The Chief

The Chief (Highland Guard #1) 

by Monica McCarty

An elite fighting force unlike the world has ever seen...

Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all.

The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland’s war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor’s bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart.

Although her husband’s reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina’s reckless bid to win her husband’s love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart—before it’s too late.

The Plot

I adored this book! It was full of adventure and angsty romance. There were several scenes that caused Tor and Christina to be separated for some length but the story still held my interest. It was like to stories woven together perfectly; the training Tor was doing and the relationship between Tor and Christina. They meshed perfectly and I felt like I had enough of both with each shift. I can not wait to read the next in the series!

The Heroine

Christina had a rough childhood with an abusive father and a sickly sister. She is forced to obey her father and trick Tor into marriage. Christina is a hopeless romantic and is convinced she can make the best of the marriage. She is the sweetest woman and does everything to help Tor and his clan, but Tor is reluctant to let her in his world. 

The Hero

Tor is a hardened Scottish Warrior. He saw his mother and father brutally killed and has closed himself off from any emotion so he can be the best warrior for his clan that depends on him.  Being forced into a marriage is not at all what he wanted, even if there was something felt between him and Christina, he didn't have time for the distraction. But when his hand is forced and he marries her and agrees to train a special elite group of warriors, he has a hard time keeping his hold on his suppressed emotions and his neutrality between England and Scotland.  

The Steam

I could so feel the passion between Tor and Christina! They had such chemistry in the bedroom which made me feel even worse for her outside the marriage bed. But the steam was there and it was so very hot!

Tropes

Historical Romance, Medieval Era, Scotland, Highland Warrior Hero, Alpha Hero, Damaged/Tortured Hero, Soldier/War Hero, Virgin Heroine, Unexpected Virgin, Married in Scandal, Marriage of Convenience/Arranged Marriage, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Sunshine/Grump, Three Flame, Five Star

HistoricalRomance, MedievalEra, Scotland, HighlandWarriorHero, AlphaHero, Damaged/TorturedHero, soldier/WarHero, VirginHeroine, UnexpectedVirgin, MarriedinScandal, MarriageofConvenience/ArrangedMarriage, Suspense/Danger/Murder, Sunshine/Grump, ThreeFlame, FiveStar