The Pride of Lions

Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series made a big impression on me. I especially loved the Jacobite history, and was so voracious for a historical novel set during that same conflicting period between England and Scotland that I bought Marsha Canham's The Pride of Lions. That was two years ago. The Canham novel sank somewhere in the heap of my TBR pile, never to be opened... until now. The moment I extracted the book, dusted it off (shamefully admitting that my TBR pile is not only huge, but some of the books have gathered dust as well) and began to read, I knew I had a special book in my hands. Full of history, adventure and sensual romance, The Pride of Lions is indeed a treasure. The year is 1745. Catherine Augustine Ashbrooke, a young English debutante, has one thing in her mind: to marry Hamilton Garner, a lieutenant for the dragoons. When she meets a tall, dark and handsome stranger with gorgeous dark eyes and a mysterious countenance, she decides to make her suitor jealous by flirting with the strange man, a successful merchant by the name of Mr. Raefer Montgomery. She succeeds with her scheme -- so much so that Hamilton challenges Raefer to a duel. Montgomery wins the duel... and a marriage to Miss Catherine. This doesn't sit well with either party, but they have no choice but to oblige. It is only through their journey to their "marital home" that Catherine discovers that Raefer Montgomery is actually Alexander Cameron, a Scottish Jacobite who has assumed the identity of a merchant to spy on the English. Aghast, she makes every possible attempt to escape, but Alex is always one step ahead of her. But during the journey she discovers that the English aren't Cameron's only enemy. The Campbells have been a thorn in Alex's life for many years, and they are determined to make his life miserable and get even for past misdeeds at all cost. Amid all of the drama, something happens to Catherine. She falls in love with Alexander. Now how did that happen? And will she be able to embrace the Scottish lifestyle as her own? Now THIS is a historical romance novel! You literary get a history lesson as the sexual tension between the protagonists grows with each passing chapter. You get action, adventure, intrigue, villains and romance throughout the book. You will not be bored! The early Georgian era has always been a bit iffy for me. Bewigged and corseted men have always put me off, but I somehow managed to enjoy picturing this time period as I read the book. Also, it helped that most of the novel takes place in Scotland. Men in kilts and tartans sound far more delicious, and Canham describes their traditional dress beautifully. The Jacobite history comes to life in this novel, and I see from the preview of Blood of Roses that the next installment will take place during the battle of Culloden. The scenes that center on political talk are very insightful. It first happens in England, then in Scotland, and it's nice to "hear" bo

Raefer Montgomery, a wealthy merchant, agreed to meet Damien, his lawyer and good friend, at his father's estate. While there, he became the unwitting victim of Damien's sister's plans to make her boyfriend Hamilton jealous. This was not the first time she's done this and, as before, Hamilton challenged Raefer to a duel, certain that he would win by killing Raefer for daring to put his hands on Catherine. Raefer, however, won the duel but allowed Hamilton to live. Catherine's father decided that he'd had enough of Catherine's scandalous behavior and forced Raefer and Catherine to marry, literally at knifepoint. Catherine is appalled and is determined to get an annulment as soon as she's able. Raefer is of the same mind. Raefer is not who he seems and Catherine soon discovers this on their way to Fort William. Their initial plan was to travel there and get an annulment. Raefer would send Damien a note to collect his sister and he would be on his way to the highlands. However, Raefer's past quickly catches up with him when he discovers that his enemies know he's back in England and are laying a trap for his capture. Raefer and his traveling companions quickly ditch the route to Fort William and flee to Cameron lands where he's expected. He drags an enraged Catherine to the highlands where she eventually discovers that Raefer is really Alexander Cameron, a renowned warrior who, until now, has been exiled to France for the murders of the men who raped and killed his first wife. Catherine and Alex eventually discover a strong love for each other. However, the winds carry with it the echoes of a coming war and Alex decides that the only way to keep Catherine safe would be to send her back to her father's home. Catherine is hurt and angered by his decision but obeys him, fearing that she may never him alive again. In the beginning, I was prepared to not like this book because of Catherine. She is a very hard character to like because she is thoroughly spoiled, self-centered, and has hardly any sympathy for everyone. To her, the world revolves simply to do her bidding. I came very close to tossing this book aside for one with more likable characters. However, Catherine begins to redeem herself as she matures into her role of woman and wife. Alex has a lot of patience with her and I think it's with his love and guidance that allows Catherine to be more of a compassionate and courageous woman who deserves to be by his side. This was a great tale, despite my reservations at the beginning of it. I'm looking forward to the sequel.

