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Border Trilogy I #1
Border Bride
Set in treacherous sixteenth-century Scotland, the first volume of Amanda Scott’s Border Trilogy tells the unforgettable story of a woman sworn to defy the knight she is forced to wed—only to discover a love she’ll do anything to claim
As Mary, Queen of Scots, languishes in the Tower of London as a prisoner of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth, war tears Scotland apart. To save her beloved homeland, a proud Highland beauty named Mary Kate MacPherson must wage her own battle when she’s forced into wedlock with a knight, Sir Adam Douglas, from the barbaric borderland of Tornary. Even as she succumbs to her seductive husband’s sensual demands, Mary Kate vows never to give him her heart. She will belong to no man. But Adam burns with something deeper than desire. Sworn to carry out a long-awaited revenge, he won’t rest until he has vanquished his enemies. Accused of treason, the last thing he expects is to lose his heart to the woman he’s determined to tame but never to his own wife.
As Mary, Queen of Scots, languishes in the Tower of London as a prisoner of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth, war tears Scotland apart. To save her beloved homeland, a proud Highland beauty named Mary Kate MacPherson must wage her own battle when she’s forced into wedlock with a knight, Sir Adam Douglas, from the barbaric borderland of Tornary. Even as she succumbs to her seductive husband’s sensual demands, Mary Kate vows never to give him her heart. She will belong to no man. But Adam burns with something deeper than desire. Sworn to carry out a long-awaited revenge, he won’t rest until he has vanquished his enemies. Accused of treason, the last thing he expects is to lose his heart to the woman he’s determined to tame but never to his own wife.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Amanda Scott
144 books379 followersAmanda Scott, USA Today Bestselling Author and winner of Romance Writers of America’s RITA/Golden Medallion (LORD ABBERLEY'S NEMESIS) and Romantic Times’ Awards for Best Regency Author and Best Sensual Regency (RAVENWOOD'S LADY), Lifetime Achievement (2007) and Best Scottish Historical (BORDER MOONLIGHT, 2008), began writing on a dare from her husband. She has sold every manuscript she has written.
Amanda is a fourth-generation Californian, who was born and raised in Salinas and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Mills College in Oakland. She did graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in British History, before obtaining her Master’s in History from California State University at San Jose. She now lives with her husband and son in northern California.
As a child, Amanda Scott was a model for O’Connor Moffatt in San Francisco (now Macy’s). She was also a Sputnik child, one of those selected after the satellite went up for one of California’s first programs for gifted children. She remained in that program through high school. After graduate school, she taught for the Salinas City School District for three years before marrying her husband, who was then a captain in the Air Force. They lived in Honolulu for a year, then in Papillion, Nebraska, for seven. Their son was born in Nebraska. They have lived in northern California since 1980.
Scott grew up in a family of lawyers, and is descended from a long line of them. Her father was a three-term District Attorney of Monterey County before his death in 1955 at age 36. Her grandfather was City Attorney of Salinas for 36 years after serving two terms as District Attorney, and two of her ancestors were State Supreme Court Justices (one in Missouri, the other the first Supreme Court Justice for the State of Arkansas). One brother, having carried on the Scott tradition in the Monterey County DA’s office, is now a judge. The other is an electrician in Knoxville, TN, and her sister is a teacher in the Sacramento area.
The women of Amanda Scott’s family have been no less successful than the men. Her mother was a child actress known as Baby Lowell, who performed all over the west coast and in Hollywood movies, and then was a dancer with the San Francisco Opera Ballet until her marriage. Her mother’s sister, Loretta Lowell, was also a child actress. She performed in the Our Gang comedies and in several Loretta Young movies before becoming one of the first women in the US Air Force. Scott's paternal grandmother was active in local and State politics and served as president of the California State PTA, and her maternal grandmother was a teacher (and stage mother) before working for Monterey County. The place of women in Scott’s family has always been a strong one. Though they married strong men, the women have, for generations, been well educated and encouraged to succeed at whatever they chose to do.
Amanda Scott’s first book was OMAHA CITY ARCHITECTURE, a coffee-table photo essay on the historical architecture of Omaha, written for Landmarks, Inc. under her married name as a Junior League project. Others took the photos; she did the research and wrote the text on an old Smith-Corona portable electric. She sold her first novel, THE FUGITIVE HEIRESS - likewise written on the battered Smith-Corona in 1980. Since then, she has sold many more books, but since the second one she has used a word processor and computer. Twenty-five of her novels are set in the English Regency period (1810-1820). Others are set in 15th-century England and 14th- through 18th-century Scotland, and three are contemporary romances. Many of her titles are currently available at bookstores and online.
Amanda is a fourth-generation Californian, who was born and raised in Salinas and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Mills College in Oakland. She did graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in British History, before obtaining her Master’s in History from California State University at San Jose. She now lives with her husband and son in northern California.
As a child, Amanda Scott was a model for O’Connor Moffatt in San Francisco (now Macy’s). She was also a Sputnik child, one of those selected after the satellite went up for one of California’s first programs for gifted children. She remained in that program through high school. After graduate school, she taught for the Salinas City School District for three years before marrying her husband, who was then a captain in the Air Force. They lived in Honolulu for a year, then in Papillion, Nebraska, for seven. Their son was born in Nebraska. They have lived in northern California since 1980.
Scott grew up in a family of lawyers, and is descended from a long line of them. Her father was a three-term District Attorney of Monterey County before his death in 1955 at age 36. Her grandfather was City Attorney of Salinas for 36 years after serving two terms as District Attorney, and two of her ancestors were State Supreme Court Justices (one in Missouri, the other the first Supreme Court Justice for the State of Arkansas). One brother, having carried on the Scott tradition in the Monterey County DA’s office, is now a judge. The other is an electrician in Knoxville, TN, and her sister is a teacher in the Sacramento area.
The women of Amanda Scott’s family have been no less successful than the men. Her mother was a child actress known as Baby Lowell, who performed all over the west coast and in Hollywood movies, and then was a dancer with the San Francisco Opera Ballet until her marriage. Her mother’s sister, Loretta Lowell, was also a child actress. She performed in the Our Gang comedies and in several Loretta Young movies before becoming one of the first women in the US Air Force. Scott's paternal grandmother was active in local and State politics and served as president of the California State PTA, and her maternal grandmother was a teacher (and stage mother) before working for Monterey County. The place of women in Scott’s family has always been a strong one. Though they married strong men, the women have, for generations, been well educated and encouraged to succeed at whatever they chose to do.
