#BookReview The Highlander's Viking Bride by Cathy and DD MacRae #historicalromance

About the Book:

Calder MacGerry, laird of an impoverished clan, has resolved to end the bitter feud between the MacGerry and Sinclairs. He jumps at Laird Sinclair’s offer of marriage to his only daughter, Katja, to seal the agreement between their clans—only to get more than he bargained for. Katja’s chance to escape her father’s harsh treatment appears to be too good to be true. But becoming Lady of a clan that despises her because she’s a Sinclair, doesn’t make life any easier. When the attacks turn deadly, she fights her way out, making a dangerous passage to the Shetland Isles for refuge with her Viking family. Calder and Katja’s marriage, built on mistrust, rushes quickly into disaster. As Calder seeks to repair the damage, Katja discovers not another enemy, but a husband who pledges a new beginning.

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BOOK REVIEW

Let me start me start by saying how much I enjoyed this story. I really can't remember the last time I read a medieval/scottish/viking historical that managed to transport me to another time and keep me rooted in that time frame without modern(ism) jarring me out of the period. In terms of storytelling, I can find no fault with this one. The settings, descriptions and even the accents were exactly as I would imagine.

Calder acquires the title of laird of the MacGerry clan after his older brother and then father dies, fighting their enemy the Sinclair clan. As new laird his first responsibility is to ensure his poor clan members do not starve during the upcoming winter so he decides to ending the quarrel with the Sinclairs and call a truce. On meeting the Sinclair earl, he soon discovers the man will make no deal unless Calder agrees to marry his daughter Katja. Calder really has no choice but to agree especially since he finds Katja attractive.

The start of their marriage doesn't bode well since Katja is coerced into it. She's not happy with the way she has been treated by her mean father. And she worries her new husband might be the same.

Calder has his work cut out, especially with the mistakes and trying to appease his distrustful wife. Throw in the fact that other members of his clan are not happy that he married a Sinclair and has made her their new mistress and you can imagine the looming disaster.

Something bothered me and it's to do with the characterisation of Katja.

I understood Katja to a point. She had to live with a cruel father. But she is strong and brave, and we are reminded often that she has warrior viking blood in her. But sometimes, she had the emotional maturity of a four year old. And this really got on my nerves. She was quick to jump to conclusions where Calder was concerned and usually the wrong ones. I kept thinking 'have some faith, woman.' You'd think she never had any positive men in her life. But she had brothers who obviously cared about her.

Sigh. Don't get me wrong. Even with Katja annoying me, I still enjoyed this story. I guess, it shows how invested I was in this brilliant story and I just wanted everything to be perfect.

This is my first time of reading this author and you can be sure she has a new fan. I can't recommend this enough. If you enjoy Highland historicals then you can't miss this one. Grab your copy today.

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Disclaimer: I volunteered to review this book.

Meet the Author:

Cathy MacRae lives on the sunny side of the Arbuckle Mountains where she and her husband read, write, and tend the garden—with the help of the dogs, of course. You can visit with her on facebook, or read her blogs and learn about her books at www.cathymacraeauthor.com. Drop her a line—she loves to hear from readers! * * *

DD MacRae enjoys bringing history to life and considers research one of the best things about writing a story! With more than 35 years of martial arts training, DD also brings breath-taking action to the tales. You can connect with DD through www.cathymacraeauthor.com. It’s always exciting to hear from readers!

Connect: Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads - Cathy | Goodreads - DD

Giveaway:

• $20 Amazon Gift Card