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From award-winning author Patricia Potter comes a spectacular novel set in the wild Scottish Highlands, where a daring beauty and a fearless lord defy treachery and danger to find their hearts' destiny....
Marsali Gunn had been betrothed to Patrick Sutherland when she was just a girl, yet even then she knew the handsome warrior would have no rival in her heart or her dreams. But when Patrick returns from distant battlefields, a bitter feud has shattered the alliance between their clans, and Marsali prepares to wed another chieftain. Boldly, Patrick steals what is rightfully his, damning the consequences. And Marsali is forced to make a choice: between loyalty to her people or a still-burning love that could plunge her and Patrick into the center of a deadly war....
Marsali Gunn had been betrothed to Patrick Sutherland when she was just a girl, yet even then she knew the handsome warrior would have no rival in her heart or her dreams. But when Patrick returns from distant battlefields, a bitter feud has shattered the alliance between their clans, and Marsali prepares to wed another chieftain. Boldly, Patrick steals what is rightfully his, damning the consequences. And Marsali is forced to make a choice: between loyalty to her people or a still-burning love that could plunge her and Patrick into the center of a deadly war....
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 9, 2010
This historical romance set in medieval times features a sensitive hero, a strong heroine, an assorted cast of lively secondary characters and a fast-paced adventurous plot that, unfortunately, kept me from fully enjoying the developing romance between the hero and heroine.
Marsali and Patrick are betrothed at a young age and, unlike many arranged marriages, they're actually happy about it. They're good friends and as they grow a little older they become attracted to each other and both are looking forward to the day when they'll be wed. When Patrick returns home after a sixteen year absence, scarred, tired and heartsick (he's been off fighting a war), he finds Marsali betrothed to another and their families, who've always been great friends, are now at war. After secretly meeting Marsali, Patrick figures out that something fishy is going on and sets out to find the culprits responsible for the family feud. All the poor, weary man wants is peace and his Marsali back but he'll have neither until he can force two stubborn old men to face the obvious truth.
This was an okay read but not a keeper. I loved the opening of the book, it really hooked me, but somewhere along the line the original magic got lost. It didn't seem to me like the hero and heroine spent all that much time together, possibly because there was always so much going on around them. Because of this I just didn't get a chance to know or feel anything for the characters. It's not that they were unlikable or annoying, they just didn't engage me. They were beautiful, brave and honorable - blah, blah, blah - but they weren't all that original or special and were almost a bit on the "too perfect" side. And the dialogue (after the first few chapters) just didn't move me - I didn't laugh or cry. Also, I knew where the story was leading very early on because I was told who the bad guys were and exactly what their whole devilish plot was about so the following war/adventure story was a bit of a chore to get through. And the last thing I wasn't crazy about was the heroine's pet ferrets. I thought they were unnecessary because they didn't provide any humor, and although they did help bring out Patrick's sensitive side, I felt they weren't necessary for his character's growth. They were portrayed as snippy, temperamental creatures without much allure. I've said before that I wish there were pets in every book but in this case they were more of any annoyance than anything. And I like ferrets! My Mom has a cute, shy, little guy who has never snarled or bit anyone even when he's had good reason. All this stuff combined made for a very slow read.
There were things I did like about this book or else I never would've finished it. I'm a real sucker for a Scot's accent and I always like a strong warrior who still manages to retain his sensitive heart and this story had plenty of both. And I'm sure you'll like this book if you're really into action-adventure "me & you against the world" plots and don't mind near perfect characters. There was nothing offensive about it, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I think this just confirms something about my tastes, I'm not crazy about action-filled romances UNLESS the characters wow me with their charming personalities. Only a selected few have managed to work for me because the adventure almost always overwhelms and ruins the love story for me. Some I can think of that worked were: Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER (although I stopped there, couldn't get into the 2nd one), Justine Dare's FIRE HAWK and Patricia Ryan's SECRET THUNDER.
Marsali and Patrick are betrothed at a young age and, unlike many arranged marriages, they're actually happy about it. They're good friends and as they grow a little older they become attracted to each other and both are looking forward to the day when they'll be wed. When Patrick returns home after a sixteen year absence, scarred, tired and heartsick (he's been off fighting a war), he finds Marsali betrothed to another and their families, who've always been great friends, are now at war. After secretly meeting Marsali, Patrick figures out that something fishy is going on and sets out to find the culprits responsible for the family feud. All the poor, weary man wants is peace and his Marsali back but he'll have neither until he can force two stubborn old men to face the obvious truth.
This was an okay read but not a keeper. I loved the opening of the book, it really hooked me, but somewhere along the line the original magic got lost. It didn't seem to me like the hero and heroine spent all that much time together, possibly because there was always so much going on around them. Because of this I just didn't get a chance to know or feel anything for the characters. It's not that they were unlikable or annoying, they just didn't engage me. They were beautiful, brave and honorable - blah, blah, blah - but they weren't all that original or special and were almost a bit on the "too perfect" side. And the dialogue (after the first few chapters) just didn't move me - I didn't laugh or cry. Also, I knew where the story was leading very early on because I was told who the bad guys were and exactly what their whole devilish plot was about so the following war/adventure story was a bit of a chore to get through. And the last thing I wasn't crazy about was the heroine's pet ferrets. I thought they were unnecessary because they didn't provide any humor, and although they did help bring out Patrick's sensitive side, I felt they weren't necessary for his character's growth. They were portrayed as snippy, temperamental creatures without much allure. I've said before that I wish there were pets in every book but in this case they were more of any annoyance than anything. And I like ferrets! My Mom has a cute, shy, little guy who has never snarled or bit anyone even when he's had good reason. All this stuff combined made for a very slow read.
