The Striker by Monica McCarty

One of my favorite books to read are those that end up surprising the heck out of you, just like this new release I was asked to review. I was expecting a historical romance like we used to get back in the day. Lots of innuendo and history of the day but not a lot of steam. Boy, was I proven wrong and am I glad!

The Striker by Monica McCarty
Series: Highland Guard (Book 10)
Publisher: Pocket Books (November 24, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-1501108709

New York Times bestselling author Monica McCarty continues her Highland Guard series in this tenth steamy historical romance set against the sweeping backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.

When Eoin MacLean decides to fight with Robert the Bruce, he knows he will earn the enmity of his new bride’s father, but he doesn’t expect Margaret MacDowell, the spirited girl he’s fallen in love with, to betray him. Blaming her—and himself for trusting her—for the disaster that led to the death of Bruce’s two brothers, Eoin cuts her out of his heart and leaves her behind with no intention of ever coming back. But when Bruce puts him in charge of conquering the troublesome southwest province of Galloway—ruled by his wife’s father—Eoin reconsiders. Especially after he learns that his treacherous wife who thinks him dead plans to remarry. That’s one wedding he has no intention of missing.

My Thoughts:

I am not usually a big fan of historical based romances, but the more I have been reading them, the more I am changing my mind. The authors of today are adding so much more to these historically tame reads that the reader is offered not only the history of the day but flat out hot reads too. Monica McCarty is offering up book 10 in a series and even though this was my first foray into her writing, I will have no hesitation grabbing past and future reads by her.

I have to admit, I was really surprised at the amazing depth of information, history of the time period, and background in which this book was written. This author has an amazing ability to pull you right into the story and drag you along with the events of the day. You feel like you are right in the battlefield with the warriors and right in-between the main characters as they try and figure out their lives..

Connected by their steamy lust for one another, Eion and Maggie marry and immediately start to have issues – family issues that are huge. You fight for them, just like they try and fight for each other. Your heart breaks along with theirs as they struggle to survive the tough lifestyle of the day and the betrayals that are destined to tear them apart. You pray that they are strong enough to overcome, for deep down you know they truly are meant to be together.

The author has amazing skill at crafting this story that has a pull like no other. The stories of the battlefield and the personal lives of the characters is so rich and deep, you can be there through the excellent literary craftsmanship Monica McCarty offers us. This book really is impressive in so many arenas. The smoking hot descriptions of the characters; the steamy hot love affair, and the ability to see faults and forgive. I fell in love with these 2 and with the glimpses of other guys in the Highland Guard, you know the past stories have to be hot too!

A wonderful read from an author I am looking forward to getting to know even more as there is another new release in this series coming out soon! I cannot wait to dive into the one! So damn good!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.