| Title | : | The Highlander's Reward (Stolen Bride, #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 147825954X |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781478259541 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 260 |
| Publication | : | First published July 11, 2012 |
| Awards | : | RONE Award Historical, Pre Medieval (2013) |
She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…
Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she's more in danger of losing herself.
The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.
Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who've been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?
The Highlander's Reward (Stolen Bride, #1) Reviews
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Review posted at:
Swept Away By Romance
Story Rating ~ 4 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 5 Stars
Romance ~ 4.5 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4.5 Stars
Ending ~ 4 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4.5 Stars
What an excellent start to a series. This was an easy, fast paced read that was VERY STEAMY, just the way I love my Scottish romances!
The story line was interesting and kept my attention throughout. It’s about a young English lady going with her father to meet the man that the King ordered her to wed. When they arrive at their destination a war between her English husband-to-be and William Wallace is taking place. With the fighting in full rage, Arbella gets separated from her father. After all her father’s men who are protecting her get struck down, Arbella starts to fend for herself. While she is being attacked, Magnus rides in on his war horse and plucks her off of her horse onto his, saving her from certain death.
I loved that this story included some real historical facts about William Wallace and his fight for Scotland. All the fighting scenes throughout this book were extremely well done and made this an exciting read.
The hero, Magnus, was the perfect Highland warrior laird. He was strong, loyal, honorable, protective and sexy as hell.
The heroine, Arbella, was my favorite character in this book. She was very likeable, and was also brave, smart, kind, loving and stood her ground when she need be. I also loved that she was tough and faced danger head on.
Not long after Magnus saves Arbella she realizes that Magnus was no danger to her and that he in fact snatched her to save her life. This is where the attraction between them starts. I loved reading how these two got closer and closer as the story movesd along. I really felt the heat and passion and eventually the love they shared. The love scenes were so steamy and sensual that I was getting totally turned on by them.
Of course there are a few people who didn't want them together. This added more depth to the overall story line. In the end true love conquered all and there was a very happy ending.
I'll say it again, Eliza Knight writes Scottish romance just the way I LOVE them. I’m so glad that I have a chance to jump right into book two, The Highlanders Conquest, which is Magnus’s brother, Blane, and Arbella's sister, Aliah's story.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who loves a steamy fast paced Scottish romance.
*I was gifted this book for an honest review.* -
3.5 Stars
Insta attraction that quickly develops into more between the MCs, or at least the great sex they have has them feeling way more rather fast.
A rather quick read, wanted a bit more tension and action towards the end but made for a enjoyable bit of escapism even if it was predictable. This had the potential to be a delicious little read but more depth was needed. Conflicts felt a little superficial and were easily resolved.
A few times when components of the heroine's dialogue didn't reflect the fact she was English.
Potential Triggers: -
review posted on Demon Lover's Books & More
3.5 but on the high end.
I enjoyed it. It was a sweet romance (which was the best part of this story-a very romance-centered story) and it was plenty steamy for even this Highland Hussy.
This story starts out with English Lady Arabella on her way to Stirling in Scotland to be married to an English baron named Sir Stewart. But on the way some Scottish rebels attack her people. One of the barbarians sees her fighting for her life and plucks her from her horse to sit with him. Little does Arabella know that he is not a rebel. He has saved her from the rebels.
Laird Magnus Sutherland has just delivered his sister to her soon-to-be husband when he comes upon a lady being attacked by some of the rebels. But the men who are going after Arabella’s party aren’t going to discriminate that she’s not a warrior. She is English and that’s enough for them to hate her. Magnus swoops in and saves her, but he then sets things into motion he never would have thought of before.
Even one of his own men attacks Arabella because she’s English. Magnus’ solution is to marry her, that way she’ll have his protection and his men will be honor-bound to protect her as well. It doesn’t hurt that this way he won’t have to marry the neighboring clan chief’s bratty daughter (this will, by the way, come back later to bite him in the bum).
I think this was a very romance-centered book. This is good because you don’t see too much of that any more. I truly enjoyed Arabella learning that not all Scottish men are brutal barbarians, and I liked watching Magnus fall in love with his English wife. His fall was the best because at the beginning he couldn’t understand how any man could allow a woman to mean so much to him. Ya gotta love when those kinds of heroes fall in love.
