Ian's Rose

The Mackintoshes and McLarens, Book 1

By: Suzan Tisdale

Narrated by: Brad Wills

Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

They should never have stolen his wife.

Ian Mackintosh and his bride, Rose, return to McLaren Lands to rebuild all that was destroyed by the previous laird. Believing bad times and evil men are behind them, they've let their guard down. Ian's world is turned upside down one cold winter's night when Rose is kidnapped.

Desperate, he is willing to make a deal with the devil himself in order to ensure her safe return. And he may have done just that when he agrees to work with the brother of the man responsible for tearing his world apart.

Is there a price too high to save the woman you love?

©2016 Suzan Tisdale (P)2016 Suzan Tisdale

Awful narrator!

This author writes good books and this and the other 3 in this series are likewise very exciting with twists , turns & unknown true villain. BUT the narrator definitely ruins each of these 4 books! He does not use understandable nor in any way correct dialect and voices. Many times I had to slow the speed to ¾ speed and still was not able to understand what he was saying. I would love to listen to this and every book in this series with a different narrator!!!

Enjoyed

I enjoyed listening to Rose and Ian's journey to HEA. Despite their doubts, a rocky beginning and the obstacles thrown in their path, they stick together to become a powerful and very much loved couple. The secondary characters are quite interesting too and towards the end we get the hint who the next couple will be and they are not who I expected. Can't wait to listen to their story.
Being a fan of Mr. Wills I am not surprised by how well he told this story too. His voices are varied and very convincing so the listener knows which character is speaking and their emotions are portrayed so realistically that you cannot help but feel them.

The Highlands with Tisdale ~ great listening!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Favorite character was Rose. She had a backbone and will we would all wish we had.

Which character – as performed by Brad Wills – was your favorite?

I loved the way Will McLaren was portrayed, his mindset to do as his father needed him to do. I also really enjoyed Liona's voice. Brad made me feel the evil of madcap chief of Bowie clan. I also loved the old cronie voice of the healer. He does so many voices that are memorable. What can I say? He's superb!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

If I don't cry or laugh, it won't get a 5-star!

Any additional comments?

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:

I loved this emotional, multi-layered tale of a love which withstands Ian’s self-doubt, belief in his unworthiness, and his stubborn-headed decision to stay clear of Rose. Outside danger threatens to shred their new understanding and new beginning.

Rose knows she loves Ian, but also knows she can’t give him children, for she is unable to carry beyond her 3rd month. How can a man love a woman enough to forego any hope of bairns? Rose is a feisty, spirited woman, passionate in nature and deeply in love with Ian. A woman no finer.

The first scene sets the tone of Ian’s love. Narrator Brad Wills uses a soft intimate and loving tone in the first dialogue between the two. A secret betrothal is made between the two and a month later Ian breaks the betrothal sending Rose into a spiraling depression edged with lots of anger.

Ian’s reasoning is simple. He can’t offer Rose the kind of life she should have—no large keep or pretty clothes. He is but a warrior and that’s all he’s good at, his justification for his actions. Luckily, Rose is given solace by her best friend, Aggie, wife to Ian’s brother Frederick, who also has a strong will.

We are privy to some really cute scenes when Rose doesn’t exactly tell the truth. These discussion are difficult for Ian and Rose, but, truthfully, they were fun to listen to. The narrator entertains us with his flexible impersonations for each character. From an agitated, upsetting Aggie who is unable to control her speech impediment of stuttering, to a more than drunk Ian, drinking his woes of not having Rose – the love of his life, to a maniacal laugh of a man of greed and seemingly unhinged.

Once Ian and Rose cross the hurdle of marriage they are asked by Aggie and Frederick to rebuild a keep Aggie has inherited and have Ian be the interim chief for the keep until Aggie’s son is old enough to be clan chief himself. This is a perfect solution to Ian. He now can provide a life for Rose
They accept this opportunity, although it will be difficult for them. Ian is buoyed and tackles the project with both McLarens and Mackintoshes on the McLaren’s land.

Hardships of building a new keep and forging a strong bond between the Mackintoshes and McLaren is a great burden to both Ian and Rose. The keep is starting to come together. But evil lurks out beyond the temporary walls. Rose is taken hostage by the new chief of the Bowie clan. He’s a man who is used to thieving and stealing from his neighbors. So why not the wife of clan who has money? Greed is a very dark motivator which brings pain and death to many.

Snakes lie within walls. You will love the intrigue. Loyalty can be bought. It can also be gotten by other means. Who is truly loyal?

Friendship is a keep element in this story. The secondary supporting characters who go beyond what is expected are a compelling force in their own right. They shall have their story in book two. Tisdale included the prologue of book two to the listen. I’ll be eagerly reading book two real soon! Book three just released this last week.

Intense

loved it! Always wondered what was going to happen next. Couldn't put it down..Can't wait to hear the next book.

A Scottish Romance

A very good romance with drama,action,angst and romance.
Ian and Rose are good characters along with the rest of the characters.
Really enjoyed listening to it.

The narrative was ok the male voice was good but the females didn't sound right to me.

Love the narrator!

I really enjoy Brad Wills narration. He brings these books alive. I find that I’m anxious to listen to the next book as soon as the one I’m listening to is over. Love the passion and story line in each one and how they all blend together.

love it

Brad Will brings this wonderful story to life! I just love this series. The characters are inspiring. thank you

This is my second time reading this book

I not only love the characters but their inter actions are great. Brad Wills is fabulous as a narrator, making you feel apart of the story. I can’t wait to reread book 2 in the series.

WODERFUL

I loved listening to this book. It kept my interest from beginning to end. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a story that highlights love and strength.

Loved it!

I have really enjoyed every book in this series. I look forward to the rest of them. Series are my jam. I want to know every character's story.