The Striker

Highland Guard Series #10

By: Monica McCarty

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Length: 13 hrs

Publisher's summary

Six years ago, Eoin "Striker" MacLean endured the greatest betrayal of his life, a disaster that led Robert the Bruce to a crushing defeat and left Eoin without the spirited woman who ruled his heart. Eoin knew that falling in love with Margaret MacDowell - his sworn enemy's daughter - was risky. He promised Bruce that he would keep his fiery bride in the dark about the elite Highland Guard, but he could not predict the dire consequences his secret would have on his young marriage. Nor could he foresee how surrendering to temptation would cripple Bruce's cause, forcing Eoin to blame his wife and himself for trusting her.

Now, as Bruce prepares to challenge the resistance's remaining strongholds, Eoin finally has his chance for revenge against the woman he once loved so fiercely and her entire clan. But when ferociously independent Margaret reveals a surprise that unites her with Eoin, neither of them will let their love go down without a fight. Contains mature themes.

©2015 Monica McCarty (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[A] deeply emotional, rapidly paced, well-crafted read." ( RT Book Reviews)

Emotional Love Story

Absolutely loved the narrator. There were many ups and downs with emotions l. No angst only drama.

very pleasant surprise!

After reading the all the previous books in the series, I thought this would be my least favorite, we never really get a good glimpse of Striker from previous books (just that he hates his wife). But how I was wrong, this turned out to be my favorite book in the series yet! Passionate, emotional, and dramatic....kept me on the edge and I couldn't put it down! Every book in this series I read I think "this has to be my favorite" and then I read the next one and love that one even more!!! I'm just sad that it's coming to an end in a few books.

The Striker

This is absolutely my favorite in the series! I have listened to it more than 5 times. Maggie is one of my favorite female characters. She's outspoken, witty and more than a match for Striker!

Monica Doesn't Disapoint

What made the experience of listening to The Striker the most enjoyable?

Antony Ferguson is one of my favorite narrators. He does each character so well!

What other book might you compare The Striker to and why?

all of Monica McCarty's Highland Guard books are incredible. I can't stop buying them! No regrets for any of them!

What does Antony Ferguson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His brogue. As well as the voices of all the different characters were so different yet planned out.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I was supposed to be doing laundry when I read the book and couldn't put it down. But the audio version was a "block out my entire day while i listen to this" sort.

So Much Better Than Arrow

I like the way the story starts off in the present. It makes it more intriguing. The relationship with Eoin and Margaret was smoldering hot, but along with that, a ruff marriage. If you ever had a child that didn't listen, they can grow up being the same way. So Margaret's character was no surprise. This story is about loyalty and the lack of it. It is well written, has more substance, and holds your interest. I recommend it.

Striker the Elite

Truly enjoying the entire Highland Guard series. The Striker was well written capturing the reader's attention and maintaining it. Some particulars were easy to guess at, but much could still surprise.

In most cases, Anthony Ferguson's narration excites me. His Scottish Brogue is enticing and adds to the sensuality of the male characters. I really liked the sound of Striker's voice, it just didn't have the Brogue. I realize Ferguson has to create voices Cfor over 10 male characters and 10 females not to mention numerous secondary and tertiary characters of which he did a great job. I often search for stories narrated by Mr. Ferguson. He honestly is talented. I just didn't find the same level of satisfaction. However, still excited to continue.

This was my favorite in the series!!

What a wonderful, suspenseful, exciting, romantic, emotional story! I didn't want it to end. It was beautiful!

Who couldn’t love this?

Such a sweet, emotional, true love story. All the extra little explanations in between get really tedious, but I listened to it all the way through.

The Striker

What did you love best about The Striker?

This wasn't my favorite out of Monica McCarty's Highland Guard Series. There was just too much back and forth in the relationship of Eoin MacLean and Margaret MacDowell. Everytime Eoin told Margarette not to do something she went right ahead and did it and most of the time which ended up in a mess or death. Even thought her father treated her badly she kept running back to him and her family. Eoin or Margaret couldn't make up their mind about their relationship except to jump into bed every time they saw each other.

Would you recommend The Striker to your friends? Why or why not?

No. There are too many other highland books that are better. I almost didn't finish this book because it was just too frustrating. I have read all the books in their series and this is my least favorite.

Have you listened to any of Antony Ferguson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

He did a really good job and I enjoyed listening to his narration. He changed characters very well.

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

The extreme reaction was that I was so frustrated with the H&H and their back and forth relationship I almost didn't finish it.

Any additional comments?

There are two more books in this series I will probably "read" just because I've read all their others. I do want to see how this all ties together. I'm hoping that The Rock and The Ghost will be a great finish to this series.

Traitor?

Eoin "Striker" MacLean and Margaret MacDowell. He is the solemn strategist, she is a spirited red head, but when they meet sparks fly. Until Eoin finds out that Maggie is the daughter of his enemy. Does that matter when feelings run this deep. It is a long journey for this couple, but through it all love will find a way.