Amanda Scott’s first book was OMAHA CITY ARCHITECTURE, a coffee-table photo essay on the historical architecture of Omaha, written for Landmarks, Inc. under her married name as a Junior League project. Others took the photos; she did the research and wrote the text on an old Smith-Corona portable electric. She sold her first novel, THE FUGITIVE HEIRESS - likewise written on the battered Smith-Corona in 1980. Since then, she has sold many more books, but since the second one she has used a word processor and computer. Twenty-five of her novels are set in the English Regency period (1810-1820). Others are set in 15th-century England and 14th- through 18th-century Scotland, and three are contemporary romances. Many of her titles are currently available at bookstores and online.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 16, 2010
Another one found in a box. I forgot that I went through this whole period when all I read were romances set in Scotland. LOL.
But dear literary gods, this was bad. Usually I find something to like in a romance novel, whether it be the characters, the setting (especially if it's Scotland), the premise or the plot. I tend to be extra generous in my ratings of romance novels that I enjoy even a little just because I adore the genre so much and believe the world of happy endings is deeply underrated in this depressing day and age.
Yeah, I can't do that for this book. It sets itself up as the story of a spirited highland lass being sold off in marriage to a rakish, mean-spirited border baron... but never delivers. The heroine is not spirited, she's just an idiot who does stupid things and never stands up for herself. The hero is never transformed by her love, he just pushes her around, yells at her, and threatens to beat her right until the last page.
It's also full of one my of historical romance pet peeves -- pages upon pages upon pages of descriptions: of locations, of furniture, of costumes, of freaking HAIR STYLES. I think I read only half the book because I just can't bear that stuff. TELL ME A STORY, DON'T JUST DESCRIBE ALL THE CRAP IN THE ROOM!
Long story slightly less long? I didn't like it, and it's going in the trade/donate box. Maybe someone who's a bigger fan of this sub-genre would appreciate the things I found annoying.
But dear literary gods, this was bad. Usually I find something to like in a romance novel, whether it be the characters, the setting (especially if it's Scotland), the premise or the plot. I tend to be extra generous in my ratings of romance novels that I enjoy even a little just because I adore the genre so much and believe the world of happy endings is deeply underrated in this depressing day and age.
Yeah, I can't do that for this book. It sets itself up as the story of a spirited highland lass being sold off in marriage to a rakish, mean-spirited border baron... but never delivers. The heroine is not spirited, she's just an idiot who does stupid things and never stands up for herself. The hero is never transformed by her love, he just pushes her around, yells at her, and threatens to beat her right until the last page.
It's also full of one my of historical romance pet peeves -- pages upon pages upon pages of descriptions: of locations, of furniture, of costumes, of freaking HAIR STYLES. I think I read only half the book because I just can't bear that stuff. TELL ME A STORY, DON'T JUST DESCRIBE ALL THE CRAP IN THE ROOM!
Long story slightly less long? I didn't like it, and it's going in the trade/donate box. Maybe someone who's a bigger fan of this sub-genre would appreciate the things I found annoying.
April 25, 2013
I really can't honestly say that I enjoyed the book. It wasn't the writing, it was the story-line and the characters. I found nothing romantic or even appealing about a man who abuses his wife, not only verbally but physically. He spends the entire story berating Mary Kate, spanking/slapping her, and treating her like dirt. His blatant flirtatious behavior toward his cousin and other women at parties was just in poor taste. I also saw no point in the child out of wedlock story-line How cruel can one get by not warning his wife about that one ahead of time? I kept hoping that Adam would get a clue, but he never got there. I didn't once believe his declaration in the end. I just felt badly for Mary Kate. She is so naive and never really finds her true back bone.
I understand that this story is probably very true to the time period. Relationships like this were probably more the norm. Knowing that doesn't make me like it any better. Some people may enjoy a story like this, but it just wasn't for me.
I understand that this story is probably very true to the time period. Relationships like this were probably more the norm. Knowing that doesn't make me like it any better. Some people may enjoy a story like this, but it just wasn't for me.
Want to read
August 20, 2016DNF at 30%. I just can't do it. The main character is so, so dumb, and the hero is more like an angry father to her than anything, and it's irritating and icky and just...no. I took a break and just couldn't go back.
April 19, 2013
When Spanking Wasn't 'Fun:' BORDER BRIDE by Amanda Scott
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
Amanda Scott's ability to insert me into 16th century Scotland is remarkable. Equally amazing is how I can empathize with her young heroine's, and the reality of being a woman in the "age of reason." With all the emphasis these days on spanking, it's easy to forget that hitting in the bedroom wasn't, and isn't, always a consensual act.
In fact, besides the historical themes and story telling it's the anthropological details and themes that drew me in to the story. Mary Kate is a Highland woman, aside from Queen Elizabeth I, she has some of the strongest rights in Christendom. But, not enough to give her the right to deny her father in his agreement to marry her off to a man she with whom she has had a bad experience. Nor is a woman able to prevent being disciplined by husband, father or church via beating or other humiliating punishments. At the time, as Amanda relates a woman could be stripped and publicly decried or scourged for having lustful thoughts of another man. Scott tells us that Highland women are respected, allowed to own property and serve as chieftains. But while young women technically have the right to refuse a husband they would do so at the peril of their hides. Border women are not treated as well and must obey their husbands in all things; failing which may result in humiliation and beating as a sanctioned form of discipline.
For me, this story is about love, trust, court intrigue and politics, but also about the seemingly endless struggle women face for self-determination and for freedom from domestic violence. As a historical romance, certain things are going to happen in the story and they free the author to explore these themes and because the characters are sympathetic we can identify with them. I find the romance storyline to be somewhat naif, as jejune as the young bride -- which is perhaps the point. It's not sexually explicit; certain actions are described but most activity is off page. Many reviewers have found the domestic violence aspect off-putting, but in this context it is culturally acceptable and, as far as the men in the story are concerned, to be encouraged.
