Alisa's Review: The Chief by Monica McCarty

Kindle Edition, 432 pages

Published March 23rd 2010 by Ballantine Books

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8156566-the-chief

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.

Amazon:  http://amzn.to/297GJbK

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/297HKQU

I was not impressed with this as I was the others from the series I have read, but I still loved. As this is the first book in the series, we learn how the "Highland Guard" started, and learned of their training. Also, seeing how much Christina changed Tor. Per normal historical romance books, Tor believes that love makes a warrior weak. As well as his belief that he must not rely on her or anyone else. I have read other books in the series, and all out of order. Easy to say, that this can be read as a stand-alone if you wish. however I believe you will want to continue the series. This series is by far one of my favorite series in Historical Romance genre!