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bookwife's review against another edition
2.0
I have not had the best luck with this series. I felt like the characters were idiots... And I don't mean their intelligence. So much drama could have been avoided. Once the two finally got over themselves and admired that they loved each other the book was good. Unfortunately that didn't happen until the end. They just kept assuming the worst in each other. It was a crazy cycle. Actually I think most of the fault was with Bella in that regard. But eh.
This book was extremely long.. at least it felt like it to me. I listened to the audio book and it just took so freaking long. I just wanted it to end.
This book was extremely long.. at least it felt like it to me. I listened to the audio book and it just took so freaking long. I just wanted it to end.
dragon_lion64's review against another edition
3.0
I don’t think I wanted to strangle a leading female character so much in all my reading experience….which is saying a lot for how much I read.
It wasn’t that I didn’t like Bella MacDuff…I did like her…my heart poured out to her for all of her suffering, first, at the hands of her husband and then at the hands of the English. I liked that she stood by her principals and that she crowned Robert Bruce even though she knew she could get in trouble for it, although, I don’t think she realized how far King Edward I would go when she did it. It was the trouble she caused everyone by attempting to see her daughter when her daughter seemed perfectly happy without her. Here is a woman who has just escaped from horrible conditions in an English prison who recklessly endangers, not only herself but the men who helped her escape and her daughter by trying to see her daughter in a public place with English soldiers everywhere. Then later, she forces Lachlan to go into English territory again to see her daughter when she knows if he is captured, he’ll be tortured and killed. It was ridiculous.
Bella Macduff risked everything to leave her despicable abusive husband to crown Robert the Bruce as King of Scotland. For centuries, it had been the MacDuff’s who had the tradition and rights to crown or enthrone a king. Without a MacDuff, his kinghood could be questioned…..not that it wasn’t already by many clans and the English king. She intended to escape with her daughter but when her husband, John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, got wind of it and was on his way back to their home, Bruce had his men extract Bella but were unable to get her daughter out before her husband reached the castle. She had to leave her behind.
Lachlan MacRuairi was ordered by Robert Bruce to escort Bella MacDuff to his coronation. Lachlan is known as viper by the elite squad of warriors who fight secretly for Robert Bruce. They are the best warriors in the land, each with his own specialty. In previous books, Lachlan was referred to as untrustworthy and only out for himself, working for the only but I knew he was being judged unfairly when he saved Tor Macleod’s life on the side of the mountain. He downplayed it and acted like it was no big deal but I knew he was a good guy underneath it all.
MacRuairi was the chief of his clan but was betrayed by his first wife, John MacDougall’s sister, long ago resulting in Lachlan being ambushed which killed forty of his clansmen but she did it in a way in which it looked like he was at fault so he lost his clan. Since then, he has not trusted anyone. He’s mean and keeps everyone at a distance. All he wants is to pay his debts and when his service is finished with Bruce, go live on his own island by himself.
When he meets Bella MacDuff, he is immediately attracted to her but he never wants to be betrayed by a beautiful woman again so he is abrupt and rude to her but he does his duty and delivers her to Bruce’s coronation.
After Robert Bruce is defeated once again, Lachlan is ordered to run with Bruce’s wife, Bella and a few others. Unfortunately, they were captured. Bella was imprisoned and put into a cage and hung from Berwick Castle in a cage. She suffered greatly in the wind, rain and cold.
I thought it was impressive how the crowd stood behind her by not jeering and then someone threw a single pink rose at her feet and how the pink rose became a symbol for rebellion to show how the people thought her punishment too severe and harsh.
Lachlan MacRuairi never forgot about Bella though, he tried to rescue her once but failed. It’s been years and she has been moved to an indoor cell. Sources say that she is about to be moved to a nunnery so Lachlan finally convinces Robert Bruce to let him rescue her.
Bella is being forced to take the veil in a convent. Her captives have used her love for her daughter against her for years, promising that if she was good that they would allow her to visit but it has never happened. Now, they are threatening to hurt her daughter unless she becomes a nun. Her cousin agrees to go in Bella’s place, posing as Bella, since she has always wanted to become a nun.
Bella and Lachlan had a lot to overcome. Both were tortured souls.
I think this was my favorite book in the series so far.
I like how the author puts notes about the actual historical events at the end of each book. Bella being hung from Berwick Castle really happened. The cruelty of kings and nobility back then never ceases to horrify and disgust me.
This story has gotten under my skin and I can’t stop reading it.
