Book picks similar to
The Thistle and the Rose by May McGoldrick


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The Kindling Heart


Carmen Caine - 2011
    They were nothing but trouble. Leaving the rash life of his youth behind, he returned to Skye, seeking peace. He never meant to split the clan or start a war with the MacDonald of Duntulm. He certainly never foresaw an arranged marriage to the most scandalous woman in Scotland. Even though she was twice his age, the size of a horse and mother to more than one illegitimate child, he agreed to secure his sister’s freedom. However, even that plan goes drastically awry. On his wedding day, he finds himself faced instead with an enticing, green-eyed lass named Bree. A walking disaster, his bride immediately turns his world into chaos and threatens to melt his resolve never to love again.Betrayed by her own mother, Bree flees to Skye, thinking only to reunite with her long, lost father. Instead, she finds herself wed to Ruan MacLeod as a replacement bride. When she is forced to remain in the castle, she is soon caught between brothers and the mentally ill wife of the laird.Shy, yet strong, Bree embarks on a journey of independence and learns along the way that all men are not necessarily evil. In fact, one particularly brooding, yet gentle-hearted warrior is worthy of love, and she soon loses her heart forever.Excerpt from Chapter Six:...All at once, he noticed he was still holding her, apparently at the same moment understanding dawned in her face.Bree launched into another attack, jabbing his midriff and raking his skin with her nails.“Be still, ye wee hellion!” Ruan bellowed, pinning her wrists behind her back.For a moment, he thought she was going to retch; her pasty skin seemed almost yellow, purple and black streaks adorned her nose and cheekbones. Marriage to him had not served her well; in two days, she had transformed from a lass with a pair of bright green eyes to a drowned, underfed chicken.As her foot grazed his shin, he winced, quickly amending the thought; a mean-spirited, drowned, underfed chicken.Another well placed kicked wrenched a new succession of curses from his lip, but as her tears began to flow, real ones, his exasperation fled. Of all things, tears affected him the most. One slid down her cheek. Succumbing to a wave of pity, he wiped it gently with his thumb. Bree gulped, frowning in a way he could not fathom. For several long minutes, they stared wordlessly at each other.Finally, her cracked lips opened and she wailed, “I’m not wedding anyone!”Gazing down into the bright eyes brimming with tears, Ruan sighed. “Aye, ‘tis a wee bit late, lass.”It was supposed to be comforting, or so he thought, but his response seemed only to renew her resistance. Balling her fists, she struck his chest but more in blows of frustration than anything else. In spite of his best efforts, he grinned. Battling to the last breath was something he could understand, even for a hopeless cause such as this one. Lips twitching, he easily recaptured her wrists in a single hand. They were unusually small hands, perfectly shaped.The fingers jerked free from his grasp. Startled, he met her eyes once more.“You’ll die if you touch me!” Her slurred threat ended with a hiccup, rendering it anything but intimidating.He could smell the whiskey on her breath.His grin widened.Her hand fumbled near his belt before closing over the hilt of his sword. Assuming a fierce expression, she attempted to frighten him. “I’ll sever your manhood whilst you sleep!”To emphasize the statement she tugged at the blade, several times.On the third attempt, the sword cleared the scabbard almost an inch.“Aye.” Ruan laughed outright, his lips curving into a suggestive smile, “But it would take even a larger blade; ye haven’t a prayer if ye can’t lift this one.” His hand closed over hers. Not as a deterrent, but simply to watch her eyes flash defiantly once more....

When a Laird Loves a Lady


Julie Johnstone - 2016
    A longing to forget compels him. Fate may send them into each other’s arms, but only love can mend their hearts. An Outlander Raised by a tyrannical father, Marion de Lacy yearns for the comfort of belonging to a loving family. So when her father announces her betrothal to an evil knight in exchange for his help to overthrow the king, she concocts a desperate scheme to avoid the marriage: feigning her own death and then fleeing England. But when her plan goes terribly awry and she’s captured by the knight, not even her careful preparations could ready her for the Scottish barbarian who rescues her and then informs her that he’s to marry her by edict of her king. Certain her father will defy the king’s orders and wed her to the knight if she refuses the Highlander’s hand, Marion agrees to marry the strangely compelling but obstinate laird of the MacLeod clan. A Highlander After the death of his beloved wife, Iain MacLeod has no desire to marry ever again. Yet when he finds himself obliged to do so to secure the freedom of his childhood friend and king, he reluctantly travels across England to collect his unwanted bride, expecting to find a cold Englishwoman. Instead, he discovers a fiery, bold beauty who is fiercely loyal, protective of those she loves, and defies him at every turn, challenging his certainty that his heart is dead. Ensnared Following a hasty marriage and perilous journey to Scotland, Marion harbors no illusions that her new husband loves her. Still, her heart cannot resist the noble, brave warrior, and she cannot suppress the hope that she has finally found where she belongs. However, the harder she tries to fit in with the clan and gain Iain’s love, the farther away her dreams drift. Iain is more than willing to give his respect to his courageous wife—her kisses and caresses even ignite his blood and demand his passion—but he refuses to give up his heart. That is, until enemies near and far threaten to take Marion from him. Now the demons that haunt him can only be conquered by surrendering body and soul to Marion, if only it’s not too late…