I had a small temper tantrum with this book at one point where Arabella did something so dumb I wanted to throw my nook across the room. I settled for turning it off and grabbing a glass of wine ;)
After she realized how stupid it was of her, I went back to liking the book again. Oh, and the ending was cute. I really liked Arabella’s father, even though he didn’t get much page time, he was a good character.
I hope to read more by this author, and I really think anyone who wants a romantic medieval story will love this one.
***Review copy courtesy of the author -
Everything was easily resolved, which is a bit letdown.
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3.5 stars
This was a pretty simple highlander book. It was likeable, low angst. I liked the heroine and the hero. There were some minor stupid or unbelievable moments, but it kept me reading. Certainly not the caliber of some of the best Highlander historicals, but an enjoyable read nonetheless.
No real triggers. -
Cute and Enjoyable Read!
What an enjoyable read. I love the highlanders and I am always amazed with the different types of characters you will find in a clan. In this story you get to see Magnus Sutherland, the laird of Castle Dunrobin, get waylaid in love by the unexpected English lass Arbella de Mowbray. Sparks fly but Love Rules with lots of drama and action in this cute story.
Magnus was a humorous character that is tough and fierce of course but his far sight about love and the duties to his clan blinds him to the true meaning of love. Detesting the English because they’re deeming to weed out the Scottish men from their country, the last thing he wishes on anyone is to fall in love with them. However, circumstances change when battles take place and his honor to protect any woman regardless of her heritage takes precedence to his standard motto. In this scenario love knows no boundaries and Magnus finds himself leaping in and rescuing his wife to be.
Lady Arbella is a stubborn Lass but at the same time independently brave, smart, and fierce when it came to handling the highlander brutes. Her knowledge of the highlanders and of their savage ways cracked me up a few times. It was refreshing to see her experiencing the reality of the truths. Arbella had no desire to marry anyone one and was constantly trying to find ways to get out of a contract of marriage her father had arranged for her that the king ordered. With some surprising turn of events, she gets out of one situation but finds herself embraced in the loving arms of an unexpected highland laird that rescues her from the brutal assaults of war and least expecting that marriage would become a way of protection and an adventure of a lifetime of love, sizzling sex, and humorous drama.
The story’s plot was interesting with the drama of two who never dreamed to marry anyone, with both characters being betrothed to others and it coming to a head, the story just exploded with sparking jealousy, fighting action, and tender passion towards their clan members and each other as they find themselves in love. The chemistry between all the characters was believable and I enjoyed seeing them grow and wanted to know more about them in the end.
This was such an enjoyable read that I look forward to reading the next installment of the series. I recommend this to all those awesome Historical Romance lovers. -
** 3.5 stars **
This was a fun read despite predictable plot, obvious villains and expected conclusion. It was steadily paced with plenty of steam and likable MCs. There was a moment when the H made a decision that made her TSTL but the author turned the situation around quickly and averted the disaster. It was simple and straightforward and I enjoyed it for what it was - an in between book. I might continue with the series. -
Eliza Knight has done it again. The Highlander’s Reward marks the beginning of a new series that already has me panting (no pun intended) for more.
Arbella de Mowbray is tempted to ditch her father who is escorting her to her betrothed. She doesn’t want to marry Marmaduke Stewart, an English Baron living in Scotland. Before she’s able to come up with a plan, her party is attacked and she finds herself fighting for her life. In the thick of the battle, Magnus Sutherland, Laird of his clan, spots the beauty struggling with her attackers, and whisks her away to safety.
Magnus’s party has just delivered his sister to her betrothed in the Lowlands, and with Arbella in tow, Magnus continues on toward home. An incident with one of his men when they stop for a break, convinces him the only way to keep Arbella safe is to marry her. His promise to marry another, and Arbella’s betrothal, doesn’t factor into his decision.
I won’t tell more of the story so as not to spoil the fun. Ms. Knight has just added another wonderful story to her list of captivating books. And the fact this is the start of a whole new Eliza Knight series about Highlanders is exciting.
