The Recruit

A Highland Guard Novel, Book 6

By: Monica McCarty

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Fiery, aggressive, and bold, Kenneth Sutherland is a true champion-skilled with any weapon and driven to win. Now Kenneth is ready for his greatest challenge: Joining Robert the Bruce's secret army to fight among the elite. Kenneth's best chance to attain that honor is by winning the Highland Games. Focused and prepared for victory, he is caught off guard by a lovely wisp of a woman - and a stolen moment of wicked seduction. Her innocent arousal and her shameless hunger fire his blood. He will win his place in the guard-and in Mary of Mar's bed. The ruggedly handsome hero-in-the-making stirs a heart that should know better.

Mary vows that her surrender will be sport only-no promises, no heartbreak, just one night of incredible passion. Nothing, she swears, will persuade her to give up her hard-wrought independence and put her fate in the hands of another powerful man. But with every gentle touch and heart-pounding kiss, Kenneth makes her want more. Now Mary wants his heart. But is this determined champion willing to surrender everything for love?

©2012 Monica McCarty (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"The sixth book in the highly regarded Highland Guard series is filled with believable characters, intense emotions and a fast-paced intricate plot seamlessly interwoven with romance and plenty of historical detail." ( RT Book Reviews)

part of a great series

I have to say that out of all the books that have been within the series that I've read so far I haven't found one clunker. all can stand alone as a good story but together they really do link very nicely and mash in a way that is not found in all series it's very well written.

From beginning to end

Wonderful From beginning to end.
I travelled through all the emotions, and aavored the hope and love

another great read!

Monica has done a wonderful job continuing the Hughland Guard series!!I highly recommend this title!

Against the odds!

Where does The Recruit rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Kenny really proves not only his metal but his loyalty! I actually liked this one best in the series, because the bride wasn't the drop dead gorgeous like the others.

What other book might you compare The Recruit to and why?

The Guard Series; its great how the books overlap to tell the story, this way, things missed in one book are made clearer in the next.

What about Antony Ferguson’s performance did you like?

Antony has a fantastic accent and can really define each character. His inflections and expressive voice keep you interested in the story throughout.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A worthy opponent!

Any additional comments?

I love how Monica also includes the history at the end of her books. This helps to show how close to the real thing her stories are, plus teaches about Scottish history and culture. I can't read a book often, and I have a lot of books on tape so that I can still have books in my car, while I'm at work, or just relaxing. I always feel enriched after one of Monica's books, they're not just fiction and adventure; I learn from them!!

Wow. Highly recommended!

Loved the love story regarding an epic battle for true love highlander style. Wish there had been more closure but that's what the rest of the series is for! Wish they'd get a better narrator! But it is doable and not so bad, I've heard worse.

Middle Child Syndrome

Kenneth "Ice" Sutherland is a middle child of one of the greatest Earldoms in Scotland. Always trying to prove himself, feeling like he needs to fight for everything he achieves. There is a spot available on the Highland Guard and Kenneth wants it. Mary of Mar, daughter of one of the greatest families and the widow of the late Earl of Athol. She has been under house arrest since her late husband deserted England to join Robert the Bruce. Great characters and a great love story as the first war for Scotlands Independence. I love Monica McCarthy. The mix of true historical facts with some minor name changes and twists, makes reading the books interesting and enjoyable. I love Scottish History especially the First War of Independence for Scotland. Robert the Bruce is a fascinating person in history and his story is one for the ages. Her introduction to a Highland Guard that acts like one of the first special forces is so entertaining. It is so believable that it makes me want to go back in time to see for myself.

only problem was the last chapter skipped

I love the story and characters my only problem was that the last chapter skipped

A Great Addition to the Series!

If you could sum up The Recruit in three words, what would they be?

Sexy, Dangerous, Adventurous!

What other book might you compare The Recruit to and why?

It would be The Ranger (Book 3 in the series) due to Kenneth's undercover work.

Have you listened to any of Antony Ferguson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes and as always he is superb. One of the best!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When Kenneth realized who his nun really was.

Any additional comments?

I love Kenneth, he is a great addition to The Highland Guard. Mary of Mar was not my favorite however,I felt like she was a little too harsh but she did grow on me eventually. I love all of the books in this series. Worth a credit!

The heroine is a brat

I honestly wanted to skip chapters because of the whiny brat Mary’s character. Someone who wasn’t loved for years could be cruel and reject love over and over. It didn’t fit with what she supposedly suffered and now she inflects on Kenneth. Made me sorry to be a woman

I think it's my favorite so far

Kenneth and Mary are the cutest couple yer. Even better than Tor and Christina. They both deserved their HEA. Now off to the Hunter next up in the series.