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Her
Highland
Rogue
Four
Stars
Scotsman Duncan MacThomas is ordered by King Edward to marry
Englishwoman Catherine Gillingham. Abused as a child, cuckolded and
deserted by his first wife, Duncan wants nothing to do with
remarriage until he gets to know her. He wants to bed her and leave
her forever.
Catherine reluctantly marries this stranger, but proves herself an
able wife. A stranger stalks them, determined to avenge himself
against Duncan, willing to strike against Catherine. He has already
struck twice with tragic results. Both Duncan and Catherine have
fallen deeply in love with each other, but neither will admit it for
fear of rejection. Will they come to their senses before the
stranger succeeds?
This is a highly emotional book set at the time of Robert the Bruce.
The well-drawn characters are too proud to bend to their emotions,
putting their relationship constantly at risk, notwithstanding the
outside threat. The author is to be applauded for her choice of
setting and strength of character studies.
Deborah Elliott
Affaire de Coeur
September 2005
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In this delightful romance, Scotland and England are back at each
other's throats. This time around a Scottish Highlander and an
English rose are forced to marry by the order of the king and their
fathers. Duncan MacThomas is forced to marry Catherine Gillingham
but he doesn't have to like it! She is everything his heart and soul
needs but he pushes her away from a past that has scarred him
deeply. Making mistakes left and right, Duncan has to right his
wrongs in order for her to believe he loves her. Treachery is afoot
when someone from Duncan's past comes after Catherine and the battle
between England and Scotland heats up again, this time with deadly
earnest. Will Catherine lose HER HIGHLAND ROGUE after all that
happens or will they finally find the strength to admit their love
to each other? Find out in HER HIGHLAND ROGUE and be transported to
a time when manly men where the norm and the women who were strong
enough to stand beside them!
All this reviewer can say is Wow!! Ms. Burroughs weaves a wonderful
tale set in a time when Scotland was fighting for its freedom from
England and England's swift retaliation. In the midst of this, a
love between a gruff highlander and a shy English rose blooms and
Ms. Burroughs tells the love and passion with a simplicity that will
take the reader's breath away! This is a story that will touch the
reader's heart. The historical details will keep the reader
enthralled as they enjoy the fight Duncan and Catherine have against
past to enjoy their future. By creating such strong characters, Ms.
Burroughs has the reader in the palm of her hand from beginning to
end. Duncan is a wonderfully alpha male who delivers his love in
ways that will endear him to the reader's heart. Catherine is a
perfect foil to Duncan's gruffness as she is like silk with the
strength of steel.
Ms. Burroughs's easily will captivate the reader with intricate
details, a mystery that ensnares the reader and characters that will
touch their hearts. By the end of the first chapter, this reviewer
was enthralled with HER HIGHLAND ROGUE and was rooting for Duncan
and Catherine to admit their love. Laughter, tears and love shine
through this wonderful novel. This reviewer was amazed at Ms.
Burroughs's depth and perception in this storyline. Her wonderful
way with words plays itself through each page like a lyrical note
and will captivate the reader till the very end. The only drawback
was this reviewer wanted to know more of the secondary characters
and the back story of other characters. All in all, read HER
HIGHLAND ROGUE and be transported to a time that is full of mystery
and promise of a future. This reviewer is highly recommending this
book for those who enjoy an engrossing Scottish tale full of humor,
love and laughter.
Reviewed by Dawn
September 2005
© Love Romances, 2001-2005. All Rights Reserved
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Rating: 5 Cups
Catherine Gillingham does not want to marry the man who comes for
her any more than he wants to wed her. However, the marriage has
been decreed by the King; and she has no choice. She does her best
to adjust to life in his home, but he makes it so clear that he does
not want her around that she cannot help but feel totally abandoned.
Eventually, she decides to leave, only to have him come after her.
Unbeknownst to both of them there is evil waiting for them.
Duncan MacThomas is incensed that his father has contracted a
marriage for him without his consent. He does not want to marry Lord
Gillingham's daughter; but out of duty, he does so. Determined to
not be cuckolded by another wife or abandoned by someone he cares
about, he leaves Catherine in his home and rides off. By the time he
realizes how he really feels about her, it is too late she is gone.