The writing is quick paced and lively. Humor is sprinkled throughout. Magnus is a bear with a puppy’s heart, and Arbella is brave, honorable, and strong. They are a great couple.
The Highlander’s Reward was my reward for being smart enough to grab this wonderful book as soon as it hit the cyber shelves. If you’re smart, you’ll grab it, too.
Well done, Ms. Knight! Another winner. -
This is just my second book from the author and I am already getting the distinct feeling that Ms Knight likes to write about people who are just so so in love. Struggles are minimal. Conflicts are superficial and equally superficially resolved. Because once you have great sex, come on, we are meant to be together and let's all throw past reservations about love to the wind. How can you not believe in love after you have great sex? Ms. Knight creates sweet characters though. Her characters are charming but rather unblessed with a mediocre story.
I have another 5 books from her to go through in the boxed set. I am continuing just to confirm my suspicion: her heros and heroines fall in love quickly and have sex all the time in rather unimpressive plots. I also feel that the characters act way too modern. Do people in the 12th century really say things like: "Your thought process is flawed."?? That does not sound a little 21st century to you? Not historical enough for me. There is a reason I don't read contemporary novels. And I prefer my historical romances to have their historical flavors.
All that being said, writing is not bad. it's the plot and character development that are lacking. Ms Knight's writing is not in question.I do look forward to her future books and hope to read books with more depth in characters and plots. -
Sweet easy little read. This was a romance centered book with little drama, but just enough to make you think there might be a lot.
Magnus and Arbella were cute and likable outside of the usual "I can't let myself love him/her" shtick... which is getting a little old btw.. -
Quick read and a little predictable. For me, though I enjoyed it, the book was too dull for me but I'm looking forward her 2nd book.
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Lovely Highland romance.
Lady Arbella DeMowbry along with her farther and guardsman travels to sterling to meet and marry the man that the English King Edward has ordered her to marry , Sir Marmaduke Stewart , current holder of sterling castle for the English. Arbella's traveling group arrives at Sterling to a full fledged battle between Stewart's men and Wallace's men,she finds herself being attacked by the Scottish barbarians and being thankful for the self defense lessons her brother Samuel provided, however to spite putting up her best defense she is pulled from her horse and into the lap of a huge barbarian and whisked away.
Laird Magnus Sutherland while returning to his holdings from delivering his sister In the lowlands for her wedding , meets Wallace and asked to stay and fight in the upcoming battle which after getting a feel for how his men think of staying and fighting agrees. The battle becomes fierce and Wallace takes back Sterling Castle but the men are still riled and come upon Arabella , when Magnus sees her defending herself against these Scottish rebels he swoops in and pulls her out, setting in motion a series of events. Magnus told his sister he pulse never fall in love that marriage was for alliances, well that statement is about to bit him in his lovely Scottish ass.
Magnus pledges to keep Arbella safe but finds it difficult to do when one of his own men attempts to attack her, believing thebestthing todois marry the lass thus ensuring her protection even from his own men , he gets Arabella to agree, with the promise of not consummating the marriage so they could annul , well you have read enough romance you knowthatoes not happen .
The interaction between the two characters was great andi was left looking forward to reading more about Arabella's family andMagnus's -
*****COULDN'T CARE LESS
Huge pet peeve.
Honestly even the ending didn't save it. An entire chapter was out of place, and this felt like the author threw in every cliche she knew just so she could introduce us to as many characters for her series as possible. -
On the fence with this one. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either. It was sweet but something just didn’t work. I may try another.
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3.5🌟
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This was a fantastic story! I loved it! Everything was described so perfectly and it wasn't over the top. The storyline was easy to follow. A very exciting read! I highly recommend this story! Beautifully written 💞
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3.5-4 stars
Very enjoyable... very believable historical fiction set in the William Wallace/Longshanks time frame.
Arbella is the daughter of an English baron on her way with her father and his men to marry a Scottish/English lord - Marmaduke Stewart? (What a name!) But when almost there, in Stirling, William Wallace and his Scots are taking the town. Arbella (Bella) is separated from her father and has to fight for her life against the victorious Scots, still pulsing with bloodlust and the after-battle.
