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Highland Pride #1
Sutherland's Secret
If you love Maya Banks and Monica McCarty, don’t miss Sharon Cullen’s captivating Highland Pride novels! Sutherland’s Secret kicks off a series that’s overflowing with mouthwatering Scottish warriors, captivating history, and forbidden desire.
Terror reigns in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. As British troops obliterate the last traces of the Jacobite cause, Brice Sutherland, the Earl of Dornach, risks everything to arrange a covert escape route to Canada for his fellow Scots. But when he encounters a dying Englishwoman, hauntingly beautiful though scarred by manacles and unable to speak, Brice’s true courage is put to the test. Nothing but ruin could result from helping her, or falling in love.
The pampered daughter of a marquess, Eleanor Hirst was the talk of the London season when she wed the Earl of Glendale. Little did she know that his posting as an officer in Scotland would be their undoing. Now her husband is dead and Eleanor is a fugitive in a hostile country. Desperate for help, she throws herself on the mercy of Brice Sutherland, a handsome Scottish warrior who should be her enemy. Instead, he cares for her tenderly, reviving her shattered spirit—and awakening urges unlike any she’s ever known.
Praise for the novels of Sharon Cullen
“This Regency romance has it all—danger, blackmail, passion, love, and characters that draw you in and leave you wanting more.”—Fresh Fiction, on Sebastian’s Lady Spy
“Heart-wrenching and full of real emotion, proving that love is always the answer, His Saving Grace is the best book I’ve read this year!”—USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans
“A sizzling, smart relationship that evolves beautifully to capture readers’ hearts as well as their imaginations.”—RT Book Reviews, on Pleasing the Pirate
“Loving the Earl is charming and fast-paced. It’s filled with passion, intrigue, a resourceful heroine you’ll love, and a delicious hero you’ll fall in love with.”—New York Times bestselling author Jacquie D’Alessandro
“The Notorious Lady Anne has everything I look for in a romance. Cullen’s debut is a sexy, fun, and thrilling read.”—Bestselling author Shana Galen
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Terror reigns in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. As British troops obliterate the last traces of the Jacobite cause, Brice Sutherland, the Earl of Dornach, risks everything to arrange a covert escape route to Canada for his fellow Scots. But when he encounters a dying Englishwoman, hauntingly beautiful though scarred by manacles and unable to speak, Brice’s true courage is put to the test. Nothing but ruin could result from helping her, or falling in love.
The pampered daughter of a marquess, Eleanor Hirst was the talk of the London season when she wed the Earl of Glendale. Little did she know that his posting as an officer in Scotland would be their undoing. Now her husband is dead and Eleanor is a fugitive in a hostile country. Desperate for help, she throws herself on the mercy of Brice Sutherland, a handsome Scottish warrior who should be her enemy. Instead, he cares for her tenderly, reviving her shattered spirit—and awakening urges unlike any she’s ever known.
Praise for the novels of Sharon Cullen
“This Regency romance has it all—danger, blackmail, passion, love, and characters that draw you in and leave you wanting more.”—Fresh Fiction, on Sebastian’s Lady Spy
“Heart-wrenching and full of real emotion, proving that love is always the answer, His Saving Grace is the best book I’ve read this year!”—USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans
“A sizzling, smart relationship that evolves beautifully to capture readers’ hearts as well as their imaginations.”—RT Book Reviews, on Pleasing the Pirate
“Loving the Earl is charming and fast-paced. It’s filled with passion, intrigue, a resourceful heroine you’ll love, and a delicious hero you’ll fall in love with.”—New York Times bestselling author Jacquie D’Alessandro
“The Notorious Lady Anne has everything I look for in a romance. Cullen’s debut is a sexy, fun, and thrilling read.”—Bestselling author Shana Galen
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2016
About the author
Sharon Cullen
28 books202 followersAfter earning a degree in journalism from Ohio University, Sharon found the stories inside her head were more interesting than what was going on in the world around her. Yet, it wasn’t until years later that she decided to pursue her secret dream of writing a romance novel. Since then she’s been published in romantic suspense, paranormal romance and contemporary romance and historical romance.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
Sharon’s other job descriptions include chauffer, laundress, cook and mediator to her three very busy kids, her husband and two dogs. She lives in southwest Ohio with her brood although her dream is to someday retire to St. Maarten and live on the beach.
If you’d like to find out more about Sharon and her books, you can visit her at her website. She’s addicted to social networking so you can find her on Facebook and Twitter. Friend her! Like her! Follow her! She’d love to hang out with you and talk about her passion—books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
October 25, 2016
3.75-4 Stars
So this was a pretty solid historical/highlander read.
And - for once - when my husband said, "What are you reading about?"
I felt all badass because I could actually say it was about something LEGIT and not just sparkly vampires, rich billionaires, BDSM, and/or fictional MC clubs.
So this is how that convo went:
Hubs: "What are you reading about today babe?"
Me: "A scintillating tale about Scotland and the Jacobites following the Battle of Culloden."
Hubs: "What's a Jacobite?"
Me: *crickets...fucking crickets*
Yeah...thwarted yet again.
And apparently, I need to REALLY work on my world history, cause homie knows jack SHIT about Scotland outside what I learned in Rob Roy and Braveheart.
I know...we Americans and our ridiculously narrow world view, what can I say...
Le sorry.
Anyway, here's what I DO know about Scotland and the Battle of Culloden:
They.
Wear.
Kilts.
And I dig it.
Not every man can handle the kilt either.
The true master?
But I digress.
Back to the book.
Like I said, this was a very solid historical/highlander book. The writing was very well done and I really liked the setting and the premise, the premise being that a Scottish clan leader discovers what appears to be a severely injured English Lady on the side of the "road."
I enjoyed the plot and the characters for the most part, although I will say that the h's..."transition" came off as a little...sudden for it to be completely believable for me.
This book is marketed as being for fans of Maya Banks and Monica McCarty's books. I haven't read enough of McCarty's books to speak accurately to that; however, I LOVE Maya Banks' highlander books and I have read them all REPEATEDLY.
Now, I can't say that I like this booked as much as I loved my precious McCabes and Montgomerys & Armstrongs, but being that the next book in that series keeps getting pushed back - to 2035 at one point! LOL - this makes a nice substitute in the meantime.
Find me at:
***ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
So this was a pretty solid historical/highlander read.
And - for once - when my husband said, "What are you reading about?"
I felt all badass because I could actually say it was about something LEGIT and not just sparkly vampires, rich billionaires, BDSM, and/or fictional MC clubs.
So this is how that convo went:
Hubs: "What are you reading about today babe?"
Me: "A scintillating tale about Scotland and the Jacobites following the Battle of Culloden."
Hubs: "What's a Jacobite?"
Me: *crickets...fucking crickets*
Yeah...thwarted yet again.
And apparently, I need to REALLY work on my world history, cause homie knows jack SHIT about Scotland outside what I learned in Rob Roy and Braveheart.
I know...we Americans and our ridiculously narrow world view, what can I say...
Le sorry.
Anyway, here's what I DO know about Scotland and the Battle of Culloden:
They.
Wear.
Kilts.
And I dig it.
Not every man can handle the kilt either.
The true master?
But I digress.
Back to the book.
Like I said, this was a very solid historical/highlander book. The writing was very well done and I really liked the setting and the premise, the premise being that a Scottish clan leader discovers what appears to be a severely injured English Lady on the side of the "road."
I enjoyed the plot and the characters for the most part, although I will say that the h's..."transition" came off as a little...sudden for it to be completely believable for me.
This book is marketed as being for fans of Maya Banks and Monica McCarty's books. I haven't read enough of McCarty's books to speak accurately to that; however, I LOVE Maya Banks' highlander books and I have read them all REPEATEDLY.
