Alec Bowie never wanted a wife. He never wanted a hearth and home. And he most assuredly never wanted to be chief of his clan. But much to his vexation, he finds himself in possession of all three. His desire for peace and to protect his clan are stronger than his desire to remain free and untethered. He agrees to the marriage in the hopes his wife will bed him only long enough get with child … child then leave him the bloody hell alone.
Leona MacDowall — or Leona ‘Odd Eyes’, Leona the Witch, or Leona ‘The Devil’s Spawn’ depending on to whom you speak — is all too happy to volunteer to marry the Bowie Chief. Though the clan Bowie’s reputation as murderers and thieves precedes them, she believes life with Alec more palatable than living the rest of her life untouched, unmarried, and under the hateful rule of her spiteful father.
But nothing turns out the way they expect. Alec doesn’t know if he can keep to his original plan of leaving his wife alone after he gets her with child. Leona is beginning to suspect she might not get the happy home she’s always wanted. And worst of all, someone’s set on murdering Leona — and might just succeed before anyone’s dreams can come true.
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Really enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and the way their thinking was made clear. Really had an emotional connection with Leona and could feel her pain stemming from her emotional abuse from her father. Alec’s insecurities were also shown throughout. Good story line and character development.
A warm read showing how love can change people and the way they thhave no.
I enjoyed reading this book.
This book did not fit the normal Highlander formula of warring clans and plenty of sword fights. Instead, I found it to be a refreshing tale of two people who despite a horrible past agreed to a marriage contract and ended up falling in love. The story is timeless. The characters were strong, the relationships of the two protagonists and the Bowie clan were entertaining.
A gripping tale full of emotional twists and turns with a hauntingly vulnerable heroine determined to earn the love of a Highland chieftain and his clan. Murder and mayhem from within the clan wreak havoc on her plans for a mutual fulfilling marriage, as well as acceptance by her husband’s people. Leona and Alec’s story is a thrilling page turner that stimulates the mind and gratifies the heart!
We begin our tale with a grieved Alec Bowie, his evil older brother being killed by Ian Mackintosh. Now Alec is chief of clan with a bad reputation and in need of a bride to keep the peace with his friend Ian’s clan. While the ideal of being wed sickens him, he’s the only one than can keep his clan together. But no woman is too keen on becoming a Bowie…except Leona Mackdowall.
Leona isn’t known for her ravishing beauty, as he has one olive green eye and one an ice blue, and some think she’s a witch. But Alec knows and likes her well enough to make her a passable bride. She’s a loyal woman and promises to not tether him to home and hearth, making her the best prospect Alec has. But Leona isn’t entering into this marriage out of love either, but to escape her brute of a husband. And when Alec promises her a home, children, to never flaunt his mistresses, and to never beat her, she’s ready to walk down the aisle.
It’s a good enough match, as both parties know exactly what the other requires, but Leona is mistrusting after a lifetime of ill-treatment and Alec doesn’t always have the finesse needed to put her at ease. However, they make a fine pair and learn each others ways easily enough and appear to have a good future ahead of them, especially when what starts out as a contract begins to turn to love. Except there are some mysterious accidents that seem to follow Leona. It might be that someone wants the Bowie bride gone…for good.
The first thing I adored about this book is the continuation of Ian and Rose’s story from book one. Yes, this novel was basically still about Alec and Leona, but It was nice seeing Ian and Rose again and to get a peek into how their married life was progressing. And they also added to the story, not took away from it or absorbed all the attention as in some other books. It was almost as if Ian and Rose were passing the gauntlet to Alec and Leona.
Another thing I liked was the evolution of the characters from odd, contractual understanding to love. Without giving too much away, their relationship was sometimes steamy, always sweet, and forever honest. It made them very relatable because of their imperfections, but you were still completely capable of swooning when you imagined some of the fine Scottish brogue in this book.
I highly recommend this novel, and the entire series, to all historical romance lovers, particularly ones who can appreciate a man in a kilt and the old clan ways we love. So read book one, if you’re a bit behind, then grab a copy of The Bowie Bride, the perfect summer read.
Another great book by this author. It is very long – a bit daunting – but not one superfluous scene or passage. Well worth your time and enjoyment. Thank you Author!
The ups and downs made for a great reading journey.
I loved the characters.
A good classic romance with a few twists and surprise villain
This was a little different than usual Scots romances. I liked how the clan, although reluctant to change, did indeed change. And it was the h who helped them to change.
A very entertaining and page-turner. Enjoyed it very much.
fun read
Highly recommend the entire series!
SUZAN TISDALE CONSISTENTLY DELIVERS GREAT BOOKS. SHE GETS TO THE HEART OF THE STORY AND CAPTURES YOUR EMOTIONS! I LOVE HER BOOKS!
Good read but some of the writing/ploy did not flow well otherwise is would give rate 4 stars
It was OK, I knew immediately who the culpret was.
I’d never read this author before and was pleasantly surprised. I loved the characters. It dragged in the middle which knocked off a star, but was overall very well done.
Boring. Same plotline as all romantic Scottish stories. Abused or neglected woman saved by Scottish laird. Would like to see a more novel approach.
Loved the story,but just Wanted a better ending.