In the book, Mary Kate is beautiful, brash, immature and fully expects to teach her new Border-lord husband a thing or two. She learns a few things herself, one of which is that she is subject to his decisions and that's it. Granted, he is high in court and her personal decisions have a wider impact. When she decides to flirt with another man at court because her husband is not paying any attention to her she is only seeing the event as between the two of them. She doesn't see the wider implications for his standing among his peers, and thus, their future.
Culturally, in that society and at that time that is how it was. But while I bristled at Mary Kate coming around to the reality of her life, I could see where this important theme highlights the struggle women have faced, and continue to face, to be free of legal domestic violence in the form of discipline. Scott doesn't vilify the practice, nor the men practicing it; she even points out the gentry would see a difference between a spanking as punishment and a beating delivered by a drunken lout. But it certainly throws the differences between the life and rights I enjoy and those of a woman in the sixteenth century into stark relief.
Because, at the time, Scotland still had a largely tribal/clan based society, it also brings up the conditions for women today who still live where life is tribal. The conditions at the time, with the strict behavioral codes of the Calvinists, were not completely unlike those under some cultures where religion and strict patriarchal rules place anything that happens to a woman at her feet. At least in the case of a rape the men are punished and the woman treated kindly by Mary Kate and her husband, although she is treated as damaged goods by her fiance.
But it was also a time when Border raids and skirmishes were common and a woman taken in a raid might be raped as a matter of course. But, where our hero and heroine first clash in the bedroom, and Mary Kate fears he will rape her, she eventually accepts partial blame for because she was flirtatious. I don't think Scott is saying she actually would do so today, but she is reflecting what would have been the way it was seen in that time and place.
As historical romance goes it's pretty well made, and exciting, with a lot of momentum from beginning to end. It would be a challenging for most women not to identify with at least one of the characters. While technically it is an adult romance, I certainly read works more explicit in my teens, and teens today certainly see more revealing subject matter in prime time television and certainly on the premium channels.
If you like the historic romance, especially of the Scottish variety you will probably enjoy this; I did. I highly recommend BORDER BRIDE for it's research, its thematic development, story and romance.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.blogspo...
Amanda Scott's ability to insert me into 16th century Scotland is remarkable. Equally amazing is how I can empathize with her young heroine's, and the reality of being a woman in the "age of reason." With all the emphasis these days on spanking, it's easy to forget that hitting in the bedroom wasn't, and isn't, always a consensual act.
In fact, besides the historical themes and story telling it's the anthropological details and themes that drew me in to the story. Mary Kate is a Highland woman, aside from Queen Elizabeth I, she has some of the strongest rights in Christendom. But, not enough to give her the right to deny her father in his agreement to marry her off to a man she with whom she has had a bad experience. Nor is a woman able to prevent being disciplined by husband, father or church via beating or other humiliating punishments. At the time, as Amanda relates a woman could be stripped and publicly decried or scourged for having lustful thoughts of another man. Scott tells us that Highland women are respected, allowed to own property and serve as chieftains. But while young women technically have the right to refuse a husband they would do so at the peril of their hides. Border women are not treated as well and must obey their husbands in all things; failing which may result in humiliation and beating as a sanctioned form of discipline.
For me, this story is about love, trust, court intrigue and politics, but also about the seemingly endless struggle women face for self-determination and for freedom from domestic violence. As a historical romance, certain things are going to happen in the story and they free the author to explore these themes and because the characters are sympathetic we can identify with them. I find the romance storyline to be somewhat naif, as jejune as the young bride -- which is perhaps the point. It's not sexually explicit; certain actions are described but most activity is off page. Many reviewers have found the domestic violence aspect off-putting, but in this context it is culturally acceptable and, as far as the men in the story are concerned, to be encouraged.
In the book, Mary Kate is beautiful, brash, immature and fully expects to teach her new Border-lord husband a thing or two. She learns a few things herself, one of which is that she is subject to his decisions and that's it. Granted, he is high in court and her personal decisions have a wider impact. When she decides to flirt with another man at court because her husband is not paying any attention to her she is only seeing the event as between the two of them. She doesn't see the wider implications for his standing among his peers, and thus, their future.
Culturally, in that society and at that time that is how it was. But while I bristled at Mary Kate coming around to the reality of her life, I could see where this important theme highlights the struggle women have faced, and continue to face, to be free of legal domestic violence in the form of discipline. Scott doesn't vilify the practice, nor the men practicing it; she even points out the gentry would see a difference between a spanking as punishment and a beating delivered by a drunken lout. But it certainly throws the differences between the life and rights I enjoy and those of a woman in the sixteenth century into stark relief.
Because, at the time, Scotland still had a largely tribal/clan based society, it also brings up the conditions for women today who still live where life is tribal. The conditions at the time, with the strict behavioral codes of the Calvinists, were not completely unlike those under some cultures where religion and strict patriarchal rules place anything that happens to a woman at her feet. At least in the case of a rape the men are punished and the woman treated kindly by Mary Kate and her husband, although she is treated as damaged goods by her fiance.
But it was also a time when Border raids and skirmishes were common and a woman taken in a raid might be raped as a matter of course. But, where our hero and heroine first clash in the bedroom, and Mary Kate fears he will rape her, she eventually accepts partial blame for because she was flirtatious. I don't think Scott is saying she actually would do so today, but she is reflecting what would have been the way it was seen in that time and place.
As historical romance goes it's pretty well made, and exciting, with a lot of momentum from beginning to end. It would be a challenging for most women not to identify with at least one of the characters. While technically it is an adult romance, I certainly read works more explicit in my teens, and teens today certainly see more revealing subject matter in prime time television and certainly on the premium channels.
If you like the historic romance, especially of the Scottish variety you will probably enjoy this; I did. I highly recommend BORDER BRIDE for it's research, its thematic development, story and romance.
November 24, 2013
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Initially, I was on the fence about Amanda Scott's Border Bride. I just wasn't sure it would be my kind of book, a suspicion that seemed accurate when the first few chapters proved a bit of a struggle. I took a little while, but as I progressed the story slowly began to grow on me and in the end, well it is still a light historical romance, but one I can say enjoyed spending time with.