Now, I can't say that I like this booked as much as I loved my precious McCabes and Montgomerys & Armstrongs, but being that the next book in that series keeps getting pushed back - to 2035 at one point! LOL - this makes a nice substitute in the meantime.
Find me at:
***ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
May 8, 2018
***4,5 "Mo ghràdh" stars***
This book was so beautiful and so adventurous that i couldn't put it down!!!
I love historical romances and medieval stories are so wonderfull!!!
I loved every single moment in those years, in those places with all those Highlanders and their women around... I liked what i witnessed through this book...
It was like a transporting from the modern world in a dark fairytale...
How could i not love this ride???
Well, Brice Sutherland, the chief of the Sutherland's clan, while was returning in his castle with his warriors, he found a half-dead woman in the middle of the road.
His heart couldn't bare to leave her die in there all alone, so he took her with him, having no many hopes for her survival.
But in his ultimate surprise the lass is surviving and she is waking up...
But she can speak no words and her body is marked by ugly scars!!!
Who is this woman with the frightened glare in her eyes??? What fate brought her in this condition???
And what Brice should do with her since she is screaming from far away that she is a sassenach??? An English woman???
"He had an English officer in his great hall, looking for the English lady in his arms. Brice’s situation couldn’t get any more dire, but he found that at the moment all he cared about was holding this woman in his arms."
Eleanor is scared by the appearance of this huge warrior in front of her, but in a strange way, his presence brings her an odd safety... She just escaped of a terrifying fate and because of that, she had lost her vocal skills...
Brice took her under his protection, but her nemesis is out there somewhere and he is looking for her...
And even though that the time is passing by and she is starting to feel comfortably around all those Scotish friendly people, she can not condemn them by her presence in there... Because if the English soldiers will find her under their roof, all the Sutherland clan will be in great danger...
"He was so strong. So male. She was drawn to him and didn’t want to be drawn to him."
Brice and Eleanor from the first moment came really close and as the time was passing their relationship became more and more intimate... and even thought that this was not at all a good idea at all, their hearts also involved in the equation...
This intimasy is a very dangerous thing for both of them, but still they can't control how they are feeling toward to each other...
So what will happen with those two???
Can they ever be together???
He is a Highland and she is an English woman with a title...
And what about the man who is after Eleanor???
Will he succeed to prison her and to destroy the Sutherland clan???
And what about the secret missions that Brice is in charge???
Yep, as you can understand, there were lots of interesting things going on in this story!!!
“Ah, lass, I wish ye could speak, but I fear the tales ye would tell.”
I loved very much the protagonists of this book!!!
I loved Brice with his warrior stature and the Highland pride pouring out of him...
He would do anything to protect his people and Eleanor...
Eleanor managed to crawl upon his heart and he didn't hesistate to make her his heart's queen...
But he knew that she could not stay with him forever and that was hurting him so much and i didn't like to watch this mighty warrior to feeling like that!!!
"But the thought of putting her on that ship, of seeing her off, of saying goodbye to her, knowing he would never see her again…It made him want to rage at the fates. Once again the English were taking away everything he cared about."
Eleanor used to be a spoiled rich girl with meaningless interests, until her perfect world trembled down and she had to face atrocious things... This terribly experience changed her for a lifetime...
Now, she was a different person than she used to be and being near to Brice Sutherland became a courageous and strong woman...
This new Eleanor was eager to help anyone in difficult position... She was so caring, so gentle, so giving, so determined... She turned out to be a fiesty, powerfull woman and i liked very much this change on her...
Brice and Eleanor together were fitting so great!!! They were completing each other!!!
“I don’t want to live the rest of my life in fear of Blackwood. A few months ago, the younger Eleanor would have done just that. The new Eleanor wants to stand up and fight... You’ve taught me so much, Brice. If not for you, I wouldn’t have the courage to defy Blackwood and return to my family.”
Except for those two, there were many great people that surrounded them... Especially all the Sutherlands were amazing people... As well, Colin McLean, whose story will have in the next book and i have to confess that i am so eager about it!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
This book was so beautiful and so adventurous that i couldn't put it down!!!
I love historical romances and medieval stories are so wonderfull!!!
I loved every single moment in those years, in those places with all those Highlanders and their women around... I liked what i witnessed through this book...
It was like a transporting from the modern world in a dark fairytale...
How could i not love this ride???
Well, Brice Sutherland, the chief of the Sutherland's clan, while was returning in his castle with his warriors, he found a half-dead woman in the middle of the road.
His heart couldn't bare to leave her die in there all alone, so he took her with him, having no many hopes for her survival.
But in his ultimate surprise the lass is surviving and she is waking up...
But she can speak no words and her body is marked by ugly scars!!!
Who is this woman with the frightened glare in her eyes??? What fate brought her in this condition???
And what Brice should do with her since she is screaming from far away that she is a sassenach??? An English woman???
"He had an English officer in his great hall, looking for the English lady in his arms. Brice’s situation couldn’t get any more dire, but he found that at the moment all he cared about was holding this woman in his arms."
Eleanor is scared by the appearance of this huge warrior in front of her, but in a strange way, his presence brings her an odd safety... She just escaped of a terrifying fate and because of that, she had lost her vocal skills...
Brice took her under his protection, but her nemesis is out there somewhere and he is looking for her...
And even though that the time is passing by and she is starting to feel comfortably around all those Scotish friendly people, she can not condemn them by her presence in there... Because if the English soldiers will find her under their roof, all the Sutherland clan will be in great danger...
"He was so strong. So male. She was drawn to him and didn’t want to be drawn to him."
Brice and Eleanor from the first moment came really close and as the time was passing their relationship became more and more intimate... and even thought that this was not at all a good idea at all, their hearts also involved in the equation...
This intimasy is a very dangerous thing for both of them, but still they can't control how they are feeling toward to each other...
So what will happen with those two???
Can they ever be together???
He is a Highland and she is an English woman with a title...
And what about the man who is after Eleanor???
Will he succeed to prison her and to destroy the Sutherland clan???
And what about the secret missions that Brice is in charge???
Yep, as you can understand, there were lots of interesting things going on in this story!!!
“Ah, lass, I wish ye could speak, but I fear the tales ye would tell.”
I loved very much the protagonists of this book!!!
I loved Brice with his warrior stature and the Highland pride pouring out of him...
He would do anything to protect his people and Eleanor...
Eleanor managed to crawl upon his heart and he didn't hesistate to make her his heart's queen...
But he knew that she could not stay with him forever and that was hurting him so much and i didn't like to watch this mighty warrior to feeling like that!!!
"But the thought of putting her on that ship, of seeing her off, of saying goodbye to her, knowing he would never see her again…It made him want to rage at the fates. Once again the English were taking away everything he cared about."
Eleanor used to be a spoiled rich girl with meaningless interests, until her perfect world trembled down and she had to face atrocious things... This terribly experience changed her for a lifetime...
Now, she was a different person than she used to be and being near to Brice Sutherland became a courageous and strong woman...
This new Eleanor was eager to help anyone in difficult position... She was so caring, so gentle, so giving, so determined... She turned out to be a fiesty, powerfull woman and i liked very much this change on her...
Brice and Eleanor together were fitting so great!!! They were completing each other!!!
“I don’t want to live the rest of my life in fear of Blackwood. A few months ago, the younger Eleanor would have done just that. The new Eleanor wants to stand up and fight... You’ve taught me so much, Brice. If not for you, I wouldn’t have the courage to defy Blackwood and return to my family.”
Except for those two, there were many great people that surrounded them... Especially all the Sutherlands were amazing people... As well, Colin McLean, whose story will have in the next book and i have to confess that i am so eager about it!!!
