Monica McCarty
Personal Information
Description
Like most writers, I’ve always loved to read. Growing up in California there was always plenty to do outside, but all too often I could be found inside curled up with a book (or two or three). I started with the usual fare: The Little House on the Prairie series, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, Watership Down, Nancy Drew, and everything by Judy Blume. Once I cleared off my bookshelf, I started swiping books from my mom. Some, like Sidney Sheldon’s The Other Side of Midnight, probably weren’t the most appropriate choice for a pre-adolescent—although they were definitely illuminating. I can still remember the look of abject horror on my mom’s Catholic-girl-face when I asked her what a virgin was. After that rather brief conversation, she paid a little closer attention to what had disappeared off her book shelf, and steered me in the direction of Harlequin and Barbara Cartland romances. I was hooked. I quickly read through the inventory of the local library and was soon buying bags of romances at garage sales. In high school, with the encouragement of my father (who I think was a little concerned about the steady diet of romances), I read over eighty of the Franklin Library’s One Hundred Greatest Books ever written—including Tolstoy, Confucius, Plato, and the entire works of Shakespeare. Some of them were tough going for a teenager, but the experience would prove an invaluable foundation for college. After reading War and Peace, I wasn’t easily intimidated. After graduation, I loaded up the VW (Jetta not Bus) and trekked down I-5 to attend the University of Southern California, majoring in Political Science and minoring in English (see why all that reading helped!). I joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and when I wasn’t studying or at football games, did my best to support the local bartending industry. Ah, the good old days. With that kind of fun, four years of college wasn’t quite enough. So leaving Tommy Trojan behind, I traveled back up north to Palo Alto for three more years of study at Stanford Law School. Once I survived the stress of the first semester, law school proved to be one of the best times of my life—garnering me a JD, life-long friends, a husband, and an unexpectedly intimate knowledge of baseball. Law School was also where I fell in love with Scotland. In my third year, I took a Comparative Legal History class, and wrote a paper on the Scottish Clan System and Feudalism. So I immediately dropped out of law school and went on to write Scottish Historical Romances…well no, not quite. You see, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. My father was a lawyer, I was a “poet” (i.e., not into math), and I love to argue. It seemed natural. So I finished law school, got married, passed the CA bar, moved to Minnesota (with a few stops along the way), waived into the MN bar, worked as a litigator for a few satisfying years, moved back to CA, had a couple of kids, realized that a legal career and being a single parent for most of the year (due to husband's career) would be extremely difficult, and THEN decided to sit down and write. And how did I end up writing romance? It’s not as divergent as it seems. What I loved about being a lawyer are the same things I love about being a writer—research and writing. The only thing missing is the arguing, but that’s what a husband and kids are for, right?
Books
El highlander traicionado
Duncan Campbell es un líder natural, que posee todo los atributos para ser un jefe de las Highlands salvo uno: legitimidad. Viéndose obligado a dejar las Highlands por un crimen que no ha cometido, Duncan se ha granjeado la reputación de ser el más feroz y diestro mercenario del continente. Jurando restaurar su buen nombre y despejar la sombra de traición que pende sobre su cabeza, Duncan regresa a las Highlands para buscar a la única persona que podría tener la llave de su libertad: la mujer a la que una vez amó y le traicionó. Pero cuando la sorprende nadando en un largo, se descubre enfrentándose al cañón de una pistola. A Jeannie Grant toda su vida le habían dicho que era tan impulsiva como si madre, que destruyó a su familia cuando huyó con un inglés veinte años atrás, aunque jamás lo había creído… hasta que conoció a Duncan Campbell. El hijo bastardo de un jefe no era un marido adecuado para la hija de un laird, pero Duncan hacía que estuviera dispuesta a arriesgarlo todo. Le entregó su inocencia y él el falló, obligando a Jeannie a aprender por las malas lo que sucede cuando escuchas a tu corazón. Ahora Jeannie se sorprende al descubrir que el bandido al que ha disparado es el mismo hombre que le rompió el corazón hace tantos años. Pero el duro y despiadado hombre no se parece en nada al encantador granujilla que recuerdo. Cuando los intentos de ambos por demostrar la inocencia de Duncan desvelan un mortífero secreto, no sólo su amor perdido, sino sus propias vidas, penderán de un hilo.
