Audiobook Review: The Chief by Monica McCarty

Author: Monica McCarty 
Narrator:  Robert McNab
Title: The Chief (Highland Guard #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published:  March 23rd 2010 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



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.

This is a random one I found in the store and I was feeling some HR and Scotland. PERFECT! Who doesn't love a tough as nails Highlander ;D ?!

The story follows Tor who is one of the Highland warlords who is selected to lead a special force to fight the English. Through some deceit and trickery, he is forced to marry Christina Fraser who was nothing but her father's pawn and punching bag. Marrying Tor was the best thing for both of them even if they didn't know it right away. 

The premise is fun and it really added to the story. A special force with the best of the best. I want to learn more about the other guys. 

I hated how they ended up getting married because of Christina's father forcing her to crawl into bed with him and then "finding" them together. It was ridiculous and made me roll my eyes. 

Tor was a stubborn idiot and I feel like Christina deserved better. Sure he had a rough life and is a warrior..yadda yadda...but he was so rude and did not appreciate Christina whatsoever until the last few minutes of the story. Ugh. He annoyed me. 

I really want to see more of Tor's twin and his love story with his bride. I wonder if there is a prequel or short story or something. The twin was adorable. 

I was happy to see Christina grow as a character. She was such a sad, empty shell. Her father was a monster. What makes it worse is that he wasn't always like that! Damn English torturing him and whatever else they did to him. It's really tragic honestly. 

The narrator did a very good job. I want to listen to more by him. I think he is doing the 2nd one in the series. His girl voice wasn't shrill or eye-rolling-worthy. It worked and he kept me listening. 

All-in-all, this wasn't bad. Just not as good as I was hoping for. I blame a lot of this on Tor. He wasn't terrible, but he was a blockhead and needed a slap in the face. Christina may have been forced to trick you, but she overdid herself to try and impress you. UGH. But, yes, I did enjoy it. I'll give this 3 stars.