***ARC kindly provided via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review***
May 28, 2016
RATING: 4.5 "luaidh mo chéile" Hearts!!! :D
“He’d found an injured bird on the side of the road. He’d nursed her back to health and taught her courage, and now she was flying away from him.”
Sutherland’s Secret is a highly entertaining historical romance. There is nothing profoundly unique about its plot, but the tale is brilliantly executed—with vivid imagery of setting and Scotland history— in such a way that we can’t turn the pages fast enough. Both Brice and Ella (Eleanor) are well-rounded characters, and their romance is nothing short of sweet and swoon worthy, making us root for them throughout. There is also an enthralling cast of secondary characters; Colin, Lachlan, and Ian Campbell, all whom I loved. Overall, an enjoyable read! I can’t wait to read Colin MacLean’s story next!
“Come undone for me.”
Posted: May 27, 2016
November 23, 2015
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
A solid historical romance!
I liked very much the beginning!
The hero, Brice, finds a half dead woman and choose to remain with her until she passes away. Fortunately, the woman doesn't die, but recovers, but she's unable to speak and acts more like a feral animal than woman. That's the heroine, Eleanor.
She's traumatized, badly beaten and staved. When she wake up and sees the hero, she's obviously terrorized by him. Who's that enormous man and what does he want from her? Will he beat her? Rape her?
I loved her honest and so very natural reactions. She's afraid, but she's ready to defend herself!
I very much admired Eleanor at the beginning and also during the book, but I felt that as she regained her health she also lost some of her naturalness. She got too much spunk and she got it very quickly: I felt it was too rushed.
But still she was a good, solid heroine.
I also love Brice with his oak solid body (wel, what's there not to like!?) and his also oak solid honour. To me he was like a big bear with a bigger heart. He was so tender when he dealt with the wounded Eleanor!
Tehir romance and love was delicious and doomed: she's English and he's a Highlander chief in a historical period when thir nations were bitter enemies.
I felt that the solution was foregone. I thought about that immeditely (maybe I read romance too much!!!), but they didn't consided it until the very end!
Anyhow, a very enjoyable read!
A solid historical romance!
I liked very much the beginning!
The hero, Brice, finds a half dead woman and choose to remain with her until she passes away. Fortunately, the woman doesn't die, but recovers, but she's unable to speak and acts more like a feral animal than woman. That's the heroine, Eleanor.
She's traumatized, badly beaten and staved. When she wake up and sees the hero, she's obviously terrorized by him. Who's that enormous man and what does he want from her? Will he beat her? Rape her?
I loved her honest and so very natural reactions. She's afraid, but she's ready to defend herself!
I very much admired Eleanor at the beginning and also during the book, but I felt that as she regained her health she also lost some of her naturalness. She got too much spunk and she got it very quickly: I felt it was too rushed.
But still she was a good, solid heroine.
I also love Brice with his oak solid body (wel, what's there not to like!?) and his also oak solid honour. To me he was like a big bear with a bigger heart. He was so tender when he dealt with the wounded Eleanor!
Tehir romance and love was delicious and doomed: she's English and he's a Highlander chief in a historical period when thir nations were bitter enemies.
I felt that the solution was foregone. I thought about that immeditely (maybe I read romance too much!!!), but they didn't consided it until the very end!
Anyhow, a very enjoyable read!
May 1, 2016
I can't recommend the book. it's nothing that hasn't been written before and the poor characterization makes it a read that wasn't really worth my time.
I don't get this heroine Eleanor. She was all scared and abused and fearful in the beginning. She couldn't talk. Then she turned all feisty and sassy and started talking as if she never went through what she did. Eloquent and capable, dug out a bullet from Brice's shoulder, no less. The relationship between Brice and Eleanor came out of nowhere. I don't know how they could love each other. it's just one of those instant love kind of things and not very well done.
I wanted to give the book 1 star but I feel bad. so 2 stars for the blah book that it is. I am kind of sorry that I read it.
I don't get this heroine Eleanor. She was all scared and abused and fearful in the beginning. She couldn't talk. Then she turned all feisty and sassy and started talking as if she never went through what she did. Eloquent and capable, dug out a bullet from Brice's shoulder, no less. The relationship between Brice and Eleanor came out of nowhere. I don't know how they could love each other. it's just one of those instant love kind of things and not very well done.
I wanted to give the book 1 star but I feel bad. so 2 stars for the blah book that it is. I am kind of sorry that I read it.
April 2, 2020
Sometimes I really really really wish I just stuck to the books I originally wanted to read from a series as a standalone without going back and reading previous installments. Ugh, why did I do that? 😩 I used to read things out of order all the time and I was fine with it. *sigh* I've had Book 2 from this series on my TR list for some time and heard a lot of great things about it. But when my library had Book 1 also available on Overdrive and this author is new to me I thought 'oh what the hell' and give this a shot first. Now I'm wishing I hadn't. Only because I find this author's writing style a little too anachronistic for my liking which bums me out and makes me less inclined to pick up MacLean's Passion now. I'm usually lenient when it comes to historical inaccuracies as long as it's not so obvious and heavy-handed. But the fact that hero's cock is constantly referred to as "penis", his lovely arse is referred to as "butt cheeks" and the heroine's cum is referred to as "juices dripping" just....reads funny.
The heroine is referred to as "sassy", the hero "jogs" everywhere, oh and the word "humping" is used too. I could go on and on because it's not just dealing with intimate scenes. I just found it distracting. Especially how the heroine behaves in the second half of the story. She goes from a near-death, emaciated, mute, traumatized woman in rags who is scared of her own shadow to a fearless opinionated woman who demands to go on midnight runs with the hero to help smuggle refugees out of Scotland. Uh....ok. Her transformation was very clunky and fast. I would have enjoyed it more had the transformation been a little more gradual. Her dialogue and some of the stuff she says is very modern. Who in the fuck in 1800's Scotland says they are trying to make "small talk" with someone? No one. Especially not a highborn English lady. I probably will give Colin's book a try since that was my original interest but I'm not really won over by the writing. 😕
The thought made the liquid between her legs gush out, and Brice groaned into her neck as he began pumping into her.
The heroine is referred to as "sassy", the hero "jogs" everywhere, oh and the word "humping" is used too. I could go on and on because it's not just dealing with intimate scenes. I just found it distracting. Especially how the heroine behaves in the second half of the story. She goes from a near-death, emaciated, mute, traumatized woman in rags who is scared of her own shadow to a fearless opinionated woman who demands to go on midnight runs with the hero to help smuggle refugees out of Scotland. Uh....ok. Her transformation was very clunky and fast. I would have enjoyed it more had the transformation been a little more gradual. Her dialogue and some of the stuff she says is very modern. Who in the fuck in 1800's Scotland says they are trying to make "small talk" with someone? No one. Especially not a highborn English lady. I probably will give Colin's book a try since that was my original interest but I'm not really won over by the writing. 😕
January 19, 2016
4.5 there's no better Scottish man than Brice stars. This kind of story reminds me why I love Historical Romance so much! Sharon Cullen completely captivates the reader with vivid descriptions and multi-dimensional characters. Brice Sutherland and Eleanor Hirst will make you root for them all the way through the novel.
Brice Sutherland is compassionate, charming, caring, tender and a genuinely good man. He not only protects his own, but those he believes that need the protection. While securing safe passage for his own Scots to Canada via ship, Brice also picks up a dying woman who looks to be English. Without a second thought, he brings her to his home and ensures her survival.
Eleanor Hirst grew up doted on and married an English soldier landing her in Scotland. After her husband's death, Eleanor is distraught and left to fend for herself. She is chained and starved until she concedes to a marriage she does not want. She has a chance of escape and takes it which leads her to Brice.
