Name: The Recruit
ISBN: 9780345528414

Monica McCarty

Kenneth Sutherland is determined to prove himself worthy of a place in Robert the Bruce's Highland Guard, but his unexpected strong attraction to Mary of Mar makes him vow to win admission into both the Guard and Mary's heart.

The Recruit

Lover of Romance 

Kenneth Sutherland is a skilled warrior, and wants to be in the Highland Guard more than anything. He is willing to fight and do whatever it takes to reach his goal. He believes in the fight for Scotland's freedom, and fighting to join the elite warriors will be the greatest battle he will fight. His chance to prove himself to the elite warriors and Bruce, will be at the Highland games. He is so focused on his determination to win, he gets stunned upon meeting Mary of Mar. Mary is a widow, and was used by her husband, and the son she never got a chance to mother, barely knows her but she is determined to have him in her life again. When she attends the Highland Games to appeal to Bruce, she finds the most gorgeous specimen making passionate love to a woman. Mary's experience was short and swift and more painful than pleasurable. But when Kenneth pursues her she resists the temptation of a night in his arms. Soon his sensual embraces make her want to risk everything even her heart, just to have him in her life for a short moment. But will Kenneth pursue the one woman that holds his heart?

The Recruit is the sixth book in the Highland Guard series. The Recruit is a story that is a bit different than the others that I have read, but one of my top favorites. The way this author writes her romances is simply magical!! You can never go wrong with Monica McCarty, from the very first page you are instantly pulled in. I love that I know that when I read this author, I know that it will be a compelling story and I won't have any problem getting into it. So for those that have never read this author...YOU ARE MISSING OUT!! I guarantee that once you pick up this author, you will fall in love!! :) There is nothing that you won't like about her stories. They are the epitome of what makes a romance story superb!! 

The story starts out with seeing Mary and how determined she is to survive, despite the betrayal of her husband, and the loss of her son. Mary was a character I came to admire so much. Strong willed, caring and passionate about life. She craves love but knows she will probably never have it. Then Mary and Kenneth meet and fireworks. Kenneth is like a bull dozer when it comes to something that he wants, and he wants Mary. The exchange between Kenneth and Mary is priceless, and thus begins a rocky romance. This story is packed with ups and downs, and seeing the rewards of fighting for what you believe. I loved the vital emotion that just erupts from this story and threatens to consume the reader! So much intensity and passion, and a love story to break your heart. A sizzling tale of desire, determination, and fighting for the one you love~~STUNNING!!

RITA Finalist for Historical Romance Scotland’s King Robert the Bruce is retaking his kingdom from the invading English. To win, he’ll need all the grit and courage of his elite band of warriors, the Highland Guard, men who fight without fear and love without limits. Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherland is a true champion—skilled with any weapon and driven to win. Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: joining Robert the Bruce’s secret army to fight among the elite. Kenneth’s best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games. Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman—and a stolen moment of wicked seduction. Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood. He will win his place in the guard—and in Mary of Mar’s bed. The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better. Mary vows that her surrender will be sport only—no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion. Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard-wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man. But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more. Now Mary wants his heart. But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?

A Highland Guard Novel

JoLee

I can not believe I have not found Monica McCarty and The Highland Guard series earlier. She is a master storyteller with tons of action, lost of twist and turns I never saw coming and the romance I never knew where it was going to lead to. So many romantic scenes I thought were going to go one way but to my surprise it took a different turn. The characters are real and jump off the pages. You feel their pain and happiness. 
 
Kenneth is every thing I love in my heroes, Over protective and never holds back when it comes to the woman he loves, Possessive, Jealous with a sexy Alpha Male attitude. Fell head over heals with him with his arrogant doing in the barn with Mary. It is a must scene to be read. I would of been just like Mary not being able to leave. He has felt like he was second best growing up and still feel like he needs to prove himself. 
 
Mary I also adore her from the beginning. After what she had to go through with her husband betraying her, not ever showing her affection and not having her son in her life with her broke my heart. Because of this it made her stronger never to have another man in her life to betray her.
 
Mary can hold her own especially when it comes to Kenneth. He is used to having any woman he wants, but the only one he wants is Mary and she will not give him the time of day. The first time he feels tenderness towards a woman he has to work for it. He has never gone through so much trouble for a woman. Loved how sweet he was having flowers and bath ready every morning for her. Broke my heart a little when he finally gets her, he now only wants her heart and respect. Monica McCarty did amazing work with the ups and downs in their relationship. Their chemistry was hot right from the beginning and the sex scenes are steamy and written well.
 
Even though this is the 6th book in the series I was not lost at all. I loved the secondary characters and it just makes me want to read their stories and start this series from the beginning. I can not wait to buy all in Paperback including The Recruit for my collection to sit on my lovely bookcase showing off these yummy covers. The Recruit is keeper for me that I will re-read again.

ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review

Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog

The Recruit

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