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brittanyt's review against another edition
4.0
https://everyoneneedsbibliotherapy.wordpress.com/2019/01/24/the-viper-by-monica-mccarty/
escape_through_the_pages's review against another edition
5.0
** SPOILER ALART **
This was my first book by McCarty. i just bought it because it was cheep and it was about highlanders (i always had a thing when it comes about romances between highlanders or scotts vs. england. the first book was Ransom by Julie Garwood and it totally hooked me up; i still consider this book as one of my favourite)
When i started to read this book i was kind of confused, because it has time jumps and i was so confused, but then i just couldn't get the book down it was so good.
i love how Lachlan is so tough and scary on the outside and that he wants to be that bad guy that everybody hates and he convinces everyone that he is in this guard just because of the money, but the truth he is just a lone soul that wants to be loved, but is afraid of it because of his past.
and when he meets Bella, she just throws his guard down. she shows him everything that he was missing.
The best part was (for me), almost at the end, when he thought she betrayed him but then quickly realises that its not true, and when she thinks that he will never forgive her, but then she to realises that he was only acting. i love the feeling when i get when i read this kind of scenes.
When you read the book its like you are there no one exist only you and the characters it is that good.
The thing about this series is that some of the facts are true. its amazing how the writer included all of it in the books, and the best part is that its all connected.
As i said before this was my first book then it was The Chief and then it was The Ranger, and its so cool, because i got to know Lachlan (and all of the main characters) better by reading the next book.
i think that Monica McCarty is one of the best historical romance writer, and i don't think that i will be disappointed with the next book that i read.
This was my first book by McCarty. i just bought it because it was cheep and it was about highlanders (i always had a thing when it comes about romances between highlanders or scotts vs. england. the first book was Ransom by Julie Garwood and it totally hooked me up; i still consider this book as one of my favourite)
When i started to read this book i was kind of confused, because it has time jumps and i was so confused, but then i just couldn't get the book down it was so good.
i love how Lachlan is so tough and scary on the outside and that he wants to be that bad guy that everybody hates and he convinces everyone that he is in this guard just because of the money, but the truth he is just a lone soul that wants to be loved, but is afraid of it because of his past.
and when he meets Bella, she just throws his guard down. she shows him everything that he was missing.
The best part was (for me), almost at the end, when he thought she betrayed him but then quickly realises that its not true, and when she thinks that he will never forgive her, but then she to realises that he was only acting. i love the feeling when i get when i read this kind of scenes.
When you read the book its like you are there no one exist only you and the characters it is that good.
The thing about this series is that some of the facts are true. its amazing how the writer included all of it in the books, and the best part is that its all connected.
As i said before this was my first book then it was The Chief and then it was The Ranger, and its so cool, because i got to know Lachlan (and all of the main characters) better by reading the next book.
i think that Monica McCarty is one of the best historical romance writer, and i don't think that i will be disappointed with the next book that i read.
moodreader04's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
4.25
The fourth book in the Highland Guard series brought us an engaging and unforgettable love story.
Lachan was definitely the character that had a heavier and deeper background. It was clear that all that muddy, brutish behaviour was just a facade.
Bella was one of the best protagonists of the series. Unlike the previous ones (which I also love) she already had more life experience. Her love for her daughter moved the narrative and, although I have sometimes found certain attitudes naive and rash, I understand that a mother would do anything for her daughter.
Their love was something curious to see. Both are very stubborn, with moments of anger and also cute moments. One of the best so far.
The story also developed better and the protagonist was more involved in the political issue of the story. Of course, the epilogue was just perfect.
Looking forward to The Saint and all to come.
Lachan was definitely the character that had a heavier and deeper background. It was clear that all that muddy, brutish behaviour was just a facade.
Bella was one of the best protagonists of the series. Unlike the previous ones (which I also love) she already had more life experience. Her love for her daughter moved the narrative and, although I have sometimes found certain attitudes naive and rash, I understand that a mother would do anything for her daughter.
Their love was something curious to see. Both are very stubborn, with moments of anger and also cute moments. One of the best so far.
The story also developed better and the protagonist was more involved in the political issue of the story. Of course, the epilogue was just perfect.
Looking forward to The Saint and all to come.
samnicholls12's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent continuation to a fabulous series!
It would appear that Monica McCarty isn't capable of writing a bad book. The characters were beautifully written, the heroine was strong and the hero was complicated but still immensely likeable. I cannot stress enough how much I love the thread of real history running through these books. It just makes them more awesome.
