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scoutmomskf's review
4.0
This is the next book in the reverse chronology of the Lochmore Legacy. Some questions from the previous books are answered while new ones make their appearance. Ewan and Marguerite are mentioned several times in the earlier books, so I was happy to get their story.
The story begins immediately after Scotland's defeat at Flodden, as the clans gather at Stirling to plan Scotland's future. Ewan, who had been studying law in Glasgow, is on the way to Stirling to claim the title of Earl of Glenarris following the deaths of his father and brother. Grief-stricken, Ewan suffers grave doubts about his ability to fill his father's shoes. While at the castle, he encounters an unusual young woman who he can't get off his mind.
Marguerite is a young Frenchwoman who is betrothed to Duncan McCrieff, a man twice her age. Still grieving the death of her mother, Marguerite is out of her depth in the rougher environment of the Scottish court. She also quickly realizes that her fiancé frightens her in ways she had not anticipated. The only bright spot is the young, handsome Highlander who befriends her. When she decides to run, she stows away in Ewan's cart.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Marguerite and Ewan. Their fascination with each other was evident from the beginning. While a good share of Ewan's interest was wrapped up in physical attraction, there was also a layer of protectiveness. He knew Duncan and his reputation and that it would not be a pleasant marriage for Marguerite. He was also well aware that there was nothing he could do about it. Though Marguerite was fearful of most men, there was something about Ewan that she found easy to trust. This made her avenue of escape an easy decision. I was quite impressed with her planning and preparation, though she neglected to confirm precisely where Ewan was going. I was surprised that she remained hidden as long as she did.
I loved Ewan's reaction when he found her. Though not at all happy to discover her there, especially given his recent encounter with Duncan, he is a gentleman. Knowing what he does, he won't return her to Duncan, but keeping her with him creates a whole different set of problems. As they make their way toward Lochmore they learn more about each other and realize that their initial impressions were not entirely accurate. I loved seeing Marguerite destroy his belief that she was a spoiled miss by rising to every challenge placed in front of her. She also learned that Ewan wasn't the barbarian she thought he was. In the time they spent together, the attraction between them grew stronger, and feelings of friendship deepened to more. I laughed a little at Ewan whose gentlemanly behavior warred with his baser urges. It became even more difficult as Marguerite's wariness lessened, her trust increased, and she discovered that getting close to the right man is pleasurable indeed. There are some emotional scenes that expose their vulnerabilities and fears to each other, but also show how right they are for each other.
But nothing is easy, and their arrival at Lochmore is complicated as the castle is under siege by the McCrieffs in a double-motivated attack. Ewan had previously made clear to Duncan that he was suspected of treason, and Ewan meant to prove it. Meanwhile, Duncan's cousin Donald is angry that Ewan received lands that Donald believed rightfully belong to him. Ewan must make his debut as Laird under these trying circumstances, and he isn't sure that he's up to the task. I loved Marguerite's confidence in him and the steadying effect that it had on him. The tension increases as the McCrieffs' actions strike at the heart of Lochmore, and Marguerite's disappearance forces Ewan to make a choice. I was on the edge of my seat until the final confrontation was over. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to this book and gave a sweet look at the Ewan and Marguerite's lives.
The story begins immediately after Scotland's defeat at Flodden, as the clans gather at Stirling to plan Scotland's future. Ewan, who had been studying law in Glasgow, is on the way to Stirling to claim the title of Earl of Glenarris following the deaths of his father and brother. Grief-stricken, Ewan suffers grave doubts about his ability to fill his father's shoes. While at the castle, he encounters an unusual young woman who he can't get off his mind.
Marguerite is a young Frenchwoman who is betrothed to Duncan McCrieff, a man twice her age. Still grieving the death of her mother, Marguerite is out of her depth in the rougher environment of the Scottish court. She also quickly realizes that her fiancé frightens her in ways she had not anticipated. The only bright spot is the young, handsome Highlander who befriends her. When she decides to run, she stows away in Ewan's cart.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Marguerite and Ewan. Their fascination with each other was evident from the beginning. While a good share of Ewan's interest was wrapped up in physical attraction, there was also a layer of protectiveness. He knew Duncan and his reputation and that it would not be a pleasant marriage for Marguerite. He was also well aware that there was nothing he could do about it. Though Marguerite was fearful of most men, there was something about Ewan that she found easy to trust. This made her avenue of escape an easy decision. I was quite impressed with her planning and preparation, though she neglected to confirm precisely where Ewan was going. I was surprised that she remained hidden as long as she did.
