A Hardened Warrior
Hildie McQueen
Scottish Historical
Tristan Ross had a long recovery from devastating injuries. Through it all, visions of a beautiful woman trailed him. When he finally sees her again, it’s under the worst of circumstances.
In Merida McLeod’s opinion, the only thing worse than being at war with Clan Ross is the possibility of marrying one of them. Although attracted to Tristan Ross, marriage to him means a future away from her family and everything she’s ever known.
Uncaged Review: This second book is Tristan Ross’s story. Tristan wakes up severely injured and near death in a humble cottage. When Tristan hears a woman’s voice telling him to drink, he wonders who the mysterious lady is, who cares for him so tenderly. The person turns out to be Merida MacLeod, and she realizes that she must return Tristan to his clan. So, despite the danger, Merida risks everything to returning Tristan. When Tristan is called to, Mackenzie keep to negotiating peace with Clan McLeod. Laird Mackenzie suggested to further peace between Ross and McLeod that Tristan and Merida get married. Both Tristan and Merida are hesitant and attempt to avoid marriage. As Tristan and Merida get to know each other, a grudging respect and a deep affection for one another forms. When Tristan must protect Merida against not only his own family but his own clan, will their love save them anyway?
Ms. Hildie McQueen has done it again, writing another enticing historical Highlander enemy to a lover romance that is simply unputdownable! What makes it enjoyable is it isn’t necessary to read the first in the series either, since this book can stand alone, but you might want to read it to understand the family dynamics and everything that is going on. Plus, there are some confusing things that are explained in the other story and make much better sense in this book. Also, Ethan, the man that started the whole feud between the two clans, is alive in this story and causing more trouble when, at the end of the first book, something does happen to him, so of course, the timeline does seem a bit mixed up. There are many side plot romances going on, but this doesn’t disrupt the ongoing flow of the story or take away from the main characters. Tristan the hardened warrior is at first difficult to like, but you eventually warm up to him. While Merida, the feisty, beauteous healer, is just a joy to read. Do I look forward to the next book? Well, of course, I do!
Reviewed by Roslynn Ernst
4 Stars
