk. But somehow the heroine was an even bigger jerk. She physically abuses the hero multiple times when he is trying to help her, not in self defense. And she makes rather dumb decisions repeatedly. I just really didn’t like her. It was also frustrating how she just seemed to completely change her tune about halfway through the book. It went from enemies to lovers in the blink of an eye without any real reason for that to happen. So all those factors annoyed me a bit.
I really loved a few of the first kisses, but then all the sex after did not do it for me. Probably because who wants to read about people they don’t like having sex? Lol. But I wanted more from the sex, a bit more time spent a scene with feelings and more explicit details. There’s a number of scenes in here but they are fairly brief and I would have preferred to have one or two really well developed scenes.
Here’s the page numbers of intimate scenes if you’re a peeker like Holly (possible spoilers)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Safety warnings (possible spoilers)
.
.
.
.
.
July 5, 2021
Reminded me why I love romance - and romance heroes especially - oh so very much! (4.5 stars)
Wow. This book was an amazing read and came at just the time when I really needed an HR winner. I bought this book awhile ago, but just couldn't commit to reading it. I was convinced from some of the summaries that the heroine was a TSTL spoiled brat who would annoy me to no end and having never read Kresley Cole but knowing that she writes pretty sizzling stories, I was afraid it would be choc a bloc full of excessive lust and gratuitous sex (pardon my blunt-writing ;-).
It turns out that it was very good that I waited and I am SO unbelievably glad I decided to pick it up today of all days. I have been down about the recent romance duds that I've read and was really starting to despair, thinking I was going to be stuck from now on with having to reread my favorites, because nothing was left undiscovered and the new ones coming out had all been mostly horrible. After reading If You Dare though, I was reminded of why I became a romance book devotee ten years ago and why I love - no, adore! - the genre; nothing beats a good romance read. (Except probably having your own personal hero, which I don't currently, so book heroes have to do for now!)
Main Characters, Courtland and Annalia
This particular hero is to die for, *especially* in the second half: somebody please tell me where I can find my own Courtland MacCarrick and I will give you everything I own! At first I was a little wary because he came off a little dictatorial, stubborn, and rough, but I quickly fell in love with him and in the second half of the book ::sigh:: ... well, just thinking about it makes me want to reread it. He becomes so romantic and possessive and sweet, though still retaining enough of his difficult, rough-around-the-edges, serious qualities - it's just delicious. Gotta love those tortured bad boys. He definitely made it on to my list of all-time favorite heroes, and I'm pretty picky about those - just because I give a book 4 or 5 stars does not mean the hero is necessarily going in that category.
My two biggest reservations were not for nothing, and though they obviously didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book, they do have to be mentioned. Court does almost immediately feel lust for Annalia - and it is lust, not just 'oh, wow, she's attractive. moving on.' However, because of his character and just how he is, it is almost expected and was not really off-putting. Most importantly, I felt that his attachment to Annalia quickly developed into something more. It's odd because this was not really a meeting of the minds - they don't have very many (if any) intellectual discussions, are completely different and come for vastly different experiences/histories, and are in many ways polar opposites, however here, for me, it just worked! Actually a little puzzling to me why I did feel it worked, but what can I say?
The second and main problem, which ended up knocking half a star off, was the part of the book where my fear about the heroine did come true: for about the second quarter of the book, she completely becomes the spoiled, annoying, bratty TSTL heroine that I thought she was going to be. Honestly, I wanted to slap her upside the head several, several times. Anna does redeem herself - though the turnaround is very abrupt - and come around for the second half, but I do wish that transformation period of hers could have been left out altogether. Honestly, had I not loved the rest of the book so much, it would have brought the rating down far more than half a star.
Everything Else
I loved Court's crew and brothers - am interested to see how their stories turn out - and thought the side romance for Anna's brother was a nice addition, and I'm normally not one for secondary romances. I actually feel that that could have been its own interesting book, because their pairing is pretty rare in romances in that the hero had a lot of the qualities heroines often do and vice versa. Here, the man is the one who is trusting and nice/sweet and loyal and all that good stuff and the woman is the one who has had the difficult upbringing and the betrayal and has had to be tough and rough and duplicitous to protect herself.
It is an action-type romance, more because of battles and fighting than any mystery subplot. It set the story, so I thought was done well, didn't take away at all from the romance, and added just what it had to to give the plot shape.
And last, but by no means least ;-), the chemistry is sizzling off the charts and has some romance scenes where you will definitely be fanning yourself.
The MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy
Book 1 - If You Dare, Courtland's story
Book 2 - If You Desire , Hugh's story
Book 3 - If You Deceive , Ethan's Story
Bottom Line
I'm glad I waited until now to read it. Really needed one of those amazing romance reads right now and it absolutely 100% delivered. Despite the seriousness of its backdrop and of some of the underlying themes, for me it did not read like a very heavy or serious romance. But I guess sometimes I don't need that - I just need enjoyment.
Wow. This book was an amazing read and came at just the time when I really needed an HR winner. I bought this book awhile ago, but just couldn't commit to reading it. I was convinced from some of the summaries that the heroine was a TSTL spoiled brat who would annoy me to no end and having never read Kresley Cole but knowing that she writes pretty sizzling stories, I was afraid it would be choc a bloc full of excessive lust and gratuitous sex (pardon my blunt-writing ;-).
It turns out that it was very good that I waited and I am SO unbelievably glad I decided to pick it up today of all days. I have been down about the recent romance duds that I've read and was really starting to despair, thinking I was going to be stuck from now on with having to reread my favorites, because nothing was left undiscovered and the new ones coming out had all been mostly horrible. After reading If You Dare though, I was reminded of why I became a romance book devotee ten years ago and why I love - no, adore! - the genre; nothing beats a good romance read. (Except probably having your own personal hero, which I don't currently, so book heroes have to do for now!)
Main Characters, Courtland and Annalia
This particular hero is to die for, *especially* in the second half: somebody please tell me where I can find my own Courtland MacCarrick and I will give you everything I own! At first I was a little wary because he came off a little dictatorial, stubborn, and rough, but I quickly fell in love with him and in the second half of the book ::sigh:: ... well, just thinking about it makes me want to reread it. He becomes so romantic and possessive and sweet, though still retaining enough of his difficult, rough-around-the-edges, serious qualities - it's just delicious. Gotta love those tortured bad boys. He definitely made it on to my list of all-time favorite heroes, and I'm pretty picky about those - just because I give a book 4 or 5 stars does not mean the hero is necessarily going in that category.