Brice and Eleanor struggle to trust one another and to understand their attraction towards each other. As the days pass, even without the ability to speak, Eleanor and Brice build a relationship. The relationship grows until neither can deny the passion between them. The love they have towards one another is beautiful because it is pure and unassuming.
Brice Sutherland is compassionate, charming, caring, tender and a genuinely good man. He not only protects his own, but those he believes that need the protection. While securing safe passage for his own Scots to Canada via ship, Brice also picks up a dying woman who looks to be English. Without a second thought, he brings her to his home and ensures her survival.
Eleanor Hirst grew up doted on and married an English soldier landing her in Scotland. After her husband's death, Eleanor is distraught and left to fend for herself. She is chained and starved until she concedes to a marriage she does not want. She has a chance of escape and takes it which leads her to Brice.
Brice and Eleanor struggle to trust one another and to understand their attraction towards each other. As the days pass, even without the ability to speak, Eleanor and Brice build a relationship. The relationship grows until neither can deny the passion between them. The love they have towards one another is beautiful because it is pure and unassuming.
November 24, 2019
Plutot 3,5/5.
Je me rends compte qu'autant j'aime lire des Highlanders loufoque à la Garwood, autant quand c'est un peu plus crédible, j'adhère moins :/
Ici une période qui change puisque c'est juste après Culloden.
J'ai trouvé l'évolution de l’héroïne un peu poussif, de petite chose craintive, c'est limite si elle ne s'est pas transformée en princesse guerrière mdr.
Je ne sais pas si je lirai la suite, même si j'ai apprécié le futur héros.
Je me rends compte qu'autant j'aime lire des Highlanders loufoque à la Garwood, autant quand c'est un peu plus crédible, j'adhère moins :/
Ici une période qui change puisque c'est juste après Culloden.
J'ai trouvé l'évolution de l’héroïne un peu poussif, de petite chose craintive, c'est limite si elle ne s'est pas transformée en princesse guerrière mdr.
Je ne sais pas si je lirai la suite, même si j'ai apprécié le futur héros.
November 18, 2015
Following a meeting with the lairds and families of Scotland, Brice Sutherland, the Earl of Dornach and his men find a woman near death in a pile of tattered garments in the middle of the road towards home. When Brice sends his men on ahead home, his intentions of comforting the woman in her last probable hours is foremost in his thoughts. He never thought the battered and beaten lass would survive the night, but when she proves him wrong, his only choice is to take her to his home and nurse her back to health. Not knowing her identity could be the downfall could be dangerous, but the only honorable thing to do is help her.
English lady, Eleanor Hirst went from being the toast of the ton to a prisoner in a Scottish dungeon. Unbelievably, her jailers are none other than her own countryman. With her husband accused of being a traitor to the crown and Eleanor watching him hang before her eyes, a proposal by her husband's executioner leave her shocked and betrayed when her refusal to marry the man thrown in a cell and beaten for weeks, She seizes her chance to escape the horror, preferring to die free than at the hands of evil. Upon awakening in the forest with a strange Scot tending to her wounds, Eleanor finds herself without a voice and her future uncertain.
Understanding somewhat what's happened to the wounded woman, Brice tries to ease her fears. He brings her into his home and treats her with care, only to have her more confused. When the people who should very well be her enemy, harbor her from the man who caused her harm, Eleanor begins to blossom once again among her new comrades.
Brice's attraction to the English high born, widow could very well mean the end of him, but the call to Eleanor is a strong one and giving in is sweet ecstasy. How will two people from two different worlds at war with one another overcome not only that war, but the evil of the man seeking to extinguish the only proof that he is the traitor? When given the choice of returning to her family fold, or remaining with the man she has come so fiercely to love, will Eleanor choose love? Grab Sharon Cullen's latest great read, SUTHERLAND'S SECRET, to find out.
SUTHERLAND'S SECRET, the first book in the Highland Pride series is an attention grabber and keeper. This well written story with strong and interesting characters leaves me yearning for the next tale author Sharon Cullen has to offer. Brice Sutherland is tough as nails when it comes to those under his protection, but for as tough as he can be under the worst of circumstances he is as endearing, patient and compassionate with Eleanor. This woman has been though hell and back but with Brice's care, she blooms into the woman she never knew she could be, and that transformation is a sight to see. Definitely a winner for Sharon Cullen.
January 19, 2016
4.5 Stars
Having finished this, my first thought is why have I not read this author before? I can be fairly picky when it comes to historical romances and, being an English/Scot hybrid, I can be even more picky when it comes to books where the author writes the Scottish dialect, but in this case it worked; the writing style was engaging and it was a great read.
"She was alone in a foreign country with no way out and a powerful enemy most certainly looking for her."
Sutherland’s Secret is book one in Sharon Cullen’s Highland Pride series and brings readers an action-filled, passionate, dramatic and touching romantic story set in the weeks following the Battle of Culloden. If you’ve any knowledge of what happened at Culloden, then you'll have an understanding of why the Scots hated the English. Heck, my English side is ashamed at what they subjected them to and throughout this read I despised most of the English and adored the Scots. Particularly Brice Sutherland.
I loved him. Protective but not overbearing, he was a gentle giant with a good heart. Discovering a woman close-to-death lying in the road, he refuses leave her, pledging to care for her until her passing. When he returns to his castle she is still alive and so begins Brice and Eleanor’s love story and one that is fraught with danger as she is English and the English army are looking for her.
The connection and chemistry between these two main characters was wonderful. Their growing feelings for each other along with their fight and fears brought the emotional moments and their intimacy was passionate. And, with an endearing and interesting cast of secondary characters, it was a fantastic start to the series. I can’t wait to read Colin’s story in MacLean’s Passion.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via Netgalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Having finished this, my first thought is why have I not read this author before? I can be fairly picky when it comes to historical romances and, being an English/Scot hybrid, I can be even more picky when it comes to books where the author writes the Scottish dialect, but in this case it worked; the writing style was engaging and it was a great read.
"She was alone in a foreign country with no way out and a powerful enemy most certainly looking for her."
Sutherland’s Secret is book one in Sharon Cullen’s Highland Pride series and brings readers an action-filled, passionate, dramatic and touching romantic story set in the weeks following the Battle of Culloden. If you’ve any knowledge of what happened at Culloden, then you'll have an understanding of why the Scots hated the English. Heck, my English side is ashamed at what they subjected them to and throughout this read I despised most of the English and adored the Scots. Particularly Brice Sutherland.
I loved him. Protective but not overbearing, he was a gentle giant with a good heart. Discovering a woman close-to-death lying in the road, he refuses leave her, pledging to care for her until her passing. When he returns to his castle she is still alive and so begins Brice and Eleanor’s love story and one that is fraught with danger as she is English and the English army are looking for her.
The connection and chemistry between these two main characters was wonderful. Their growing feelings for each other along with their fight and fears brought the emotional moments and their intimacy was passionate. And, with an endearing and interesting cast of secondary characters, it was a fantastic start to the series. I can’t wait to read Colin’s story in MacLean’s Passion.
Copy received courtesy of Loveswept via Netgalley for an honest and unbiased opinion.
December 20, 2015
What a great read! I really loved this book! It was suspenseful, dramatic, action filled, and sexy as hell! I couldn't put it down, but had to clean the house before I went on vacation so it took me a tad longer to read, or I would have vegetated on the couch till I was done!
I loved Eleanor! She was a wonderful heroine and her character growth was wonderful! Brice was a sexy Scot rivaling my love for Jamie Fraser! He was strong brave and honor bound! Yet vulnerable and so very loving at the same time!
Great book and I am sure I will be reading more from this author!
Received a ARC from NetGalley for a honest review!
