The Viper

A Highland Guard Novel

By: Monica McCarty

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Prized for his snakelike stealth and deadly strikes, Lachlan "Viper" MacRuairi is a warrior to enlist but not to trust. His only loyalty is to his purse, his indifference sealed by bitter betrayal. All that changes when Lachlan is tasked to protect and deliver Bella MacDuff to the king's coronation - and the proud, lushly sensual countess unwittingly challenges him to his greatest battle yet: to love again.

Passionate and devoted, Bella has defied Britain's king and her own husband to place the crown on Bruce's head, and for this she pays a terrible price: losing her daughter and her freedom to her husband's vengeance. Imprisoned with barbaric cruelty, she vows to reclaim her child, even if it means selling her soul - and her body - to a dark, lethal warrior whose eyes glint like steel, but who makes her skin tingle and her breath race. Together they embark on a rogue mission with sinister twists and turns that threatens not only Bella's gamble to save her daughter - but also her heart.

©2011 Monica McCarty (P)2013 Tantor

Critic reviews

"McCarty's newest Highland Guardian book stands out. Her dramatic, action-filled and outstanding romantic story is impossible to put down. A skillful blending of historically accurate events and finely wrought, believable characters gives the story tremendous emotional impact." (RT Book Reviews)

Very Good!

I really like this one. I love the way she puts history and fiction into her storys. And of course the bit of history behind the characters at the end is always a big bonus for me...

Good book.

This was a good book and definitely put Bella in a more favorable light than another book I listened to just recently, which was focused more on her cousin but portrayed Bella’s character very poorly. Unfortunately, this caused me some confusion but I did enjoy the book, as well as the series.

I didn't like the jump back in time

Even though the recollection of the events weren't extremely detailed, the biggest part of the plot of this story was told in the previous books. This book went back in time, several years, from where the previous books ended. I found myself getting impatient to get through the flashback and get back to the more current time lines of the previous books. Perhaps, if I hadn't listened to the previous books, I would have enjoyed this book more. When the story got to the more current times of the previous books, I enjoyed the tale emensly. I'm thinking the next book will do the same thing and I'm a bit reluctant to start it.
-V from Kansas

The Rose of Scotland

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. One of my favorite characters in this series is Isabella McDuff, she is a true Heroine, what she did for Robert the Bruce and in turn what she suffered is remarkable and a true patriot for Scotland. It is sad that in real life we don't know what happens to her, but I love the story that MC gives her. Lachlan is another strong character and they are perfect for one another. This story is by far one of my favorites.

Absolutely A Beautiful Story!

I cried when it ended. It's such a beautiful story! I loved every second of it.

The series gets better!

The first book wasn’t stellar to me and so I wasn’t sure if I’d stick with the series, but every book so far is better than the last. Will definitely keep going!

Love series!

Great Narrator - Great series!! Monica writes highland love stories like no one else. Her mix of fact & fiction is fantastic!!!

Loved Viper!

Ruthless, arrogant and courageous viper saves Bella McDuff, and the adventure begins. Viper, is one of the Highland guards for Robert Bruce, a sort of seal team of the medieval ages. He risks his life yet is always able to get out of traps sit by the English. I always enjoy listening to the historical information at the end of the novel. Anthony Ferguson I love your narration!

A MEDIEVAL LOVE STORY THAT WAS INTENSE

Ok, I'll admit it and my Library will testify to the fact that I'm a sucker for a broody, handsome, kilt wearing, Highland Warrior but when Monica McCarty weaves her magical touch and adds a truly touching, passionate, emotionally draining romance around a heartbreaking time in Scottish history, then I'm just in awe.

Bad boy, Mercenary for hire Lachlan (code name Viper) is a handsome, cold and deeply emotionally scarred Warrior in Robert the Bruce's Highland Guards who are an elite band of 12 highly trained men fighting for freedom and justice during desperate times and are sent on secret stealth missions. One such mission puts Lachlan in the path of beautiful Bella, who's an equally damaged untrusting Countess but whose devotion and destiny is to crown the future King of Scotland at any cost (including giving up her only child) and life just gets more complicated for them both from there on as the challenges keep piling up.

This is an awesome action-packed emotional story of passion, heartbreak, danger, hardships, devotion, sacrifice, intrigue, betrayal, suspense and love all intertwined between true factual characters and events and a gifted author's imagination. As Lachlan and Bella's attraction starts with looks, touches, heated exchanges and some viscous verbal battles, they each eventually come to terms with their inner feelings for each other and cannot fight the sexual tension any longer and give in to lust. The sex scenes are, like their relationship, passionate but eventually the trust issues are something that keeps the lovers apart and tears at their bonds until the bitter sweet end.

Worth a credit? A tense love story that will leave you emotionally drained but ultimately happy - so that's a YES. Although this is No. 5 in the series and I haven't yet listened to any of the others then I guess this could be a stand alone listen but I'm sure it would have been even better to have listened to them in order.

Viper!!!

Superb narration (so much better than the prior narrator in this series) & story. Love the history along with the added fiction. As a series should be … characters & story lines from previous books are brought forward in story. With no cliffhanger endings. Very interesting relationship development in this one. I really liked how the author went back in time to tell more specifically what happened prior to Bella arriving in Scotland. While fiction, much history is woven in.