The Recruit by Monica McCarty
Highland Guard, Book 6
Ballantine Books
Historical, Suspense
ISBN: 978-0345528414
Reviewed by Miranda




A Scot forced to join England’s side of the fight, Mary of Mar is determined to live a quiet life after her husband is hanged for treason.  Years after her husband’s death she is finally happy; something she never expected to be after her son was ripped from her arms at six months.  However, things get complicated when Mary is asked to join a peace retreat to Scotland.  She is supposed to spy on her one time brethren for England but she finds more than she ever expected at the Highland Games.

Kenneth Sutherland wants to be in Robert the Bruce’s secret army more than anything.  He is determined to do anything to make the cut—and then she walks into his life.  Kenneth is caught off guard by the lovely Mary of Mar.  A beautiful distraction she is but that distraction cost him greatly and yet when he sees her months after their tryst he can no longer deny that Mary of Mar is his.

Mary is not eager to chain herself to another man much less one that lives to fight.  However, her choices may be denied her.  There is more to Kenneth’s appearance than meets the eye.  He will have to fight for Mary’s affection.  Will he be able to win Mary’s heart and get her safely to Scotland?

Monica McCarty’s The Recruit is my favorite Highland Guard novel! I love, love, love The Recruit!  Kenneth and Mary have an undeniable attraction.  The Recruit is pure Highland magic! I was blown away by the intensity of Kenneth and Mary.  I respect both of these characters; each have fought some extreme battles.  I really felt deeply for Mary and the life she’s been dealt.  She is such a strong woman and I love it when she stands up to Kenneth. Those scenes are filled with tons of heat and romance.  Kenneth and Mary face many obstacles on their road to a happy ending but the journey is so worth it.  I love these two and can’t get enough of them.  McCarty weaves a splendid combination of suspense and highland romance in The Recruit creating a novel that will make its way to everyone’s Keeper shelf!

*The Recruit can be read as a stand-alone.