I loved Eleanor! She was a wonderful heroine and her character growth was wonderful! Brice was a sexy Scot rivaling my love for Jamie Fraser! He was strong brave and honor bound! Yet vulnerable and so very loving at the same time!
Great book and I am sure I will be reading more from this author!
Received a ARC from NetGalley for a honest review!
November 11, 2015
This is a marvellous romance everybody should read! Sharon Cullen did a great job here, the novel is right in every aspect. It's fast paced, there are no "dead", boring or superfluous parts, the backgrounds facts are interesting and well melted with the love story...and the love story itself, OMG, it's sooo adorably sweet, heart melting, it raised in me many feelings, it gave me shivers.
I'm so happy with this new series starting romance, moreover here there are several extremely promising potential protagonists and I do hope to see them more in the future.
The story opening is very catching, the historical context is fresh air in the historical romances world, it's not something overused (as the napoleonic war) and drags the reader straight into the plot. I loved the way the protagonists met and especially I adored the reasons that push the hero, Brice, Earl of Dornach and laird of the Sutherland clan, to keep with him the unconscious and very badly abused heroine, Eleanor.
The gentleness Brice shows to Eleanor is touching and very emotional, in turn, the heroine attitude and story manifests a sadness and sorrow that goes straight to the reader, the whole relationship between them and the developments make the establishment of a empathic bond very easy.
The dialogues between them are breathtaking, when I read "Ella, I want to kiss ye." (clearly this sentence has to be identified with a context), my heart leaped, insistently actually.
If I have to forcedly find a flaw here, it would be that, maybe, the heroine's traumatic mutism, from when she starts again speaking her first words, is too quickly overcome; she gains back fluency in a too short amount of time in my opinion.
As I've already mentioned I found the historical background, and the rest of the characters, very interesting and I can't wait to know more about especially about Colin, Thomas and Cait.
Chapeau to Sharon Cullen for this astonishing novel! As for me, it takes time to recover from a touching reading like Sutherland's Secret. Lol!
FOR MORE REVIEWS VISIT IL PROFUMO DELLE PERGAMENE!
** I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book on courtesy of NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review, thank you for the opportunity.
I'm so happy with this new series starting romance, moreover here there are several extremely promising potential protagonists and I do hope to see them more in the future.
The story opening is very catching, the historical context is fresh air in the historical romances world, it's not something overused (as the napoleonic war) and drags the reader straight into the plot. I loved the way the protagonists met and especially I adored the reasons that push the hero, Brice, Earl of Dornach and laird of the Sutherland clan, to keep with him the unconscious and very badly abused heroine, Eleanor.
The gentleness Brice shows to Eleanor is touching and very emotional, in turn, the heroine attitude and story manifests a sadness and sorrow that goes straight to the reader, the whole relationship between them and the developments make the establishment of a empathic bond very easy.
The dialogues between them are breathtaking, when I read "Ella, I want to kiss ye." (clearly this sentence has to be identified with a context), my heart leaped, insistently actually.
If I have to forcedly find a flaw here, it would be that, maybe, the heroine's traumatic mutism, from when she starts again speaking her first words, is too quickly overcome; she gains back fluency in a too short amount of time in my opinion.
As I've already mentioned I found the historical background, and the rest of the characters, very interesting and I can't wait to know more about especially about Colin, Thomas and Cait.
Chapeau to Sharon Cullen for this astonishing novel! As for me, it takes time to recover from a touching reading like Sutherland's Secret. Lol!
FOR MORE REVIEWS VISIT IL PROFUMO DELLE PERGAMENE!
** I received an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book on courtesy of NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept in exchange for an honest review, thank you for the opportunity.
January 19, 2016
I'm new to this author, but love Scottish books so I asked NetGalley for an ARC. It is a good book and it holds your attention. Sutherland's Secret takes place in the months following the battle of Culloden (1745).
The hero, Brice Sutherland, Earl of Dornach did not fight for either side. But the damage the English are doing to his country has caused him to help those who have lost their homes to flee to Canada. While out with his men, he comes across an unconscious woman. He does not want the English to find her so takes her with him to his castle to care for her. He is attracted to her even though she is English.
Lady Eleanor Hirst came with her husband to Scotland with no idea of life in a country at war. Her husband is betrayed and killed by a fellow officer who wants to wed her for his own gain. When she wants nothing to do with him, he has her imprisoned. She eventually escapes, starved, scarred and near death when Brice finds her. She falls in love with Brice, likes living in Scotland but wants revenge on the man who had her falsely imprisoned.
I do not like to read or write plot spoilers. I like to discover the intricacies of the plot as I read. I will be reading the next book in this series, "MacLean's Passion", and hope you try this one.
The hero, Brice Sutherland, Earl of Dornach did not fight for either side. But the damage the English are doing to his country has caused him to help those who have lost their homes to flee to Canada. While out with his men, he comes across an unconscious woman. He does not want the English to find her so takes her with him to his castle to care for her. He is attracted to her even though she is English.
Lady Eleanor Hirst came with her husband to Scotland with no idea of life in a country at war. Her husband is betrayed and killed by a fellow officer who wants to wed her for his own gain. When she wants nothing to do with him, he has her imprisoned. She eventually escapes, starved, scarred and near death when Brice finds her. She falls in love with Brice, likes living in Scotland but wants revenge on the man who had her falsely imprisoned.
I do not like to read or write plot spoilers. I like to discover the intricacies of the plot as I read. I will be reading the next book in this series, "MacLean's Passion", and hope you try this one.
Want to read
November 25, 2015Publication Date: January 19, 2016
"A copy of this book has been provided by Loveswept via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review"
August 25, 2016
DNF Chapter 26.
As mentioned by the other reviewers, the beginning of this book isn't bad, but as soon as the Heroine (Eleaner) started to speak, it all went down hill very fast.
This book read like a less crafted and less polished version of the book 'Outlander', which I adore. This book shared many parallels with 'Outlander", in terms of characters as well as plots. It didn't read like an entirely original book to me.
I am not a English literary professor, however when I read words like 'sassy' and 'prissy' used in the Hero's dialogue, I thought it looked jarring. Upon some quick research, it was true that those two words had started in the 19th century, and this book is based in 1746. So maybe a good editor could have pick this up?
******Spoiler alert*****
There are other issue with the plots in this book that got me rolling eyes and shaking heads
1. Brice took a supposedly 'dying' girl (the heroine) on horse back, wonder around the woods for 3 days without getting much warmth, medical help, rest or assistance. It seem absurd to me. Brice had originally thought the girl is going to die, if Brice had decided he is going to let the girl die, then let her die in peace quietly. If Brice had decided to save the girl, then get her some help quick, a bed, food, warmth or anything, but not on the horse back jostle around for 3 days in the cold.
2. The history of Eleanor and what's had happened to her prior being rescued was a big mystery at the beginning of the book. I felt Eleanor could have written her story on the paper for Brice, given that she couldn't speak. It need not have to wait until she can talk. There were many times Eleanor desperately trying to communicate with Brice (alerting him to danger, explained herself, clear her name or identify the villain). If she could just write it down, It could erase lots of speculation and suspicion from Brice also from Brice's men. Who were questioning their leader's (Brice) authority and decisions. I just felt that the author had just prolonged the angst and mystery unnecessarily.
3. Suddenly Eleanor was able to dress wounds, extract bullets form Brice. The book didn't explain how a Lady of nobel birth would know such a thing.
4. Eleanor snuck out to the great hall to just look at her nemesis Blackwood, risking her been seen and been captured.....Why Why why? It didnt make any sense? She was deadly traumatised by her earlier captivity by Blackwood, to the point of being paralysed with fear, traumatised to the point of losing ability to speak, yet she went against advised and almost was seen by the powerful villain for "just wanting a look. Seriously?! Also that event had not baring on the plot development at all!
