The Ranger (Highland Guard, #3) in Pick-a-Shelf

Oct 23, 2011 Susan (susayq ~) rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, guys-in-kilts, 2014books, medieval-romance, historical-romance

I liked this one a lot. Arthur "Ranger" Campbell is one angst guy. He's torn between his loyalty to Robert Bruce and his love for an enemy's daughter. And what Monica McCarty gives us a a wonderfully angsty story that is full of love and the desire to protect that love.

I'm looking forward to the next one. ...more

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Feb 07, 2024 Lauren rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-romance, huge-hero, stoic-hero, covert-operative, virgin-heroines, highlanders, warriors, medieval, feud, enemies-to-lovers

The Hawk
4 Stars

Skilled at adapting and blending into any environment, Arthur Campbell, aka The Ranger, has been serving his king, Robert the Bruce, behind enemy lines. However, his latest assignment is also the most dangerous - to infiltrate the clan responsible for his father's death. Eager for vengeance against the MacDougalls, Arthur's plans are jeopardized by his unwelcome attraction to his enemy's daughter, the beautiful and vivacious Anna MacDougall, who is convinced that there is more to The Hawk
4 Stars

Skilled at adapting and blending into any environment, Arthur Campbell, aka The Ranger, has been serving his king, Robert the Bruce, behind enemy lines. However, his latest assignment is also the most dangerous - to infiltrate the clan responsible for his father's death. Eager for vengeance against the MacDougalls, Arthur's plans are jeopardized by his unwelcome attraction to his enemy's daughter, the beautiful and vivacious Anna MacDougall, who is convinced that there is more to the mysterious knight than meets the eye. The struggle between loyalty, honor and love will test Arthur and Anna to the limit. Can two people on opposite sides of the conflict find happiness together?

As with the first two installments in this series, Monica McCarty's historical research and her clever inclusion of historical figures, settings and events within the storyline is fantastic. The fact that each member of the Highland Guard is based on an actual person adds another layer of enjoyment to the reading experience, and it is fun to read up on the real-life conflict between the Campbells and the MacDougalls.

While not as intense as the relationship between Tor and Christina in book #1 or as playful as Erik and Ellie's in book #2, Arthur and Anna's story has its moments. Unlike Christina and Ellie, who are both quiet and reserved, Anna is outgoing and high-spirited. She pushes all of the stoic Arthur's buttons, and their interactions are engaging.

The romance is very slow-burn, but the forbidden element associated with the animosity between the two clans intensifies Arthur and Anna's connection. The keeping secret trope, which is usually so annoying, is well done here mainly because it is an integral part of the plot, and the often tedious waiting for its revelation is irrelevant.

All in all, another entertaining installment in the Highland Guard series. The next book focuses on the rather villainous and scary Lachlan MacRuiari and the compelling Isabella MacDuff. The sparks are already flying! ...more

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