Highland Surrender

By: Tracy Brogan

Narrated by: Sarah Coomes

Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's Summary

Defiant Highland beauty Fiona Sinclair is shocked by her brothers’ treachery. To seal a fragile truce, they have traded her hand in marriage to their sworn enemy, a man she has never met, a man she was raised to despise. With no choice but to wed, Fiona makes her own private vow: Though she may sacrifice her freedom, she will never surrender her heart.

Commanded into marriage by the king, Myles Campbell is no more willing than his reluctant bride. Still, she is a rare beauty, passionate enough to warm even the coldest marriage bed. But Myles quickly realizes Fiona Sinclair isn’t some common wench: She has a warrior’s spirit and a fierce pride that only a fool would try to tame. And Myles Campbell is no fool. Their marriage was meant to unite warring clans. They never imagined it would ignite a once-in-a-lifetime love….

©2012 Tracy Brogan (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

I couldn't stop listening!

Any additional comments?

I had never read or listened to a book by Tracy Brogan so I felt like I was taking a real chance when I bought this book, but from the very beginning of the story I was hooked.

Feisty Fiona Sinclair has been forced to wed Miles Campbell. She believes Miles father killed her beloved mother and the Campbell's have become her mortal enemy. Now she's married into the family and is resolved to never be a "true" Campbell. Miles is a loving and patient man but even the best of men can take just so much. As the story unfolds family secrets threaten to tear both families apart. It's up to both of them to discover what's true and what's not.

This story is very well written. The love scenes are romantic and tender and tasteful. Scotland's rich history is very well used to tell the story of clan's for and against the crown. The narrator Sarah Coomes is now my all time favorite narrator. Her speech is clear and concise. Her performance is full of emotion and personality and her accents are rich and true. She can switch back and forth accents with ease and makes the story come alive making you glad you chose the audible book over the paperback. I can't wait for Tracy Brogan to come out with more audible books, I will definitely buy them. I sure hope she keeps the same narrator.

30 of 30 people found this review helpful

Typical Highland Romance...but oh so good!

This was another typical Highland Romance book – a forced marriage by the King between two opposing clans. (Think Never Seduce a Scot). Although this one was predictable at times, it still had some shocking moments. Some I didn’t even see coming.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I think I enjoyed the mystery just as much as the romance. (This is always a plus for me)

If you like Highland Romance books than this one will not disappoint. It has something for everyone; romance, forced marriages, deception, torn alliances, shocking revelations and a happily ever after.

4 Stars!

22 of 23 people found this review helpful

Mystery, adventure and romance with good narration

This book has what I come to expect from a good historical/ highlander romance story: good romance, some adventure and good narration. Add a mystery that ended up being quite surprising and you end up with a very enjoyable listen.

Narration: this is the first book I've listened to that has been narrated by Sarah Coomes and I liked her. Very good accent, different voices for each character and she brought the story to life and made it believable. I recommend this book but don't use one of your credits because the member price is lower than the credit price.

18 of 19 people found this review helpful

My First Brogan listen... I like her

I enjoyed Highland Surrender. I hope it's not the last of the Campbell's. The story had a lot of meat to it for a romance novel. Sarah Coomes did a great job at narration. She did a good job at bringing the characters to life. I hope to see more of Tracy Brogans work in audio. This one is worth a credit. =]

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Nice surprise. Toe-curling highlander romance...

This is a great little story. Tons of chemistry between the lead characters, passionate love scenes, and the best supporting characters ever!! Sarah Coomes adds so much to the characters with her narration and wonderful accents.

I also enjoyed the touches of historical context: King James of Scotland married Marie de Guise, who had famously turned down Henry VIII's marriage proposal after the death of his 3rd wife.The story takes place around this time. The hero's family is close to King Jamie and spend time at his court. There are a few political issues and historical events that add complexities to the story.

Definitely recommended if you are in the mood for a highlander story! (I'm always in the mood for highlanders!! Audible give us more!!!) :)

25 of 28 people found this review helpful

LAIRDS, LASSIES & A KING - MAKE IT A GREAT LISTEN

Well how did this brilliant historical Highland romance get by me??? I get heart palpitations at the thought this nearly never made it into my library (phew, that was a close one).