5. Oh! Enough with the constant screaming during sex!!! Seriously!!! What I would prefer is some actual steam and heat in the sex scene, and not the 'he touched her and she screamed' type of sex cliche.
So yeah! It safe to say that I didn't like this book...given the numerous high rating reviews, I thought I will like this book. Sorry this isn't my cup of tea.....
As mentioned by the other reviewers, the beginning of this book isn't bad, but as soon as the Heroine (Eleaner) started to speak, it all went down hill very fast.
This book read like a less crafted and less polished version of the book 'Outlander', which I adore. This book shared many parallels with 'Outlander", in terms of characters as well as plots. It didn't read like an entirely original book to me.
I am not a English literary professor, however when I read words like 'sassy' and 'prissy' used in the Hero's dialogue, I thought it looked jarring. Upon some quick research, it was true that those two words had started in the 19th century, and this book is based in 1746. So maybe a good editor could have pick this up?
******Spoiler alert*****
There are other issue with the plots in this book that got me rolling eyes and shaking heads
1. Brice took a supposedly 'dying' girl (the heroine) on horse back, wonder around the woods for 3 days without getting much warmth, medical help, rest or assistance. It seem absurd to me. Brice had originally thought the girl is going to die, if Brice had decided he is going to let the girl die, then let her die in peace quietly. If Brice had decided to save the girl, then get her some help quick, a bed, food, warmth or anything, but not on the horse back jostle around for 3 days in the cold.
2. The history of Eleanor and what's had happened to her prior being rescued was a big mystery at the beginning of the book. I felt Eleanor could have written her story on the paper for Brice, given that she couldn't speak. It need not have to wait until she can talk. There were many times Eleanor desperately trying to communicate with Brice (alerting him to danger, explained herself, clear her name or identify the villain). If she could just write it down, It could erase lots of speculation and suspicion from Brice also from Brice's men. Who were questioning their leader's (Brice) authority and decisions. I just felt that the author had just prolonged the angst and mystery unnecessarily.
3. Suddenly Eleanor was able to dress wounds, extract bullets form Brice. The book didn't explain how a Lady of nobel birth would know such a thing.
4. Eleanor snuck out to the great hall to just look at her nemesis Blackwood, risking her been seen and been captured.....Why Why why? It didnt make any sense? She was deadly traumatised by her earlier captivity by Blackwood, to the point of being paralysed with fear, traumatised to the point of losing ability to speak, yet she went against advised and almost was seen by the powerful villain for "just wanting a look. Seriously?! Also that event had not baring on the plot development at all!
5. Oh! Enough with the constant screaming during sex!!! Seriously!!! What I would prefer is some actual steam and heat in the sex scene, and not the 'he touched her and she screamed' type of sex cliche.
So yeah! It safe to say that I didn't like this book...given the numerous high rating reviews, I thought I will like this book. Sorry this isn't my cup of tea.....
January 27, 2017
It would seem I'm in the minority. Did I read the same book as everyone else? What happened?
This book started out strong. It got very dark, very quickly, but that's not a bad thing. Eleanor is found half dead in the middle of a road, covered in bruises, cuts, and mud. Brice rescues her against everyone's reasonably sound advice. (He's Scottish, she's most likely English, there are English soldiers everywhere, etc.) The dark part being that after he takes her back to his castle, he sees the extent of her injuries and what must have been done to her to incur such injuries. She gets cleaned up and the news travels around the castle of how badly she was mistreated and they discover she's lost the ability to speak (temporarily). She expects nothing but the worst from everyone (understandably) and is completely traumatized emotionally and physically by her mysteriously unfortunate past. The writing was simplistic but I appreciated that, especially when describing the condition of her body and her mistreatment.
Brice was a wonderful character, on paper. In fact, if I could make a list of attributes to assign to my dream highlander, he'd have every one of them. Tall, kind, handsome, affectionate, smart, protective, etc. You get the idea. But that being said, he was strangely clingy. And a bit whiny. Eleanor wanted to protect him and the rest of his people from the very evil dangerous person hunting her down and his first instinct is say, "Why do you want to run away from me? Why do all women want to leave me?"
Calm down, dude.
I loved the idea of Eleanor getting a HEA. That's the allure of books with mistreated characters. You so desperately want them to have some peace and happiness. It makes it all the more special and sweet.
But.
For me, the writing ruined it all. The characters were so inconsistent. One minute Eleanor is huddled in a ball in the corner and a few days later she dry humping Brice. The plot was formulaic, the chemistry was non-existent, and the love scenes were just awkward. Of the "huge and red and swollen" variety of awkward. Also, I don't think I ever want my lover to say the words "I can smell you from here" to me during sexy times. Regardless of it's intended meaning.
On the plus side, I got a bit of a history lesson. Nothing wrong with brushing up on your Jacobite Rebellion history. I love it when romance novels throw in actual history because I feel like I can yell "Aha! See? All reading is learning! Don't shame my guilty pleasure!" This one was just not for me.
This book started out strong. It got very dark, very quickly, but that's not a bad thing. Eleanor is found half dead in the middle of a road, covered in bruises, cuts, and mud. Brice rescues her against everyone's reasonably sound advice. (He's Scottish, she's most likely English, there are English soldiers everywhere, etc.) The dark part being that after he takes her back to his castle, he sees the extent of her injuries and what must have been done to her to incur such injuries. She gets cleaned up and the news travels around the castle of how badly she was mistreated and they discover she's lost the ability to speak (temporarily). She expects nothing but the worst from everyone (understandably) and is completely traumatized emotionally and physically by her mysteriously unfortunate past. The writing was simplistic but I appreciated that, especially when describing the condition of her body and her mistreatment.
Brice was a wonderful character, on paper. In fact, if I could make a list of attributes to assign to my dream highlander, he'd have every one of them. Tall, kind, handsome, affectionate, smart, protective, etc. You get the idea. But that being said, he was strangely clingy. And a bit whiny. Eleanor wanted to protect him and the rest of his people from the very evil dangerous person hunting her down and his first instinct is say, "Why do you want to run away from me? Why do all women want to leave me?"
Calm down, dude.
I loved the idea of Eleanor getting a HEA. That's the allure of books with mistreated characters. You so desperately want them to have some peace and happiness. It makes it all the more special and sweet.
But.
For me, the writing ruined it all. The characters were so inconsistent. One minute Eleanor is huddled in a ball in the corner and a few days later she dry humping Brice. The plot was formulaic, the chemistry was non-existent, and the love scenes were just awkward. Of the "huge and red and swollen" variety of awkward. Also, I don't think I ever want my lover to say the words "I can smell you from here" to me during sexy times. Regardless of it's intended meaning.
On the plus side, I got a bit of a history lesson. Nothing wrong with brushing up on your Jacobite Rebellion history. I love it when romance novels throw in actual history because I feel like I can yell "Aha! See? All reading is learning! Don't shame my guilty pleasure!" This one was just not for me.
November 27, 2015
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley for my honest reviews
WOW! I really loved this book -- and I don't say that often. I read it straight through -- I couldn't put it down. This is a new author for me and I'll definitely read other books by her.
It has a wonderfully sweet love story and the required HEA has enough tear-jerky moments to keep you sniffling (and I never sniffle) and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.
The book takes place in Scotland just after the battle of Culloden when the English are ravaging Scotland.
Brice Sutherland and some of his clan are returning home from a multi-clan meeting when they pass a dirty clump of rags in the road. Brice, for some reason, gets off his horse and starts picking at the rags -- only to discover that the rags are actually a scarred, beaten, emaciated, smelly female that he feels will be dead before morning. He sends his men on toward home and tells them he will stay until she dies because nobody should die alone. He picks her up onto his horse and begins carrying her through the woods toward his home -- figuring he'll bury her along the way.