I loved Ewan's reaction when he found her. Though not at all happy to discover her there, especially given his recent encounter with Duncan, he is a gentleman. Knowing what he does, he won't return her to Duncan, but keeping her with him creates a whole different set of problems. As they make their way toward Lochmore they learn more about each other and realize that their initial impressions were not entirely accurate. I loved seeing Marguerite destroy his belief that she was a spoiled miss by rising to every challenge placed in front of her. She also learned that Ewan wasn't the barbarian she thought he was. In the time they spent together, the attraction between them grew stronger, and feelings of friendship deepened to more. I laughed a little at Ewan whose gentlemanly behavior warred with his baser urges. It became even more difficult as Marguerite's wariness lessened, her trust increased, and she discovered that getting close to the right man is pleasurable indeed. There are some emotional scenes that expose their vulnerabilities and fears to each other, but also show how right they are for each other.
But nothing is easy, and their arrival at Lochmore is complicated as the castle is under siege by the McCrieffs in a double-motivated attack. Ewan had previously made clear to Duncan that he was suspected of treason, and Ewan meant to prove it. Meanwhile, Duncan's cousin Donald is angry that Ewan received lands that Donald believed rightfully belong to him. Ewan must make his debut as Laird under these trying circumstances, and he isn't sure that he's up to the task. I loved Marguerite's confidence in him and the steadying effect that it had on him. The tension increases as the McCrieffs' actions strike at the heart of Lochmore, and Marguerite's disappearance forces Ewan to make a choice. I was on the edge of my seat until the final confrontation was over. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to this book and gave a sweet look at the Ewan and Marguerite's lives.
emmalb1984's review
5.0
“I do not care about hardship. I will sleep under the sky and walk the whole way across your mountains if necessary.”
The third instalment of the Lochmore Legacy mini-series takes the reader back to the immediate aftermath of the battle of Flodden when clan leaders gathered at Stirling Castle to discuss the future of Scotland, and it is here that Ewan Lochmore, newly titled Lord Glenarris, first encounters Marguerite Vallon; a meeting which will ultimately change both their lives.
Readers of the first two books in this series will be familiar with Ewan and Marguerite from the mentions made, and here Elisabeth Hobbes skilfully tells the story of how Marguerite escapes an unwanted betrothal to Duncan McCrieff, and finds herself falling in love with both Ewan and the Highlands.
Having been intrigued by Ewan and Marguerite’s story from the outset of this series, it was nice to finally meet them and discover just how perfect the two were for each other, even though neither is quite willing to admit that at first, and watching them fall in love is a delight. Elisabeth Hobbes has created two intriguing and likeable characters who you immediately become invested in, and, as the story progresses, you really do root for them to find their happy ending amid the threat of Duncan McCrieff’s plan for revenge.
I cannot enthuse enough about the author’s descriptions of the Scottish backdrop, and the strong sense of history, from the atmospheric opening scenes at Stirling Castle, to Ewan and Marguerite’s trek across the Highlands to Lochmore Castle, all the while evading a pursuing Duncan McCrieff (an excellent villain, and you really do want to cheer when Marguerite contrives to escape him). There is also a nice nod to the other books as we explore Lochmore Castle with Marguerite, and feel familiarity with its crypt, tunnels and shoreline as also experienced by Flora and Joane.
As the reader will already by aware, the Lochmore/McCrieff feud has been rumbling for centuries, and here we are given more background to the strained relations between the clans, and discover that it has been going on so long that Ewan has to admit that “I don’t even know how the hatred between the Lochmore’s and McCrieff’’s started.” It would spoil the plot to reveal more about this, but questions are answered here about the mystery posed in the previous books, and provide intrigue into what will unfold in the upcoming fourth and final book.
Ultimately though, this book is an excellent romance which is believable and entertaining, and, in the end, quite emotional as Ewan and Marguerite forge a path towards the future. There are some excellent and well written scenes which demonstrate the vulnerable side of both Ewan and Marguerite, and their fears for the future, and it is because of these scenes that you really do realise just how happy the two could be together, and Ewan’s choice between Marguerite and learning just why the McCrieff’s stole a body from the crypt at Lochmore castle is an excellent romanic moment which proves that love conquers all.