Highland outlaw
Book Two of the Campbells Patrick MacGregor is a hunted man living on the edge. With his land stolen and clan outlawed, Patrick and his MacGregor clansmen have been forced into hiding—blame for which Patrick puts squarely on the shoulders of the hated Campbells. Patrick will stop at nothing to save his clan from destruction, and marriage to Elizabeth Campbell, whose quiet beauty he’d admired from afar, just might be the answer. Arranging an attack seems to be the perfect means to win the trust of the protected lass, but soon Patrick realizes that it isn’t just his life at stake if she discovers the truth of his identity, but something he’d thought lost long ago—his heart. Elizabeth Campbell has never done anything reckless in her life. Shy and dutiful, Lizzie has always tried to do the right thing—even suffering through the humiliation of two broken engagements without complaint. But behind the serious façade is a passionate woman fighting to get out. So when a handsome mysterious warrior rescues her from an attack, Lizzie boldly asks him to stay. Seduced by his kiss and mesmerized by the edge of danger that surrounds him, Lizzie succumbs to the promise beckoning from behind his shadowed gaze, believing she’s found the perfect man. But soon Lizzie wonders whether in risking her heart, she’s lost everything.
Highland Warrior
"Few authors portray the Scottish highlands as lovingly or colorfully as Hannah Howell."—Publishers WeeklyNew York Times Bestselling Author Hannah Howell Fleeing an obsessed suitor, Fiona MacEnroy rides recklessly into Scotland's wildest hills and is captured by a horde of well-armed men. Instead of battling for her life, she finds herself swept away by a powerful stranger and carried off to a remote, forbidding keep. Oddly, here at Scarglas, a place shrouded in mystery and the black reputation of the rogue clan MacFingal, Fiona feels a strange, comforting sense of safety...and a consuming passion for its rugged laird. Spellbound by Fiona's beauty yet determined to fight the longing she ignites, Ewan MacFingal plots to ransom Fiona back to her kin. Sworn to protect his eccentric clan against the dangers invading Scarglas, he refuses to be weakened by the power of a woman whose every glance and touch tell him that she is everything his heart desires. Now, as pride and passion war within, dark peril and forbidding secrets will force them to trust what has yet to be spoken - the unshakable power of a timeless love.
Highland scoundrel
Framed for a crime he did not commit, Duncan Campbell, the illegitimate son of a chieftain, has returned to the Highlands determined to clear his name after ten years in exile. He is drawn to the unforgettable sensual beauty of Jeannie Gordon, the headstrong girl who once pledged him her love, gave him her innocence, and then betrayed him. Now, in the glow of the moonlight, she defiantly shows Duncan the bad end of a pistol.Jeannie is stunned to discover that the broad-chested brigand she just shot is the rogue who broke her heart years ago. No longer a starry-eyed girl but a woman with dangerous secrets, Jeannie cannot forgive Duncan's shattering mistrust of her--nor can she sign his death warrant by turning him in. Soon passion flares hotter and bolder than before, sealing a fate the onetime lovers can no longer deny. Caught up in a deadly game of murder and intrigue, Jeannie is willing to risk everything for a man and a love she vows never to lose again.From the Paperback edition.
The Viper Highland Guard Novels
Book Four of the Highland Guard Prized for his snake-like stealth and deadly strikes, Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi is a warrior to enlist but not to trust. His only loyalty is to his purse, his indifference sealed by bitter betrayal. All that changes when Lachlan is tasked to protect and deliver Bella MacDuff to the king’s coronation—and the proud, lushly sensual countess unwittingly challenges him to his greatest battle yet: to love again. Passionate and devoted, Bella has defied Britain’s king and her own husband to place the crown on Bruce’s head—and pays a terrible price. She loses her daughter and her freedom to her husband’s vengeance. Imprisoned with barbaric cruelty, she vows to reclaim her child, even if it means selling her soul—and her body—to a dark, lethal warrior whose eyes glint like steel, but who makes her skin tingle and her breath race. Together they embark on a rogue mission with sinister twists and turns that threatens not only Bella’s gamble to save her daughter—but also her heart.