Mary Kate chaffs in a society ruled by men, but even in 16th century Scotland there is little she can do about her situation. Through her heroine, Scott explores social norms that allowed men to not only make decisions for women, but abuse them as well. Though I appreciate what Scott was getting at here, I didn't find the idea all that compelling. It isn't Scott's fault, I've just seen it done so many times before that I needed some new twist to draw me into the story.
That twist came in the form of Adam Douglas. Adam is very much a product of his time, taking on the role expected of him as lord and master. He sees no fault in punishing his wife for her transgressions, however, he does wrestle with his conscious over it. I'm not condoning abuse, but I liked the idea of a man rather than a woman questioning the foundations of the world in which he was raised.
Together, the two share a very interesting dynamic, one that was made all the more interesting when set against upper class intrigues and border politics. Highly recommended to any and all readers of highland romance.
Initially, I was on the fence about Amanda Scott's Border Bride. I just wasn't sure it would be my kind of book, a suspicion that seemed accurate when the first few chapters proved a bit of a struggle. I took a little while, but as I progressed the story slowly began to grow on me and in the end, well it is still a light historical romance, but one I can say enjoyed spending time with.
Mary Kate chaffs in a society ruled by men, but even in 16th century Scotland there is little she can do about her situation. Through her heroine, Scott explores social norms that allowed men to not only make decisions for women, but abuse them as well. Though I appreciate what Scott was getting at here, I didn't find the idea all that compelling. It isn't Scott's fault, I've just seen it done so many times before that I needed some new twist to draw me into the story.
That twist came in the form of Adam Douglas. Adam is very much a product of his time, taking on the role expected of him as lord and master. He sees no fault in punishing his wife for her transgressions, however, he does wrestle with his conscious over it. I'm not condoning abuse, but I liked the idea of a man rather than a woman questioning the foundations of the world in which he was raised.
Together, the two share a very interesting dynamic, one that was made all the more interesting when set against upper class intrigues and border politics. Highly recommended to any and all readers of highland romance.
March 17, 2013
Thanks to Netgalley I have been able to read three books by Amanda Scott that will soon be re released Border Bride is the third such book and I am thinking I saved the best for last. Each book was either the beginning or the ending of a series so of course had absolutely nothing to do with each other. So I treated them as stand alones.
Border Bride takes place along the ever dangerous Scottish/English borders during Elizabeth I reign. In a way this is a unique period of history because it is really the beginning of the end of Scottish as a separate country. Elizabeth actually had Mary a queen of another sovereign nation, tried, convicted and beheaded for treason. Not of Scotland, the country that Mary claimed as queen but of England a foreign nation. Rather presumptuous of good Queen Bess if I do say so myself. I am not sure how aware you are of this particular time period but in my observation this was a period where court intrigue was at it's peak. Never sure who her allies were, Elizabeth managed an amazing political career. Not that this book had really anything to do with Elizabeth but I had to comment. On a totally separate tangent, England's three greatest rulers were Queens.. go figure.
Now back to this story..
Sir Adam Douglas is first and foremost Jaimie's man. He is a trusted and true servant to his king and one night while on an important mission he fell for a beautiful highland maid. Unaware of her innocence Adam arranges an assignation with her.. well he thinks he did. Unfortunately for him, the loverly girl wasn't quite aware of this. After figuring it out she locked him out.. not to be deterred he climbed in through her balcony.. Honestly still thinking the girl was interested.. Only to discover that she had other plans (like a metal pole to his head)
Mary Kate MacPherson was a proud highland lass and as only the truly innocent can be arrogant with it. She honestly was unaware of the consequences of being a flirt. Fortunately she managed to escape her Uncle's party unscathed and hightailed it back to the highlands where she belonged. Only to have her father arrange for her marriage to none other than Sir Adam Douglas.Needless to say she was a bit peeved.
These were not perfect characters but in true to her style, Amanda Scott makes them true to their times. Adam was an arrogant prat for all I could see demanding obedience and proper behavior when he didn't offer it. His attitude caused a lot of the problems in their relationship and then refusing to understand Mary Kate's responses.
Mary Kate was not without her faults but I honestly believed she was in her rights..
The thing is I really liked this book. Or rather, I was compelled by it. There were times when the emotions were so high I literally had a knot in the pit of my stomach. I was just that upset. I wanted to walk away until that part of the story had happened and I could go catch up later (you know like a tv show). It was hard.. A Hard read.. there were times when I wanted to smack good old Adam upside the head and call him some less than proper names..
But still.. it captivated me...
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Border Bride provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be re released on March 26, 2013
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Border Bride takes place along the ever dangerous Scottish/English borders during Elizabeth I reign. In a way this is a unique period of history because it is really the beginning of the end of Scottish as a separate country. Elizabeth actually had Mary a queen of another sovereign nation, tried, convicted and beheaded for treason. Not of Scotland, the country that Mary claimed as queen but of England a foreign nation. Rather presumptuous of good Queen Bess if I do say so myself. I am not sure how aware you are of this particular time period but in my observation this was a period where court intrigue was at it's peak. Never sure who her allies were, Elizabeth managed an amazing political career. Not that this book had really anything to do with Elizabeth but I had to comment. On a totally separate tangent, England's three greatest rulers were Queens.. go figure.
Now back to this story..
Sir Adam Douglas is first and foremost Jaimie's man. He is a trusted and true servant to his king and one night while on an important mission he fell for a beautiful highland maid. Unaware of her innocence Adam arranges an assignation with her.. well he thinks he did. Unfortunately for him, the loverly girl wasn't quite aware of this. After figuring it out she locked him out.. not to be deterred he climbed in through her balcony.. Honestly still thinking the girl was interested.. Only to discover that she had other plans (like a metal pole to his head)
Mary Kate MacPherson was a proud highland lass and as only the truly innocent can be arrogant with it. She honestly was unaware of the consequences of being a flirt. Fortunately she managed to escape her Uncle's party unscathed and hightailed it back to the highlands where she belonged. Only to have her father arrange for her marriage to none other than Sir Adam Douglas.Needless to say she was a bit peeved.
