Helpful Score: 4
Seldom have I read a historical romance where the history and romance are so deftly intertwined. There was no "information dump" that many authors fall into nor was it a "pseudo historical" where the basic setting is the only thing historical about it.
Ms. Clare wove real life events into the very fabric of this wonderful romance, educating the reader without one even being aware! Not only that, but she has taken a time period in US History that few ever bother with, or are interested in more than likely, the mid 1700s - before the revolution yet after the pilgrims. "Surrender" falls in the middle of the French and Indian wars. Boring? Nope! Incredibly interesting when played off of the tempestuous relationship between Annie, a Scottish laird's daughter who has been brutally treated, and Iain MacKinnon, a warrior compelled to fight in the war or hang. Iain first finds her as she is about to be raped and murdered by an Indian attack on her home. He cannot bear to witness the atrocity even though orders are never to reveal himself or his men when scouting. His decision sets into motion events that will forever change both their lives.
History has seldom been so much fun to read!
Ms. Clare wove real life events into the very fabric of this wonderful romance, educating the reader without one even being aware! Not only that, but she has taken a time period in US History that few ever bother with, or are interested in more than likely, the mid 1700s - before the revolution yet after the pilgrims. "Surrender" falls in the middle of the French and Indian wars. Boring? Nope! Incredibly interesting when played off of the tempestuous relationship between Annie, a Scottish laird's daughter who has been brutally treated, and Iain MacKinnon, a warrior compelled to fight in the war or hang. Iain first finds her as she is about to be raped and murdered by an Indian attack on her home. He cannot bear to witness the atrocity even though orders are never to reveal himself or his men when scouting. His decision sets into motion events that will forever change both their lives.
History has seldom been so much fun to read!
Helpful Score: 3
A very good read. The author did a good job making the time period come alive. The romance built at a believable pace.
Helpful Score: 3
I wish more authors could mesh history with romance the same way Clare does. After waiting for months for this book to come out, I was not disappointed. I have yet to find another romance author who can blend actual history with steaming romance the way Clare does. Her lush narrative, addictive writing, and high-level research make her romance novels great reads from the first page. In this book, Clare talks about the Scottish Rangers that aided the Brits during the French and Indian war. I was amazed at the amount of detail and actual historical events she was able to include in this book. If it weren't for the steaming sex scenes, I would think that this book could be passed off as a regular historical fiction.
Helpful Score: 2
I second the other reviewers---Ms. Clare does an outstanding job with weaving a wonderful romance into historical times! This is the first book I've read of hers and I'm looking forward to her other historical romances as well.
Frances P. (franniekin) - , reviewed Surrender (MacKinnon's Rangers, Bk 1) on + 276 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Lady Ann Campbell is sorely betrayed by her uncle who sends her to prison as an unknown thief. Shipped to the Americas she is indentured to a family who buys her contract. Following the battle of Culloden, the remaining MacKinnon clan is sent to the America's. Iain is 15, Morgan 14 and Connor 12. The boys are adopted by the Muhheconneok people and learn how to survive and flourish. As grown men, they are framed for murder and forced to fight for the hated English. As the farmstead where Annie has spent three months is attacked by Abenaki warriors, Annie escapes. She is chased by the warriors who catch and hurt her. Iain, the Major of the MacKinnon Rangers rescues her and takes her back to Fort Elizabeth. Doing this is a breach of his orders. Iain is given 100 whip strokes for his punishment. Annie nurses him as he recovers. They both come from Scotland, but one is Catholic and the other a jacobite. Their difficult but tender love story proves that oil and water can mix. Loved it. Great mesh of history and romance.