It would appear that Monica McCarty isn't capable of writing a bad book. The characters were beautifully written, the heroine was strong and the hero was complicated but still immensely likeable. I cannot stress enough how much I love the thread of real history running through these books. It just makes them more awesome.
lapon's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
witandsin's review against another edition
4.0
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4 out of 5
Original Review Link
Lachlan MacRuairi is a sword for hire, loyal only to those who can pay him. The latest bargain he has made is with Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s new king. Because of Lachlan’s talent for stealth and his warrior prowess, he is now part of an elite special forces unit for Bruce. But few members of the Highland Guard like Lachlan, and fewer still trust him, the man known as “Viper.” Lachlan doesn’t care what the others think of him. No one matters to him; not anymore. Then he’s sent to protect and escort Bella MacDuff to Bruce’s coronation…and everything changes.
It’s tradition for a MacDuff to crown Scotland’s king, and Bella risks everything by defying her husband to crown Bruce. She doesn’t know if she can trust Lachlan, but she can’t deny her attraction to the dark warrior.
Then everything goes wrong, and Bella is taken captive by the king’s enemies. Imprisoned and cut off from her daughter, Bella’s only hope to be rescued and reunited with her is Lachlan MacRuairi, the man she believes betrayed her.
Author Monica McCarty is a master of blending fact and fiction, and that talent is showcased in THE VIPER. Lachlan and Bella’s story is a spectacularly entertaining romance, and the intrigue and danger that stem from the battle for Robert the Bruce’s kingship make THE VIPER come alive.
I love that Lachlan MacRuairi and Bella MacDuff are based on their real life counterparts. THE VIPER’s Lachlan and Bella are characters you have to love. Bella risks everything for what she believes in, and the cost is enormously painful. She can be a bit short-sighted at times, but her flaws ultimately add to her character. As for Lachlan…for the majority of the book, he is a hero worth drooling over. I love watching the rough “bad boy” of the Highland Guard struggle with his feelings for Bella. The contrast between his stone-like outer shell and the red-hot emotions inside is hot as hell.
There is a wealth of passion in THE VIPER, making it an emotionally fulfilling read. I got caught up not only in Bella and Lachlan’s romance, but in the war for Scotland’s sovereignty. I haven’t yet read the first three HIGHLAND GUARD books – THE CHIEF, THE HAWK and THE RANGER – but I cannot wait to do so. Bring on more of Ms. McCarty’s sexy-as-sin warriors!
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
Original Review Link
Lachlan MacRuairi is a sword for hire, loyal only to those who can pay him. The latest bargain he has made is with Robert the Bruce, Scotland’s new king. Because of Lachlan’s talent for stealth and his warrior prowess, he is now part of an elite special forces unit for Bruce. But few members of the Highland Guard like Lachlan, and fewer still trust him, the man known as “Viper.” Lachlan doesn’t care what the others think of him. No one matters to him; not anymore. Then he’s sent to protect and escort Bella MacDuff to Bruce’s coronation…and everything changes.
It’s tradition for a MacDuff to crown Scotland’s king, and Bella risks everything by defying her husband to crown Bruce. She doesn’t know if she can trust Lachlan, but she can’t deny her attraction to the dark warrior.
Then everything goes wrong, and Bella is taken captive by the king’s enemies. Imprisoned and cut off from her daughter, Bella’s only hope to be rescued and reunited with her is Lachlan MacRuairi, the man she believes betrayed her.
Author Monica McCarty is a master of blending fact and fiction, and that talent is showcased in THE VIPER. Lachlan and Bella’s story is a spectacularly entertaining romance, and the intrigue and danger that stem from the battle for Robert the Bruce’s kingship make THE VIPER come alive.
I love that Lachlan MacRuairi and Bella MacDuff are based on their real life counterparts. THE VIPER’s Lachlan and Bella are characters you have to love. Bella risks everything for what she believes in, and the cost is enormously painful. She can be a bit short-sighted at times, but her flaws ultimately add to her character. As for Lachlan…for the majority of the book, he is a hero worth drooling over. I love watching the rough “bad boy” of the Highland Guard struggle with his feelings for Bella. The contrast between his stone-like outer shell and the red-hot emotions inside is hot as hell.
There is a wealth of passion in THE VIPER, making it an emotionally fulfilling read. I got caught up not only in Bella and Lachlan’s romance, but in the war for Scotland’s sovereignty. I haven’t yet read the first three HIGHLAND GUARD books – THE CHIEF, THE HAWK and THE RANGER – but I cannot wait to do so. Bring on more of Ms. McCarty’s sexy-as-sin warriors!
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
mariek12's review against another edition
3.5
This might be my fault for reading the series back to back but her go to tropes have worn quite thin. The FMC is always TINY and the MMC is HUGE with big muscles. Also FMCs sexual participation is often described as innocent/ untutored blah blah. I appreciated the history of the FMC being kept in a cage on a tower, it felt like she was a greater participant in the rebellion than previous women in the series. The MMC says terrible things to lash out and push her away which she rolls with but I wouldn’t be so forgiving of.