These were not perfect characters but in true to her style, Amanda Scott makes them true to their times. Adam was an arrogant prat for all I could see demanding obedience and proper behavior when he didn't offer it. His attitude caused a lot of the problems in their relationship and then refusing to understand Mary Kate's responses.
Mary Kate was not without her faults but I honestly believed she was in her rights..
The thing is I really liked this book. Or rather, I was compelled by it. There were times when the emotions were so high I literally had a knot in the pit of my stomach. I was just that upset. I wanted to walk away until that part of the story had happened and I could go catch up later (you know like a tv show). It was hard.. A Hard read.. there were times when I wanted to smack good old Adam upside the head and call him some less than proper names..
But still.. it captivated me...
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Border Bride provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be re released on March 26, 2013
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
February 10, 2014
For more reviews and fun info go to www.library-lust.com
Keywords: Historical, Scottish Highlander, domestic violence, Amanda Scott, royalty,
Sexy Level: 2
Fire Extinguishers: Female is kidnapped and threatened with rape, female is beat, female is scared of abuse
I’m going to be honest, dear readers, I only finished this book for you. It was one of the most torturous books I have ever drug myself through. It was basically a non-sexy view into domestic violence. None of the beatings took place around arousing bits at all. I don’t know what the point was other than to break her down, embarrass her and treat her like a child. This is one of the only books I have read where the heroine was actually afraid of the man. I have read books where the couples first time was basically rape, where he spanked her before doing her and it was hot, as well as real S&M books. I could see the appeal in them even if some of them weren’t really my taste. The sexy was there. This completely lacked all sexiness. I truly saw no appeal in it. Plus, he sucked as a highlander. He was a border dandy that lured me not at all.
In 16th century Scotland, Mary Queen of Scots is murdered by Queen Elizabeth and her son sits on her throne. During all these political intrigues Mary Kate MacPherson finds herself forced into marrying Sir Adam Douglas. A man she wants nothing to do with. A man from the borderlands who feels that women should succumb completely to their husbands. She submits to the marriage, but refuses to submit to much more.
There is little plot to move the story along. And the misunderstandings are maddening. The only part that was bearable was at the end, we’re talking the last 5% of the book, where she actually gets a little gumption and does something spunky and funny. Other than that, she talks a lot about how she is so independent and strong willed, and worthy of her husbands confidence, but she does nothing! She doesn’t even want to work her own household because she doesn’t really like math and it’s all too much. What?!?!?!?
Sample dialogue:
I’m sorry, I just can’t promote this book. I was completely done with it when, after multiple spankings, he slaps her face in a fight and yells at her about how they should never have married, etc. She begins to cry and he recants, telling her he didn’t mean it and was just so mad. Then they do it and she sees how it was really her fault because she did the wrong thing. If that isn’t domestic violence, then I don’t know what is. Yuck.
You Might Also Like: (or much prefer since they’re actual highlanders)
Karen Marie Moning’s Beyond the Highland Mist (Highlander series #1)
Julie Garwood’s The Bride (Lairds’ Fiancees, #1)
Keywords: Historical, Scottish Highlander, domestic violence, Amanda Scott, royalty,
Sexy Level: 2
Fire Extinguishers: Female is kidnapped and threatened with rape, female is beat, female is scared of abuse
I’m going to be honest, dear readers, I only finished this book for you. It was one of the most torturous books I have ever drug myself through. It was basically a non-sexy view into domestic violence. None of the beatings took place around arousing bits at all. I don’t know what the point was other than to break her down, embarrass her and treat her like a child. This is one of the only books I have read where the heroine was actually afraid of the man. I have read books where the couples first time was basically rape, where he spanked her before doing her and it was hot, as well as real S&M books. I could see the appeal in them even if some of them weren’t really my taste. The sexy was there. This completely lacked all sexiness. I truly saw no appeal in it. Plus, he sucked as a highlander. He was a border dandy that lured me not at all.
In 16th century Scotland, Mary Queen of Scots is murdered by Queen Elizabeth and her son sits on her throne. During all these political intrigues Mary Kate MacPherson finds herself forced into marrying Sir Adam Douglas. A man she wants nothing to do with. A man from the borderlands who feels that women should succumb completely to their husbands. She submits to the marriage, but refuses to submit to much more.
There is little plot to move the story along. And the misunderstandings are maddening. The only part that was bearable was at the end, we’re talking the last 5% of the book, where she actually gets a little gumption and does something spunky and funny. Other than that, she talks a lot about how she is so independent and strong willed, and worthy of her husbands confidence, but she does nothing! She doesn’t even want to work her own household because she doesn’t really like math and it’s all too much. What?!?!?!?
Sample dialogue:
“Come here to me,” he ordered inflexibly. “The sooner we begin, the sooner it will be done.”
She shook her head stubbornly, though she knew there was no way to avoid what was coming. He was her husband, and here in his own home there was no higher authority to whom she might appeal. Had her own father been present, he could not have stopped him. Not , she thought bitterly, that Duncan would have tried. Douglas was right about that. Her father would say she was merely coming by her just deserts if only in that she ought to have guarded her temper and not let it carry her behavior beyond what Douglas would tolerate.
I’m sorry, I just can’t promote this book. I was completely done with it when, after multiple spankings, he slaps her face in a fight and yells at her about how they should never have married, etc. She begins to cry and he recants, telling her he didn’t mean it and was just so mad. Then they do it and she sees how it was really her fault because she did the wrong thing. If that isn’t domestic violence, then I don’t know what is. Yuck.
You Might Also Like: (or much prefer since they’re actual highlanders)
Karen Marie Moning’s Beyond the Highland Mist (Highlander series #1)
Julie Garwood’s The Bride (Lairds’ Fiancees, #1)
August 10, 2016
Border Bride by Amanda Scott is the second of her books that I’ve read and enjoyed. Historical romances are a nice getaway and I’m so glad that I started reading them again. Border Bride started out a bit slow for me but shortly after I became involved with the characters and while I had a couple of issues with the story overall it was a good read for me. Border Bride is set in sixteenth century Scotland and is the first of Amanda Scott’s Border Trilogy and it features a young and inexperienced lass forced into a marriage she doesn’t want while on the sidelines there is the story of Mary, Queen of Scots being held prisoner in the Tower of London by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I.