My two biggest reservations were not for nothing, and though they obviously didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book, they do have to be mentioned. Court does almost immediately feel lust for Annalia - and it is lust, not just 'oh, wow, she's attractive. moving on.' However, because of his character and just how he is, it is almost expected and was not really off-putting. Most importantly, I felt that his attachment to Annalia quickly developed into something more. It's odd because this was not really a meeting of the minds - they don't have very many (if any) intellectual discussions, are completely different and come for vastly different experiences/histories, and are in many ways polar opposites, however here, for me, it just worked! Actually a little puzzling to me why I did feel it worked, but what can I say?
The second and main problem, which ended up knocking half a star off, was the part of the book where my fear about the heroine did come true: for about the second quarter of the book, she completely becomes the spoiled, annoying, bratty TSTL heroine that I thought she was going to be. Honestly, I wanted to slap her upside the head several, several times. Anna does redeem herself - though the turnaround is very abrupt - and come around for the second half, but I do wish that transformation period of hers could have been left out altogether. Honestly, had I not loved the rest of the book so much, it would have brought the rating down far more than half a star.
Everything Else
I loved Court's crew and brothers - am interested to see how their stories turn out - and thought the side romance for Anna's brother was a nice addition, and I'm normally not one for secondary romances. I actually feel that that could have been its own interesting book, because their pairing is pretty rare in romances in that the hero had a lot of the qualities heroines often do and vice versa. Here, the man is the one who is trusting and nice/sweet and loyal and all that good stuff and the woman is the one who has had the difficult upbringing and the betrayal and has had to be tough and rough and duplicitous to protect herself.
It is an action-type romance, more because of battles and fighting than any mystery subplot. It set the story, so I thought was done well, didn't take away at all from the romance, and added just what it had to to give the plot shape.
And last, but by no means least ;-), the chemistry is sizzling off the charts and has some romance scenes where you will definitely be fanning yourself.
The MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy
Book 1 - If You Dare, Courtland's story
Book 2 - If You Desire , Hugh's story
Book 3 - If You Deceive , Ethan's Story
Bottom Line
I'm glad I waited until now to read it. Really needed one of those amazing romance reads right now and it absolutely 100% delivered. Despite the seriousness of its backdrop and of some of the underlying themes, for me it did not read like a very heavy or serious romance. But I guess sometimes I don't need that - I just need enjoyment.
July 21, 2021
This was a good read. Kept me interested from the start. Scottish highlander , ✔️adventure. ✔️Hate to Love story. ✔️Family curse, lots of good banter between all characters in book and good humour ✔️✔️✔️
April 28, 2015
4.5 stars
What a lovely book!!! I loved, loved, loved this one!!!
I wanted to read a medieval historical romance with Highlanders, so I picked this one up, because it's written by Kresley Cole and I love her Immortals After Dark series. Well, this is not a medieval HR, lol. It is set in 1856, I don't know how I missed that, but I decided to stick with it and I'm glad I did!
If you read other reviews, you'll see that most readers didn't like the characters. It's true that they weren't the most likeable H/h ever for the first 1/3 of the book, but did I care? Nope! They had amazing chemistry from the beginning and the bickering and enmity between them that spoke for the attraction simmering beneath the surface made this such an enjoyable read!
And that's only for 1/3 of the book anyway. When they finally started getting on well with each other, the book got even better.
I have to admit I have a soft spot for besotted heroes. I loved how much Court wanted Annalia but thought her better than him and that a woman like her would never stoop so low as to set her sights on a man like him.
And when she did, he couldn't believe how lucky he was. What a sweet hero!
Annalia was a great heroine, too. Strong, resourceful and so hilarious at times. I really enjoyed reading about this couple and how they went from this:
to this:
Kresley Cole is best-known for her paranormal romances. I could see the influence of her other genre on this book, but only in the best possible way in that the hero is extremely possessive. Loved it! The curse, which was the only "paranormal" element in the book, opened the way for the whole fated mate plotline that's common in paranormals, but otherwise this is truly a historical romance and it doens't seem out of place.
Even though the love scenes in If You Dare are more frequent and more steamy than in any other HR I've read, they were handled well and I enjoyed them. They didn't happen early in the book, they didn't destroy the HR vibe of the story and they were tasteful. Kresley Cole is truly great in this, and the same applies to her paranormals.
One complaint I have is that Olivia is such a great secondary character and I would love for her to get her own book (not going to happen, unfortunately).
As for Court's brothers, I'm really looking forward to their stories. Ethan is the most interesting character, but Hugh's story has one of my all-time favourite themes, the I've-loved-you-for-years. I expect this series to be an amazing reading experience.
What a lovely book!!! I loved, loved, loved this one!!!
I wanted to read a medieval historical romance with Highlanders, so I picked this one up, because it's written by Kresley Cole and I love her Immortals After Dark series. Well, this is not a medieval HR, lol. It is set in 1856, I don't know how I missed that, but I decided to stick with it and I'm glad I did!
If you read other reviews, you'll see that most readers didn't like the characters. It's true that they weren't the most likeable H/h ever for the first 1/3 of the book, but did I care? Nope! They had amazing chemistry from the beginning and the bickering and enmity between them that spoke for the attraction simmering beneath the surface made this such an enjoyable read!
“She weighed no more than a feather as he lifted her, but he teased her, saying, "You weigh more than you look."
"You are weaker than you look," she immediately whispered.”
And that's only for 1/3 of the book anyway. When they finally started getting on well with each other, the book got even better.
I have to admit I have a soft spot for besotted heroes. I loved how much Court wanted Annalia but thought her better than him and that a woman like her would never stoop so low as to set her sights on a man like him.
"I never want to see you with a gun in your hand, Anna."
"Why not?"
"You were no' meant to," he said simply.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
His gaze caught hers, and she saw his eyes were bleak. "It means people like me were put on the earth so people like you never had to do bad things and suffer from them."
And when she did, he couldn't believe how lucky he was. What a sweet hero!
"I'm starin' because you're more beautiful than I could ever imagine and it gives me pleasure tae look at you, all of you. I'm starin' because I never thought I would."
Annalia was a great heroine, too. Strong, resourceful and so hilarious at times. I really enjoyed reading about this couple and how they went from this:
to this:
Kresley Cole is best-known for her paranormal romances. I could see the influence of her other genre on this book, but only in the best possible way in that the hero is extremely possessive. Loved it! The curse, which was the only "paranormal" element in the book, opened the way for the whole fated mate plotline that's common in paranormals, but otherwise this is truly a historical romance and it doens't seem out of place.