Magnus Sutherland is laird/chief of the Sutherland clan. He's just dropped off one of his sisters Lorna to be wed to Chief Montgomery, near Stirling. He and his men happen into Stirling, getting into the fray of battle at the end. Magnus sees Arbella fighting off the Scots - men who want to claim her as a spoil of war. But he can't allow an innocent to be harmed. So he rescues her, plucking her from her horse and seating her with him... and they ride away.
Except now Magnus has to figure out what to do with her. If he returns her, will he and his clan suffer? Will her father even listen? Will the English just hang him without asking questions? So Magnus decides he must take Arbella with him - home.
Along the way, he comes to admire her spirit and spunk. She admires his character and leadership. They both are swept away by their kisses and desire for one another. And when they discover the English aren't far behind, Magnus decides the best way to protect Arbella from both the English and the Scots is to marry her and take her completely under the protection of his clan, name, and position.
Arbella agrees to a marriage in name, only. Magnus fools the priest by creating proof on the sheets of their marriage consummation. He tells Arbella he'll only kiss her or do more when she asks/begs him.
Of course, these two fall completely in love. Of course, she completely wins over his family and clan. And, of course, her father and her intended finacee do find them.... But now what? Will Arbella return with them? Or will she and Magnus find a way to lasting love and happiness? -
The King of England has ordered Arbella de Mowbray to marry Marmaduke Stewart who is an English Noble living in Scotland. The king has decided that won way to defeat Scotland is though English blood living there. Arbella just cannot seem to warm up to the idea of marrying this Marmaduke though she has never met him she feels very hesitant and wants to flee but her father stands firm and so Arbella faces her future with trepidation. Once they reach Scotland Arbella finds herself in the middle of battle and before she knows it a highlander has scooped her up and stolen her. Magnus is an honorable man and when he sees this woman trying to defend herself against a group of men all he can think is what if this was one my sisters. The problem now is that Arbella is English and Magnus must also protect her from the highlanders, so he marries her. What starts off as a marriage of convenience becomes much more.
Honestly there is nothing new in this highlander book it has all been done before...simply put the plot is a Highlander who steals his bride then unexpectedly comes romance which is complicated because their countries are at war.
The characters are a little flat but not completely uninteresting. The positives are the author tried to add a few twists like Arbella is a vegetarian and I thought the writing was smooth. The challenge that I had was how quickly the characters moved from one state to the next. For example Arbella is told horrible things about Scottish men yet within an hour of meeting her first one she goes along with the wedding rather meekly. Magnus on the other hand does not believe in love but yet he loves his family, his clan even his horse so why then would he want a loveless marriage?
Overall not a bad book and perhaps I am being a little harsh because I just finished
A Kingdom of Dreamswhich is very similar to this story but it was really well done. -
When English lady Arbella de Mowbray rode with her father to meet her fiancé at Stirling, she hardly expected to ride straight into the middle of a battle. Nor did she expect to be swept off her feet by the enemy: Sutherland Clan’s laird, Magnus. Coerced into marriage for her protection, Arbella decides the union would be in name only—after all, what self-respecting English lady wants a barbarian Scotsman for a husband?
Her determination is tested as her body responds to Magnus like they were meant to be together. Worse, her heart starts to yearn for more. She wants a marriage in truth, not just in name. Magnus is strong, virile, and nothing like the barbarians she’s been told about. His gentleness and understanding take her by surprise, until she surrenders to their mutual desire.
For Magnus, Arbella is a welcome reprieve from an unwanted political marriage. Her beauty, her passion, her acceptance by his clan sink deep into his heart, and forces him to realize the truth of love’s hold over him. He does not want her to leave, now that he has found his unanticipated happiness.
But worry and misunderstanding haunt them both. And those they spurned want their revenge, coming to claim it just as Magnus and Arbella finally understand each other.
In The Highlander’s Reward, Eliza Knight has crafted a delightfully sensual love story filled with heart-throbbing tension. The bitterness and animosity between the English and the Scots during this era is well-depicted, bringing the history alive. The powerful emotions of two mortal enemies growing into mutual understanding and love are vivid and well-portrayed.
