The Arrow: A Highland Guard Novel (The Highland Guard Book 9)

Squee!! This is my FIRST ARC book! I was over the moon to receive an advanced copy of this book to review! I ADORE Monica McCarty’s series. In fact, I recently re-read ALL of the Highland Guard books in anticipation of this book coming out at the end of August. Was I ever thrilled to be gifted a copy. I have now read it three times and let it digest before I wrote a review. I have been anticipating Gregor’s story since The Chief. What would Monica do with the most handsome man in Scotland? Well, a lot. It’s a great story, full of history and steamy scenes. She is getting to the end of this series (hopefully there are at least two more) and she has made sure to include updates on our favourite heroes since the first book was published. I enjoyed getting to know Cate and Gregor. They are complex characters who have a lot of baggage. Cate is not only traumatized by the razing of her village, but she hides a secret from Gregor about her parentage (spoiler – not hard to guess if you have been following the books). Gregor is tired of being wanted only for his beauty and the years of war and subterfuge have left him in rough shape. Dealing with Cate is a distraction he doesn’t want or need. However a furlough home allows her time to throw herself at him. I enjoyed how she harbours a deep love for Gregor and believes enough in it to take liberties with his patience and forbearing. I thought it was a cute introduction how she informs Gregor that he has children, although we quickly learn she has adopted way ward children in an attempt to build a family of her own. Things between the two progress from avoidance and annoyance to passion and trysts. Gregor comes to realize that he wants her and they get. it. on. The sex scenes are well written as usual. I love how he likes to talk dirty, regardless that she’s a virgin and it’s hot. He has a preference for cupboards and dark rooms that is quite naughty. If only every virgin had such a virile and handsome man deflowering them! But alas, the happy couple are torn apart by misunderstandings and Gregor’s insecurities. It was really hard to read about him turning to another woman. Don’t fret – he doesn’t go all the way, but enough that if you like your hero’s above reproach then this is disappointing. I am impressed that the author actually showed this flaw in the hero. This is the first book where there was a suggestion and almost infidelity. Of course it is witnessed by the heroine and it sets the stage for the final third of the book. Since Gregor was a bad man, he must suffer. And suffer he does. McCarty makes him the most repentant man in Scotland (and maybe England too). I loved that his fellow Guardsman were witness to this and made it more amusing and heart wrenching. The love of a good woman must be honest and won and Gregor certainly learns this by the end of the book. It made me fall a little harder for him, hearing how broke up and battered he was waiting for Cate. I liked the cave man mentality when he took any man to task for looking or breathing in her direction. The author uses this plot point for some well needed humour and more interaction with the awesome Guardsmen. I love it when a historical romance hero is brought to his knees. To read about the most handsome man in Scotland begging and lost without his woman was an awesome tale. I know this book will be high on my re-read list and I CAN’T wait for the next in the series. Reviewed for Kiltsandswords. Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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.