Even though the love scenes in If You Dare are more frequent and more steamy than in any other HR I've read, they were handled well and I enjoyed them. They didn't happen early in the book, they didn't destroy the HR vibe of the story and they were tasteful. Kresley Cole is truly great in this, and the same applies to her paranormals.
One complaint I have is that Olivia is such a great secondary character and I would love for her to get her own book (not going to happen, unfortunately).
“Now you're just being silly. He's a mercenary- he's not going to go about penning love letters, and really, what would he write? 'Anna...love you...grrr?'"
As for Court's brothers, I'm really looking forward to their stories. Ethan is the most interesting character, but Hugh's story has one of my all-time favourite themes, the I've-loved-you-for-years. I expect this series to be an amazing reading experience.
April 14, 2009
I hated the heroine in this one. Hated her! She was the worst heroine I've read about so far. Prejudiced, haughty, opinionated...The only saving grace was the obvious love she held for her brother, willing to do anything to save him, although that one safely landed her in the TSTL pile.
The entire book was a bit silly, if you ask me. The heroine kept ending up in one mess after another, and for a person so "educated" and of "so elevated rank", she didn't appear to have any brain cells at all.
The hero was your typical monosyllabic, acerbic, towering, glowering etc. brute, but unlike the rest of his hero-mates out there, he was a bit more on the Neanderthal side of the block, topped with complete lack of social capabilities and utter inability to act as a normal human being. When brutes such as him meet their intended they tend to soften and develop some communication skills, beside conking the woman with a club, but Court was as much of a brute after he met her than he was before.
The plot was all over the place, as well. After the initial perilous situation wore off, all the later attempts at rekindling the suspense provided more of a comic relief than anything else. For such skilled and ruthless assassins those Rechazados did a really lousy job if you ask me.
And then, there's the curse. Judging by the prologue I was sure I'd get a gripping historical paranormal romance, instead the blasted curse was only mentioned sporadically and when it was the only thing that explained some stupidity the hero did or said.
And I hoped the first book (actually a novella) was a fluke about me not being able to relate to the characters. I was completely detached from Court and Annalia as well, not to mention their romance...The author could've done a good service to her readers if she didn't make her such a idiotic virgin (I hate when that happens - a virgin, yes, but why ignorant as well?) and him such an overbearing ass.
The only thing that saved this book for me were the few, yet satisfying, humorous passages. They made me laugh - out loud - and that's always a good thing.
The entire book was a bit silly, if you ask me. The heroine kept ending up in one mess after another, and for a person so "educated" and of "so elevated rank", she didn't appear to have any brain cells at all.
The hero was your typical monosyllabic, acerbic, towering, glowering etc. brute, but unlike the rest of his hero-mates out there, he was a bit more on the Neanderthal side of the block, topped with complete lack of social capabilities and utter inability to act as a normal human being. When brutes such as him meet their intended they tend to soften and develop some communication skills, beside conking the woman with a club, but Court was as much of a brute after he met her than he was before.
The plot was all over the place, as well. After the initial perilous situation wore off, all the later attempts at rekindling the suspense provided more of a comic relief than anything else. For such skilled and ruthless assassins those Rechazados did a really lousy job if you ask me.
And then, there's the curse. Judging by the prologue I was sure I'd get a gripping historical paranormal romance, instead the blasted curse was only mentioned sporadically and when it was the only thing that explained some stupidity the hero did or said.
And I hoped the first book (actually a novella) was a fluke about me not being able to relate to the characters. I was completely detached from Court and Annalia as well, not to mention their romance...The author could've done a good service to her readers if she didn't make her such a idiotic virgin (I hate when that happens - a virgin, yes, but why ignorant as well?) and him such an overbearing ass.
The only thing that saved this book for me were the few, yet satisfying, humorous passages. They made me laugh - out loud - and that's always a good thing.
August 15, 2011
I'd heard some "bad" things about the heroine of this book before I started reading it, so I was "prepared" to sigh and roll my eyesballs a lot while going through it. As it turned out, I only did it once! :) Yes, Annalía was obnoxious towards Court and did some stupid things, but I understood her reasons and, quite frankly, he was partly responsible for her acting like that.
Court wasn't one of the best heroes I've ever met either. I didn't really connect with him, and I thought he was quite disrespectful with Annalía at first. I mean, she saved his life and he repaid her by taking over her house as if it was his right!?!
All of that happened in the first third of the book and, thankfully, the story (and Court and Annalía) got better after that. I like love/hate stories, but Court and Annalía's initial bickering wasn't working for me. It was too snarky to be fun. But once they started acting like civilized people, I enjoyed following their story.
This was my first read by Kresley Cole and I liked her writing. It sounded too modern sometimes, but I'm not neurotic about historical accuracy so that didn't bother me too much. All in all, I wasn't wowed by this first book in the MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy, but I had fun reading it and I'm curious enough about Court's brothers, Hugh and Ethan, to read their books. That's good enough for a first book in a series, don't you think? ;)
Court wasn't one of the best heroes I've ever met either. I didn't really connect with him, and I thought he was quite disrespectful with Annalía at first. I mean, she saved his life and he repaid her by taking over her house as if it was his right!?!
All of that happened in the first third of the book and, thankfully, the story (and Court and Annalía) got better after that. I like love/hate stories, but Court and Annalía's initial bickering wasn't working for me. It was too snarky to be fun. But once they started acting like civilized people, I enjoyed following their story.
This was my first read by Kresley Cole and I liked her writing. It sounded too modern sometimes, but I'm not neurotic about historical accuracy so that didn't bother me too much. All in all, I wasn't wowed by this first book in the MacCarrick Brothers Trilogy, but I had fun reading it and I'm curious enough about Court's brothers, Hugh and Ethan, to read their books. That's good enough for a first book in a series, don't you think? ;)
March 15, 2017
*Might contain spoilers*
Review posted: 10.07.2016
Story: Beaten to the core Courtland MacCarrick barely escapes general Pascal's kill order by throwing himself into the river. By the river is where Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente finds Court nearly unconscious. She decides to save him, so she brings him to her home, where she nurses him back to health. Later on, Annalía gets letter from Pascal that he has her brother captured and if he is to live, Annalía must marry him. Annalía being Annalía, agrees. Court ends up kidnapping her, making her furious as it puts her brother's life in danger, so she doesn't make his tries at keeping her safe easy. However sparks fly, passion and anger becomes mixed up and their fierce attraction for each other gets harder to fight...
