Back Cover:
Duncan Campbell is a natural born leader, possessing all the attributes for a Highland chieftain except for one: legitimacy. Forced from the Highlands for a crime he didn’t commit, Duncan has earned a reputation as the fiercest, most skilled mercenary on the continent. Vowing to restore his name and clear the cloud of treason hanging over his head, Duncan returns to the Highlands to find the one person who might hold the key to his freedom: the woman he’d once loved who’d betrayed him. But when he surprises her swimming in a loch, he finds himself facing the bad end of a pistol.

Told she was impulsive her whole life like her mother who’d destroyed their family when she’d run off with an Englishman over twenty years ago, Jeannie Grant had never believed it—until she met Duncan Campbell. The bastard born son of a chieftain was not a suitable husband for the daughter of a powerful Highland chief, but Duncan made Jeannie willing to risk everything. She gave him her innocence and he failed her, forcing Jeannie to learn the hard way what happens when you follow your heart. Now Jeannie is shocked to find that the brigand she’s shot is the same man who broke her heart all those years ago. But the hard, ruthless man is nothing like the charming young scoundrel she remembers. When their attempt to prove Duncan’s innocence uncovers a deadly secret, not only their lost love, but their lives hang in the balance.

After ten years of exile for a crime he didn't commit Duncan Campbell has returned to the Highlands, his homeland. He is back to clear his name and claim his woman. Jeannie Grant's betrayal still stings and he's back to use her as a means to an end. 10 years ago Duncan was sent to court by his father to ensure Grant's support in joining forces against the Earl of Huntly, the Campell's and King James' enemy. When he sets eye on Grant's daughter he is lost and they fall in love, but treachery, political intrigues and secret alliances drives them apart and 10 years later Jeannie and Duncan both have a bone to pick with each other. She believes he abandoned her and her love for him. He believes she betrayed him.

Jeannie Grant is sensible, compassionate and headstrong. She's a pistol-wielding lass, no longer prone to impulsivity since it got her into a lot of trouble when she was younger. She is a vibrant and spirited heroine despite her attempts to control her impulsivity.

Duncan Campbell is the eldest and bastard son of the Campbell siblings, dubbed the Black Highlander. He is in control, noble and proud but also focused, steely and ambitious. Duncan has asserted control over every aspect of his life but only Jeannie has the power to make him lose that control.

HIGHLAND SCOUNDREL starts in the present 1608 (chapter 1) and then chapter 2 takes us back to the events 10 years earlier that led to the animosity between Jeannie and Duncan that dominates the present which is told from chapter 9 and onward.

It had been a while since I read a McCarty book because I was a bit disappointed by the start of this trilogy, so I was a bit hesitant in starting the most recent and last one in the trilogy. I was partly right in my reluctance because much to my regret, this third installment of the Campbell trilogy was not able to do for me what the third book of the McLeod trilogy was able to do. It started out great, explosively emotional and very promising but a few chapters into the flashback to 10 years earlier my excitement started dying down a bit and I found myself drifting away during these chapters. Despite the lovely and hot love scene, that part of the book somehow couldn't hold my attention.

I missed the Highlander "magic" in this book that I did find in McCarty's first trilogy which I found much more impressive. As I stated in a previous review (I think it was book 1), save for the specific historical setting and the clan politics it didn't really feel as much like a Highlander romance as the books in the first trilogy did. For me it could've been set in any other historical background.

That being said still the book read like clockwork. Especially after the flashback part, when it became more fast-paced and before I knew it I was at the end of another tale of betrayal, trust, raw passion, loyalty, duty and secrets. Monica McCarty writes Highland and Clan politics like no other author I've read. She has a way of setting up a back-drop that is sometimes even more enthralling than the characters she places in them and that's what made this book very readable despite my misgivings about the pace and the way of telling the story of Duncan and Jeannie. Upon concluding this trilogy I must be honest in my opinion that for me it didn't quite reach the level of the McLeod trilogy. I could not find the attention-grabbing magical writing and characters of that trilogy in this one. However I am still very much looking forward to Monica McCarty's Highland Guard series, which starts off with THE CHIEF (March, 23rd).