The Ranger
"Embedded deep behind enemy lines, Arthur 'Ranger' Campbell is prized for his razor-sharp senses and his ability to blend into the shadows. But when Arthur infiltrates the clan of the chieftain who murdered his father, his heart is locked on revenge. Inside he faces unexpected resistance from the sweetest of obstacles--a honey-haired siren who is his enemy's daughter. Intrigued by this ruggedly handsome newcomer to her father's forces, the vivacious and enchanting Anna MacDougall is a woman whose skill at uncovering deception rivals Arthur's own. Though yearning for a quiet life with a good man to love, Anna is drawn to this mysterious knight whose eyes devour her but whose words push her away. As danger, treachery, and the threat of looming war draw them closer into each other's arms, a warrior made of steel must make a choice from the heart: love or revenge."--P. of cover.
The rock
The first time Thomas MacGowan saw Elizabeth Douglas, he thought she was a princess. To the son of the castle blacksmith, the daughter of the powerful Lord of Douglas might as well be. Despite their differences in rank, they become inseparable—until Thom confesses his love, and the humiliation of realizing Elizabeth has never considered him a potential suitor drives him to battle, determined to change his fortune as a warrior in the Bruce army. Elizabeth is devastated. She never meant to hurt Thom. But her only hope for security is to marry for the betterment of her clan. When the English capture her younger brother, she turns to the quiet, steady former protector who can climb anything. But the merciless, muscled warrior is not the companion she remembers. Though Thom has made clear he wants nothing to do with Elizabeth, can he truly refuse the alluring woman who makes his heart race—and how long will she deny that he’s always been her knight in shining armor?
The chief
Mr. Nasaw created a magnificent book about a larger than life man. This gives a great account of Mr. Hearst, his life, education and business pursuits. It is an excellent read. Anyone that who would like to know more about a businessman who was ahead of his time, should read this book.
Highlander Untamed
Rory MacLeod is a bold and powerful Highland Chief with only one allegiance--to his clan. He vows revenge against the rival MacDonald clan, though duty demands a handfast marriage to Isabel MacDonald--a bride he does not want and has no intention of keeping. But Rory couldn't have anticipated the captivating woman who challenges his steely control, and unleashes the untamed passion simmering beneath his fierce exterior.Blessed with incomparable beauty, Isabel MacDonald is prepared to use every means possible--including seduction--to uncover her husband's most guarded secrets. Instead Rory awakens Isabel's deepest desires and her sweetest fantasies. Now Isabel has found the happiness she's always dreamed of with the very man she must betray, and discovers that passion can be far more dangerous than revenge.From the Paperback edition.
Highlander Unmasked
Alex MacLeod's virile physique, fearsome reputation, and renowned fighting skills have helped him master to perfection the role of a hardened mercenary. On a secret mission to protect his clan, he must keep his true purpose well hidden. But his dangerous endeavor is threatened by a beautiful woman he saves from outlaws, never dreaming she will appear at court and put his plans in jeopardy.Meg Mackinnon needs a strong husband by her side to defend her clan's holdings, but her search has been hampered by burning fantasies of the midnight rescuer whose smoldering blue eyes and raw sensuality left her breathless. Alex pretends to be a mercenary with no loyalties, yet he is clearly much more. As Meg challenges Alex to reveal all his secrets, the stakes grow perilously high, especially for the bold woman who dares to unmask a highlander.From the Paperback edition.
The ghost
"In pursuit of Rosetta Rose, a beautiful singer, Carl Foster survives a series of disasters: a train crash, a shipwreck and even attempted murder. On each occasion he sees a sinister figure, who proves to be the ghost of Lord Clarenceux, once in love with Rosa and now deeply jealous of his rival. It takes the intervention of the girl herself to enable Carl's love to succeed." - - Description by Peter Haining, in "A Century of Ghost Novels 1900 - 200" (Appendix to his book, The Mammoth Book of Modern Ghost Stories)
Out of Time
The Striker
When his new bride, and the woman he has fallen in love with, betrays him, Eoin MacLean, who has decided to fight with Robert the Bruce, leaves her behind with no intention of ever coming back. Then Bruce puts him charge of conquering the province ruled by her father where she, believing him to be dead, plans to remarry.