Master of Desire


Kinley MacGregor - 2001
    The youngest daughter of an English lord at war, she is shaken by the arrival of a mysterious stranger to her father's castle. Could this breathtaking man be Emily's yearned-for lover? Indeed, Draven de Montague, Earl of Ravenswood, has come for Emily...but romance has nothing to do with it.In the Tender Embrace of an Enemy...Draven would never have entered the home of his most hated adversary had not the King himself ordered him to take in his foe's daughter for a year to forge bonds of peace between their two feuding houses. Worse still, here is a lass whose exquisite loveliness could tempt Draven to betray his sworn vow never to let another close to his heart. Emily knows the searing heat of her passion could burn down the defenses of this proud warrior. But will the surrender of the sweet nectar of his lips and his bold, sensuous caress ignite a blaze so hot it consumes them both?

The Bride of Rosecliffe


Rexanne Becnel - 1998
    A fierce and loyal warrior, he is prepared for war, but boldly seeks peace, never imagining the battle that will rage within his own heart.Josselyn ap Carreg Du is prepared to marry a man she loathes in order to unite Welsh lands against the hated English. Before she can do so, Rand makes her his captive-and pawn of his politics and ambition. She fears him, not because he is her mortal enemy...but because he has the means to make her forget that. In a time of strife and treachery, when enemies give no mercy and desperate choices mus be made, love may prove the greatest weapon of all...

For Love of a Laird


Mia Pride - 2019
    She may never know true love, but her people will finally know peace. However, when tragedy strikes more than once, and Elizabeth is pawned from laird to laird, unexpected desires for one man threaten to compromise her dutiful existence, forcing her to defy the rules. As the spare to the heir, Robert Irvine understands his obligation to the clan during these volatile times. But, marrying his brother’s beautiful widow is more than he bargained for, and nothing he is prepared for. When all he never wanted becomes all he ever needed, Robert suddenly stands to lose it all. When war is a constant threat, and a marriage to Elizabeth is the key to peace, Robert will do all he can to secure both, until he discovers she has done something that may destroy them both. Irvines of Drum Book 1 - For Love of a Laird Book 2 - Like a Laird to a Flame Book 3 - Maid for the Knight

The Beauty Bride


Claire Delacroix - 2005
    And he has no choice but to see them all wed in haste.Lady Madeline’s heart is not for sale…especially not to a notorious outlaw like Rhys FitzHenry. Yet Madeline’s hand has been sold, to none other than this battle-weary warrior with a price on his head. A more dutiful maiden might cede to the Laird’s command and meekly accept her fate, but Madeline has never been obedient. She decides to run away, though she never dreams that Rhys will pursue her.She does not expect this taciturn man to woo her with fanciful stories, much less that each of his enthralling tales will reveal a scar upon his shielded soul. She never imagines that a man like Rhys could imperil her own heart while revealing so little of his own feelings. When Rhys’ past threatens his future, Madeline takes a leap of faith. She dares to believe him innocent—and risks her own life to pursue a passion more priceless than the rarest gem.

The Outcast Highlander


R.L. Syme - 2013
    As an English lord descends to claim her father's lands, Kensey escapes north with her mother and brother, and runs straight into the arms of the outcast Highlander.Driven from home and family by a crazed father, Broccin Sinclair refuses to stand aside while the English invade his beloved Scotland. But who should he champion? The freedom fighter who saved his life, the family who has forgotten him, or the woman who captured his childhood heart?

Shades of Honor


Wendy Lindstrom - 2010
    Desperate for peace, Radford is ambushed by his unexpected and forbidden love for Evelyn—his brother's fiancée.

Beauty and The Highlander


Hildie McQueen - 2014
    After lying with her long enough to procure an heir he will release her from the marriage bed. She won't fight it. Carrick is certain one look at his marred face and she'll recoil in horror. It had to be a cruel joke. Analise Macgregor cannot believe the handsome man is to be her husband. That he rejects her after a wonderful night is hurtful, but not surprising once she sees how Carrick keeps everyone at a distance. Will Carrick and Analise get past preconceived perceptions to finally admit their mutual attraction?

Say Yes to the Scot: A Highland Wedding Box Set


Lecia Cornwall - 2017
    These four lasses are about to meet their matches in an original digital anthology featuring stories from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sabrina York, Lecia Cornwall, Anna Harrington, and May McGoldrick.How a Lass Wed a Highlander by Lecia CornwallIn this retelling of The Princess and The Pea, Laird Alex Munro of Culmore has just five weeks to find a bride and marry her...or else the clan will be cursed with ill luck. Cait MacLeod finds herself caught in a clan feud, and when she tries to stop a deadly raid, she ends up as Alex Munro’s prisoner. With timing running out, is this couple meant to be?A Match Made in Heather by Anna HarringtonShe was the laird's daughter. He was nothing more than a penniless, nameless Scot with nothing to offer but his heart. Fate tore them apart, but now he's back in her life with status, money and a title. Can they let go of past hurts and find love?A Midsummer Wedding by May McGoldrickTheir marriage was two decades in the making. The young, educated woman and her highland, pirate husband, betrothed when they were still children. But on the day of their wedding, Elizabeth Hay and Alexander Macpherson are in for a surprise.The Scot Says I Do by Sabrina YorkCatherine Ross's world is turned upside down when her brother gambles away every penny they own. But to make matters worse? He’s lost everything to none other than Duncan Mackay, the rugged Scot who Catherine loved for years--but he never noticed her, and now she positively loathes him. But her brother’s in danger of going to Newgate, and the despicable Duncan has a plan– she can claim back the money and save her brother. If she marries him…

