Julie Garwood

Ransom

Lover of Romance 

Summary 
Gillian was just a child when her home was attacked, and her sister disappeared, and her father murdered in front of her, and the Baron Alfred took over and sent her away to her uncle up to northern England. Now its been ten years and she has been called back to the Baron, who wants to know the location of a box that belonged to King John, and thinks that the family still has possession over it. When she plans a escape with a child, Alec, who falls down a gorge, and she rescues him, they are caught by Baron’s men, and in order to protect the boy, Gillian is severely beaten. And they escape knowing if she doesn’t find the box or her sister the Baron will kill her uncle, a man that is her only family, and was like her own father and raised her, and she will do anything to save him. Gillian and Alec make their way to Scotland, to Brodick Buchanan, who is Alec’s protector and close friend to Alec’s father. Gillian and Brodick are drawn together by circumstances, and even though her life is in England, and she must return there, her heart belongs to a fierce Scot who would protect her at all costs…but will it be enough?

The Hero 
Brodick Buchanan is now laird over th Buchanan’s who are known as heathens among the Scots. Brodick, once wanted a English lass, but when he and his friend Ramsey when to England in search of some sweet passionate lasses, they found none that they liked and were both used. Ever since he made a promise to himself that he would never marry a English lass only a Scottish lass. But when he hears of a woman claiming to be his bride, he is intrigued, and finds himself drawn to Gillian, who is so different from any other woman he has ever known. Brodick is a hoot for a hero….he is one of the most fiercest Scots, and always wearing a scowl, most women fear him, but not Gillian. His character is quite amusing, because he is used to issuing commands and having them obeyed and no protests allowed, I loved his stubbornness, strength, and ways he manages Gillan.

The Heroine 
Gillian has only known pain and grief, she loved her family, but when she witnesses her father being killed right in front of her, her life changed. Gillian as a child, was quiet and kept to herself, and had nightmares. As a woman, she has grown into herself, and is self assured and confident. She stands up to the Baron, and doesn’t let him weaken her resolve. She is protective of those innocent and those she loves most. She is patient with Alec (who is a child with endless questions and she never loses her temper…so bravo) She stands her own ground again Brodick, and isn’t afraid to disobey or disregard his rules he sets down. She is determined to save her uncle, no matter the risk to herself.

Plot and Story Line 
For quite some time I have been wanted to re read Julie Garwood’s historical romances. Now of all the authors that write historical romance, Julie Garwood is at the top. Its been years, so I decided to download the audio version, and the narration was amazing and did the accent quite wonderfully. (And as a side note its on sale at Audible for $3.49–which is quite a bargain so I recommend heading over there while the price is so low.) Ransom is the second book in series, and I recommend if you haven’t read this series yet, you might want to read Secret first since it’s a bit connected to Ransom. The story begins with some background information on our heroine, we see her as a child and a bit traumatized as well from what she witnesses. My heart just went out to her, but then we skip ahead and see her as a woman, and her character was so endearing. She is one of those heroines that accepts what has been dealt to her, but she also stands on her own and fights for what is right. Then we get an added element of a side character, Alec. And for those who have read Secret Alec is Ian and Judith’s son. And what a precocious child he is, and one of my favorite side characters I have ever read. I love the way that Gillian is with him, protects him and even though her uncle is at risk, will return him home as her first priority. And there were so many moments in this story that were charming. What I loved most about this story was the development of characters and seeing the various changes unravel in the plot that keeps the reader engaged. We also have a side love story of Ramsey and Bridgid…and oh Bridgid…just loved her. What I loved most about her character, is that she will only marry one man…the man she loves, but he has to stop “being stupid” before she will even agree. I love her bluntness and how true to herself she is, and holds nothing back. She is brave and bold and I admired that quite a bit and she brought a bit of fresh air to the story. This just might be one of my favorite books from this author, I am sure I read it ages ago when I first started reading romance, but I just don’t remember this one, but now I have decided it’s definitely going to be considered a re listen to. I would recommend it to anyone that loves a tender and fierce love story. A must read for any romance lover–HIGHEST PRIORITY!!!

The Cover 
Now there are two covers for this book, the paper version and the audio version. I like both, but I like the audio version a bit more, since it connects with the setting of the story a bit more.

Overall View 
Ransom is a treasure of charming characters, thrilling plot, quick-witted humor, a tale of love and brings a spicy fresh quality to it, a engrossing read that will have you stunned from beginning to end!! A RICH AND A TRUE DELIGHT!!

Toni Turner

My mom handed me this book in the beginning of summer and told me I had to read it and I am glad she did. The characters and the plot are so good and cute and the romance is almost perfect and the whole time I was so jealous but happy and It was just such a good read. Thanks Julie and thanks mom.

In the dark days after the death of Richard the Lionhearted, lives and lands would fall into upheaval at the hands of a power hungry British ruler and his violent minions.

Taylor McNeely

Julie Garwood is one of my new favorite authors!!! I could NOT put this book down.

Judy Hudgins

I have only reread this book a dozen times. I love Garwood's characters and the story is terrific. Makes you want to run to Scotland and find a brawny Highlander and wear plaid. It's a great stress reliever.

Ransom

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