He goes after her and brings her home again.
Catherine and Duncan are wonderful characters with complex
personalities. They complement each other very well. There are many
situations between both of them, as well as some of the other
characters, that evoke much emotion. There are places where tragedy
abounds and others that show a loving family that might have existed
in that particular time period. The love that develops between Cat
and Duncan is easily visible and feels very real. The love scenes
are sensual with just the right amount of detail for this particular
story. The supporting characters are well developed and are a very
important part of the book. Duncan's father is a crusty older man
who is reluctant to talk about his feelings but has them
nonetheless.
Meggie is a delightful child that one cannot help but love. The
setting of 14th century Scotland is very well described and
obviously well researched. I learned many things from reading this
book, such as the origin of the word sweetheart. The language used
is appropriate to the time period. The plotline is interesting. I
could not put the book down until I had finished reading it.
Ms. Burroughs is a gifted author with a knack for describing events
in such a way that they are easily visible to the reader. Her
Highland Rogue is a wonderful book that I highly recommend to anyone
who enjoys Scottish historical romance.
Susan White, Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
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Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9
Gargoyles
Her Highland Rogue will become everyone's favorite book!
Leanne Burroughs continues the fiery tale of Scotland's history with
Highlander Duncan MacThomas and his lady wife, Catherine Gillingham
of England. They were forced to wed by King Edward's decree and for
the purpose of binding Scottish nobles to the throne by marriage.
Although both reluctantly entered into this union, their reserve
slowly melts to a white-hot passion.
The creative blending of history and romance will appeal to readers
on several levels. The author's research and understanding of
Scottish politics is made evident through the characters' actions
and dialogue. Leanne Burroughs has an obvious love for this country
and its people. The setting is very realistic and is filled with
many fascinating details.
Yet, this story shines most brightly through the main characters of
Duncan and Catherine. Both of them have a vibrancy that pulses
through these pages. Their personalities are strong and sensual.
This author is also extremely skillful with dialogue and was able to
make Duncan's Scottish burr seem almost audible. The rest of the
characters move the story along with a determined purpose. The
mixture of historical and fictional personalities gives the readers
a more intimate look at this time period.
The sexual tension between Duncan and Catherine reflects their own
inner struggles as well as their loyalties to their respective
countries. There is a magnetism between them that literally explodes
with energy. Readers will sigh, sob and squeal with delight whenever
these characters are on the page! Every woman will want Her Highland
Rogue!
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Duncan MacThomas is forced to marry Catherine Gillingham.
Catherine had hopes of marrying someone else but King Edward
has made his decree and she must follow his dictates. Can
two people forced into wedlock find happiness during a very
turbulent time? Catherine makes the best of her situation.
Her marriage is not what she would have wished for but she
tries her best. She is a product of her time and does what
is expected of her. She bows to the wishes of her King and
her father. Duncan has spent his life fighting battles and
spending inordinate amount of time away from his home.
Duncan is a man who has major issues due to his upbringing
as well as a very bad first marriage. He has never recovered
from his experiences when he was fostered out. He blames his
father for it all thus they do not have a good relationship.
Catherine and Duncan are two stubborn people and both have a
great capacity to love. Duncan fights his attraction to
Catherine and when all else fails, he abandons her at his
home. These two characters undergo extreme pain and anguish
especially Catherine during the course of the story. She
suffers physically and emotionally from attacks on her by
Duncan's enemies. Containing 396 pages, Her Highland Rogue
contains many secondary characters including Trevor,
Catherine's brother and Tamara, Duncan's sister. They
provide sounding boards as well as support to the two leads
throughout the story. Characters from Ms. Burroughs?
Highland Wishes also appear within this story. It was
wonderful to see how Grant and Victoria were doing. Her
Highland Rogue is filled with historical data and the author
does a wonderful job of conveying the hardship of living in
the time period. This book definitely falls into the
category of a sweeping historical romance with two very
enjoyable leads and a whole host of supporting characters.