Highlander stories abound, but The Highlander’s Reward stands out. The emotional intensity and lush sensuality are sure to draw in the most devoted highland story reader. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series! -
I began this book with great joy and excitement! Not only was it in my favorite genre, but I was going to meet a new friend! I look at authors as friends you see; they share so much of my time, so how could they not be? So when I pick up a book with a new-to-me author, well, I was borderline giddy! This one had a great big plus going for it because it had a favorite man of mine from history woven through it… William Wallace! This is the story of Magnus and Arbella, and how a couple of strong men are easily controlled by a loving woman.
Magnus Sutherland, a sheep farmer and Laird, is on his way to Glasgow Castle to deliver his pregnant sister to her lover and soon to be husband, the Clan Chief Mongomery, who he does not approve of. He finally capitulated and allowed the union so that the child would not be born a bastard. On the way home, he and his retainers are asked by William Wallace to join in the battle at Stirling Castle. They were successful in routing the English and assisting Wallace in taking possession of the castle. As he was leaving, he saw a woman being attacked, and though she bravely fought off the men, she would soon be raped and killed. He saved her at the last second, then they rode off together on his horse to the Highlands.
for the full review, please go to
http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0... -
I really do like my smut with more of a story. The plot took about two pages - the rest was sappy romance and crass smut.
Stopped caring about 1/3 of the way through. -
The Highlander's Reward is a fast paced adventure that captures the essence of the highlands. Eliza Knight has a gift for snaring the readers attention at the beginning and not letting go until the last page is turned. Traveling through Scotland to meet her betrothed decreed by the king, Lady Arabella de Mowbray is trying to come up with a plan to get back to England. Her party is thrown right in the middle of an English and Scottish battle and she finds herself fighting to stay alive. Magnus Sutherland, Laird of his clan is traveling back home when he sees Arabella and rescues her. Taking her to safety she is attacked by one of his own men and he decides he needs to marry her to keep her safe. As he takes her to his home at Dunrobin Castle, Arabella is determined their marriage will be in name only, but the best laid plans and all that!! With Arabella being English and England and Scotland being at war, how could they get along? But as fate often has it, their union starts to become something else. I loved these two characters. Magnus was such a strong warrior but had such a good heart and Arabella is brave and really strong herself. Fast paced with intense emotions and humor at times, this was a wonderful story that made me long for the rest of the series!! Eliza Knight does it again!!
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4 stars
My first time reading Eliza Knight and will definitely not be the last. I really loved the writing and how the story focused more on the story than other things. Magnus Sutherland is a big giant softieeeee 🥺🥺🥺 Arbella was a bit annoying in the beginning but she definitely grew throughout the story!! Can't wait for book 2!!!! -
Rated 4.5 Stars
Wonderful story - lots of adventure, romance, and HOT times! -
This wasn't bad but there was some confusion regarding the mother, the father, and the villain.
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Good premise, bad finishing product
I'm so sorry... I know a lot of people like this book and I had high hopes for it but I was sadly disappointed.
"The Highlander's Reward" is the first book in the "Stolen Bride" Series by Eliza Knight. It is settled in Scotland, in the Lowlands and Highlands. Everything is happening in the time of William Wallace and his rebellion towards England (1297, the battle of Stirling Bridge where our two heroes meet).
Our main heroine is a twenty year old Lady Arbella de Mowbray whom is on her way to marry an English noble occupying Scotland. She doesn't know the guy nor she wants this marriage. She is forced into it by her king and consequently by her father, an English knight. When her entourage arrive on the Stirling Bridge, she is trapped in a battle between the English and the Scots.
If not for a certain Highland warrior, she would have been considered as spoils of the war and suffered greatly before her death. Thankfully, Laird Magnus Sutherland hates when women suffer, despite her being an English. He whisks her away on his stallion called Beast (yep, you see it right) and promises her safety.
Everything is going all dandy filled with sunshine until one of his own men tries to rape Lady Arbella. He sees how war changes people and doesn't trust anyone anymore. The only way he thinks he can guarantee her safety is to marry her (yes, you see that right too). Even though they are a day or two of riding from his home. But no! He will marry her to keep his promise. If she wants it or not.