Characters:
The heroine Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente (long name or what?) was alright. She wasn't my favorite female heroine, but she wasn't the worst either. She was strong headed, brave, though naive and at times annoying, specially the scene where she got shot. I understand completely that she wants to help/save her brother, but she's also smart enough to know that Pascal is lying to her, specially when Pascal sends assassins after her... Though, do not get me wrong; she wasn't weak. Hell, she even took down an assassin on her own. I really wouldn't want to be on her bad side... However, I didn't like her looking down at Court. Judging him. So we can say that... over 50% of the book, she mostly annoyed me.
Courtland MacCarrick, the hero in this book, was awesome. I kinda like a 'barbaric, commanding, strong, fierce, and brutal' man, and Court was just that. On top of that, he was also capable of kindness and compassion. I really like that he could go from high passionate to a cold blooded mercenary. Though Court was leader of his band of mercenaries, I felt like he wasn't, simply because he was with Annalía, and they we alone for the most part. So I'm kinda interesting in knowing what would happen in the future for the couple, though mostly I'm interested in Court's future...
Side-characters: We didn't really get to know Pascal other than the fact that he had a perfect look, and could smile so sweetly when threatening your life like you're talking about the weather. I actually didn't like Annalía's brother Llorente . He was so...uptight? I dunno. I just didn't like him. Olivia (Pascal's daughter, we think?) was annoying, cold bitch that you cannot help but liking. Even if you hate it... I'm really not sure how to feel towards Court's brothers Hugh and Ethan . I didn't get the feeling of 'brother-love', just that they were brothers, and that was it. So I'm 95% sure I won't continue with this series as the next books will be about Hugh then Ethan.
Courtalía: Yes, I did just make up a shipping name for them. Sue me. Anyway, I really like their passion towards each other. Specially when Annalía really hated Court. Their...heated scenes were hot. I'm just saying. Hot. I wouldn't mind being seduced by Court. Annalía is lucky. Hope she knows that. Annalía and Court is perfect for each other. They complete each other. Annalía doesn't want Court to change, and Court doesn't want to change anything in his lady lass.
Overall: It was a good story. I had some problem getting 'into' the story, as the writing was a bit heard to understand. But as I got used to the writing, things got better. However, the back and forth was a bit too much for me, and I felt we really wasn't going anywhere with the story. I felt like they were on the move all the time and the ending just fell a bit too short. But other than that, it was a alright story, with good characters and on top of that? No insta-love. High five for that!
Review posted: 10.07.2016
She weighed no more than a feather as he lifted her, but he teased her, saying, “You weigh more than you look.”
“You are weaker than you look,” she immediately whispered.
Story: Beaten to the core Courtland MacCarrick barely escapes general Pascal's kill order by throwing himself into the river. By the river is where Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente finds Court nearly unconscious. She decides to save him, so she brings him to her home, where she nurses him back to health. Later on, Annalía gets letter from Pascal that he has her brother captured and if he is to live, Annalía must marry him. Annalía being Annalía, agrees. Court ends up kidnapping her, making her furious as it puts her brother's life in danger, so she doesn't make his tries at keeping her safe easy. However sparks fly, passion and anger becomes mixed up and their fierce attraction for each other gets harder to fight...
As he slept, his heartbeat returned to slow and steady, lulling her. Before she joined him, she decided that she never wanted to sleep without that sound again.
Characters:
The heroine Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente (long name or what?) was alright. She wasn't my favorite female heroine, but she wasn't the worst either. She was strong headed, brave, though naive and at times annoying, specially the scene where she got shot. I understand completely that she wants to help/save her brother, but she's also smart enough to know that Pascal is lying to her, specially when Pascal sends assassins after her... Though, do not get me wrong; she wasn't weak. Hell, she even took down an assassin on her own. I really wouldn't want to be on her bad side... However, I didn't like her looking down at Court. Judging him. So we can say that... over 50% of the book, she mostly annoyed me.
Worse, he waited with an old man he'd like to toss from the window and with a mysterious woman he wanted to tie up so she couldn't flee until he'd actually finished questioning her
Courtland MacCarrick, the hero in this book, was awesome. I kinda like a 'barbaric, commanding, strong, fierce, and brutal' man, and Court was just that. On top of that, he was also capable of kindness and compassion. I really like that he could go from high passionate to a cold blooded mercenary. Though Court was leader of his band of mercenaries, I felt like he wasn't, simply because he was with Annalía, and they we alone for the most part. So I'm kinda interesting in knowing what would happen in the future for the couple, though mostly I'm interested in Court's future...
“Now you're just being silly. He's a mercenary- he's not going to go about penning love letters, and really, what would he write? 'Anna...love you...grrr?'”
Side-characters: We didn't really get to know Pascal other than the fact that he had a perfect look, and could smile so sweetly when threatening your life like you're talking about the weather. I actually didn't like Annalía's brother Llorente . He was so...uptight? I dunno. I just didn't like him. Olivia (Pascal's daughter, we think?) was annoying, cold bitch that you cannot help but liking. Even if you hate it... I'm really not sure how to feel towards Court's brothers Hugh and Ethan . I didn't get the feeling of 'brother-love', just that they were brothers, and that was it. So I'm 95% sure I won't continue with this series as the next books will be about Hugh then Ethan.
“I never want to see you with a gun in your hand, Anna.”
“Why not?”
“You were no' meant to,” he said simply.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
His gaze caught hers, and she saw his eyes were bleak. “It means people like me were put on the earth so people like you never had to do bad things and suffer from them.”
Courtalía: Yes, I did just make up a shipping name for them. Sue me. Anyway, I really like their passion towards each other. Specially when Annalía really hated Court. Their...heated scenes were hot. I'm just saying. Hot. I wouldn't mind being seduced by Court. Annalía is lucky. Hope she knows that. Annalía and Court is perfect for each other. They complete each other. Annalía doesn't want Court to change, and Court doesn't want to change anything in his lady lass.
“I'm starin' because you're more beautiful than I could ever imagine and it gives me pleasure tae look at you, all of you. I'm starin' because I never thought I would.”
Overall: It was a good story. I had some problem getting 'into' the story, as the writing was a bit heard to understand. But as I got used to the writing, things got better. However, the back and forth was a bit too much for me, and I felt we really wasn't going anywhere with the story. I felt like they were on the move all the time and the ending just fell a bit too short. But other than that, it was a alright story, with good characters and on top of that? No insta-love. High five for that!