Special mention must also go to the wonderful epilogue which shows us Ewan and Marguerite decades into their marriage. It is emotional, passionate, romantic and simply the perfect end to this wonderful book.
Over to you Nicole Locke for book four…
Thank you to Elisabeth Hobbes for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The third instalment of the Lochmore Legacy mini-series takes the reader back to the immediate aftermath of the battle of Flodden when clan leaders gathered at Stirling Castle to discuss the future of Scotland, and it is here that Ewan Lochmore, newly titled Lord Glenarris, first encounters Marguerite Vallon; a meeting which will ultimately change both their lives.
Readers of the first two books in this series will be familiar with Ewan and Marguerite from the mentions made, and here Elisabeth Hobbes skilfully tells the story of how Marguerite escapes an unwanted betrothal to Duncan McCrieff, and finds herself falling in love with both Ewan and the Highlands.
Having been intrigued by Ewan and Marguerite’s story from the outset of this series, it was nice to finally meet them and discover just how perfect the two were for each other, even though neither is quite willing to admit that at first, and watching them fall in love is a delight. Elisabeth Hobbes has created two intriguing and likeable characters who you immediately become invested in, and, as the story progresses, you really do root for them to find their happy ending amid the threat of Duncan McCrieff’s plan for revenge.
I cannot enthuse enough about the author’s descriptions of the Scottish backdrop, and the strong sense of history, from the atmospheric opening scenes at Stirling Castle, to Ewan and Marguerite’s trek across the Highlands to Lochmore Castle, all the while evading a pursuing Duncan McCrieff (an excellent villain, and you really do want to cheer when Marguerite contrives to escape him). There is also a nice nod to the other books as we explore Lochmore Castle with Marguerite, and feel familiarity with its crypt, tunnels and shoreline as also experienced by Flora and Joane.
As the reader will already by aware, the Lochmore/McCrieff feud has been rumbling for centuries, and here we are given more background to the strained relations between the clans, and discover that it has been going on so long that Ewan has to admit that “I don’t even know how the hatred between the Lochmore’s and McCrieff’’s started.” It would spoil the plot to reveal more about this, but questions are answered here about the mystery posed in the previous books, and provide intrigue into what will unfold in the upcoming fourth and final book.
Ultimately though, this book is an excellent romance which is believable and entertaining, and, in the end, quite emotional as Ewan and Marguerite forge a path towards the future. There are some excellent and well written scenes which demonstrate the vulnerable side of both Ewan and Marguerite, and their fears for the future, and it is because of these scenes that you really do realise just how happy the two could be together, and Ewan’s choice between Marguerite and learning just why the McCrieff’s stole a body from the crypt at Lochmore castle is an excellent romanic moment which proves that love conquers all.
Special mention must also go to the wonderful epilogue which shows us Ewan and Marguerite decades into their marriage. It is emotional, passionate, romantic and simply the perfect end to this wonderful book.
Over to you Nicole Locke for book four…
Thank you to Elisabeth Hobbes for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
shereadsitall's review
5.0
Excellent book. Kept my attention and was very well written. Definitely will be looking for the other books in the series.
megmeh's review
Dull protagonists. Poorly written (mistypes, odd sentences, badly edited). Setting was interesting (mentions of historical food were a nice touch), but not enough to keep me reading.
jessbookishlife's review
5.0
In "A Runaway Bride for the Highlander" we follow Marguerite and Ewan love story and what a wonderful one it was.
I should just accept that I will forever be surprise by the amazing authors in the Historical Romance genre, and thank you Elisabeth Hobbes for really slapping the shock out of me. Why am I say this? Because it was once I learned that this happened in the Tudor era that I just felt all does surprised, excited and "kid on Christmas eve" rollercoaster of emotions. I love when I'm surprised! And sometimes I need a emotional slap to get me going, because there are so many eras in our history that could be talked about and I sometimes forget. Just like it happened before I started reading this book. Elisabeth just came with her story and was like "here is the Tudor Era, Enjoy!" And Enjoy I did!
Why am I talking about this? It's so you all understand. I don't know much about some particular eras, mostly because I'm from Portugal and each country has its own particular eras because of culture, power, finances and location. And this era that is talked about in this book, I don't know a lot about. So every time I read a book in it, I get a different kind of excitement.