Poor Highland hunk Myles is forced to marry another clan's daughter and what a wee bitch she is - she makes his life a misery as they journey back to his home by running away, shooting an arrow in his leg and generally being angry and miserable but he's being sooo patient, kind and sexy. Great plot containing strong characters who all get involved in one way or another to make this listen funny, exciting, enjoyable and a joy to listen to. There were sex scenes but they weren't very descriptive however the lack of any heat was easily made-up by the pure entertainment factor of this listen.

Worth a credit? Oh aye (YES) it's bin ma furst book by the bonny wee TB but it wilnee be ma last as it wer offa gid (oh I'm doomed - lock me up and throw away the key 'cause I've listened to too many Highland romps now).

16 of 19 people found this review helpful

Great Passion!

Highland Surrender represents the best of what historical romance is all about. I love that the time period enables the author to play with the idea of an arranged marriage and the juxtaposition of a strong female lead in a time when women's rights were extremely limited. I think what I love most about this book is that Tracy Brogan has made Fiona a strong-willed woman who is extremely loyal to her family. But, while many authors would have taken Fiona's hatred too far--making her blind loyalty incredibly annoying--Brogan managed to balance Fiona's loyalty with the intelligence to see the truth. The male lead, Myles, is downright lovable. You'll seriously be cheering for him the whole time...anxious for him to finally win Fiona's heart.

I thought Sarah Croomes' narration was superb. Her accent is perfect and she does a great job differentiating the voices of the various characters. Overall, if you enjoy historical romance novels, especially those that take place in the highlands, this will be a great choice for you.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Loved it!

Romance, history, suspense -- it's got it all. I really enjoyed this one! I highly recommend!!

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

A story that might have been great . . . But

Would you try another book from Tracy Brogan and/or Sarah Coomes?

Tracy Brogan has a good story, but will never buy another book narrated by Sarah Cooms

What was one of the most memorable moments of Highland Surrender?

Those times that gave little snippets of the mystery surrounding the characters.

How could the performance have been better?

Sarah has a tendency to whine, and drag out the end of sentences. This does not have the wanted effect of drawing out emotion, but will only get very irritating and remind one of the late night commercial that will try to involve your emotions for the hungry child or battered pet dog. The whole thing quite puts ones teeth on edge.

Do you think Highland Surrender needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, most lives were quick wrapped up at the end of this book.

15 of 18 people found this review helpful

Great Romance, Great Mystery

Quick plot overview. We open on Fiona Sinclair's wedding day. She has been betrothed to her most hated rival since birth, Myles Campbell. Their clan's have fought over the current King and the rivalry grew worse since the day of Fiona's mothers death. Fiona believes that Myles father murdered her mother.

1/2 way through the book, Fiona has yet to even show a slight defrosting towards her husband. All the while we know some nefarious plot is being set by Fiona's brothers and without Fiona's knowledge.
There are also great secondary characters which could very well translate into their own stories.

I loved the plot twists and the ah ha moments.
Now the narration by Sarah Coomes was FANTASTIC. I loved her Scots accent for both the men and the women.
I especiially loved Fiona's voice, it reminded me of my mom. especially when she's angry and her husband!! LOL
This was a great listen, and well worth the credit.

9 of 11 people found this review helpful

Excellent narrations story

Absolutely loved the narration which brought the story to life! The accents were magnificent. The female character Fiona was frustratingly stubborn but that was meant to be her personality and she remained true to form till the end. Didn't see the villain coming and I loved that about the story as I was way off the mark. Would definitely recommend for listening much more than reading!

A highly entertaining tale.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the narrator did an exceptional job with the accents.

Too much blood and gore for a romance

If this book wasn’t for you, who do you think might enjoy it more?

Less death and more sense in the story.

What will your next listen be?

The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Sarah Coomes?

-

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Annoyance at too much violence at the beginning, and not enough logic later on. Did not like how the book brushed over grief the characters would have felt in real life.

Any additional comments?

I come to the Gernre by listening to An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands which I can recommend, but after that I did not find one I liked as much.