May 11, 2015
DNF @ 50%
I am having the worst luck with books these past couple weeks but this is another DNF.
Everyone just annoyed the crap out of me. The heroine is haughty and arrogant and it didn't annoy me as much as some other reviewers but she still isn't one of my favs.
The hero on the other hand...I felt like bitch slapping him multiple times
Gosh, so unbelievably rude, arrogant, and tactless. The h goes to him to ask for help since she just learned her brother has been kidnapped and he demands her body as payment.
"I will free him, but before I do, I'll get to enjoy you."
And he's always leering at her like some creepy old horny man. I did not enjoy his character at all. When we read about brutes and caveman type heros the thing that makes us swoon is how different they are around the heroine and I absolutely LOVE the "gentle giant" type heros. This hero is a giant but nothing about him is gentle. The heroine gets fucking shot and he starts taunting her:
"Look, wench! Look at all the blood everywhere. Now faint. Should you no' be fainting by now?"
I tried getting past his inability to be a human but I'm done. The last straw was when they are forced to share a room and he wouldn't leave the room when she wants to change but just turns around and the second he hears the h's towel fall he turns back to leer at her. It did not feel romantic at all, just like an invasion of her privacy since they are NOT at that level yet.
I also HATED their bickering. The heroine cannot go a chapter without reminding him how much she "loathes" him and I just didn't get any warm fuzzy feelings for this couple. I kept waiting for them to start acting a little more civilized but I'm half way through and it's just not worth it anymore.
I am having the worst luck with books these past couple weeks but this is another DNF.
Everyone just annoyed the crap out of me. The heroine is haughty and arrogant and it didn't annoy me as much as some other reviewers but she still isn't one of my favs.
The hero on the other hand...I felt like bitch slapping him multiple times
Gosh, so unbelievably rude, arrogant, and tactless. The h goes to him to ask for help since she just learned her brother has been kidnapped and he demands her body as payment.
"I will free him, but before I do, I'll get to enjoy you."
And he's always leering at her like some creepy old horny man. I did not enjoy his character at all. When we read about brutes and caveman type heros the thing that makes us swoon is how different they are around the heroine and I absolutely LOVE the "gentle giant" type heros. This hero is a giant but nothing about him is gentle. The heroine gets fucking shot and he starts taunting her:
"Look, wench! Look at all the blood everywhere. Now faint. Should you no' be fainting by now?"
I tried getting past his inability to be a human but I'm done. The last straw was when they are forced to share a room and he wouldn't leave the room when she wants to change but just turns around and the second he hears the h's towel fall he turns back to leer at her. It did not feel romantic at all, just like an invasion of her privacy since they are NOT at that level yet.
I also HATED their bickering. The heroine cannot go a chapter without reminding him how much she "loathes" him and I just didn't get any warm fuzzy feelings for this couple. I kept waiting for them to start acting a little more civilized but I'm half way through and it's just not worth it anymore.
June 7, 2022
I enjoyed this story to a point. The beginning was nice, the nurture back to health always gets me going. I think it wonderful when people take care of each other when needed. But I felt weird with the heroine calling the hero an animal right from the start. And after that she insulted him again with much worse words and as a proud Scott he simply did what he did best, he insulted her back. And this back and forth insulting and fighting took about 15 chapters. SO boring. I am not sure if I am loosing my taste for enemies to lovers or it was this story specifically but I got to a point where I was very annoyed by their constant fights. I was only waiting for that to be over. And when it was over I had an odd feeling about the heroine. Sometimes she acted very young and immature. My feelings toward her were a roller coaster. The hero was nice but he really needs to work on his communication skills.
For me things really got good when everybody met everybody else. When we met his brothers, when her brother went to fletch her, and omg I looooooved the villain Olivia, she was the best of them all and I couldn't help find her hilarious. I hope we will see more of her.
So yeah, I would say this was an okay book. I will definitely continue the series because I am hiper curious about the eldest brother's story.
For me things really got good when everybody met everybody else. When we met his brothers, when her brother went to fletch her, and omg I looooooved the villain Olivia, she was the best of them all and I couldn't help find her hilarious. I hope we will see more of her.
So yeah, I would say this was an okay book. I will definitely continue the series because I am hiper curious about the eldest brother's story.
August 10, 2020
3.75 STARS
It was good to get back to an old favorite. This one started out slow for me. For some reason it just wasn't holding my interest until I got about two-thirds into it. I also had trouble connecting with the characters. at first. But once got sucked in, their characters drew me in as well. I also enjoyed the development of the secondary characters. I am looking forward to moving forward in the series to get Hugh and Ethan's stories.
It was good to get back to an old favorite. This one started out slow for me. For some reason it just wasn't holding my interest until I got about two-thirds into it. I also had trouble connecting with the characters. at first. But once got sucked in, their characters drew me in as well. I also enjoyed the development of the secondary characters. I am looking forward to moving forward in the series to get Hugh and Ethan's stories.
December 17, 2014
I had read the last book in the trilogy - If You Deceive - due to seeing it rec'd over and over as a great revenge book. I did enjoy that one immensely but thought this one was almost as good.
I liked both the hero and the heroine. Although, at first, Court was a real ass.
He resented the fact that he was so attracted to a woman who was above his station and who showed him quite a bit of contempt. However, Annalia's contempt was very reasonable in my opinion.
Annalia had been raised in a very sheltered environment. She'd never seen violence or war until a Spanish dictator-wannabe invaded her small country, Andorra. Which was interesting for me to learn about since I'm American and sadly fit the stereotype in that I suck at geography :(
The Villain, Pascal, hoped to use Andorra (a tiny country between Spain and France) and Annalia as a base for taking over Spain. Annalia had a distant claim to Spanish royalty, so he hoped to use a marriage to her to legitimize his planned overthrow of Spain's Queen Isabella. This is where the hero and his band of highlanders come in.
Court headed up a band of Highland mercenaries in the employ of Pascal. He and his men broke with him in the beginning of the book because they had obviously chosen the wrong side. However, the fact that he'd ever worked for Pascal in the first place made Annalia's contempt for him understandable. Still, she saves his life when she find him after Pascal's assassins had tried to kill him. Then, Court proceeds to acts like a very ungrateful ass when he realizes she sees him as an uncivilized brute trying to ruin her country (imagine).