The twists and turns as these two find their way is full of
intrigue and the reader will be fully drawn into their
story. For those who love romances set in Scotland, pick up
Her Highland Rogue as well as Highland Wishes, you won't
regret it!
Historical Romance
Susan T. - Fallen Angel Reviews
4 Angels
August 2005
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"Burroughs second book is a heart-stealer"
Leanne Burroughs' book Highland Wishes was a wonderful book.
Her first, it was full of heart and so much love - of
storytelling, history, of Scotland. She did the amazing Hat
Trick of winning the 2004 Laurie for Historical Romance.
Since Highland Wishes, from a small press, won over all
those big named writers from the NYC power-publishers this
says readers have found Burroughs and taken her to their
hearts. In her second book, Her Highland Rogue - you will be
amazed at the growth of Burroughs talent. Her craft
continues to mature, making this story so emotional, so
moving.
It's the sequel to Highland Wishes. Set in 1304, while
Scotland is still struggling to keep their independence,
Edward Longshanks, the most ruthless king ever to sit on the
English throne hopes to binds Scottish nobles through lands
and marriages. The latter comes to plague Duncan Mac Thomas.
A troubled man, a scarred man in many ways, the handsome
Highlander finds his laird and father has betrothed him to a
rich English woman, with Edward's blessings. Only, Duncan is
a man not to be ruled. Despite his father's decree he
accepts the marriage simply because he knows it will help
protect his clan from Longshanks and give them the
much-needed coin to see Clan MacThomas survives these
troubled times. He may be forced to accept his English
bride, but it doesn't mean he has to play husband to the
lass. He plans to wed, bed her to solidify the marriage, and
then leave her in the care of his clanspeople. Only, the
arrogant Highlander comes to cropper with this English
beauty now his lady wife.
Catherine Gillingham was raised to obey her lord father.
However, she is shocked to find her father pledged her in
marriage to a Scotsman. Unsure of this new man she now must
call lord and husband, she doesn't let it bend her gentle
spirit. She is a quite woman, a woman trained to be proper
in all things. Underneath is a strength Duncan little
expected, but soon comes to admire. In a marriage neither
wanted, they suddenly find themselves falling in love.
Edward hopes to control this Scots noble through the
marriage, but no one bribes Duncan MacThomas. When the call
to save Stirling Castle comes, Duncan rises to the Scottish
Banner, and along with Grant Drummond (hero from Highland
Wishes), they rush to save the castle from Edward's war
machines, nearly giving their lives to the cause.
Through the turbulent times, Duncan and Catherine learn to
hold tight to each other, and fight the coming storm that
threatens to destroy them both.
Burroughs has a true love of Scotland (and being a Scot I
think I'm a good judge of this). She writes with amazing
detail of the period and country. Only, it's through these
two amazing characters she brings to life where she really
hits her stride. Catherine is a gentle soul, yet there is
such strength and determination in her. She is a heart-
stealer. Duncan is pure Alpha male - arrogant, handsome,
sexy, but a fully realized man with scars from the past.
Duncan will leave the readers wanting their own Highland
Rogue!
Reviewed by
DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted June 26, 2005
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In one of my favourite periods in history Leanne Burroughs
takes me back with her emotionally charged novel about two
characters that are deeply scarred by the trauma that has
occurred in their lives. I really enjoyed Her Highland
Rogue; the novel was very descriptive and historically
accurate. Duncan was a battled and scarred man and unwilling
to let anyone into his life. But Catherine came along and he
discovered that not everyone is out to get him. With time he
opened up to her and they grew together and let each other
into their hearts. The novel setting is roughly 2 years in
length and I could not possibly cover everything that
happened in this novel. The secondary characters were
strong, forceful, insightful and offered a charm and humour
to this novel that was refreshing to read. While the villain
is one of the vilest men I have ever come across in a
Romance Novel. He was a cold-hearted character with no
remorse whatsoever and whenever he was in a scene, I could
feel chills run down my spine.
With rich history during this period to draw from, William
Wallace, the overtaking of Stirling and the crowning of
Robert The Bruce. Leanne Burroughs weaves a powerful story
of love and redemption. Her Highland Rogue is a captivating
and spine tingling read, filled with angst and inner
torment. It’s a wonderful love story and one that any
medieval reader will love and cherish for years to come.