She, Eleanor Hirst, is still alive when they reach Brice's castle and he takes her in and they nurse her back top health. She has the english army looking for her -- at least one Colonel who has falsely imprisoned her after he has murdered her husband.
Eleanor and Brice fall in love even though it will cost him and his clan their lives and property if they are caught harboring her. He's also helping Jacobites escape Scotland and go to Canada. The english looking for Eleanor makes transporting the Jacobites more risky.
There is a nice twist in the HEA in the epilogue.
This is an excellent book read it -- I think you'll like it.
WOW! I really loved this book -- and I don't say that often. I read it straight through -- I couldn't put it down. This is a new author for me and I'll definitely read other books by her.
It has a wonderfully sweet love story and the required HEA has enough tear-jerky moments to keep you sniffling (and I never sniffle) and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages.
The book takes place in Scotland just after the battle of Culloden when the English are ravaging Scotland.
Brice Sutherland and some of his clan are returning home from a multi-clan meeting when they pass a dirty clump of rags in the road. Brice, for some reason, gets off his horse and starts picking at the rags -- only to discover that the rags are actually a scarred, beaten, emaciated, smelly female that he feels will be dead before morning. He sends his men on toward home and tells them he will stay until she dies because nobody should die alone. He picks her up onto his horse and begins carrying her through the woods toward his home -- figuring he'll bury her along the way.
She, Eleanor Hirst, is still alive when they reach Brice's castle and he takes her in and they nurse her back top health. She has the english army looking for her -- at least one Colonel who has falsely imprisoned her after he has murdered her husband.
Eleanor and Brice fall in love even though it will cost him and his clan their lives and property if they are caught harboring her. He's also helping Jacobites escape Scotland and go to Canada. The english looking for Eleanor makes transporting the Jacobites more risky.
There is a nice twist in the HEA in the epilogue.
This is an excellent book read it -- I think you'll like it.
November 14, 2015
**I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
4.5 stars
I really liked this story - Brice is a perfect hero - he is loyal, kind, compassionate, a highlander, sexy and brave - seriously the man is perfect. Eleanor is also a good character - I just didn't like her as much as I LOVED Brice.
Eleanor has had a horrific experience - Brice finds her in the middle of the road near death. Against his better judgement, he takes her to his home. At first Eleanor is mute and understandably terrified. Brice is patient and kind to Eleanor and as she begins to heal, she begins to trust and even admire Brice.
When Brice is shot, Eleanor finds her voice and her backbone. Gone is the meek, downtrodden woman in her place a strong, brave and even outspoken woman emerges. This is an Eleanor worth knowing and Brice who was enchanted by wounded and broken Eleanor is mesmerized by the new Eleanor.
From here things take a steamy turn for our lovers and as their relationship develops so does the angst - because they can see no possible way to stay together.
Things come to a head when Eleanor's brother shows up and she finally gets to confront the bastard that ruined her life and killed her husband.
I personally found the ending a little too rushed and anticlimactic. Don't misunderstand - it was good - but it was wrapped up too quickly and simply.
I think Sharon Cullen has really matured as an author, each book I read by her is better than the last and this book is no exception. I would recommend this book and I look forward to more books in this series.
4.5 stars
I really liked this story - Brice is a perfect hero - he is loyal, kind, compassionate, a highlander, sexy and brave - seriously the man is perfect. Eleanor is also a good character - I just didn't like her as much as I LOVED Brice.
Eleanor has had a horrific experience - Brice finds her in the middle of the road near death. Against his better judgement, he takes her to his home. At first Eleanor is mute and understandably terrified. Brice is patient and kind to Eleanor and as she begins to heal, she begins to trust and even admire Brice.
When Brice is shot, Eleanor finds her voice and her backbone. Gone is the meek, downtrodden woman in her place a strong, brave and even outspoken woman emerges. This is an Eleanor worth knowing and Brice who was enchanted by wounded and broken Eleanor is mesmerized by the new Eleanor.
From here things take a steamy turn for our lovers and as their relationship develops so does the angst - because they can see no possible way to stay together.
Things come to a head when Eleanor's brother shows up and she finally gets to confront the bastard that ruined her life and killed her husband.
I personally found the ending a little too rushed and anticlimactic. Don't misunderstand - it was good - but it was wrapped up too quickly and simply.
I think Sharon Cullen has really matured as an author, each book I read by her is better than the last and this book is no exception. I would recommend this book and I look forward to more books in this series.
February 1, 2016
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I give it 4 stars.
This book is about Scots men trying to save their fellow men and women (Jacobites) from the English soldiers, an English woman at deaths door, an evil soldier, love, revenge and trust.
Brice Sutherland is the Earl of Dornach and one evening after completing a mission he finds what he thinks is a bundle of rags in the middle of the road, but on closer inspection it is a woman that has been badly hurt and she is at deaths door. Brice commands his men to leave him and go home while he goes a different way from them so that he can rest with the woman so she is not alone when she dies - or that is what he thought.
Eleanor Hirst, however is made from stronger stuff and surprises him by surviving so he takes her back to his castle where she is looked after and brought back to health - she can not however speak
so she is unable to give her name or where she is from or what has happened to her. Eleanor is frightened by all the Scots men but she realises that they will not hurt her and she starts to relax around them.
Brice has been hurt in the past and fights his feelings for his house guest, he has a feeling she may be English so when the English soldiers call and ask if anyone has seen an English woman around Brice has a feeling in his gut not to mention the lady upstairs so hence the title Sutherland's Secret.
I loved all the action in this book. The characters were well described and thought out. The story held my attention from start to finish and I can not wait for the next book from Sharon Cullen. Congrats.
This book is about Scots men trying to save their fellow men and women (Jacobites) from the English soldiers, an English woman at deaths door, an evil soldier, love, revenge and trust.
Brice Sutherland is the Earl of Dornach and one evening after completing a mission he finds what he thinks is a bundle of rags in the middle of the road, but on closer inspection it is a woman that has been badly hurt and she is at deaths door. Brice commands his men to leave him and go home while he goes a different way from them so that he can rest with the woman so she is not alone when she dies - or that is what he thought.
Eleanor Hirst, however is made from stronger stuff and surprises him by surviving so he takes her back to his castle where she is looked after and brought back to health - she can not however speak
so she is unable to give her name or where she is from or what has happened to her. Eleanor is frightened by all the Scots men but she realises that they will not hurt her and she starts to relax around them.
Brice has been hurt in the past and fights his feelings for his house guest, he has a feeling she may be English so when the English soldiers call and ask if anyone has seen an English woman around Brice has a feeling in his gut not to mention the lady upstairs so hence the title Sutherland's Secret.
I loved all the action in this book. The characters were well described and thought out. The story held my attention from start to finish and I can not wait for the next book from Sharon Cullen. Congrats.
November 18, 2015
After reading His reluctant Duchess i started reading more and more of Sharon Cullen's books. She's such a terrific writer and she never disappoints.
This book was simply amazing, the characters, the pace, the mystery, the heartache. I loved every aspect of it.
When Eleanor is found on the road nearly dead by our Hero he decides to stay with her so she doesn't die alone, little does he know that she will pull through and become the most important person to him.
This is a book you don't want to miss especially if you love Scottish romance.
I literally cant wait to read about Colin , i hope there will also be a book about Campbell.
I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FROM NETGALLERY AND Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept IN EXCHANGED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
This book was simply amazing, the characters, the pace, the mystery, the heartache. I loved every aspect of it.