When he realizes who Annalia is and how Pascal plans to use her things start to get really interesting. He doesn't want Pascal to have her for revenge and also because he wants her for himself. But he's thwarted by the infamous curse on his family and the fact that Annalia thinks he's a monster.
It is very fun to see him turn less and less mercenary in his treatment of Annalia and her to begin to admit her attraction to him. It was definitely sigh-worthy to see the big, brutal Highlander be so tender with the heroine.
Cover fail warning - I really need a tag. Covers just aren't what they used to be. Unless I misunderstood, Annalia would not have been a blond. I remember one description where she was described as having darker hair with hints of gold when it was in the sun (unless I dreamed it) and her eyes were definitely dark. There were also several mentions of her golden skin. I had pictured her as someone with chestnut colored hair and a bit darker complexion than the fair-skinned blond on the cover.
I liked both the hero and the heroine. Although, at first, Court was a real ass.
He resented the fact that he was so attracted to a woman who was above his station and who showed him quite a bit of contempt. However, Annalia's contempt was very reasonable in my opinion.
Annalia had been raised in a very sheltered environment. She'd never seen violence or war until a Spanish dictator-wannabe invaded her small country, Andorra. Which was interesting for me to learn about since I'm American and sadly fit the stereotype in that I suck at geography :(
The Villain, Pascal, hoped to use Andorra (a tiny country between Spain and France) and Annalia as a base for taking over Spain. Annalia had a distant claim to Spanish royalty, so he hoped to use a marriage to her to legitimize his planned overthrow of Spain's Queen Isabella. This is where the hero and his band of highlanders come in.
Court headed up a band of Highland mercenaries in the employ of Pascal. He and his men broke with him in the beginning of the book because they had obviously chosen the wrong side. However, the fact that he'd ever worked for Pascal in the first place made Annalia's contempt for him understandable. Still, she saves his life when she find him after Pascal's assassins had tried to kill him. Then, Court proceeds to acts like a very ungrateful ass when he realizes she sees him as an uncivilized brute trying to ruin her country (imagine).
When he realizes who Annalia is and how Pascal plans to use her things start to get really interesting. He doesn't want Pascal to have her for revenge and also because he wants her for himself. But he's thwarted by the infamous curse on his family and the fact that Annalia thinks he's a monster.
It is very fun to see him turn less and less mercenary in his treatment of Annalia and her to begin to admit her attraction to him. It was definitely sigh-worthy to see the big, brutal Highlander be so tender with the heroine.
Cover fail warning - I really need a tag. Covers just aren't what they used to be. Unless I misunderstood, Annalia would not have been a blond. I remember one description where she was described as having darker hair with hints of gold when it was in the sun (unless I dreamed it) and her eyes were definitely dark. There were also several mentions of her golden skin. I had pictured her as someone with chestnut colored hair and a bit darker complexion than the fair-skinned blond on the cover.
December 11, 2020
This is the first historical romance i have read by Kresley Cole, "If you Dare" is the first book in the "MacCarrick Brothers"-trilogy about the youngest of the brothers, the skilled and stubborn warrior Courtland MacCarrick who finds his soulmate in the young lady who saves him, the prideful spitfire Lady Annalía Tristán Llorente. Their passion shows a promise neither can deny, and Kresley Cole with her skilled writing nailed to create another Epic Romance in this one.
A curse have always fallen upon the three brothers, but Courtland will be the one who dares to defy it, and damn how i came to admire him.What a man! He is drawn to her already from the start, and i love the way he falls in love with her. It all came on so beautifully and naturally that i wanted to cry. Even when she hurted him and hated him, he still loved her with a tender care that made my chest hurt. He was such a man in love, so smitten and so fiercely possessive of her and he never gave up on his love for her,even when he thought it hopeless. That`s my hero! Annalia with her courage and spirit fascinated me,and i was so relieved when she finally realized that she had fallen for this scot of a man,and she were determined to be his, yeah!
The chemistry and the sex-scenes are so STEAMY and MINDBLOWIN,!Just OMG how sexy Courtland was when it came to his heroine...just GOD how i want him for myself!Life is so unfair!We also got to meet his older brothers and i actually mostly look forward to Ethan`s story,jeez how he looked smoldering sexy,grrr! And the way Olivia blackmails Annalia`s brother into marriage was fun. This whole book is a fantastic master-piece of art, and i love EVERYTHING about it!The adventure, the action, the characters, even the villain was intruging, and mostly the fierce and irrevocably love between Court and Anna.Page-turning Keeper that instantly deserves its place in my "favourites" shelv, this book did show the "power of love" and i love it! It`s Romance after all (dreamy sigh).
A curse have always fallen upon the three brothers, but Courtland will be the one who dares to defy it, and damn how i came to admire him.What a man! He is drawn to her already from the start, and i love the way he falls in love with her. It all came on so beautifully and naturally that i wanted to cry. Even when she hurted him and hated him, he still loved her with a tender care that made my chest hurt. He was such a man in love, so smitten and so fiercely possessive of her and he never gave up on his love for her,even when he thought it hopeless. That`s my hero! Annalia with her courage and spirit fascinated me,and i was so relieved when she finally realized that she had fallen for this scot of a man,and she were determined to be his, yeah!
The chemistry and the sex-scenes are so STEAMY and MINDBLOWIN,!Just OMG how sexy Courtland was when it came to his heroine...just GOD how i want him for myself!Life is so unfair!We also got to meet his older brothers and i actually mostly look forward to Ethan`s story,jeez how he looked smoldering sexy,grrr! And the way Olivia blackmails Annalia`s brother into marriage was fun. This whole book is a fantastic master-piece of art, and i love EVERYTHING about it!The adventure, the action, the characters, even the villain was intruging, and mostly the fierce and irrevocably love between Court and Anna.Page-turning Keeper that instantly deserves its place in my "favourites" shelv, this book did show the "power of love" and i love it! It`s Romance after all (dreamy sigh).
February 28, 2016
Pleasantly surprised. The plots are so so. But Courtland definitely has his moments. Heroine is rather plain as a character. This book kept my interest though. I thought with such tried plots and a relationship that seems to build on sex, the book managed a lot than most romances.
April 19, 2022
I liked the last third!
April 2, 2010
Good start to a series!
Deeply sensual, Cole writes a steamy romantic story! I wasn't sure at first what I thought about the hero of IYD, Courtland MacCarrick, as he came off stubborn, hard nosed and a bit of jerk. And too, Annalia Tristan Llorente, the heroine, seemed too proud and bound by societal stricture- I just wasn't sure how these two would ever get together.