Quotes:
It was something in the tilt of her eyes, in the curve of her lush mouth, and in the ripe sensuality of her body that spoke to a man of one thing: swivving. And not just any swivving, but gritty, mind-blowing, come-until-you-pass-out kind of swivving.

It was too soon, but he found himself asking, "Marry me." His heart, his breath, everything stopped as he waited for an answer, a sign...
The balance of his life seemed poised on an edge, waiting to tumble or soar at her decision.

The heavy warmth of desire spread through her body. It was a woman's desire. Desire forged in the fires of heartbreak and disappointment and made stronger by experience.

Rating: 6.8 out of 10

Back Cover copy:
Patrick MacGregor is a hunted man living on the edge. With his land stolen and clan outlawed, Patrick and his MacGregor clansmen have been forced into hiding—blame for which Patrick puts squarely on the shoulders of the hated Campbells. Patrick will stop at nothing to save his clan from destruction, and marriage to Elizabeth Campbell, whose quiet beauty he’d admired from afar, just might be the answer. Arranging an attack seems to be the perfect means to win the trust of the protected lass, but soon Patrick realizes that it isn’t just his life at stake if she discovers the truth of his identity, but something he’d thought lost long ago—his heart.

Elizabeth Campbell has never done anything reckless in her life. Shy and dutiful, Lizzie has always tried to do the right thing—even suffering through the humiliation of two broken engagements without complaint. But behind the serious façade is a passionate woman fighting to get out. So when a handsome mysterious warrior rescues her from an attack, Lizzie boldly asks him to stay. Seduced by his kiss and mesmerized by the edge of danger that surrounds him, Lizzie succumbs to the promise beckoning from behind his shadowed gaze, believing she’s found the perfect man. But soon Lizzie wonders whether in risking her heart, she’s lost everything.

Patrick MacGregor's life has always revolved around his revenge on the Campbells. They destroyed his family, they took what was rightfully his and now they are hunting him, forcing him to live like a barbarian, a life of running and hiding and suffering. But now he has contemplated a plan to exact the perfect revenge and in the process, get the lands back that where wrongfully taken from his family. It has come to his attention that Elizabeth Campell's dowry has been expanded with those very lands and he devises a ruse to win Lizzie's trust and trick her into marrying him.

Lizzie, unsuspecting of Patrick's lies, soon falls for the fierce warrior who came to her rescue during an attack by MacGregor outlaws. What she doesn’t know is that he is one of them and the attack is a set-up. But things don't go exactly as planned for Patrick when he discovers that he is not immune to Lizzie's charm and bravery and he has trouble carrying out his plans.

Lizzie is a true lady of the keep. She is delicate, sensible, kind and dutiful. But she's also brave and a fierce spitfire when push comes to shove. I loved her character and think she has come a long way from the stammering, insecure girl in the McLeods of Skye Trilogy. She has grown into a fiery and strong woman whose heart is vulnerable but in the hands of the right man, which happens to be Patrick, it is safe.

Patrick is a true warrior. He is calm, controlled and proud. He has a fierceness that he tries to keep in check by using his wit and cunning intelligence. He is determined and despises his life as an outlaw, forced to run and do things that go against his nature.

Together Lizzie and Patrick were great. Their story that was covered with complications warmed my heart. They were perfect for each other and I loved their journey to love and trust in a tale of injustice, deception, duty, vengeance and star-crossed love.

This book was elaborate, intricate and passionate. Families, loyalty to them and the sense of duty run strong throughout Monica McCarty's books and in this one the portrayal of these themes was perfectly matched with lovely romance and passionate attraction. The love story between Patrick and Lizzie is one that is complicated but inevitable. McCarty brought it in an amazing way. It was fast-paced, emotional, sensual and suspenseful. By inserting complicating factors like Patrick's family being outlawed and hunted by Lizzie's or Lizzie being courted by the son of the man who killed Patrick's parents, she gave the story depth and intrigue where it would otherwise remain average.