Reviewed by Laurel,
The Mystic Castle
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Rating: 10
I fell a little in love with Duncan in "Highland Wishes" and was thrilled that this guy was going to get his own story! As with her past effort Ms. Burroughs has delivered yet again with this wonderfully romantic story about two souls that want to love but just can't trust the emotion.
Duncan McThomas is forced to marry English beauty Catherine Gillingham by the English King. It's the last thing he wants but he will do his duty. He will marry her and walk away from her before she can leave him as his first wife did and as his own father did when Duncan was a small boy. Duncan is not prepared to find Catherine attractive or desirable he certainly never thought to find her company appealing. After consummating the marriage he leaves her at his home and leaves for Grant Drummonds stronghold. This proud warrior is too proud to admit he's making a mistake and by the time he comes to his senses, his wife has left for England. Will he be able to convince her to return to Scotland and to stand by his side?
Catherine Gillingham MacThomas wants her husband to love her as she loves him. She is unable to voice her feelings and instead runs from them only to realize you can't hide from what you feel. Together these two wounded souls try to find an even balance while pretending their feelings are less than they are. With the backdrop of Scotland's war for independence, Cat and Duncan find a love that they never thought possible. But, will they be able to find peace from their past hurts?
Again this story is rich in history as well as breathtakingly original. We again visit with Tory and Grant, and introduced to new friends that will wrap their way around your heat. I greatly look forward to Ms. Burroughs' next effort. She is an author I will now purchase by name alone.
- Kristi Ahlers, Romance Designs
Date of Review:
12/26/05
Reviewed by: Luv2readinBruxelles
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"Breathtakingly Passionate & Poignant Medieval"
In a stunning sequel to
Burroughs HIGHLAND WISHES, the reader will find a powerfully emotional and
passionate love story that focuses on Duncan MacThomas, who was introduced in
that novel.
As Duncan is summoned home
by his father he is informed that, for the good of his clan, he has been
betrothed to and will marry an English heiress Catherine Gillingham. Not only is
this a 'fait accompli' by his detested father, but decreed so by the English
King ‘Longshanks.’ For the good of his clan, he'd do his duty, marry and bed the
lass, but then he would leave her, never to return! In a huff, he traveled to
England and married the lass taking care to not even look at her. When he
finally did get around to taking a good look at her, Duncan grudgingly had to
admit he did not expect to find Catherine quite so appealing. Duncan took his
time getting to 'know' her well, before he consummated their union, and their
trip home was more than leisurely with many stops along the way. Duncan hated to
admit he truly liked her company, but stubbornly his plans were made.
Catherine was no more
anxious to marry Duncan than he was to marry her, but on the journey home she
thought there was a real chance for happiness. Unfortunately, on her arrival her
hopes were shattered when Duncan promptly announced he was leaving and would not
return! Then he quickly left before the attraction he felt grew any stronger
leaving him vulnerable and open for heartbreak.
Duncan was a terribly
wounded soul who had lost all faith in love and no longer trusted that emotion,
as much as he wanted it to be real. Abandoned as a child by his father, then
again by his first wife -- he couldn't trust any love he felt for Cat to admit
to, or risk being left again. Stubbornly Duncan would leave first before any
feelings he'd developed left him open to that kind of pain. Only the fates would
play a hand in showing him how wrong that decision was, as an old demented enemy
stalked Duncan and Catherine ready to destroy any happiness they might achieve
before they could confess to what their hearts knew best.
*** Against the sweeping
backdrop of Scotland's war of independence, this author continues an epic of a
heart wrenching and positively beautiful love story. Duncan and Catherine were
painstakingly developed with such realism that you'll be sharing their emotional
journey. At its very heart you'll share the love, the joy, the anguish, and the
tears. Along the way, you'll revisit old friends, gain new ones, and thoroughly
wish the story would never end. Burroughs gifts you with a terrific story,
straight from her heart to yours! A most excellent novel that I whole-heartedly
recommend!
Reviewed by
Marilyn Rondeau
The Best Reviews
Posted July 9, 2006
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