But I soon found out they were more than they seemed, and that, as well as writing heated romantic scenes, the author knows how to put depth into her Characters!
The story begins with an ancient Celtic curse that informs us right off the bat that none of the heroes in the The MacCarrick Brothers Series will have an easy time of it in life- especially with love. When Court finds himself falling for the beautiful woman who rescued him from certain death, he knows he should run- for her sake more than anything his. But when he discovers Annalia's own turmoil is intricately intertwined with his own, he knows he cannot leave her ... yet.
Anna detests the man she pulled from the river whom she suspects is a Scottish mercenary hired by General Reynaldo Pascal, the man scheming to take over her country and the one holding her beloved brother hostage. But good manners and good breeding dictate she give him aid- and besides, she's not completely sure he is who she thinks he is.
When he proves himself to be a boorish lout, she knows her suspicions are true. She immediately demands he leave her premises. Naturally, the stubborn Court refuses, and thus begins a struggle that will take them from the machinations of a subtly evil dictator and will lead them down a path neither of them thought possible- of deep passion and fated love.
Historical romance doesn't get any better than this!
Deeply sensual, Cole writes a steamy romantic story! I wasn't sure at first what I thought about the hero of IYD, Courtland MacCarrick, as he came off stubborn, hard nosed and a bit of jerk. And too, Annalia Tristan Llorente, the heroine, seemed too proud and bound by societal stricture- I just wasn't sure how these two would ever get together.
But I soon found out they were more than they seemed, and that, as well as writing heated romantic scenes, the author knows how to put depth into her Characters!
The story begins with an ancient Celtic curse that informs us right off the bat that none of the heroes in the The MacCarrick Brothers Series will have an easy time of it in life- especially with love. When Court finds himself falling for the beautiful woman who rescued him from certain death, he knows he should run- for her sake more than anything his. But when he discovers Annalia's own turmoil is intricately intertwined with his own, he knows he cannot leave her ... yet.
Anna detests the man she pulled from the river whom she suspects is a Scottish mercenary hired by General Reynaldo Pascal, the man scheming to take over her country and the one holding her beloved brother hostage. But good manners and good breeding dictate she give him aid- and besides, she's not completely sure he is who she thinks he is.
When he proves himself to be a boorish lout, she knows her suspicions are true. She immediately demands he leave her premises. Naturally, the stubborn Court refuses, and thus begins a struggle that will take them from the machinations of a subtly evil dictator and will lead them down a path neither of them thought possible- of deep passion and fated love.
Historical romance doesn't get any better than this!
May 22, 2010
Danette had warned me this book was frustrating for the first half and boy was it. I wanted to strangle Anna! How many ways could Courtland try to be nice to her and her keep tricking him over and over. Then she FINALLY changes her mind. It was almost too little too late but the ending was very romantic and sweet which made up slightly for the first half, but only slightly. I like a little trepidation, but this was over the top.
June 15, 2019
3+ "I found you." Stars!
Overall, I liked it. Happy reading!
Overall, I liked it. Happy reading!
February 1, 2022
Relectura 2022
No le hice reseña la primera vez que lo leí, así que ahora es el momento😅
Annalía Llorente pertenece a la familia real de España y es obligada a aceptar un compromiso en matrimonio con el general Reynaldo Pascal, quién solo busca la manera de acercarse a la realeza española y eventualmente hacerse con el trono a través de Annalía.
Courtland MacCarrick lidera a un grupo de mercenarios escoceses que trabajan a las ordenes del general Pascal. Cuando se revela contra él, Pascal lo manda asesinar pero Courtland logra escapar, y es encontrado mal herido e inconsciente a las orillas de un río por Annalía.
Esta historia es un Enemies-To-Lovers
Se tratan mal casi desde el minuto uno hasta que se dejan llevar por sus pasiones🔥, a pesar de una 'maldición' que se cierne sobre los hermanos MacCarrick. (Es un libro por cada hermano 😏)
Todo esto mientras huyen por toda Europa de los hombres del general, que los ha mandado asesinar.
A pesar del drama jajajaja es una historia divertida y bastante rápida de leer.
_
“I’m starin’ because you’re more beautiful than I could ever imagine and it gives me pleasure tae look at you, all of you. I’m starin’ because I never thought I would.” 🥰
_
“You’re a big man. You need a woman who is a match to you. Like with horses.” 🤣
_
“MacCarrick,” she whispered, drifting, “if I’d known husbands touch like you do, I’d have been much more eager to wed.”
No le hice reseña la primera vez que lo leí, así que ahora es el momento😅
Annalía Llorente pertenece a la familia real de España y es obligada a aceptar un compromiso en matrimonio con el general Reynaldo Pascal, quién solo busca la manera de acercarse a la realeza española y eventualmente hacerse con el trono a través de Annalía.
Courtland MacCarrick lidera a un grupo de mercenarios escoceses que trabajan a las ordenes del general Pascal. Cuando se revela contra él, Pascal lo manda asesinar pero Courtland logra escapar, y es encontrado mal herido e inconsciente a las orillas de un río por Annalía.
Esta historia es un Enemies-To-Lovers
Se tratan mal casi desde el minuto uno hasta que se dejan llevar por sus pasiones🔥, a pesar de una 'maldición' que se cierne sobre los hermanos MacCarrick. (Es un libro por cada hermano 😏)
Todo esto mientras huyen por toda Europa de los hombres del general, que los ha mandado asesinar.
A pesar del drama jajajaja es una historia divertida y bastante rápida de leer.
_
“I’m starin’ because you’re more beautiful than I could ever imagine and it gives me pleasure tae look at you, all of you. I’m starin’ because I never thought I would.” 🥰
_
“You’re a big man. You need a woman who is a match to you. Like with horses.” 🤣
_
“MacCarrick,” she whispered, drifting, “if I’d known husbands touch like you do, I’d have been much more eager to wed.”
November 30, 2023
I made it halfway, but I'm just not interested in finishing.
September 24, 2017
3.5 stars
December 23, 2022
Me encanta el drama de época 🤣
December 5, 2010
What a wonderful kick of to a awesome trilogy! Courtland MacCarrick is a cursed man. So maybe he has taken a few more chances than most men. But when he is rescued from a river by a beautiful golden haired maiden with a sexy spanish accent, his luck may be changing.