With this book the feud between Clan Campbell and Clan MacGregor seems to be solved and I look forward to what Monica McCarty brings to the table in the final installment of this trilogy. In my opinion this book was another formidable Scottish tale of romance and loyalty. With a compelling writing style and a story build-up that was excellent McCarty kept me entranced and glued to the pages.

Lizzie's story was absolutely worth the wait and her journey to happiness was a complicated but beautiful one.

Quotes:
He was a Greek god carved not from marble, but from hard Highland granite.

She might be tiny and delicate, but she'd been made for him. She wouldn't break—he smiled wickedly—though he intended to make her shatter.

Back Cover Copy:
The ruthless enforcer of Scotland’s most powerful clan, Jamie Campbell is the most feared man in the Highlands. Raw physical strength coupled with cunning political acumen make him a powerful force with whom few men will dare to reckon. Determined to see the Highlands tamed of its lawlessness and unrest, Jamie’s objectives are clear: under the guise of seeking the Chief of Lamont’s daughter’s hand in marriage, discover whether the Lamonts are harboring any outlawed MacGregors. But guise turns to desire when he meets the beautiful spitfire who rules the household with a dainty iron fist. The fierce Highlander never expects that the woman he wants above all others will test his duty and loyalty to his clan to the breaking point.

Cosseted and adored by her family, Caitrina Lamont has no intention of abandoning her beloved father and doting four older brothers for a husband—especially a Campbell. But Jamie Campbell is nothing like the parade of suitors that Caitrina’s father usually traipses across their hall. His raw masculinity threatens her in a way no man ever had before. But when Caitrina’s idyllic world is shattered, could the man she blames for her tragedy become her only hope for the future?

Caitrina Lamont and Jamie Campbell meet at the Highland gathering at Ascog, Caitrina's home. Jamie is on a mission, which he hides by pretending to court Caitrina. Soon real feelings start to develop but Jamie's reputation as Campbell's Henchman is one of the reasons Caitrina rejects him and his proposal. After an attack on her home and family Caitrina is more bitter than ever and vows to avenge her family. Her pampered life is destroyed by the attack that was led by Jamie's brother.
In an attempt to make up for the wrongdoing by his relatives, Jamie offers Caitrina marriage again so he can protect her with his name and return her home to her and her clan. Caitrina accepts and their marriage starts out troublesome and before they can life happily ever after they will face difficulties almost impossible to overcome.

Caitrina is bold, opinionated and haughty, but she's also stubborn, proud and resilient. She grows up protected by a father and brothers who indulged her and spoiled her. She has never known real hardship and when her world does become a cruel and hard place, she learns quickly that life isn’t a bed of roses.

Jamie is possessive, commanding and intimidating. Beneath his commanding powerful and ruthless presence there's a man who is lonesome and who can be tender and gentle. These are sides of himself he just doesn't let people see easily.

The character development, in both Jamie and Caitrina is stunning and gave the book enough depth to make it more than an average Scottish historical romance. Even with the fast-paced historical plot it was a character-driven book, focusing on the development of the feelings and relationship between Jamie and Caitrina.

Against a background of Highland political turmoil and feuding clans, the battle of wills between Caitrina and Jamie was what gave this book its intensity. Gradually fight turns into passion and love but this doesn't happen easily. There are trust issues, family issues and hard choices to be made. The choice between the love for each other and the loyalty and duty to their respective family members runs strongly throughout the second part of the book and made the book less light compared to the other books I've read by Monica McCarty.