The Raider
Jude Deveraux continues her beloved Montgomery saga in America with this dramatic, passion-filled tale of rebellion and love -- a breathtaking adventure to be savored all over again -- or discovered for the first time! The Raider In colonial New England, the British are hunting a fearless, masked patriot whose daring foils them at every turn. He's known simply as the Raider. Jessica Taggert, a proud-tempered beauty, thrills to the Raider's scorching midnight embrace, but despises Alexander Montgomery, the drunken town buffoon. In truth, the cleverly disguised Montgomery lives two lives...and only his triumph over the hated Redcoats will free him, at last, to know the full pleasure of Jessica's love. Montgomery/Taggert (in chronological order): The Black Lyon (Montgomery/Taggert, #1) The Maiden (Montgomery/Taggert, #2) The Velvet Promise (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #1) (Montgomery/Taggert, #3) Highland Velvet (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #2) (Montgomery/Taggert, #4) Velvet Song (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #3) (Montgomery/Taggert, #5) Velvet Angel (Velvet Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #4) (Montgomery/Taggert, #6) The Velvet Quartet Velvet (Montgomery Annuals Tetralogy #1-4) The Heiress (Montgomery/Taggert, #7) The Raider (Montgomery/Taggert, #8) Mountain Laurel (Montgomery/Taggert, #9) Eternity (Montgomery/Taggert, #10) The Duchess (Montgomery/Taggert, #11) Twin of Ice (Chandler Twins, #1) (Montgomery/Taggert, #12) Twin of Fire (Chandler Twins, #2) (Montgomery/Taggert, #13) The Temptress (Montgomery/Taggert, #14) Wishes (Montgomery/Taggert, #15) The Awakening (Montgomery/Taggert, #16) The Invitation (Montgomery/Taggert, #17) The Princess (Montgomery/Taggert, #18) A Knight in Shining Armor (Montgomery/Taggert Family, #19) Sweet Liar (Montgomery/Taggert, #20) Just Curious (Montgomery/Taggert, #21) High Tide (Montgomery/Taggert, #22) Holly (Montgomery/Taggert, #23) Someone to Love (Montgomery/Taggert, #24) Forever... (Forever, #1) (Montgomery/Taggert, #25) Forever and Always (Forever, #2) (Montgomery/Taggert, #26) Always (Montgomery/Taggert, #27) A gift of Love (includes Montgomery/Taggert, #27) True Love (Nantucket Brides, #1)(Montgomery/Taggert, #28) For All Time (Nantucket Brides, #2)(Montgomery/Taggert, #29) Ever After (Nantucket Brides, #3)(Montgomery/Taggert, #30) Met Her Match(Montgomery/Taggert, #31) Simple Gifts: Just Curious / Miracles / Change of Heart / Double Exposure (Montgomery/Taggert)
The Hawk
Involved in sea battles and political intrigues, Harry Carey becomes associated with a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth which in reality is a plan to save her life.
The hunter
"Story must face an evil greater than any she's encountered before. As darkness looms over Ailionora, Story, her companions, and all of the races of Ailionora band together to fight for their very survival."--Page 4 of cover.
The arrow
Book Nine of the Highland Guard The talents of legendary marksman Gregor “Arrow” MacGregor are crucial now, as Bruce moves to reclaim his Scottish holdings. Considered the most handsome man in Scotland, Gregor’s fame as an archer is rivaled only by his reputation with the lasses as a heartbreaker. But when his infamous face is exposed during a covert mission, Gregor is forced to lay low. He returns home only to find a new battle waiting: a daring game of seduction involving his now very grown up and desirable “ward,” Cate of Lochmaben. A born fighter, Cate was clinging to life when Gregor rescued her after a vicious English raid on her village left her mother dead. But five years later, the once scrappy “orphan” Gregor took under his protection has become a woman. Brave, strong, and skilled in warfare, Cate is determined to lay claim to the warrior who refuses to be trapped. The heat in his eyes tells her she has his attention . . . and his desire. But will Gregor allow his heart to surrender before danger finds them, and the truth of Cate’s identity is revealed?