Mary Kate MacPherson, a Highland lass, has not had a lot of freedom and certainly has no experience with men. Finally spending some time with relatives Mary Kate attends a few dances and the excitement of it all causes her to not think about things before acting and she flirts with a few of the men there. Now that may have been fine but she also flirts with a knight, Sir Adam Douglas and he takes flirting as a solid invitation for more. When he attempts to collect on that supposed invitation he ends up getting clobbered on the head with a pole. Time goes by and really Mary Kate hasn’t given Adam much of a thought – that is until she comes home to find out her father has agreed to a marriage proposal for her made by none other than Sir Adam Douglas.
Of course this is a historical romance so it isn’t long before Mary Kate clues in to the fact that she likes Adam more than she would care to admit and it seems as though he’s quite happy with his high-spirited lass as well. The only stumbling block is their continuous squabbles that more often than not Mary Kate doesn’t win despite being insistent on not being ruled by Adam. Now this is where my issue with the story came in – women back in this time period were essentially the property of first their fathers and then their husbands. This included the right to do what they wanted with them and the women knowing from an early age that they had no choice but to submit to this will. There were some things however that Adam did that really rubbed me the wrong way and many of the reactions of Mary Kate when she stood up to Adam and then ended giving in to him rubbed me the wrong way as well. Again though I have to stress that this was normal behavior for that time period and that’s something you have to accept when you read any kind of historical book but when it’s more continuous in a book then it tends to bother me much more.
Overall, other than the domineering behaviour of one the main characters I did enjoy the storyline but I do think this book would have been so much better with that side of it toned down. Having read another of Scott’s books earlier in the week, Highland Fling, which I really enjoyed I wouldn’t hesitate to read more of her books. I enjoy Amanda Scott’s storytelling and will most certainly pick another of her books when I need a historical romance fix.
Mary Kate MacPherson, a Highland lass, has not had a lot of freedom and certainly has no experience with men. Finally spending some time with relatives Mary Kate attends a few dances and the excitement of it all causes her to not think about things before acting and she flirts with a few of the men there. Now that may have been fine but she also flirts with a knight, Sir Adam Douglas and he takes flirting as a solid invitation for more. When he attempts to collect on that supposed invitation he ends up getting clobbered on the head with a pole. Time goes by and really Mary Kate hasn’t given Adam much of a thought – that is until she comes home to find out her father has agreed to a marriage proposal for her made by none other than Sir Adam Douglas.
Of course this is a historical romance so it isn’t long before Mary Kate clues in to the fact that she likes Adam more than she would care to admit and it seems as though he’s quite happy with his high-spirited lass as well. The only stumbling block is their continuous squabbles that more often than not Mary Kate doesn’t win despite being insistent on not being ruled by Adam. Now this is where my issue with the story came in – women back in this time period were essentially the property of first their fathers and then their husbands. This included the right to do what they wanted with them and the women knowing from an early age that they had no choice but to submit to this will. There were some things however that Adam did that really rubbed me the wrong way and many of the reactions of Mary Kate when she stood up to Adam and then ended giving in to him rubbed me the wrong way as well. Again though I have to stress that this was normal behavior for that time period and that’s something you have to accept when you read any kind of historical book but when it’s more continuous in a book then it tends to bother me much more.
Overall, other than the domineering behaviour of one the main characters I did enjoy the storyline but I do think this book would have been so much better with that side of it toned down. Having read another of Scott’s books earlier in the week, Highland Fling, which I really enjoyed I wouldn’t hesitate to read more of her books. I enjoy Amanda Scott’s storytelling and will most certainly pick another of her books when I need a historical romance fix.
July 18, 2013
3.5 out of 5 for this reader folks
Border Bride by Amanda Scott is a historical romance set in the 16th century when Mary Queen of Scots was being er "housed" at the Tower or London by her cousin Queen Elizabeth. i always love a HR that centers around real historical facts and that is exactly what this novel was.
Our leading Lady Mary Kate has enjoyed the life as a lady living with her father in the highlands. While visiting other family close to the Borders of Scotland/England, Mary Kate is somewhat captivated by the glare of a gentleman and begins to "flirt" .. well little did she know that flirting means a whole something else to this gentleman. After a rather uncomfortable situation, Mary Kate is thankful she'll never have to see this man again and begins her journey home back to the highlands.
Little does she realize, Mary Kate has caught the fancy of Sir Adam Douglas, servant and close friend to King James, loyal soldier and all around loyal man. Off Sir Adam goes to speak with Mary Kate's father. much to Mary Kate's dismay, Adam wants her as his wife.
After some discord, they are married (although Mary Kate refuses to lower her highland sassy pride and fall in love and Adam is too set in his ways to realize that a woman is not a pet to obey him) and are on their journey to the border together.
I loved the push and pull we got from each character. One minute I found myself agreeing with Adam and wish that MK would smarten up, and then other times I would feel bad for MK and wish that Adam would get his head out of his butt! They are an endearing couple and to see them find their way to each other was a pleasure to read!
I do wish there was more action with regards to the story. The location of this book was set at such a volatile location at such a volatile time that there could of been non-stop action in the midst of the relationship building. Don;t get me wrong, there was action but I am such a history lover that I wish we would of had more! LOL
Overall, as my first read of Amanda Scott, I will say that I will continue reading her books. She has a comfortable style that drew me in and tells a lovely romantic tale!
HAPPY READING! :)
ARC provided by netgalley for an honest review.
Border Bride by Amanda Scott is a historical romance set in the 16th century when Mary Queen of Scots was being er "housed" at the Tower or London by her cousin Queen Elizabeth. i always love a HR that centers around real historical facts and that is exactly what this novel was.
Our leading Lady Mary Kate has enjoyed the life as a lady living with her father in the highlands. While visiting other family close to the Borders of Scotland/England, Mary Kate is somewhat captivated by the glare of a gentleman and begins to "flirt" .. well little did she know that flirting means a whole something else to this gentleman. After a rather uncomfortable situation, Mary Kate is thankful she'll never have to see this man again and begins her journey home back to the highlands.