Seduced By The Highlander : Highland Romance Collection (Isla and the Highlander Book 1)


Fiona Knightley - 2021
    

To Conquer a Scot


Tamara Gill - 2017
    The fact that the obnoxious, yet hot, and definitely sexy Highlander sees the world very differently than she does, is beside the point.Aedan Macleod knows what he wants in a wife, and Abigail certainly doesn’t meet his Highland standard, even though he must rein in his desire, because beautiful, opinionated Abigail would never suit as a laird’s wife.Tempers flare yet passion is undeniable, as Abby navigates her way in seventeenth century Scotland—without toilet paper. When two rival clans threaten the maddening twenty-first century minx who’s captured Laird Aedan’s heart, the mighty Highlander is willing to sacrifice everything to keep Abigail safe.

The Highlander's Hope


Cali MacKay - 2012
    Catriona Ross discovers clues to a long lost highland treasure, her only hope of finding the jewels is to obtain the help of Scotland's most eligible bachelor and playboy, Iain MacCraigh.​Iain can't believe his luck when he finds out the jewels are hidden away somewhere on his land-- and it doesn't hurt that the historian looking for them has curves to go with her smarts. With his brother betting the family fortune, this is the life line he desperately needs.​The odds are against them, and with word getting out about the jewels, they're not the only ones on the hunt. Time's running out, but can they learn to trust each other, or will they lose the jewels and true love in the process?

Heart of a Highlander


Collette Cameron - 2015
    When Frenchwoman Giselle McTavish married a Scotsman, she never expected to be widowed and left to bring up their son alone. Nonetheless, she's determined the next laird will be raised in Scotland. Even though Highlander Hugh Ferguson-the man she holds responsible for her husband's death-also lives at Craiglocky Keep. As time passes, she struggles to overcome loneliness and homesickness as well as fight the warm feelings Hugh now stirs.A warrior consumed with guilt... Hugh has loved Giselle almost from the moment he laid eyes on her. But as the wife-then widow-of his dearest friend, she's forbidden fruit. He refuses to act on his feelings for her, especially since she's never shown any romantic interest in him. But that changes one providential Valentine's Day when he risks everything by using Scottish folklore and legend to at last proclaim his love...__________This holiday themed Scottish historical by a USA Today bestselling author will make you smile. Easily read in one sitting, you'll sigh in contentment as you watch Hugh and Giselle at last admit their love for each other.If you enjoy reading enemies to lovers romances then you'll adore Collette Cameron's mesmerizing CASTLE BRIDES SERIES. Buy HEART OF A HIGHLANDER and settle into your favorite reading nook with your beverage of choice for a rousing romantic adventure you can't put down.Though this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, most readers prefer to read the series in order.CASTLE BRIDES SERIES: The Viscount's Vow Heart of a Scot (Prequel to Highlander's Hope) Highlander's Hope The Earl's EnticementCHECK OUT COLLETTE'S OTHER SERIES: The Honorable Rogues(R) Heart of a Scot Series Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series Seductive Scoundrels Series The Blue Rose Regency Romances: The Culpepper Misses Series

Her Scottish Captor


Kate Wingo - 2014
    The laird of his clan, tragedy has turned Iain into a ruthless warrior who is determined to avenge the brutal murder of his twin brother at the hands of a villainous English earl. To collect on the blood debt, Iain kidnaps the daughter of his sworn enemy and holds her for ransom. Lady Yvette Beauchamp has heard many a fearful tale about the wild, barbaric men who inhabit the Scottish Highlands. Abducted on the eve of her wedding to an aging earl, Yvette has reason to fear the brooding chieftain who holds her against her will in his island castle. While the darkly handsome laird may desire her body, she’s certain that he covets the rich ransom even more, Yvette’s worth set at a staggering two thousand pounds. When Yvette is forced to become the châtelaine of Iain’s castle, her duties constantly throw her into the laird’s path . . . and a very dangerous intrigue when she discovers that Iain’s mysterious guest is none other than Robert the Bruce, the newly crowned king of Scotland. With the Bruce in hiding at Castle Maoil – a bounty having been placed on his head by the English king – Yvette is now privy to one of Scotland’s best kept secrets. A secret she can either use to secure her freedom . . . or safeguard the Highland laird she has come to love. Set in 14th century Scotland, HER SCOTTISH CAPTOR is an unforgettable Celtic tale full of riveting action, vibrant historical detail, a high level of sensuous passion, and richly-drawn characters.