She doesn't see a way out, so she agrees. But she tells him that this marriage will be in name only and that she will never be his true wife. He laughs her off and swears to himself, he's going to make her his true wife even though it's the last thing he does. (Didn't take him long either).
They marry and ride to his lands. No trouble on their way there. When they arrive, people are a bit sceptical about an English Lady but they accept her soon. The only problem now is that she really wants to go back on her word because she wants nothing more than to be his real wife...
Dear Lord, what the hell?
The premise was good, I was looking forward to a steamy romance between a Highlander and an English Lady, both promised to wed someone else.
But the execution of this premise is very poor. We have a chapter or two where the author keeps on mentioning in every other paragraph how Magnus doesn't believe in love and how he knows it will never taint him. And then it does at the same instant he sees her on the bridge. Really? You couldn't even stretch that on few more pages? This instant liking is unbelievable. He is most likely covered in blood of the English, he just killed a bunch of them and she likes him all the same.
Next thing. The author doesn't make us see things from the characters actions and feelings. She just tells us what is what. In no way did she show how Magnus lacks the believe in love but she just kept repeating it, like a mantra. And then he falls on the next page. It's the same with Arbella, she will never like/marry a brute Scot, the next page she is allowing him to kiss her and touch her etc. Some consistency please? And some believable pace?
They say no and literally the next sentence is how they're doing it. I'm so frustrated. Really. There is just so many things wrong and missing in this book that it would take me all day to mention them and I've got better things to do and countless more books to red.
So, to summarize. The only good things about this book are: the premise, description of sex and promise of some better characters.
Bad is everything else. Unexplained conclusions, jumping from one decision to the exact opposite from one sentence to another, unbelievable actions by these characters, lack of description of the main heroine, lack of showing just why this Highlander is a great and brute warrior known all around... Lack of so many things and inability to build up characters and storyline to make it believable and engrossing.
However, I never judge an author by one work alone. Perhaps this is only an exception. I do think this is promising if the author tries a little bit harder in her sequels. -
Reviewed by Rachel
Book provided by the publisher for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
I read this book in one day.
Actually I read this book in a day and a half, which basically means I was still reading at two in the morning with no intention of putting down my kindle until everything was settled.
Lady Arabella has no desire to marry, yet the king has decreed that she do so. She wouldn’t mind as much if it didn’t mean trudging through the Highlands. Her maid has been more than clear about what horrors await her in Scotland and she wants nothing more than to turn her horse and gallop back into England.
Their is unrest in Scotland, English attack the people on a daily basis, and Arabella sees this first hand as she arrives to meet her betrothed only to find that the town is under siege. Her father leaves her with a few knights and she is left to wonder if she’s going to perish.
But, never fear, for there is a strapping highland warrior, a laird mind you, that sees her distress and rescues her.
In order to protect her form his men, Lord Magnus Sutherland has only one choice, he has to marry her. Not that he doesn’t find her appealing, he hasn’t met a woman yet who could make him feel the things Lady Arabellea does simply by staring at him.
They marry, and she is soon accepted into the highlands with open arms, even though she’s English. She still wants to know if her father survived the attack and he promises to send word to the father as soon as possible. But danger awaits her in the castle. For we not only have an English lord who is now scorned but an ex Scottish fiance out to seek revenge.
I loved this book, as you can probably tell. Miss Knight did an excellent job with her historical background as well as her character development with Arabella and Magnus. I think the only complaint I would have, would be that I felt like everything was built up into this huge wave of “excitement” and then it ended, quite quickly. Everything was tied up nicely. But it is a romance and in most romance novels thats actually something I really appreciate too, I like to know that everyone is happy in the end, so as much as it’s a con it’s also a pro.
I haven’t read any other of Miss Knights books but after reading this one I can guarantee you I’ll be buying the rest in the series.