Little does she realize, Mary Kate has caught the fancy of Sir Adam Douglas, servant and close friend to King James, loyal soldier and all around loyal man. Off Sir Adam goes to speak with Mary Kate's father. much to Mary Kate's dismay, Adam wants her as his wife.
After some discord, they are married (although Mary Kate refuses to lower her highland sassy pride and fall in love and Adam is too set in his ways to realize that a woman is not a pet to obey him) and are on their journey to the border together.
I loved the push and pull we got from each character. One minute I found myself agreeing with Adam and wish that MK would smarten up, and then other times I would feel bad for MK and wish that Adam would get his head out of his butt! They are an endearing couple and to see them find their way to each other was a pleasure to read!
I do wish there was more action with regards to the story. The location of this book was set at such a volatile location at such a volatile time that there could of been non-stop action in the midst of the relationship building. Don;t get me wrong, there was action but I am such a history lover that I wish we would of had more! LOL
Overall, as my first read of Amanda Scott, I will say that I will continue reading her books. She has a comfortable style that drew me in and tells a lovely romantic tale!
HAPPY READING! :)
ARC provided by netgalley for an honest review.
April 28, 2013
Originally reviewed at: ReadingToTheStarsAndBack
[Thanks to NetGalley and Open Road for providing me with an ecopy of this book in return for an honest review.]
I can’t believe that it took me so long to pick up this book! I requested it in … and kept putting it off, as I tend to do with ebooks, but was pleasantly surprised when I found that I enjoyed it!
The first chapter was a bit long in the beginning but then Adam comes in and then it got good! He was a strapping Scotsman who had a temper on him. Nevertheless, I fell in love. When Mary Kate finds out that Adam wants to marry her, she is sure that she will never submit to him as most Scotswomen did to their husbands. Mary Kate was a fiery character, and that my friend, I enjoyed.
As a result of her bold nature, she found herself being punished in more ways than one. But it was true that they shared a chemistry together.
But when Adam’s cousin came into the mix, phew! Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your whiskers! She was the worst! I truly hated her! The author gradually introduced her and made you dislike the very mention of her name! I was so irritated by her. But in the end, she and Mary Kate became sort of friends and all was well.
I also liked how the author added snippets of real history inside this book, so that it wasn’t just a romance novel. At the time, the Queen of Scots, was in the Tower of London as a prisoner because of Queen Elizabeth. At one point, Adam was accused of treason!
I shan’t tell you the outcome, you’ll just have to read it for yourself.
Overall, this was a great read! Loved the character of Mary Kate and thought she was easy to like. Adam I fell in love with. Although he could be a bit possessive at times. The author made me care about these characters, I was upset when they were upset, I was happy when they were happy…enjoyed it immensely!
Charlie xx
[Thanks to NetGalley and Open Road for providing me with an ecopy of this book in return for an honest review.]
I can’t believe that it took me so long to pick up this book! I requested it in … and kept putting it off, as I tend to do with ebooks, but was pleasantly surprised when I found that I enjoyed it!
The first chapter was a bit long in the beginning but then Adam comes in and then it got good! He was a strapping Scotsman who had a temper on him. Nevertheless, I fell in love. When Mary Kate finds out that Adam wants to marry her, she is sure that she will never submit to him as most Scotswomen did to their husbands. Mary Kate was a fiery character, and that my friend, I enjoyed.
As a result of her bold nature, she found herself being punished in more ways than one. But it was true that they shared a chemistry together.
But when Adam’s cousin came into the mix, phew! Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your whiskers! She was the worst! I truly hated her! The author gradually introduced her and made you dislike the very mention of her name! I was so irritated by her. But in the end, she and Mary Kate became sort of friends and all was well.
I also liked how the author added snippets of real history inside this book, so that it wasn’t just a romance novel. At the time, the Queen of Scots, was in the Tower of London as a prisoner because of Queen Elizabeth. At one point, Adam was accused of treason!
I shan’t tell you the outcome, you’ll just have to read it for yourself.
Overall, this was a great read! Loved the character of Mary Kate and thought she was easy to like. Adam I fell in love with. Although he could be a bit possessive at times. The author made me care about these characters, I was upset when they were upset, I was happy when they were happy…enjoyed it immensely!
Charlie xx
July 2, 2013
March 26, 2013
Open Road Integrated Media
Mary Katherine MacPherson was a lady through and through. She enjoyed the parties her father allowed her to attend. She enjoyed visiting relatives near and far. The one thing she did not enjoy was angering her father, Duncan. He wasn't a brute. Nor cruel. He simply would not stand for his only daughter to behave in an "unseemly fashion." He expected her to behave with grace and respect. Even with MaryKate was at odds with her father's decree.
The included marriage to a man she found unclouth, and without regard to the fairer sex. Mary Kate had no choice in the matter. She would wed Sir Adam Douglas whether she wished or nay. It was not her choice. She must allow her father to chose her husband as was the Scottish way.
In this era women were more of a possession than a human being with feelings or desires. Scott is a talented storyteller who brings facts to life with a bit of care to show that some men could be tames with the right woman at his side.
--the bookworm
Open Road Integrated Media
Mary Katherine MacPherson was a lady through and through. She enjoyed the parties her father allowed her to attend. She enjoyed visiting relatives near and far. The one thing she did not enjoy was angering her father, Duncan. He wasn't a brute. Nor cruel. He simply would not stand for his only daughter to behave in an "unseemly fashion." He expected her to behave with grace and respect. Even with MaryKate was at odds with her father's decree.
The included marriage to a man she found unclouth, and without regard to the fairer sex. Mary Kate had no choice in the matter. She would wed Sir Adam Douglas whether she wished or nay. It was not her choice. She must allow her father to chose her husband as was the Scottish way.
In this era women were more of a possession than a human being with feelings or desires. Scott is a talented storyteller who brings facts to life with a bit of care to show that some men could be tames with the right woman at his side.
--the bookworm
March 25, 2013
The first chapter of this book has to be one of the best I’ve read in a long time. It is here we are introduced to Mary Kate MacPherson and Sir Adam Douglas. I was pulled into this story from page one and I found the circumstances surrounding Mary Kate’s and Sir Douglas’s first encounter quite interesting and full of promise.
please read the rest of my review at http://web.mail.comcast.net/zimbra/ma...
please read the rest of my review at http://web.mail.comcast.net/zimbra/ma...
