Highlander Unchained: A Novel (Macleods of Skye Book 3)

This is the third in the MacLeod Trilogy (Highlander Untamed, Highlander Unmasked and now Highlander Unchained) and it is by far the best. I reviewed Highlander Untamed and gave it only 3 stars as it (and Highlander Unmasked) dragged with too much repetitive narrative and some issues with the characters and story. However, I persisted in reading the rest (because I'd bought all three) and was rewarded with this one. (I have since read McCarty's second series, the Campbell Trilogy and found all three of those quite good so she's apparently overcome the problems with the first two in the MacLeod Trilogy). This story takes place in early 17th century Scotland. The featured MacLeod is the blue-eyed, golden haired sister, Flora--the bonniest heiress in Scotland--the "prize" desired by many suitors for the wealth and lands she'll bring to a marriage. Her mother, married four times to men not of her choosing, wanted Flora to marry for love, but headstrong Flora's main desire is to make her own choice, love notwithstanding. So, rather than be forced into an unwanted marriage, she chooses to marry a friend and a Lowlander, Lord Murray, who has his own wealth--and they decide to secretly elope. On the way, their carriage is set upon by Highlander brigands, or at least she thinks so. Actually, her handsome and dominating captor is Lachlan Maclean, the Maclean of Coll whose castle has been taken by her relative and whose clan is impoverished. He takes her to a lesser keep of his where his plan is to woo and marry her. But there is a curse on the MacLean clan imposed by one of Flora's female ancestors who was left to die on a rock by the husband she loved. No Maclean can prosper without a Campbell by his side and a MacLean's life must be given in love for a Campbell to lift the curse. Lachlan's ancestor had been the man who'd left the Campbell woman to die on the rock. And, Flora's mother was a Campbell. So the story begins... This one worked well and McCarty does a good job of character development, believable story, interesting dialog and great sexual tension and suspense. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that the action is slightly slower than those I rate as 5 stars and I'm not sure I'll read it again. But that doesn't mean I didn't find it throughly enjoyable and great Highlander fodder. And, I recommend it.

Flora MacLeod is past the age where many of her peers have married. But one of the reasons for that is that she wants to avoid the fate of her mother. Her mother had multiple husbands, all of whom were not chosen for her and kept her from the things she really enjoyed doing. So Flora has set out to marry Lord Murray who she can wrap around her finger. He is rather a simpering fop, but a friend. On the night they sneak away to elope, they are set upon by bandits and Flora is kidnapped.Lachland MacLean is desperate. His brother has been held by the king, and it appears the only way he can get him out is to marry the Hollyrood Hellion aka Flora, but he must make it her choice to marry. Add to this one of Flora's step-brothers and Lachland's enemy have taken control of his castle, forcing him and many of his followers to be living elsewhere and he is really not having a good time. After he kidnaps Flora, he is surprised how attracted to her he is.When Flora fits right in with his clan, it is interesting to figure out who is more surprised. But when she finds out the truth, will it costs them both the happiness they want and deserve?Wow! Lachlan is one man I would not kick out of my bed; at least if he looks and acts like Ms. McCarty describes him. I was sucked into this third chapter in the MacLeod's of Sky trilogy just as quickly as I was on the first. You know how sometimes by the third book an author appears to be tired of the characters and it is not as gripping as the first book? Well Highlander Unchained is not one of these stories. Ms. McCarty did a wonderful job in describing the hardships, as well as some of the historical details of the times, and built a strong story, plot and characters. I can hardly wait for her next story to come out. In the meantime, I Joyfully Recommend Highlander Unchained.Tanyareviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

I deducted a star because I thought Flora made some ridiculous decisions and the “I won’t marry you” story line went on for too long. Her pranks at the beginning were very childish as well but she redeemed herself when she took his sisters under her wing.I really liked H and the overall storyline. It was very face paced, a bit repetitive in parts but definitely kept me hooked. I liked the romance between the two as well. It seemed real and wasn’t rushed. The love scenes weren’t over done but were still steamy and happened often enough. I really liked the epilogue. So many books I’ve ready lately skip the epilogue so I appreciated that she included it. I also liked Rory making an appearance but wish Isabel would have made an appearance, she could have helped smooth things over.I loved the first book and this one, I skipped the second one because the plot just didn’t do it for me. Definitely recommend this one!Steam level 4/5

Always a re-read when I want an uplifting story.I read so many genres, but go back to my first romance genre - historical, and McCarty knows how to write them.I enjoyed the 1st two in the series, but this one is the best out of the three…Enjoy!

Wonderful holiday loved it such a wonderful writer deep and endearing characters. All her books are different and exciting. She has such imagination and she is so exciting to read .

Unchained indeed! Passionate and captivating finale to a memorable trilogy. Getting lost in the love story of these Highlanders and the strong women who love them, is awe inspiring. This author weaves shear magic with her pen. Stunning!

From the back cover: "Lachlan Maclean will do whatever it takes to protect his clan - even if it means abducting the most willful woman in the Highlans with the secret intention of wooing her for marriage. A searingly sensual born leader possessing brut strenght and an imposing command, Lachlan is unprepared for the beautiful spitfire Flora MacLeod, who jeopardizes his plans to save his clan and digs beneath his hard, chiseled exterior to expose a tenderness that may be his undoing.The greatest marriage prize in the Highlands, Flora is determined at all costs to avoid her mother's fate of being bartered away as a political pawn. Vowing to make her captor pay for his ruthlessness, she boldly engages him in a battle of wills, sweetening the challenge with dangerous passion - even as the lingering curse and deadly ghosts of the past tragedy reach out to thwart a tender love that has yet to be spoken."It was my first book that I read from this author and I just ordered few others, I like her style, you can't put it down. Very well done, the feelings between the two main heros, Lachlan Maclean and Flora MacLeod are great and gradually described, tension, sensuality, tenderness. Only the end was a bit rushed, but that didn't bother so. If you like the highlanders, try this one, I really enjoy it, thank you Monica McCarthy and thank you Amazon wherever you are, for having these books !

Excellent McCarty book.

L'histoire est super, bien amenée avec quelques coups de théâtre. Un peu longuet vers le milieu avec des scènes d'amour décrites dans le détail et qui s'eternisent.Comme souvent vers la fin tout se précipite.Mais l'histoire est passionnante, les héros attachants, le toutbasé sur des faits réels.