Even though the characters, the historical details and facts, the love story and the plot all enthralled me here was a minor thing that bothered me a bit throughout the book. It had this somewhat modern feel to it, despite the historical details, Scottish vocabulary and a story fitting the time-period. It's not something I can clearly explain but without the historical facts it could have been a story placed in a more modern time and this is not what I expect in a historical romance from Monica McCarty. I remember having a few moments where I thought: "Did they really do or say those things those days?" Of course there is always something called the author's creative freedom and it's still fiction but I don't remember having this feeling in the other trilogy and I hope this feeling will be taken away with the next installment of the Campbell Trilogy.

That being said, overall it was another great book that I really enjoyed reading. The very first pages of this novel pulled me straight into a story that was rich in historical details, filled with highland politics, star-crossed lovers and lively characters. I went through a number of emotions, from endearment to anger to sorrow. At the base of the story is the vendetta (based on true historical facts) between the Campbells and the MacGregors. Monica McCarty did a great job in fusing historical facts and romantic fiction together in a compelling, ornate and wonderful tale of passion, action, duty, betrayal, loyalty and trust.

Quote:
The taste of him was like the darkest, richest wine, pouring into her soul until she was drunk with pleasure

Flora MacLeod is determined to avoid the sad fate of her mother—bartered between rival clans through four unhappy, politically arranged marriages. Now Flora, considered the greatest marriage prize in the Highlands, has become a political pawn herself. Despite the determination of no fewer than three powerful Highland Chiefs to force her hand, she has vowed never to become any man’s prize. Flora’s resolve is soon put to the test by the fiercely handsome, enigmatic man who’s kidnapped her for a ransom she’ll never pay…her heart.

Lachlan MacLean has gotten more than he’s bargained for. The battle-hardened Chief has kidnapped the beautiful heiress with the intention of wooing her for marriage. But the gruff Highland chief isn’t used to wooing women, especially not the most exasperating, stubborn woman he’s ever met. And when the curse surrounding an old tragedy puts Flora’s life in danger, Lachlan realizes his ploy may well have cost him a chance at love.

It seems destined to fail, a woman determined never let any man control her, let alone a Highlander and a dominating Highland chief born to rule and control everyone under his responsibility.

Lachlan MacLean is the Highland warrior at his best: rugged, masculine, handsome and fierce but underneath that all there is tenderness, honor and pride. He made my heart flutter with his intensity and passion. Although all the heroes in this trilogy are utterly scrumptious, he is most definitely my favorite. His devil's bargain to regain what is taken from him by Flora's brother turns void when he finds the woman who can make him yield to a love so strong everything fades away in comparison.

Flora McLeod is known as the Holyrood Hellion and she certainly lives up to that title. All the heroines in this trilogy are strong women who won't be controlled or ruled by anyone and Flora is absolutely no exception. She is willful, headstrong, proud, feisty and defiant in every way. Trouble has no problem finding her, even when she is not looking for it. Of the three heroines Flora is the most spirited one and the one who has no regard for the dutiful Highland ways. In her eyes duty equals the misery her mother went through and she vows she'll never end up that way.
The recurring theme of duty and loyalty to the clan versus love applies to Lachlan in this book but not to Flora, her only loyalty is to herself and this may come across as selfish or egotistical but I can assure you that Flora is anything but that. It is the only way to protect herself from the agony she saw her mother live in. Her plans to avoid being pawned of as a marriage prize in the political schemes of her relatives by arranging her own marriage of convenience is irrevocably interrupted by an abduction that will change her life forever. She finds herself wanting the one thing she was always warned for by her mother: a Highland chief and warrior.

After reading only the prologue I knew for certain that the final book in this trilogy was a matter of saving the best for last. This was the most intense and heart wrenching of the three books. At the risk of sounding like a broken record I must again admire the writing skills of McCarty. She is able to describe the feelings and thoughts of the characters with such intensity it had me glued to the pages. Their dialogues and interactions go from sarcastic bantering, to sensual awareness to full-blown passionate without a hitch. The love scenes are lush, enticing and stimulating. Masterfully dosed into the story and contributing to the emotional development of the characters.
But McCarty also has the ability to pull you deep into a historical plot of Highland feuds, this time enhanced with a family curse that hovers over the main couple's head.
The intricate connections between the different clans and families throughout the trilogy also stretch to the family connections surrounding Flora and Lachlan. Puzzling at first but more and more intriguing along the way.

Where in the other two books the plot is disclosed fairly early in the book, in this one she gradually fed me with tidbits of the plot and eventually it all fell into place in an amazing conclusion. This certainly contributes to the intensity of the book, keeping you on the edge of your seat wanting to know how it's going to unravel.
And the descriptions of the Scottish Highlands were equally sublime. Even more than in the previous books the descriptions made me long to see and experience the rugged and magnificent Highland Isles, full of history, for myself.

In short, Monica McCarty is a refreshing and original new voice in the Scottish historical genre who's earned my admiration for her writing skills, her amazing characters and her ability to turn true historical facts into lovely historical romances that stir the emotions.

Quotes:
Lachlan: "Don't play with me, Flora. I'm not one of your pet courtiers. Poke me and I'll bite."

Men had stolen kisses from her, but no man had ever kissed her in a way that made her want to weep, her heart slam into her chest, and her knees go weak all at the same time.

Meg Mackinnon knows she has to find a loyal, trustworthy husband to support her simple brother as chief. Her father has entrusted her with the decision, and letting him down is not an option. So she leaves for court begin her search. The dark, mysterious outlaw who rescues her on her way meets none of her criteria, but arouses her passions in a way that Meg cannot ignore.

Alex MacLeod claims to be a mercenary, a man with no loyalties. But soon Meg suspects that Alex is not what he seems and she must learn to trust her heart, or risk losing the right man forever.
Driven by the demons of his past, Alex fights against the king’s injustice. But when he uncovers the details of a royal plot to colonize the Highlands with Lowlanders, the last thing he needs is to be distracted by a lass who interferes with his mission at every turn. Thrust into a web of deadly intrigue, which binds him and Meg ever closer together, Alex soon faces the ultimate battle between love and duty.

When Meg MacKinnon goes to the king's court to find a husband to ensure the future of her clan, she sets out to find the right man for her clan but she never thought she would find the man who would capture her heart and soul.
Alex McLeod is at the king's court for his personal mission of redemption and for his mission only. There is no room for a love in his life so he tries to resist the alluring attraction to the lovely Meg, but this is one battle he's sure to lose...

Alex is the brother of Rory, the hero in book 1 of this trilogy and he also made an appearance in book 1 but to be honest I didn't pay much attention to him then and now I wish I had. He turned out to be an amazing character and a hero to die for. He's a mercenary and warrior to the backbone. He is compelling, honorable and intelligent.

Meg McKinnon is the epitome of a Highland lass: dutiful and brave, but also pragmatic and outspoken. She is blown away by Alex's fierceness and masculinity. She approaches everything with logic, but logic goes right out the window when she meets Alex. She is a lovely heroine you have no choice but to sympathize with.

Meg and Alex are very alike though you wouldn't say so at first glance. They both put their duty to their clan above anything else, including their own happiness. Until they discover that love is not only stronger than duty but is also empowering, giving them the strength to do their duty.

The attraction between them is instant and sizzling and can't be denied. But their story is one of the choice between love duty and love against the background of the battle between the Highlanders and the Lowlanders. A story of treason and loyalty laced with Highland politics and schemes

The characters, both primary and secondary are top-notch. Intense, emotional, charming and entrancing. Every connection falling into place along the way and every character has his or her role in the plot. And still despite every character being appealing Alex and Meg are the stars of the show. They carry the plot and book in a formidable way. Nonetheless I’m hoping for books on the Campbell siblings Jamie and Elizabeth. They made quite an impression and I hope they will be featured in McCarty’s new trilogy coming in the beginning of 2009.