None of the historicals I've read over the years could have prepared me for the emotional roller coaster that this book and its sequel put me through. I'm also left wondering why it has taken me so long to discover this incomparable author.Beautiful, pampered, spoiled and aristocratic Catherine Ashbrooke is shocked to discover a tall, muscular half naked stranger bathing in a creek that runs through her father's lands. She's even more shocked to discover that this breathtakingly handsome stranger is seemingly immune to her charms. How dare he! does he not realize she's the toast of London. No matter that she's supposedly in love with Hamilton Garner, a handsome officer, no man alive has ever met Catherine and not fallen instantly to his knees in worship. She would certainly show him! and in the process she would finally bring the reticent Lieutenant Garner to propose. Except that Catherine's devious plan backfires and she finds herself both being kissed senseless by the raven haired stranger and the cause of a duel to the death between the dashing Mr. Montgomery and the infatuated Lt. Garner. While Lt. Garner is an experienced swordsman he is no match for Mr. Raefer Montgomery and soon finds himself wounded but alive. Montgomery refuses to deliver the killing blow humiliating Lt. Garner and winning the hand of the pampered Miss Ashbrooke in the process. The mysterious Mr. Montgomery does not want or need a wife and in his current situation it could prove to be deadly for both of them. He must keep his temperamental new wife from finding out his true identity so he must annul the marriage as soon as humanly possible. Except that the intrepid Catherine already knows his secret, her handsome new husband is not Raefer Montgomery but Alexander Cameron the legendary Dark Cameron of Scotland.Exiled and wanted for murder,a spy for the Jacobite rebels with a hefty price on his head, Alexander can't risk having his pretty wife reveal his identity. So, Catherine is taken to Scotland virtually kicking and screaming the whole way. Meanwhile,Catherine makes a great show of her dislike for her husband and her circumstances but increasingly she finds herself flustered by his presence, burning for his kisses and admiring the complex, enigmatic man she married. On the other hand, Alex has had to force himself to keep his hands off of his desirable wife. She's an unwanted complication, spoiled, selfish and vain and slowly working his way into his heart a heart he thought he had buried some fifteen years before.This book is first and foremost a romance but it's also a historical novel rich in detail which some readers may not find quite as interesting as I did. The romance doesnt suffer from the detailed descriptions but is instead brought to life in such a way that you can almost see the wild moors of the Scottish Highlands and feel the tension of a country poised for war. The only bad thing about this book is that Ms. Canham has spoiled me for any other heroes. Af

I was swept away into a most intriguing and heartwarming tale. The characters, the battle scenes, the ancient Glens of Scotland and the love and heartaches all came to life. I laughed and cried and leave these books, Pride of Lions and Blood of Roses, highly recommended. Alex is a very proud man whose sensitivity and care will touch your heart. So vulnerable yet so brave, Alexander is someone with whom it easy to fall in love. Catherine, Deirdre and Aluinn were also presented as moving characters and I felt their happiness and pain. I will never forget these books!! Mrs. Canham did a wonderful job! If you enjoy being deeply affected by a story then this MUST BE READ!!!

The entire story (The Pride of Lions and The Blood of Roses) was amazing! Alexander and Catherine had one of the most beautiful and tortured love stories I have ever had the pleasure to read. I will admit however, that the scene of Deirdre O'Shay and Aluinn MacKail on the battlefield made me cry more than I have ever cried over a book in my life! I have never been so touched by secondary characters in all my years of reading. I cried so much I had to stop reading until I could calm down. Even years later, all I have to do is think about that scene and I get choked up all over again! Loved it, truly!