There were things I did like about this book or else I never would've finished it. I'm a real sucker for a Scot's accent and I always like a strong warrior who still manages to retain his sensitive heart and this story had plenty of both. And I'm sure you'll like this book if you're really into action-adventure "me & you against the world" plots and don't mind near perfect characters. There was nothing offensive about it, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I think this just confirms something about my tastes, I'm not crazy about action-filled romances UNLESS the characters wow me with their charming personalities. Only a selected few have managed to work for me because the adventure almost always overwhelms and ruins the love story for me. Some I can think of that worked were: Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER (although I stopped there, couldn't get into the 2nd one), Justine Dare's FIRE HAWK and Patricia Ryan's SECRET THUNDER.
January 17, 2018
I read the third book in this series and fell so in love with it that I vowed to read the first two. It did not disappoint.
There was so much action and secrecy go on in this story that sometimes I had to put this book down because I couldn't take it.
The Sutherlands and the Gunns have been swept into a blood war over accusations of what has become of Lady Margaret. This feud breaks up Patrick and Marsali. They take it upon themselves to put everything right.
Along the way, they sweep up all of their siblings. And make quite a few love matches. I'm glad they make sure we know that those matches are going to work out. Hiram and Jeanie are my favorite. I also loved reading as Alex and Elizabeth blossomed.
Also this story has a female lead who both allowed to be very feminine, and strong in her will, a healer, yet not willing to always sit by and wait.
There was so much action and secrecy go on in this story that sometimes I had to put this book down because I couldn't take it.
The Sutherlands and the Gunns have been swept into a blood war over accusations of what has become of Lady Margaret. This feud breaks up Patrick and Marsali. They take it upon themselves to put everything right.
Along the way, they sweep up all of their siblings. And make quite a few love matches. I'm glad they make sure we know that those matches are going to work out. Hiram and Jeanie are my favorite. I also loved reading as Alex and Elizabeth blossomed.
Also this story has a female lead who both allowed to be very feminine, and strong in her will, a healer, yet not willing to always sit by and wait.
September 15, 2021
Storia molto alla "Romeo & Giulietta" dove i due protagonisti, promessi in tenera età vengono divisi per anni dalla lontananza di lui per la guerra e l'affetto reciproco si tramuta in amore solo nel corso del tempo che li separa.
Poi però, a causa di una faida interna tra le due famiglie, nata solo all'ultimo momento, vedono ostacolati i loro piani di amore e vita futura idilliaca in cui avevano sempre sperato.
E' una storia semplice, che con sotterfugi ed ingegnosità riesce a scivolare piacevolmente pagina dopo pagina. La Potter ha uno stile tutto suo, pieno di fiori e di buoni propositi che si intrecciano senza sembrare forzati o troppo idilliaci. Certo, la storia porta ai suoi lieti fini come è logico nel suo genere debba avvenire ma non sono forzati o improvvisati dal caso.
Una giusta lettura per passare il tempo e le giornate pazze di Giugno che si merita un voto sincero per la semplicità romantica di come appare. Carino anche questo, e brava la scrittrice! (La cover fa impressione ma almeno il titolo ha il suo perchè dall'inizio alla fine!)
Poi però, a causa di una faida interna tra le due famiglie, nata solo all'ultimo momento, vedono ostacolati i loro piani di amore e vita futura idilliaca in cui avevano sempre sperato.
E' una storia semplice, che con sotterfugi ed ingegnosità riesce a scivolare piacevolmente pagina dopo pagina. La Potter ha uno stile tutto suo, pieno di fiori e di buoni propositi che si intrecciano senza sembrare forzati o troppo idilliaci. Certo, la storia porta ai suoi lieti fini come è logico nel suo genere debba avvenire ma non sono forzati o improvvisati dal caso.
Una giusta lettura per passare il tempo e le giornate pazze di Giugno che si merita un voto sincero per la semplicità romantica di come appare. Carino anche questo, e brava la scrittrice! (La cover fa impressione ma almeno il titolo ha il suo perchè dall'inizio alla fine!)
November 27, 2019
Patrick Sutherland fostered with his father's best friend Donald Gunn and was betrothed to his daughter Marsali. Patrick goes off to war for 10 years. When he returns his betrothal has been broken by the fathers because Donald's sister, Margaret has disappeared and Patrick feels she's been unfaithful to him. Patrick feels there's something wrong with the whole situation. He kidnaps Marsali on her wedding day and they start working together to solve the problem and discover where Margaret has been. Eventually, all is uncovered, the families are reunited and Marsali and Patrick are finally wed. Good story, some sex.
July 12, 2013
This was among a handful of romance novels I read as a teenager and fell in love with it. It is, by far, one of my favorite romance novels. It's beautifully written. Thank you!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews