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    The Arrow: A Highland Guard Novel
    The Arrow: A Highland Guard Novel
    The Arrow: A Highland Guard Novel
    Audiobook12 hours

    The Arrow: A Highland Guard Novel

    Written by Monica McCarty

    Narrated by Antony Ferguson

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    The talents of legendary marksman Gregor "Arrow" MacGregor are crucial now, as King Robert the Bruce moves to reclaim his Scottish holdings. Gregor's fame as an archer is rivaled only by his reputation with the lasses as a heartbreaker. But when he is exposed during a covert mission, Gregor is forced to lay low. He returns home only to find a new battle waiting: a daring game of seduction involving his now very grown-up and very desirable ward, Cate of Lochmaben.


    A born fighter, Cate was clinging to life when Gregor rescued her after a vicious English raid on her village left her mother dead. But five years later, the once scrappy orphan Gregor took under his protection has become a woman. The heat in his eyes tells her that she has his attention . . . and his desire. But will Gregor allow his heart to surrender before danger finds them and the truth of Cate's identity is revealed?Contains mature themes.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateAug 26, 2014
    ISBN9781452687506
    The Arrow: A Highland Guard Novel
    Author

    Monica McCarty

    Monica McCarty is the bestselling author of the Highland Guard series, the MacLeods of Skye trilogy, and the Campbell trilogy. Her interest in the Scottish clan system began in the most unlikely of places: a comparative legal history course at Stanford Law School. After realizing that her career as a lawyer and her husband’s transitory life as a professional baseball player were not exactly a match made in heaven, she traded in her legal briefs for Scottish historical romances with sexy alpha heroes. Monica McCarty lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their two children.

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    Reviews for The Arrow

    4.5/5

    97 ratings30 reviews

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    • 5/5
      The Arrow focuses on another one of King Robert the Bruce of Scotland's "ghost" warriors. Gregor "The Arrow" is the best archer in Scotland and the most handsome as well. He is used to the ladies falling at his feet professing their love for their handsome warrior. While out on a raid for The Bruce he noticed that his skill was just a bit off which was unheard of for him. The next time he was out on an important raid he hesitated for a moment and cost the team dearly and in the process allowed himself to be recognized. The Bruce knowing how he relied on his ghost warriors and how they had been working for him without fail for years, he sent Gregor home for a rest. Years ago Gregor and a few other warriors had rescued a young lass from the bottom of a well in the village that had been desecrated. Since Gregor felt a bit responsible he took her home to be raised by his mother. Little did he know that the lass was older than he thought her to be and very much in love with him. This is another very well written romantic historical for Ms. McCarty and a great addition to her Highland Guard Series. The characters are very likable and relatable with a fun story line. **Library Thing win
    • 4/5
      Gregor "The Arrow" is considered the best marksman, and after seven years of fighting with and for Bruce...he is dedicated all the way. But when he is almost spotted and his position is compromised, Bruce sends him to his home to lay low for a while, and to deal with his ward. Cate has been in love with Gregor for years. She knows him inside and out, and she knows she can show him. She was rescued after her village was raided and her mother was killed. Cate has worked hard to learn to fight and defend herself. But she is also willing to fight for Gregor. Even though he is known the "Most Handsome Man in Scotland", she sees beneath the gorgeous exterior, to a man that deserves to be loved for who he really is and not another notch on a bed post. As Cate starts her seduction of Gregor, there is secrets that they both hide from each other...secrets that could tear them apart unless their learn to trust in the love they share...but will Gregor's enemies gain the upper hand and destroy everything?The Arrow is the 9th book in this astounding series by Monica McCarty. I just want to say that this story was such fun!!! My goodness...did I have such a good time with this story. The story begins with seeing some of the team together on a secret mission, when Gregor makes a mistake, and he is compromise and has to go into hiding for some time to protect himself and the guard and his family. Gregor has devoted everything to Bruce, a man who has a dream and the willingness to fight for it. Gregor will do anything his King commands...even if it means going back home to deal with a young woman he would rather avoid. When he arrives home he finds that his young ward, is a young woman, with a gentle beauty and fierce passions. He is captivated, and for a man who is always being chase for the wrong reasons, we see a woman chase him for the right reasons. Cate has such a deep devotion and love to Gregor, even if he treats her not worthy at times. I love how she continually has faith in him and never gives up. She is tenacious and strong and I loved how she is willing to do anything to win him.There are some shocks and surprises and some that really shook me they shocked me so much, and I never saw them coming at all!! I love how this author has a way to write a story with such telling results. There was so much that I enjoyed about this one. Not my favorite, but definitely up there in top favorites of the series. We see more of Bruce in the story...for a good reason. We also see quite a bit of Erik "The Hawk" who is hilarious and adds a certain dramatic flair to the story, and boy what humor!! I LOVED it.Overall a fun and adventurous romance, set in the historical Scotland, where you see a fight for freedom, a powerful love, and quite a bit of conflict to have you on the edge of your seat!! I love how this author compound a mixture of passion, history, and great wit to create a tale to captivate your senses!! TO DIE FOR!
    • 4/5
      I immediately checked this out after listening to the Scotland episode of the Fated Mates podcast last night. Cate is an ultimate heroine: a BAMF who is completely honest and lovely. I was two thirds in before the conflict pissed me off—dumb men being dumb, but the hero groveled appropriately for a good HEA. I’m not sure if I’ll read the others in the series, but this was a great standalone read.
    • 4/5
      ****Full Review****

      I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

      This is book nine in the Highland Guard series and it's a foregone conclusion I'm going to do everything in my power to get my greedy little hands on the previous books. I would also like to say, as someone who hasn't read the other books, the list of characters, who they were, and the foreword relaying the back story was very much welcomed.
       
      Gregor "Arrow" MacGregor has fought alongside Robert the Bruce for seven years in the war against England for Scotland's independence. He is part of the Highland Guard, also known as Phantoms, an elite group of warriors; his special skill is marksmanship with the bow. (His mother's name is Lady Marion so I imagine there is a sly wink to a certain mythical hero) He is also "The Most Handsome Man in Scotland". This moniker, along with certain events from his past, has led Gregor to become very jaded, cynical, and guarded. He doesn't think anyone truly knows him or cares to know him beyond his pretty face.
       
      On a mission to try and save a village from being ransacked from the English, Gregor meets Cate. Cate, fifteen at the time, attacked an English soldier trying to save her mother from rape, who in turn kills her mother, and throws Cate into a well leaving her to starve to death. Gregor rescues her, thus giving Cate a serious case of hero worship. He brings Cate to his home and gives her to his mother to raise. He visits a handful of times and Cate's worship begins to mature into love.
       
      The story really begins when Cate is twenty and Gregor thirty-one and he comes home for a little rest and relaxation from the war. Gregor wasn't around her much while she was growing up, I never found it icky or weird when he starts to develop and acknowledge his feelings for Cate, even when he calls himself her ward. Even though the title of this book is "Arrow" I would almost argue this is more of Cate's story. She is the open, honest, and fearless woman we all want to be. It may seem like her love for Gregor was born from childish feelings, they in fact may have been, but she proves over and over that she really sees the true man behind the pretty face. It may make you feel frustrated as Gregor refuses and pushes Cate away again and again and Cate comes up with reasons to justify his actions. I found it refreshing to have a character think why is he reacting this way instead of flying off the handle and creating melodrama after melodrama. However, I'm not saying you won't want to slap Gregor a time or two and yell at Cate to just give up. These characters have sizzling chemistry together and you're going to love and hate them at times. One thing I promise you is that you won't ever be bored.
       
      The pace is steady and will keep you reading and while the overall tone is a little lighter than what I usually favor, I was still captivated. I also thought when Gregor capitulates to Cate, it felt slightly rushed. He finally allows himself to give in to his feelings for her and then they're sleeping together and marriage is being discussed. There is also a Big Misunderstanding and even though it is contrived, I thought it worked well in adding something to the story. Furthermore, there are times when the large cast of characters are mentioned along with their nicknames, I started to feel overwhelmed but if you have read the previous books you'll probably just enjoy the reunion.
       
      Overall, this was a heartfelt, at times maddening couple, historical romance story. Your emotions will run the gamut throughout this book. In the end, however, you will feel a sense of fulfillment and a strong desire to go and read the other books in the series.
    • 4/5
      Perfect beach or quick read. As usual, the author brings you in and hooks you rto got away. Well done characters and story line.
    • 4/5
      Gregor MacGregor, nicknamed Arrow as one of a secret guard for Robert Bruce, rescued Cate when she was 15 and took her home to live with his family. She has loved him ever since, but he is so handsome that he leaves a string of meaningless liasons everywhere he goes. At 20, Cate has learned to fight; when Gregor comes home for a rest he discovers she is all too attractive. So he plans to marry her off. Finally, Cate gets close enough to Gregor to convince him that he should marry her, but then he suspects that she trapped him into being forced to marry her. Misunderstandings ensue, and both act foolishly. Then Cate is kidnapped and rescued by Gregor and her father, Robert Bruce. Since she was illegitimate, she had never revealed who her father was. They eventually forgive each other. A good story with reasonable plot and character complications (although only the two main characters have depth), although unnecessarily long romantic scenes.
    • 5/5
      Thanks LibraryThing for a free copy to read and review.Excellent book! I happen to really love this series and this one was really great! I could not imagine living life during this time period, the grave injustices done to people, and women....ugh. Gregor was such a hero for Cate that I was glad he tarnished himself by the end. I'm glad she finally understood he was a man and made mistakes. Cate wasn't perfect either...but then no one is. I loved the ending and was put out....pages got thinner and thinner toward the end and it felt like no conclusion in sight. Alas I enjoyed the book, and my eyes stuck to the pages. Overall entertainment at its best five stars.
    • 4/5
      Gregor MacGregor doesn't realize the long term turn his life will take when he rescues the young Cate after an enemy raid on her village. The 9th in Monica McCarty's Highland Guard series, the novel showcases solid characters and a straightforward plot. Review based on ARC copy provided by the publisher.
    • 5/5
      If you enjoyed the first few books in the series you will enjoy this one as well. Cate is a refreshingly strong female character, although Gregor can often be frustratingly good at misleading himself.
    • 5/5
      This was the first Monica McCarty book for me. Loved the characters Gregor and Cate. Could have done without the steamy sex. A little goes a long way. Figured out the Bruce connection early on. That only made the plot more enjoyable. Always had a soft spot for Historic novels. This one was well written. I will look for other Highland Guard Novels.
    • 5/5
      The Arrow is a well written historical fiction novel that will have you hooked and left wanting more. Despite the cover of a half-naked man, this is NOT a smut book! There may be one or two “scenes”, but they focus more on the emotional aspect than the physical. What I adored about this book was the fact that even though it’s “historical” the characters were very much relatable to this day and age. The tension between Cate and Gregor is comical most of the time, angsty in some spots, and lovable through everything. Seeing the majority through Cate’s eyes really drove the story home for me. These two endure a lot of trials that most couples I know have gone through. I loved every moment of reading this novel. I was shocked to realize that there were other books before it! Somehow, someday, I will find and purchase every single book in the series.
    • 2/5
      I am not as familiar with this author but Im a huge historical fiction reader. Especially with strapping Highlanders on the front cover that promise a clash of wills, sword-wielding, some dip into the pool of adventure, betrayal, a romantic liason, espionage, castle-storming, and/or other epic, clan-fighting badassery. Instead, I got two main characters that I didnt care for. At all. She seemed selfish and he was downright stupid. Stubborness happened. Silly behavior happened. "If youre going to be reckless, well, Im going to act even more reckless" happened. The clincher? Cheating happened thus demoting a heroic character to a character I could give exactly zero cares over what happens next. At least I got my castle-storming and kilted adventuring. I hear many, many people love this author so Im not put off by a single book. I'm willing to try again. I just hope this is a one-off. Thank you to Random House and Library Thing Early Reviewers for this copy in exchange for an honest book review.
    • 4/5
      This is an excellent story which will take the reader through every emotion...love, caring, betrayal, lust, courage, fear...too many to name here. This story keeps the reader coming interested. The characters are well described and keep the reader involved in the story line. I would definitely recommend this book to others and look forward to reading more in this series.
    • 3/5
      I received this book through Library Thing Early Reads program. I, in general, enjoyed this book. While I enjoyed the main characters Gregor "arrow" MacGregor and Cate a great deal, there were parts of the book that i skimmed through. I do not enjoy descriptions of sexual relations or assaults and will not read that portion(s) of a book. I read this book while waiting in airports. It certainly was a perfect book to read as you are killing time. I don't think I will buy any of her other books. It was a stand alone book which I appreciated. If a love story with some adventure is your reading taste you may very well enjoy this book to the fullest.
    • 1/5
      This is the first book of Ms. McCarty’s that I have read. I think it will be the last.My biggest problem with the book is that nothing happens. The plot is nonexistent. For the first 300 pages or so we are in the heads of the hero and heroine. That is not a good place to be. They spend those 300 pages in varying degrees of sexual yearning.Two people fantasizing about having sex with the other, and ending up in various states of arousal from those fantasies, is not a plot. It’s almost as if no one told Ms. McCarty that every story must have conflict. I was surprised by this after reading that the author has written and published 15 books in the past 9 years! My mind boggled a little bit at that output but I gave her the benefit of the doubt. After reading The Arrow I think that if I were to change the names and tweak the details a bit I have a very good idea of how the other 14 would read.There are a few establishing incidents at the beginning to set the stage but it’s not until the last 75 pages of the 396 pages that anything really happens. There are hints of a mystery concerning the heroine’s family ties but even that is made obvious before the eventual climax so there’s really not much suspense there.Then there’s the description of the hero as “the handsomest man in Scotland”. It made me think of Snow White and her mirror. The hero’s response to this label is just clichéd, with nothing interesting about it to make me want to get to know him better.I really like reading romances but I need more than this book has to offer. So I cannot recommend that anyone read The Arrow.
    • 5/5
      This was a great book! The main characters were interesting and there was plenty of action. I couldn't put this book down! This was the first book I had read of the Highland Guard series. I fell in love with the characters and am now reading the rest of the series. If you like romance, action and medieval Scotland then this book is for you.
    • 5/5
      I must say I am now hooked! This is the first I've read of this series, and I can't wait to find more. This book held my interest and I was able to finish it in a couple of days. I liked that I didn't have to know about the series to read this book. Clues help you pick up the story line quickly, without giving too many spoilers of the other books. If you like historical romance set in Scotland, pick this one up!
    • 4/5
      Not too bad, better than most. I just wish that the author had not taken such a predictable path to who Cate's long-lost father is. That part of the book was just too cliche. The story could have stood alone without making Cate related to someone famous. (I have not put in the name of the character so as to avoid spoilers). Even though it was better than a significant number of books I have read in the last couple of years in the romance genre, I still felt that it could have been even better. Didn't create any desire to run right out and read any of the other books in the series.
    • 5/5
      The Arrow by Monica McCarty is a 2014 Ballantine Books publication. I was provided a copy of this book by publisher and LibraryThing in exchange for an honest review.An English raid takes Cate's family and she is thrown in a well and left to die. When the Phantom brothers found her, she was caked in mud and near death from fright. The fierce warrior, Gregor, takes her in as his ward. Now, five years later, the orphaned girl has matured into a lovely young woman. Lovely enough that her hero worship attraction to Gregor has begun to make him feel uncomfortable. He is distracted and has made a mistake that lands him back home for a little break, which means Cate and Gregor are under the same roof for a time. Cate intends to make the most of her unexpected time with Gregor. But, Gregor believes the time has come to remove Cate out of his home and into marriage. There are plenty of men still who would marry Cate, but Cate only has eyes for Gregor, who believes she only has a young girl's crush on him, but he is tempted enough by her he can't seem to stop kissing her.“He kissed her. It was a kiss unlike any he had ever given a woman before. It was a kiss to destroy any indecision and all fear. It was a kiss to woo, a kiss to persuade, a kiss to convince.” I so enjoyed Cate's character in this one. Her observations were always spot on , she was honest, had her insecurities and doubts like any of us, suffered a little teasing because of her training, but knew her own mind. She loved fiercely, loved despite of Gregor's faults. She loved the whole man and never expected him to be perfect.Gregor, like all of the Highlanders is the series is irresistible to women, a member of a top secret unit for the King called the phantoms and is proud, loyal and has a heart of gold hidden behind his tough exterior. I loved Gregor , but at times I wanted to slug him. Men! It doesn't matter what century or country it is, they can all be so arrogant and pigheaded. Does he redeem himself? Well... probably.Cate and Gregor could have had a smooth go of things if not for the interference of others. Once a the seed of doubt of planted it looks as though all is lost, but betrayals and broken hearts will have to wait when Cate finds herself in grave danger and her true identity about to be revealed. Will Gregor be able to save her it time? This is the 9th book in the Highland Guard series and they never lose their appeal. This one is very sensual and spicy, but with some of the best romantic lines I've read in awhile, especially coming from a warrior like Gregor. So, yes, Gregor does redeem himself and there is a wonderfully sweet sigh worthy HEA that will leaving you grinning ear to ear. Well done! 5 stars!
    • 5/5
      This is the 5th book from the Highland Guards series that I have read. Since completing it 2 days ago, I listened to The Viper, making six in all.
      As I was contemplating what to write in this book review, it felt like a fact worth sharing. Why? Because it's rare, in my experience, to feel a new entry into a long series is as refreshing and welcome, as the day I discovered the first book in the series.
      The author seems to write each novel in this series as if it could be a stand-alone. Yet she connects the stories together allowing the rich history of Robert the Bruce and Scotland's struggle with the English, to come alive.
      This one is no exception. The tale of Gregor MacGregor and his ward Cate of Lochmaben is original, entertaining, and informative. A reader new to this series can start with the first entry The Chief or start with the 9th The Arrow, and I believe they will enjoy it enough that they will reach for another Highland Guard story soon after.
    • 2/5
      I received this book as part of the LT early Reviewer program. * May contain mild spoilers* Admittedly, I haven’t read a lot of romance novels recently, however the book description had me intrigued. I was not aware that this was in such a lengthy series of books, and I don’t necessarily think that detracted from the story, as it was simple enough to follow with out knowing all of the other characters. I actually enjoyed it for the first ¾ of the book, despite the obvious historical inaccuracies, ridiculous dialogue, and over the top sex scenes. I found Cate to be spunky, smart, and fun. Likewise, Gregor was initially the misunderstood good guy. It was toward the end that I just wanted to scream and throw the book out the window. The irritating plot scheme that proves a woman can forgive even the most disgusting betrayals all because a man kisses her, is the worst condescension authors can throw at a reader. I had initially thought to pick up a few other books in the series, but after finishing this one, I most certainly won’t.
    • 4/5
      Guarding dreamsJust the right amount of action, reluctant love, a feisty young woman, a warrior with legendary skills, passion and tenderness all coupled with Scottish history (Robert the Bruce times) to make this a satisfying read on many different levels.The character of Gregor 'Arrow' McGregor, one of Bruce's legendary 'phantoms' is both complex and guarded, hiding the hurts of his boyhood and early manhood years.The essence of Cate (Catroina) of Lochmaben is courage, truth and determination, yet she has her own dark secret. Gregor's ward, in love with him from the moment he rescued her from a well after being left for dead by English raiders.a warrior lass determined on vengeance.Their story comes of age with startling revelations for both.The storyline and the characters certainly held my interest. I read it in a few hours.A NetGalley ARC
    • 4/5
      Gregor comes home from war to find the young girl he saved from a well after her village was destroyed has become a woman. A woman he finds very attractive. Cate is independent and feisty. She has learned to defend herself, and Gregor finds her honesty and lack of deception refreshing. The books starts as a rather formulaic romance, but the characters grow as the story progresses. It is a fun and sexy page-turner. An enjoyable read. I enjoyed the author's note at the end, it had a little more history in it than I expected.This was the first book of this series that I have read, and I would definitely read the others.
    • 4/5
      The Arrow is a solid, entertaining romance featuring a feisty, resilient heroine and a hero who has a little growing up to do but redeems himself in the end. Legendary marksman Gregor "The Arrow" MacGregor brings to mind Outlander's Jamie Fraser in form, spirit and checkered experience with women. In the five years since rescuing her as a young girl, Cate of Lochmaben, Gregor's ward, has developed into a woman he can't resist. As their relationship develops, their betrothal is made known, but so is the truth of her mother's death, and Gregor's knowledge about it. The believable, tempestuous romance, engaging characters and authentic historical setting combined with an unexpected plot twist concerning Cate's background make The Arrow a fast-paced, outstanding read.
    • 5/5
      Who could resist Gregor MacGregor? I certainly could not. The Arrow is a brilliant addition to the Highland Guard series and one that was highly anticipated. Monica McCarty did not disappoint. Gregor aka Arrow is well known as the most handsome man in all of Scotland and the title grates on him. Gregor hates being known for little more than his face and is use to woman throwing themselves at him for superficial reasons but Cate, Cate is different from all those other woman. She's strong, brave, and determined to show Gregor that her love for him is based on more than a pretty face. Watching Cate as she tries to get Gregor to see her as more than just his ward was a struggle at times. There were moments when I wished I could reach into the book and smack Gregor upside the head for being so dense and when Gregor began losing faith in the tender feelings he was developing for Cate, when he began second guessing her intentions based on his jaded past, well then I really wanted to smack him. Couldn't he see how much she loved him? Could't he tell that she would never be anything but genuine about her feelings for him? Men can be such morons sometimes.Thankfully when all seems lost, Gregor finally pulls his head from his arse and we are able to put our faith in him once more. The Arrow had so many unexpected twists and turns that I was constantly biting my nails, waiting to see the story unfold. Monica built a world with a strong foundation based on history but managed to captivate our hearts with her beautifully written characters who's hearts are more true than words can express. I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next and am pleased to say that The Arrow is truly a great read. There have been many criticisms regarding Cate our heroine, but what I gathered from the story is that Cate is strong. She is brave and stubborn and refuses to back down. She helps others and takes in those who need her. She has a strong desire to build a family, to gain the sense of belonging and security that was denied to her a child. Cate has struggled in life and had to face the rape and murder of her mother when she was only fifteen years old but that pain and that experience has not broken her. Cate is determined to be in a position to defend herself. She trains in warefare and can take down a man twice her size. How anyone can believe that she is unworthy of being our heroine, and unworthy of Gregor's affections astounds me but that said, it is my belief that Cate is the perfect match for our Arrow and just as in the story when Seoniad was unable to see past her jealousy and desire for Gregor, I feel our readers are unable to see past their expectations of who the most beautiful man in Scotland should be with based on his looks, verses who our Arrow should be with, based on his heart.4.5 Stars
    • 5/5
      Having read the previous books in the Highland Guard series by Monica McCarty, I had enjoyed every one and had gotten to know the wonderful characters she uses from history and the ones she had created, I just couldn't wait to read Gregor MacGregor's story in The Arrow, considered to be the most handsome man in Scotland. And it was worth the wait because I enjoyed every page, King Robert the Bruce and his elite Highland Guard are still fighting to reclaim his Scottish lands and castles. But during a mission, Gregor's (or "Arrow" as he is call because of his skill as an archer) handsome face is seen and he is sent home for a while. Cate is Gregor's ward, he rescued her five years ago from a well after an English raid on her village where she had been left to die. But she is a beautiful woman now and she has her sights set on Gregor, She's loved him for years. Cate's a born fighter and she want's his passion and love, Gregor just has to start noticing her as a woman.The book was a joy to read a real page turner. There's thrills, action, surprises and of cause a tender romance that heats up the pages.I love this series. If you enjoy good honest romance this book is for you.
    • 5/5
      The Arrow is a thoroughly enjoyable, highlander, Scottish historical romance. Featuring my favorite type of heroine (a strong-willed, spitfire) and hero (an alpha male); this novel delivers both on the frontlines of love and the battlefield. There were even some cleverly interwoven plot twists, that were slowly revealed throughout the book, which kept me on my toes! This was my first experience with Ms. McCarty's writing, but it most certainly will not be my last! I have now found a new go to highlander romance author!Cait knows what it's like to feel defenseless. She watched as her mother was viciously raped and murdered unable to help her, the day her village was destroyed by evil, English soldiers. The only saving grace was that, as a result, she met Gregor "Arrow" MacGregor, a laird in his own right and one of the most skilled archers in Robert the Bruce's army. Gregor, not only saved her that day, but also assumed the responsibility of her guardianship. Cait's love for Gregor continues to blossom as she grows up in his household. There she grows-up and is offered the opportunity to train in combat, a privilege usually reserved for men. Cait becomes so adept at it, that many years later, as Gregor is returning from a mission, he is shocked to find that the "lad" who is skillfully beating up on another is none other than his willful ward, Cait. Even more demonstrative of her big heart, and further evidence of her mischievousness as far as he's concerned, Cait has taken in three children, who she believed had been abandoned, on the thinly veiled pretense of them being Gregor's "natural" children. Soon Gregor who, at Robert the Bruce's orders, is supposed to be resting and recuperating before his next mission, after having his identity possibly compromised, is getting anything but R&R. Instead, he finds himself constantly being tormented with "inappropriate", lascivious thoughts of Cait. But Cait is determined to prove that she is now a woman, and that her intense love for Gregor, is not a mere infatuation. Notwithstanding the undeniable fact that Cait is now a beautiful, full grown woman, there are a number of forces conspiring against their HEA. From the throngs of women who are constantly throwing themselves at Gregor, who has been professed to be the most handsomest man in all of Scotland, and trying to "trap" him into marriage, to the danger posed by secrets that both Gregor and Cait are hiding from one another, this love match will have to overcome a number of hurdles and threats, some of which will definitely take you by surprise! I can't say enough good things about this romance! The sexual tension, romance and passion was well done, as was the character development of the hero and heroine, who both had to overcome substantial emotional impediments. Moreover, the action and attention to historical detail were also well implemented, further rounding out this five-star story! Additionally, one feature, that went above and beyond my typical read was Ms. McCarty's Author's Note. So often, as a historical romance reader you are left to wonder as to exactly how much of a story is based on historical facts. Ms. McCarty takes the guesswork, and related research, out of the equation by providing a very enlightening, detailed account of her own research into the events described in The Arrow. This was an unexpected, and a highly appreciated, bonus!All in all, I highly recommend The Arrow to lovers of highlander romances. Source: I received a review copy from Random House Ballantine in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      Historical RomanceFIVE StarsRelease Date: 08/26/14ABOUT THE BOOK:As King Robert the Bruce of Scotland plots to retake his English occupied castles, he needs the stealth and skill of his elite soldiers, the Highland Guard. Fearless and indomitable, no men are more loyal to their king, or cherished by the women they love. The talents of legendary marksman Gregor “Arrow” MacGregor are crucial now, as Bruce moves to reclaim his Scottish holdings. Gregor is considered the most handsome man in Scotland, and his fame as an archer is rivaled only by his reputation with the lasses as a heartbreaker. But when his infamous face is exposed during a covert mission, Gregor is forced to lay low. He returns home only to find a new battle waiting: a daring game of seduction involving his now very grown up and very desirable ward, Cate of Lochmaben. A born fighter, Cate was clinging to life when Gregor rescued her after a vicious English raid on her village left her mother dead. But five years later, the once scrappy orphan Gregor took under his protection has become a woman. Brave, strong, and skilled in warfare, Cate is determined to lay claim to the warrior who refuses to be trapped. The heat in his eyes tells her she has his attention . . . and his desire. But will Gregor allow his heart to surrender before danger finds them, and the truth of Cate’s identity is revealed.MY REVIEW:Holy crow, I tell you, once I read this book, I gobbled up the rest of her McCarty’s series with The Highland Guard. This book was so good, I’m at a loss for words on how well I could describe it.You have this group of secret warriors working for Scotland’s true king, and all of their identities are…well, secret. So enter in fate, and a small village who wants to help the injured, fast forward a few weeks after an attack, and enter Gregor and Cate and their final meeting.Well, the fact that she’s hidden her true age from him should be no surprise, I mean, after all she is a small little thing. But then throw in the fact that she wants to actually fight, and she’s good with it, and Gregor finds everything out?Fireworks! *sings*This book was great. At the time, it was the first in a series (this being book 9) I had read, so I didn’t realize just how funny it was that he was known as the pretty Highland Guard member, until I reread the series. Now, it’s hilarious.This book was packed full of everything that makes a great romance novel: suspense, drama, humor, romance, and lots of sexual tension. Sign me up again and again. This is a keeper!
    • 5/5
      A sexy scottish romance...YES PLEASE!I don't need to re-hash the summary (you already have that), just to confirm you will love this book. It as all I wanted & more. Read it, NOW! You won't be disappointed.I received this book in exchange for an honest review for Netgalley.
    • 5/5
      4.5 StarsA sexy Scottish historical romance! This series just keeps getting better and better. The author has researched the time period well and the female MC is vibrant, smart, and strong, especially considering her past. Cate is my favorite leading lass in this series. I love that she's a tomboy and a trained fighter. Robert the Bruce is more active as a character in this book and the members of the Highland Guard are still entertaining and hot. Recommended for readers of historical romances.Net Galley Feedback