Annalia for her part wished she would have thrown the huge, shaggy headed Scot right back in the water. He proceeds to take over her life giving her all these demands, making her feel and want things that she knows is no good for her.
Court for his part knows that he should keep his big mitts off her soft skin and stop stealing those kisses knowing that he ix nowhere her equal and oh yes the curse.
When the bullets start flying and Anna is in danger, Court will do anything to keep her safe, even if he has to give her up to do it. But when Anna realizes she has her own situation to deal with, curse or no curse she knows one Scot who is going to acknowledge his heart or she is going to commit her own mayhem.
I really enjoyed the constant wordplay between Anna and Court. They were constantly verbally fighting at the first. But they really wanted to be doing something else. The sexual tension just leaped off the paper.
I would read the trilogy in order, as some of the other brother's story runs in tandem at some points.
Annalia for her part wished she would have thrown the huge, shaggy headed Scot right back in the water. He proceeds to take over her life giving her all these demands, making her feel and want things that she knows is no good for her.
Court for his part knows that he should keep his big mitts off her soft skin and stop stealing those kisses knowing that he ix nowhere her equal and oh yes the curse.
When the bullets start flying and Anna is in danger, Court will do anything to keep her safe, even if he has to give her up to do it. But when Anna realizes she has her own situation to deal with, curse or no curse she knows one Scot who is going to acknowledge his heart or she is going to commit her own mayhem.
I really enjoyed the constant wordplay between Anna and Court. They were constantly verbally fighting at the first. But they really wanted to be doing something else. The sexual tension just leaped off the paper.
I would read the trilogy in order, as some of the other brother's story runs in tandem at some points.
March 8, 2017
Liam called out in a bored tone, "Court, there's a pitchfork rebellion here to see you."
"What?"
"A collection of doddering old men, torches, and farm tools. I fear for our safety and advise fleeing posthaste."
Despite some very funny lines, this isn't a very good story. The character developement is poor and they are hard to relate to. This curse nonsense isn't properly explained and is all in all just odd. This story lacks flow or key scenes to keep the readers interest. The above quote did have me laughing, but it stood out far more than any other part of this novel, and it is said by a secondary character that we hardly have any interaction with. All in all a disapointment. However, from other reviews of this novel I hear this is not up to Kresley Cole's usual standard. I have been told that the immortals after dark series is quite well written. I am willing to try the first of that series but if it is as poorly written as this novel then I will certainly not be reading any more.
"What?"
"A collection of doddering old men, torches, and farm tools. I fear for our safety and advise fleeing posthaste."
Despite some very funny lines, this isn't a very good story. The character developement is poor and they are hard to relate to. This curse nonsense isn't properly explained and is all in all just odd. This story lacks flow or key scenes to keep the readers interest. The above quote did have me laughing, but it stood out far more than any other part of this novel, and it is said by a secondary character that we hardly have any interaction with. All in all a disapointment. However, from other reviews of this novel I hear this is not up to Kresley Cole's usual standard. I have been told that the immortals after dark series is quite well written. I am willing to try the first of that series but if it is as poorly written as this novel then I will certainly not be reading any more.
September 26, 2019
I had forgotten how amazingly good this book is. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
April 10, 2025
DNF at 65%. I wanted to like this. I like the flow of the writing style but the plot is not keeping my interest. I also find the storyline with the heroine’s brother and the hero’s sister very intriguing. They are set up to be a secondary couple, but I’m not sure as nothing happens between them happens yet.
February 24, 2012
1st in an Enthralling Scottish trilogy—Could not put it down!
This is the first in one of my favorite Highlander Historical Romance trilogies. And with it, Kresley Cole won me as an ardent fan. She writes well as she weaves the tales of three brothers and the action is non stop. I fell in love with the MacCarrick brothers and read each of their stories in a day and then promptly re-read them.
The tales begin with a five hundred-year-old "curse," the writing of which was obscured so that no one really knows how it end. Cole does her homework on the historical setting--it feels authentic--and she makes you fall in love with Scotland and it's men. She gives them a Scottish personality that is hard not to love. These three brothers are sexy and strong and pursue their women with a passion.
This first one begins in 1856 in the Pyrenees, the mountains between France and Spain, as a group of mercenaries led by Courtland MacCarrick wages war for a General Pascal. When Court turns on the evil general, Pascal orders him killed and Court narrowly escapes but ends up half dead on the doorstep of Lady Annalia Llorente, Pascal’s fiancé. Court decides to abduct Annalia, a beautiful Castilian. Lady Annalía Llorente despises her towering, barbaric captor almost as much as she does her fiancé. But then she begins to be attracted to him. Still, she must wed Pascal to save her brother and Court knows there’s this curse that keeps him from the woman he wants.
There are many twists and turns in these stories that will have you reading way past your bedtime. And while I love all three of them, the last is my favorite, the story of the oldest brother, and Cole brought the three stories to a very satisfying end. Here’s the list:
IF YOU DARE (Court)
IF YOU DESIRE (Hugh)
IF YOU DECEIVE (Ethan)
This is the first in one of my favorite Highlander Historical Romance trilogies. And with it, Kresley Cole won me as an ardent fan. She writes well as she weaves the tales of three brothers and the action is non stop. I fell in love with the MacCarrick brothers and read each of their stories in a day and then promptly re-read them.
The tales begin with a five hundred-year-old "curse," the writing of which was obscured so that no one really knows how it end. Cole does her homework on the historical setting--it feels authentic--and she makes you fall in love with Scotland and it's men. She gives them a Scottish personality that is hard not to love. These three brothers are sexy and strong and pursue their women with a passion.
This first one begins in 1856 in the Pyrenees, the mountains between France and Spain, as a group of mercenaries led by Courtland MacCarrick wages war for a General Pascal. When Court turns on the evil general, Pascal orders him killed and Court narrowly escapes but ends up half dead on the doorstep of Lady Annalia Llorente, Pascal’s fiancé. Court decides to abduct Annalia, a beautiful Castilian. Lady Annalía Llorente despises her towering, barbaric captor almost as much as she does her fiancé. But then she begins to be attracted to him. Still, she must wed Pascal to save her brother and Court knows there’s this curse that keeps him from the woman he wants.
There are many twists and turns in these stories that will have you reading way past your bedtime. And while I love all three of them, the last is my favorite, the story of the oldest brother, and Cole brought the three stories to a very satisfying end. Here’s the list:
IF YOU DARE (Court)
IF YOU DESIRE (Hugh)
IF YOU DECEIVE (Ethan)
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