Book: Wager with a Warrior
By Emma Prince
Series: Four Horsemen of the Highlands, Book #2
Release Date: August 6th, 2020
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
1. Tartan Book Reviews
2. Purple Tulip Book Reviews
3. Celtic World of Historical Book Reviews
4.Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
Heat Rating: Smoking Hot!🔥🔥🔥
Overall Rating: 5 Stars and 5 Kilts
True Historical Notes:
The death of King Robert I weakened Scotland considerably, since his son and successor David II was still a child and the two most able lieutenants, the Black Douglas and Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray, both died shortly afterwards.
Taking advantage of this, Edward Balliol, backed by Edward III of England, defeated the Regent, the Earl of Mar, at the Battle of Dupplin Moor in Perthshire. He was crowned at Scone in September 1332, but three months later he was forced to flee half-naked back to England, following a surprise attack by nobles loyal to David II at the Battle of Annan. This is people like these fictional characters Ms. Prince developed in this fabulous “Four Horsemen of the Highlands” series….
The Scottish Highlands, 1332
The four Horsemen met while in the Scone’s dungeon. The four Highland warrior leaders were taken as prisoners to be made an example of. They were MacLeod, MacAyre, MacKinnon and MacNeal, who were all taken to a cold, dark, cell with very little substance to survive on. They were all sentenced to hang-except they escaped the hangman’s noose, as some might say “it was a miracle from God!”Though Gregor “the Black” MacLeod would most likely say-they were saved by the skin of their hairy arses! They were all defending David the Bruce and made a plan while in the Scone cell if they got out of this mess alive they would do everything in their power to defend, protect and claim the rightful King’s crown! As they are defending, Scotland’s hero, King Robert the Bruce’s only heir.
At the Caithness Games Gregor “the Black” MacLeod was trying to get more fighting men for his cause. To produce an army and eventually evict the dark hearted, pretender, King Edward Balliol! As he underhandedly seized his position of power as Scotland’s selfish sovereign! Unfortunately Gregor is only met with a pile of rejections, so he uses his brawn muscle and makes a wager in the highlands. Any man he beats and wins in single combat must join him and bare up against this fake King~to put the rightful King David on the throne. Yet of all things it’s this bonny lass Roberta “Birdie” Morgan that brings him to his knees!
Birdie Morgan is desperate and needs aid from the most powerful man to save her clan! As they are being attacked by an enemy neighbor, Clan Gunn. Gregor MacLeod is a man of his word and honors his word to help her. Of course he is frustrated as time is not on his side, needing to get this treacherous pretender off his throne with a strong and formidable army. Now he finds himself obligated to Birdie Morgan and loosing his own bloody wager! He plans on honoring his service and getting out of this promise as quickly as possible.
Birdie has been acting as Laird of Clan Morgan since her Father Laird Clive Mogan got ill last year. He has no male heirs and two unwed daughter as she has a yo get sister Tessa too . Yet Clan Gunn has been doing everything from stealing their livestock to burning fields and Croft’s . They are leaving a lot of proof that it is them, but never want to talk and settle this clan war. They asked another neighbor-Clan MacWray for aid with no help available.Yet it is unexpected that Birdie is having emotions and desires for this braw highlander. Yet in the end what will it cost her and Gregor “the black” MacLeod?
Yet even having the strongest warrior it still not enough and the attacks don’t end. Birdie is absolutely shocked when Gregor publicly suggests a marriage alliance when the two of them have been secretly opening their hearts! Gregor feels only a marriage alliance between the two clans will settle and end this feud. However both Birdie and Gregor have both fallen deeply in love, but both put duty before their personal happiness and emotional feelings.
In the end what will it cost her and Gregor “the black” MacLeod? Do Gregory and Birdie find a way to stay together or is there no other way but to use Birdie as their clan and Castle Bharraich’s peacemaker. They both know the only way of ending these clan wars is through a marriage alliance! Yet Gregor is not made of stone and will not arch the womans he love marry another. He curses himself of coming up with this alliance! He didn’t know what else to do! Will Gregory be able to catch up to his mission and find more men to join his army? Will his shattered heart ever heal. A man who has been abused his entire life never seems to catch a break.
Can Birdie just marry another man from an enemy clan whom she will never love. Can she forget about her warrior. Not caring if has nothing to offer. As she is a Laird daughter named after Robert the Bruce. She doesn’t need anything but Gregory’s heart. A man with a dark past who makes her feel safe and protected. Will she be able to live with only these sweet memories going their separate ways with a shattered heart? Do Gregory and Birdie find a way to stay together or is there no other way but to use Birdie as their clan and Castle Bharraich’s only way of achieving peace. Will Gregory be able to catch up to his mission and find more men to join his army? Will his shattered heart ever open again?
A book readers definitely don’t want to miss!
Again Ms. Prince pens another phenomenal novel from start to finish. It was a story I absolutely got swept away and escaped the realities of the real world! Which was a great accomplishment, with a pandemic, and hurricane weather surrounding me at the moment. This book combines true Scottish history centering around pretender King Edward Balliol and King David II, who was the last Bruce on the throne. Yet it has a beautiful fictional romance too of two people who truly and deeply love each. However they have to put duty, protection, loyalty and honor first of clan Morgan first, plus defending and putting the rightful King on the throne! So they know they have no future together, even though both of their emotional cuts are extremely painful and run very deep.
This is the second book of “Four Horsemen of the Highlands” series, that I have read and loved. Though I must admit this one is a bit emotional so have those Kleenex ready. A book I seriously could not put down. It included all the elements romance readers love but for those fascinated by Scottish history will love it too. As this is during the beginning of the second war of Scottish Independence (1332-1357).
So this history geek felt this book was absolutely brilliant and I absolutely loved both the historical facts and the ill fated romance. A book you can read as a stand alone book or in series order. A book with many twists and turns including clan issues as well as political issues. I absolutely recommend readers to read Wager with w Warrior and grab a copy today. A book you will definitely love!
Disclaimer: I received a gift copy from the author for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Wager-Warrior-Four-Horsemen-Highlands-ebook/dp/B087C9MQVZ
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53251999