The sensual tension is build up gradually and slowly but nevertheless with intensity that make the beautifully written love scenes sensual and seductive, emotional and touching. McCarty has real talent for describing the feeling and emotions so vividly it just comes of the pages, holding your attention in a tight grip.

The book is character based with the focus on their feelings but still the emphasis is very much on the mix of a character based love story and the historical plot. Neither outweighing the other but rather contributing to the perfect balance. The alternation between the characters and their feelings and the plot is more present than in book 1 but this didn't bother me at all, it all blends perfectly together.

Again this is not an action driven plot, which absolutely doesn't mean there is no action in it. On the contrary: The battle scenes are enthralling with the battle on the Isle of Lewis as the breathtaking climax. McCarty knows how to write these scenes with so much intensity and accuracy it left me with a pounding heart and holding my breath.

With this trilogy (and I have yet to read book 3) McCarty has definitely put her stamp on the genre of Scottish historicals. Both the romance and the historical background are captivating and fascinating.
This trilogy is another hidden treasure on my bookshelves! Thoroughly researched and masterfully written again I was taken to the Highlands of King James in the 17th century. McCarty's thorough research makes her settings and characters utterly real and believable.

Quote:
His pulse hitched and then broke out in a full race when a slow, sensual grin played across her lips. "Now it's my turn," she said. "I wonder if I can make you beg?"

Rory McLeod is a bold and powerful Highland Chief with only one allegiance, to his clan. He vows revenge against the rival MacDonald caln, though duty demands a handfast marriage to Isabel MacDonald, a bride he does not want and has no intention of keeping. But Rory couldn't have anticipated the captivating woman who challenges his steely control and unleashes the untamed passion simmering beneath his fierce exterior.

Blessed with incomparable beauty, Isabel MacDonald is prepared to use every means possible, including seduction, to uncover her husband's most guarded secrets. Instead Rory awakens Isabel's deepest desires and her sweetest fantasies. Now Isabel has found the happiness she's always dreamed ofwith the very man she must betray, and discovers that passion can be far more dangerous than revenge.

What a wonderful book! History and romance mixed into a classical scottish story.
The story of Isabel and Rory is based on true historical facts and McCarty really knows how to write a compelling and lovely story able to pull you in to Scotland in the beginning of the 17th century.
Mingled beautifully with an intense and emotional love-story you discover a lot about the ways and customs of the Highlanders during that time-period. Reading this book made me long to go explore the Highlands myself and maybe stumble upon one of the scrumptious McLeods.
I felt really trown back into the rugged Highlands at the time of King James.

Both main and secondary characters complement each other, all of them being crucial to the plot.
Isabel tries to be demure and sweet but her true self, feisty and quick-minded has to come out and those were the moments I liked her the most!
Rory is a true Highlander: a tough, raw, manly and dominant warrior. Loyal to nothing but his clan. But little by little Isabel warms his cold heart.

The book is character-oriented, focusing mainly on Rory and Isabel and their feelings and emotions. I haven't read many of these and found it a pleasant change compared to the action-/plot-driven books I've read lately.
But this definitely does not mean there is no plot in the book, there absolutely is and it's a good plot but the feelings and emotions have the upper hand.

You can almost feel the impact Rory and Isabel have on each other at the first glance and this feeling just keeps building and building towards a climax both literally and figuratively.
McCarty really does a great job of describing what they feel in a very intense way.
She also has a way of building up the sexual tension between Isabel and Rory in such a magnificent way it blew me away. It's incredibly intense and sensual. Beautifullly written and emotion stirring in a major way!

I'm really glad this trilogy is being released back to back because I can't wait to read about Rory's siblings and their love-matches.

Quotes:
Her response turned his mind to black. The swift kick of pure lust hit him hard, and desire gripped him like an iron claw as he descended in the realm of no return.

Rory overwhelmed her senses, rendering her limp with desire, unable to form a coherent thought other than hunger for the man holding her.