I’ve never read a historical romance series quite like the Highland Guard. These are not your average highland love stories. Of course, author Monica McCarty always delivers a strong, sexy alpha male, but that package includes realistically flawed yet fierce heroines, excellent writing and tons of (accurate) history that is fully integrated in every aspect of the storytelling. This includes a detailed Author’s Note at the end highlighting which historical people, places and events helped inspire or were included in the story. This series tells of Robert the Bruce’s bid for the Scottish throne and war against England for Scotland’s independence. Despite being #9 this book can easily be read stand alone, and I encourage readers who are really interested in this book without reading the others to go for it! The story is truly Gregor and Cate’s, but any pertinent information about past events and characters is easily added in the narrative without bogging it down. I read these books for the romance (which is always wonderful) as well as the overarching story of the war and to catch up with other members of the Highland Guard. I’ve been following this series since the release of the #6, The Recruit, and honestly it keeps getting better and better. I have to admit I’ve read all McCarty’s books, and while her first trilogy is high quality her improvement over time is noticeable. There will be three more books in this series. I am excited for them, but I’m also anxious to see what this talented author will choose to write next. Enough of that, on to the actual review… Readers have long-awaited the story of Gregor McGregor, the best archer in Scotland...who is also known as the most handsome man in Scotland. Or maybe we all just wanted to know what woman could possibly snare a man who can have anyone he wants. Both Gregor and Cate weren’t what I expected but I found myself loving them. Their internal motivations were fully fleshed out. Sometimes that inner monologue was a little long for my taste but it helped me understand Gregor especially, which I think was important because even as a reader it’s easy to overlook his depth in the face of all that sexiness. Cate is actually Gregor’s ward. She was 15 when her village was decimated by the English and Gregor was one of four Highland Guard members who responded in the aftermath. After fishing Cate out of a well she latches onto him. Gregor ends up bringing her home to his mother where Cate causes all sorts of problems over the years, from learning to fight like a boy to, more recently, catching Gregor’s romantic attention. So when Gregor has some time off he does what any good guardian would do and goes home to find her a husband. Cate isn’t averse to getting married...as long as that man is Gregor. She’s adored him since the moment she laid eyes on him. There are some parallels between Cate and the women who usually chase Gregor (this causes problems later on), but one of my favorite parts to this story was how clearly Cate saw him. There is definitely some hero-worship going on but she is also the only woman beside Gregor’s mother who he’s ever allowed to know him. The attraction on his end didn’t seem very genuine at the beginning but by the middle it was palpable from both sides. I basically devoured this book up until the last quarter. That’s where the angst begins. I knew the strife (the real strife anyway) in Gregor and Cate’s relationship would come sooner or later. Notwithstanding my other quibbles this was a five star read for me...until Gregor does something that made me want to chuck my Kindle at the wall. I just couldn’t get over it and it honestly knocks a whole star off my rating. Then there is another conflict concerning Cate’s true identity that, though it was a nice twist to the story, I didn’t really care for. The Arrow and the Highland Guard series really turns highland historical romance on its head. I haven’t read or heard of any other books like it. Readers get the domineering, sexy males this subgenre is so famous for, but each heroine also stands out as well. I wasn’t dying for Gregor’s story as much as other readers (I honestly thought The Striker would be next) but Monica McCarty definitely delivers.

The books in this series just keep getting better and better. This book was a bit of a departure from the other books in the sense that there wasn't as much fighting/stalking/etc. It was pretty much centered on the relationship of Gregor and Cate, and Gregor dealing with his past and being outed as a member of the Phantoms (which happened in the last book, so not a spoiler). But don't worry there was plenty of action at the end. I found Cate to be a compelling and believable heroine and enjoyed her a lot. Gregor, of course, was the quintessential broken good guy in need of all that Cate has to offer but pushing it away at the same time. That being said, the story wasn't old or overdone. It had good balance and proved believable for me. The only downside for me was I figured out the "twist" in the story from the beginning so it wasn't as much a surprise for me. That meant the events of the end didn't have the impact on me I think the author intended. But that didn't make it any less enjoyable or fun to watch Gregor squirm :) Very much looking forward to the next book! Oh- and I REALLY love how much we saw of some of the other guard members, especially Chief, Saint, Hawk, Viper etc. The guys that helped us fall in love with the series!

What I love about Monica’s Book is that her characters were ‘real’ . Through out the series I getting in deep because for how real all characters and stories make me feel. Monica’s Heroes were not just a knight in charming armor or a Prince who do no wrongs, they were flesh and blood with some really bad annoying characteristic, which sometime it might be a bit annoying. But that’s what me so enamored with books. The story of Gregor & Cate is my favorite is because there we many layer that going on not just the love stories between them but with relation with Bruce that makes this book special. Be warned that there is a Gregor’s almost cheated scene which is quite thoroughly described (wouldn’t recommend for those who sensitive to these) as me this scene makes my heart break for Cate and that’s emotion hit me hard (couldn’t help crying with Cate too) Just love it! As always Monica’s book were very steamy .