April 17, 2013
Did not like this book. The hero was a total jerk and I didn't see any redeeming qualities in him. He regularly forced the heroine into doing things that she didn't want to do, threatened to beat her every two pages, and was way to quick to judge. The heroine was strong at first, but then she just lost her backbone when she got married. I didn't understand why she kept forgiving her husband for everything he did. Not a fan of this book, unfortunately.
December 26, 2016
An okay read.
It was very twisting and turning story. I didn't like that Sir Adam Douglas was so stubborn that he refused to admit he was wrong, domineering, and would flirt with other women when he was angry with his wife. Though Kate wasn't any better by being stubborn also, very prejudicial and naïve. The way they met was entertaining. They refuse to communicate even for people back then. To make anything work, there must be communication.
It was very twisting and turning story. I didn't like that Sir Adam Douglas was so stubborn that he refused to admit he was wrong, domineering, and would flirt with other women when he was angry with his wife. Though Kate wasn't any better by being stubborn also, very prejudicial and naïve. The way they met was entertaining. They refuse to communicate even for people back then. To make anything work, there must be communication.
August 5, 2012
It was just ok. I love historical romances, especially highlander books but his one missed the mark for me. I don't like to read where the hero "spanks" the heroine even if it was customary to do so back then. I like reading a book with a strong hero AND heroine, that have a fiery chemistry together. These characters did not. I was disappointed.
August 12, 2013
I was really surprised by this book. It wasn't really good. It showed and talked a lot about abuse from the men on their wives. Yelling and beating the wives, really treating them like children. I finished it but I don't believe I will finish the series.
January 14, 2017
These two...
Were funny at times. Mary Kate and Adam had an interesting story. I did not like Mary Kate because she was immature but she grew up a little. I also did not like Adam at times because he was overbearing. Luckily he had his sweet moments as well.
Were funny at times. Mary Kate and Adam had an interesting story. I did not like Mary Kate because she was immature but she grew up a little. I also did not like Adam at times because he was overbearing. Luckily he had his sweet moments as well.
January 19, 2018
While Amanda Scott's knowledge of Scottish Highland and Border customs, décor, and dress is impressive, I found the heroine to be shallow and impulsive and did not like her as much as I would have liked to.
February 8, 2018
DNF after about 30% then skipped to the last chapter to skim. I have read several of her books but couldn’t stand this one. Immaturity abounds. Jealousy with no end in sight. Icky. Stupid. Hateful book.
February 18, 2008
After trying to seduce Mary Kate, Adam Douglas instead conspires to force her to marry him and work on taming her.
Heavy-handed, dislikable husband and wishy-washy willful heroine. Not likeable.
Heavy-handed, dislikable husband and wishy-washy willful heroine. Not likeable.
May 23, 2011
took a long time to get to a predictable ending. not very impressed.
May 18, 2016
Read this book ages ago. Did not like. Remember hating the "hero" very, very much.
Read
June 25, 2014Didn't finish, boring.
April 9, 2013
I love historical romance, but this one didn't do anything for me.
The story, characters and romance just came out flat.
The story, characters and romance just came out flat.
June 5, 2013
Review by: Sabrina
Link to Review http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
Link to Review http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
July 15, 2013
Just couldn't stop rolling eyes at the main character. One poor decision after another. More frustrating than entertaining.
March 1, 2014
The husband was a womanizing flirt who hit his wife and flaunted a pregnant house worker in his wife's face. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in him even when he told her he loved her.
May 17, 2014
Very good. I liked the part where Mary Kate was not enthusiastic about getting married.
October 12, 2014
great book really enjoyed it
October 28, 2021
"HE VOWED TO HUMBLE THE PROUD HIGHLAND BEAUTY
"Her copper-gold hair outshone the wealth in her father's coffers ... her lovely figure was as graceful on a galloping stallion as in the king's ballroom. Mary Kate MacPherson would attempt everything in her power to escape an arranged marriage with the arrogant clansman from the barbaric borderlands. For only she knew that he had an old score to settle, and that his desire to marry and tame her arose only from his devastating desire for her inviting body ... and revenge.
"SHE WOULD PROVE TO HIM THAT SHE BELONGED TO NO MAN
"His broad shoulders easily bore the weight of the king's trust. His teasing dark eyes lured every woman, from lusty scullery maid to aristocratic vixen. But all Sir Adam Douglas demanded from a wife was decorum. Or so he thought -- until fiery-spirited Mary Kate became his wife and he was faced with the ultimate challenge -- a woman who could crave his sensual touch with the kind of passion men dream of ... but resist his domination of her heart."
~~back cover
Like any genre, there develops a common theme or plot, and that's quite true of Scottish romances. The heroine is always getting herself into scrapes and the hero is always rescuing her, but their romance doesn't go smoothly because she is not a simpering, weak little door mat. And he finds he likes that, once he's butted his head against her stone walls and lost.
Entertaining reading, but it's not great literature.
"Her copper-gold hair outshone the wealth in her father's coffers ... her lovely figure was as graceful on a galloping stallion as in the king's ballroom. Mary Kate MacPherson would attempt everything in her power to escape an arranged marriage with the arrogant clansman from the barbaric borderlands. For only she knew that he had an old score to settle, and that his desire to marry and tame her arose only from his devastating desire for her inviting body ... and revenge.
"SHE WOULD PROVE TO HIM THAT SHE BELONGED TO NO MAN
"His broad shoulders easily bore the weight of the king's trust. His teasing dark eyes lured every woman, from lusty scullery maid to aristocratic vixen. But all Sir Adam Douglas demanded from a wife was decorum. Or so he thought -- until fiery-spirited Mary Kate became his wife and he was faced with the ultimate challenge -- a woman who could crave his sensual touch with the kind of passion men dream of ... but resist his domination of her heart."
~~back cover
Like any genre, there develops a common theme or plot, and that's quite true of Scottish romances. The heroine is always getting herself into scrapes and the hero is always rescuing her, but their romance doesn't go smoothly because she is not a simpering, weak little door mat. And he finds he likes that, once he's butted his head against her stone walls and lost.
Entertaining reading, but it's not great literature.
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