There is some swearing and a few sex scenes, nothing so graphic that you’d have to hide your kindle if someone walked up behind you, though. -
"Ye will see one day brother, that even though ye're the Laird Sutherland, love will come up to catch ye in its grasp." Ominous words spoken to our hero Magnus by his sister Lorna as he escorts her to the home of her betrothed. Of course Magnus scoffs at his sister. He thinks that love is a game for fools; a game that he has no time for since he is the Laird of a rather large clan in the Highlands of Scotland. Little does he know that he will run into William Wallace on the way home after dropping his sister off. Wallace talks him into staying for a battle against the English who have possession of Stirling Castle. After the battle he runs into a mob of battle crazed Scottish soldiers who have our English heroine, Lady Arbella, in a fight for her life. After rescuing her from the mob, the only way he can see to keep her safe in the Scottish countryside from those who would kill her for being English, is to marry her. It also doesn't hurt that if he marries Arbella he escapes a marriage that he doesn't want to the spoiled daughter of the neighboring Laird, Ina.
This was a good read that I would recommend. Sometimes historical romances are hard for me to get into. They have to carry either a superbly intriguing plot or characters I enjoy to hold my attention. This book held the right kind of characters for me. Arbella was a fascinating mix of sweet and saucy for an English Lady, and Magnus was rough on the outside but a big gooey Highlander on the inside. This book has some action, a saucy heroine who spends half her time blushing and the other half axing, knifing and knocking people the hell out, and a sometimes shy - sometimes witty romance. I'm looking forward to the sequel that involves Magnus' brother Blane! To read this review and other at Reading Between The Wines Book Club, click the link!
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub... -
I really enjoyed this book. There is plenty of action and romance with scenes that will make you smile. Lady Arbella is being taken to Scotland to marry a Lord she has not yet met, that the King has chosen for her. Her maid, Glenda, has filled Arbella's head with stories of how horrible the Scots are. Needless to say, Arbella has multiple concerns about the situation, being English, soon to be married to an English man, living in Scotland, when England and Scotland are at war. When she and her father reached Stirling, where her betrothed lives, they arrived during a battle. Now we meet Magnus. Magnus, oh Magnus. I just loved him. Arabella is being attacked and Magnus charges at her and sweeps her off her horse to take her to safety. I don't want to give too many spoilers, so I will just say a few things. You will find that Magnus is not only the laird of his clan, but he is a man of honor, fierce warrior, charming, funny and so loving. His family and clan are important to him and he unselfishly will do anything to protect them. Arabella quickly learns that most of what Glenda has told her is totally false as she falls in love with Magnus, his family and clan. She can be stubborn at times and made a couple of bad decisions, but his family and clan came to love her. It took her a little while to understand that they had accepted her, even though she was English.
There is a lot that happens in this book that will keep you interested. Magnus and Arbella both had things to work out together. There are bountiful, colorful characters. I loved all of Magnus' brothers, cousins and sisters. William Wallace makes a couple of appearances. There's Glenda, who could probably be a story on her own. The scenery makes you want to take a trip to Scotland. It's a great and fun read. If you like highlanders and romance, you will totally enjoy this book -
The Highlander’s Reward by Eliza Knight is the first in The Stolen Bride series and it was a very fun and enjoyable historical romance for me – actually one of my favorites to date. I listened to the audio version which is narrated by Corrie James and she does such a wonderful job of bringing this novel alive for the listener. She’s a British voice talent and she has a smooth and melodic voice that is so easy to listen to. I thoroughly enjoyed her narration of this novel.
Lady Arbella de Mowbray is on her way to marry an English nobleman in Scotland. Needless to say she is not at all happy about this but it is her father’s wish. Things take a turn when they end up in the middle of a battle between the Scots and the English and Arbella finds herself kidnapped by a Scot no less!
Laird Magnus Sutherland is her kidnapper and instead of the ogre she expects he turns out to be a respectful and kind man despite his brutish but oh so very handsome looks. He whisks her away to Dunrobin Castle and it is there that she wonders whether Magnus, this castle, and the life of the Highlanders isn’t the life she’s always wanted for herself. Sparks fly though as both Magnus and Arbella had been promised to others… and they show up!
What I liked most about this novel was that I found it refreshing and fun. There was no brutality and the love between Arbella and Magnus was sweet. As for the audio it was such an entertaining listen and a great way to spend a few hours. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and will be reviewing the second in the series later this week so stay tuned. For my readers who do not like sexual content in their reading beware because you will find it within these pages. For me this was a great listen and I most definitely recommend this series for those partial to highland romances!