Monica McCarty has done it again! She has the innate ability to take what her imagination conjures up and to put it down on paper so realistically you feel you're right there watching everything unfold before your eyes. Her stories grab you and draw you in so completely that when the end of the book comes, it's disappointing! 😕 Why? Because you want more, and more. The two main characters, Cate and Gregor are two of my favorite characters from all of her books, but then I tend to say that about everyone of her books I read. I always fall in love with her characters......😘. This story was different from most from this series in that there was not much action pertaining to the war against England. With that said, it did not detract from the storyline or the impact the story had on me. The twist and turns in this story are few, the concentration being on Cate and Gregor. I love Cate's spunk and determination, her courage and her passion for Gregor. Gregor is strong tall and perfect, so perfect he has women dropping like flys at his feet.....flirting with him, cornering him and trying to trap "the most handsome man in Scotland." Needless to say, he's unconvinced when Cate tells him she's in love with him. She sets out to prove her love and the fun begins, with jealous women, misunderstandings, and all types of chaos! 😳. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have....happy reading! Cheers! 🍻

Enjoyed this book. I am giving it 4 stars because I am kind of upset with he lack of backbone the heroine had. I was hoping Arrow would have to chase the girl not the girl chase him. Throughout the series, I have read about Arrow being the most handsome man in Scotland. But I was disappointed with the heroine practically throwing herself at him. I was hoping she would be different from the other girls who threw themselves at him. But in the end I was happy she finally made him work for their relationship. It took a while to get to that point though. I like that the heroine could fight like a warrior and was a tomboy. That was really cool. I just wish she was a bit stronger in the mind. It was really nice to read about all these historical places that I had already visited. Mccarty series has really pleased me. Reminds me a bit of Garwood.

I don't know if it's just me, but I can't chase after a man after being turned down time and again. I loved Cate, she was such a strong character in every way, especially physically. She is bada**. I guess the only issue I had was that it was mostly her doing the chasing in this book. Other than that, I LOVED it! There was just the right amount of angst to keep the story interesting. I have to admit that there was a part in the book that made me feel disappointed in the hero. You'll know which part I'm talking about once you read it. Don't worry though, he definitely makes it up to her in the end. I think this is my favorite book in the series, so far. I just love me some sexy, possessive heroes. Even when they're too thickheaded to know how they really feel. I would recommend this book to anyone who wouldn't mind calling in sick to work so that you can finish it, because believe me, once you get started it's almost impossible to finish . Sorry for my bad grammar, English is not my first language. I just loved this book so much that I felt impelled to write a review!

Ich habe bisher alles gelesen von Monica Mccarty und ich muss sagen, dies ist eines meiner Liebsten. Soviel Drama gabs bisher selten. Ich war richtig mitgenommen und entsetzt über den Fortgang der Geschichte. Emotionen machen für mich ein gutes Buch aus, wenn ich wütend und traurig werde, und mitlache, dann ist es ein gutes Buch. Dieses zeigt das Menschen nicht nur eine Seite haben, sondern Fehler machen und das Leben trotzdem weiter geht. Tolles Buch.

What a great series this is. Can't wait to finish each book then eagerly look forward to the next one.

I loved the book. Just the kind of book I like to read. Write or find more for me like this one.

L'introduction est beaucoup trop longue. Le livre est émaillé de scènes d'amour très détaillées, c'est lassant. Toute l'histoire jusqu'à la moitié du livre consiste presque en un huis-clos entre les deux amoureux : je t'aime mais toi tu ne m'aime pas, puis je ne t'aime plus mais toi tu m'aimes ... la fin pourrait être intéressante mais semble précipitée. Je recommande ce livre aux grandes romantiques qui aiment les histoires d'amour compliquées, mais si vous préférez les aventures avec des coups de théâtre et des rebondissements vous allez vous ennuyer... Lisez plutôt «Hawk»ou «the chief» ou «the viper» nettement plus étoffés et remuants.

OMG can she get any better LOVE LOVE LOVE these books really can't wait for the next one. I think I may even start reading them again. Such quality Monica is a marvelous writer so exciting. Shes just too good that you want to finish it too quickly because you can,t put it down. Carry on the excellent books Mrs Mc Carty. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series of books their awesome