Yet again, I was transported to a setting as vivid and as fantastical as the previous ones. And even thought the books were all written by different authors, the series is connected and the images that each author painted was and extra amazing detail to connect everything. Elisabeth Hobbes did such a brilliant job that I need to grab other of her books, just to get to know her better by entering the stories she wrote, and see the lovely descriptions and romance she has to offer.
Speaking of romance... Marguerite and Ewan... I don't even know what to say, I love them. I love to see their journey and getting to know more about their background and see their relationship grow. Lots of romance, mystery and danger, just what the doctor order.
Getting to know the characters and falling in love with them, in this beautifully written scenery and following them as they try to realize their goals and find what they want (or need)... It was the best couple of days of my months. Still, after so many time that has passed, I'm still sighing while thinking about it.
This may have been my first Elisabeth Hobbes' but I have joined the fan club. It was a thrilling, captivating and breath taking story, one that I recommend.
Although I won't go into details, it's just so the people that haven't read it yet can fully enjoy the story and can find their one amazing moments in this novel. When I picked up the book I just got a cup of tea and a blanket, and with Nala by my side I opened it. I could enjoying the storytelling just as if I was enjoying a movie, since my mind was full of colours and sounds and I could almost believe I could even smell something.
When people say that the devil is in the details, I always say that a good story has details. That's what I thought as I was reading, because I didn't even notice the time passing by, I was so caught up in Marguerite and Ewan relationship blooming and the dangers that gave some balance to the the story, making it exciting as well as it was sweet thanks to the romance.
Overall, the combination of the time period, the descriptions, the well written and well developed characters, the surprises, the mysteries and the pace, was what made this one of my favorite books of 2019. That and the fact that it's just the beginning of my love for Elisabeth Hobbes' books.
I should just accept that I will forever be surprise by the amazing authors in the Historical Romance genre, and thank you Elisabeth Hobbes for really slapping the shock out of me. Why am I say this? Because it was once I learned that this happened in the Tudor era that I just felt all does surprised, excited and "kid on Christmas eve" rollercoaster of emotions. I love when I'm surprised! And sometimes I need a emotional slap to get me going, because there are so many eras in our history that could be talked about and I sometimes forget. Just like it happened before I started reading this book. Elisabeth just came with her story and was like "here is the Tudor Era, Enjoy!" And Enjoy I did!
Why am I talking about this? It's so you all understand. I don't know much about some particular eras, mostly because I'm from Portugal and each country has its own particular eras because of culture, power, finances and location. And this era that is talked about in this book, I don't know a lot about. So every time I read a book in it, I get a different kind of excitement.
Yet again, I was transported to a setting as vivid and as fantastical as the previous ones. And even thought the books were all written by different authors, the series is connected and the images that each author painted was and extra amazing detail to connect everything. Elisabeth Hobbes did such a brilliant job that I need to grab other of her books, just to get to know her better by entering the stories she wrote, and see the lovely descriptions and romance she has to offer.
Speaking of romance... Marguerite and Ewan... I don't even know what to say, I love them. I love to see their journey and getting to know more about their background and see their relationship grow. Lots of romance, mystery and danger, just what the doctor order.
Getting to know the characters and falling in love with them, in this beautifully written scenery and following them as they try to realize their goals and find what they want (or need)... It was the best couple of days of my months. Still, after so many time that has passed, I'm still sighing while thinking about it.
This may have been my first Elisabeth Hobbes' but I have joined the fan club. It was a thrilling, captivating and breath taking story, one that I recommend.
Although I won't go into details, it's just so the people that haven't read it yet can fully enjoy the story and can find their one amazing moments in this novel. When I picked up the book I just got a cup of tea and a blanket, and with Nala by my side I opened it. I could enjoying the storytelling just as if I was enjoying a movie, since my mind was full of colours and sounds and I could almost believe I could even smell something.
When people say that the devil is in the details, I always say that a good story has details. That's what I thought as I was reading, because I didn't even notice the time passing by, I was so caught up in Marguerite and Ewan relationship blooming and the dangers that gave some balance to the the story, making it exciting as well as it was sweet thanks to the romance.
Overall, the combination of the time period, the descriptions, the well written and well developed characters, the surprises, the mysteries and the pace, was what made this one of my favorite books of 2019. That and the fact that it's just the beginning of my love for Elisabeth Hobbes' books.
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