Review: The Chief by Monica McCarty

Author: Monica McCarty

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Publication Date: March 2010

 An elite fighting force unlike the world has ever seen...
Scouring the darkest corners of the Highlands and Western Isles, Robert the Bruce handpicks ten warriors to help him in his quest to free Scotland from English rule. They are the best of the best, chosen for their superior skills in each discipline of warfare. And to lead his secret Highland Guard, Bruce chooses the greatest warrior of all.

The ultimate Highland warlord and a swordsman without equal, Tor MacLeod has no intention of being drawn into Scotland’s war against the English. Dedicated to his clan, the fiercely independent chief answers to no one—especially not to his alluring new bride, bartered to him in a bid to secure his command of the deadliest fighting force the world has ever seen. The treacherous chit who made her way to Tor’s bed may have won his hand, but she will never claim his heart.

Although her husband’s reputation is as fierce as his manner, Christina Fraser believes that something softer hides beneath his brutal shell. But the only warmth she feels is in their bed, in glorious moments of white-hot desire that disappear with the dawn. When Christina’s reckless bid to win her husband’s love goes awry and thrusts them into danger on the eve of war, Tor will face his ultimate battle: to save his wife and to open his heart—before it’s too late. 

I have had The Chief in my TRB pile forever. I'm so glad I finally listened to the audiobook.  It's been a while since I have read a highlander book.  This is the first book in a series about an elite team of warriors who are trained by the main character if this one to help Robert the Bruce to free Scotland from England.  This is Tor and Christina's story.  It is very much the first book in a series as it sets up all of the characters who will follow in later books.

I ended up really having a fun time with this book.  I loved Christina.  She had a lot of growth over the book.  While she wasn't really a weak woman in the beginning, she really does come more into her own and realizes her worth by the end of the book.  I loved how she stood up to Tor.  He took a bit more time for me to warm to.  There were a lot of moments where I just shook my head because he was just a dumb male.  I was rooting for him to get out of his won way and realize he could love without sacrificing his clan.  I really enjoyed watching the warriors who all came from different backgrounds slowly become a band of brothers (kind of).  

If you do read this, make sure you read the notes at the end of the book.  The author gives a bit of background on the history of the time and real life figures in the book.  I liked seeing what was based on truth and where she took liberty with timelines.  It gave me a better perspective on the politics and the stakes for the warriors.  I definitely recommend this one.  I can't wait to read the next book The Hawk.