When Eleanor is found on the road nearly dead by our Hero he decides to stay with her so she doesn't die alone, little does he know that she will pull through and become the most important person to him.
This is a book you don't want to miss especially if you love Scottish romance.
I literally cant wait to read about Colin , i hope there will also be a book about Campbell.
I RECEIVED THIS BOOK FROM NETGALLERY AND Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept IN EXCHANGED FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.
March 7, 2016
Loved it from beginning to end! Where can I get my own Brice with his deadly broadsword? LOL. There's nothing like reading about a Highland warrior who rescues a damsel in distress to get your temperature rising. Eleanor may be a bitty thing but she comes across as a strong female protagonist. This sexy tale requires a cold drink and a comfortable reading chair. I highly recommend for historical romance fans.
May 11, 2016
3 stars
It was good until the end. It just fell flat. The progression of the story was ok. But, the more you learn the backstory it all becomes a little hard to believe. The romance was ok. Overall, just a 3 star read for me.
It was good until the end. It just fell flat. The progression of the story was ok. But, the more you learn the backstory it all becomes a little hard to believe. The romance was ok. Overall, just a 3 star read for me.
Shelved as 'to-reread-to-rate'
November 26, 2015*Arc via Netgalley*
March 2, 2019
Eleanor is truly an amazing feminist character. Brice's support of her made his character growth amazing. He let her work out her own demons, he protected her when necessary, and he never really tried to stop Eleanor from doing what she wanted.
February 6, 2016
ARC REVIEW
This was a fabulous read. Sharon Cullen is an enchanting writer she captivates and entwines you in the story. It takes place after the bloodbath at Culloden when the English were still trying to bring the Scottish to heel and the Scottish were pretty much okay fine leave us alone already. It was like a giant witch hunt, anyone could basically claim that someone was a Jacobite or a sympathizer just to get rid of them and claim what they wanted. So many people were afraid for their lives they ended up emigrating to Canada just to get away from the English. The characters in the story were great very easy to sympathize with, Eleanor you can see how she changes throughout the book from a scared and tortured young woman to a strong confident woman who won't back down. Brice Sutherland is a great character; he is a good man, a great leader, and very caring for his people; even the half dead British woman he found on the side of the road.
Lady Eleanor Hurst was suppose to be enjoying the newly married life instead she's a widow and on the run from the man who had her husband killed and tried to blackmail her in marrying him. When she refused he locked her up in Fort Augustus with all the other Jacobites. Eleanor changed in that time, watching innocent men beaten, children dying at the hands of the British she was no longer the prim and proper British Lady. After managing to escape Eleanor ran as far as she could go before collapsing on the side of the road. Brice Sutherland the Earl of Dornach, is just trying to keep his people safe. When coming home from a chief clan gathering Brice and his men find a half dead woman on the side of the road, not willing to leave her for the animals send his men ahead so he can take care of her until she dies. But Eleanor is strong and she finally recovers, but she has lost her voice she went so long without talking she forgot how. Brice bring her to his home and offers her sanctuary. Eleanor is scared at first and unsure who she can trust. Once Brice proves she could trust him by not turning her into the British when they come looking for her, she starts to warm up to the environment around her and the people. Eleanor makes a place for herself not wanting to feel like a helpless female again she does what she can. Brice risks his life every night spiriting families and men from house to house until he can get them on a boat bound for Canada. It's easier for Brice to keep an eye on Eleanor if she goes with him, and proved she could be an asset. Brice and Eleanor fall easily in love. Brice has his own fears about falling in love with an English Lady and Eleanor is worried about endangering Brice and all his people.
Eleanor's husband was charged with treason and executed without a trial, she was imprisoned without evidence. All she needs is the courage to confront the right people to fix everything but that means she has to face her worst fear. With the love of Brice and his people behind her, and the sudden appearance of her brother Eleanor finally agrees to do what she needs to do.
Overall this was a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was very detailed and really takes you back. I even had to look up when the Dress Act of 1746 came into effect because the Scots in the book are still wearing their kilts.
This was a fabulous read. Sharon Cullen is an enchanting writer she captivates and entwines you in the story. It takes place after the bloodbath at Culloden when the English were still trying to bring the Scottish to heel and the Scottish were pretty much okay fine leave us alone already. It was like a giant witch hunt, anyone could basically claim that someone was a Jacobite or a sympathizer just to get rid of them and claim what they wanted. So many people were afraid for their lives they ended up emigrating to Canada just to get away from the English. The characters in the story were great very easy to sympathize with, Eleanor you can see how she changes throughout the book from a scared and tortured young woman to a strong confident woman who won't back down. Brice Sutherland is a great character; he is a good man, a great leader, and very caring for his people; even the half dead British woman he found on the side of the road.
Lady Eleanor Hurst was suppose to be enjoying the newly married life instead she's a widow and on the run from the man who had her husband killed and tried to blackmail her in marrying him. When she refused he locked her up in Fort Augustus with all the other Jacobites. Eleanor changed in that time, watching innocent men beaten, children dying at the hands of the British she was no longer the prim and proper British Lady. After managing to escape Eleanor ran as far as she could go before collapsing on the side of the road. Brice Sutherland the Earl of Dornach, is just trying to keep his people safe. When coming home from a chief clan gathering Brice and his men find a half dead woman on the side of the road, not willing to leave her for the animals send his men ahead so he can take care of her until she dies. But Eleanor is strong and she finally recovers, but she has lost her voice she went so long without talking she forgot how. Brice bring her to his home and offers her sanctuary. Eleanor is scared at first and unsure who she can trust. Once Brice proves she could trust him by not turning her into the British when they come looking for her, she starts to warm up to the environment around her and the people. Eleanor makes a place for herself not wanting to feel like a helpless female again she does what she can. Brice risks his life every night spiriting families and men from house to house until he can get them on a boat bound for Canada. It's easier for Brice to keep an eye on Eleanor if she goes with him, and proved she could be an asset. Brice and Eleanor fall easily in love. Brice has his own fears about falling in love with an English Lady and Eleanor is worried about endangering Brice and all his people.
Eleanor's husband was charged with treason and executed without a trial, she was imprisoned without evidence. All she needs is the courage to confront the right people to fix everything but that means she has to face her worst fear. With the love of Brice and his people behind her, and the sudden appearance of her brother Eleanor finally agrees to do what she needs to do.
Overall this was a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story was very detailed and really takes you back. I even had to look up when the Dress Act of 1746 came into effect because the Scots in the book are still wearing their kilts.
November 13, 2015
When Highland Laird Brice and his men come across a pile of rags along the road, they almost pass it by, but something inside Brice tells him to investigate the pile. Much to his surprise, he finds a badly beaten, mute woman who appears to be on her death bed. Brice picks her up and takes her with him. After tending to her, he realizes she is English, his enemy. She’s also a wanted woman who will only bring trouble to his people. As Eleanor recovers, so does her voice and she shares her story with Brice. Together the two must find a way to relocate her to a safe place, although by now, it just might be too late as he’s developed feelings for her and her for him.
This story was one of the hardest for me to review because my feelings are so torn. The opening of the book grabs your attention and draws you right in. You’ll not want to put it down. Brice is a warrior with a sweet heart and he takes such tender care of Eleanor. You really feel for her because of the abuse she went through and you can’t help but cheer this couple on. While the story is so beautiful, I did have a few hang-ups.
Initially, Eleanor is unable to speak due to her past experience. While this is so, she is able to make sounds, like screaming and moaning. I didn’t understand that. When her voice does come back, it does so rather quickly and I found that I would have preferred the progress to be slower. When this happens, Eleanor suddenly does a 180 and is no longer a broken and meek woman. This decision of hers also was rather quick. Her being a frightened woman just pulled on the heartstrings and I would have liked to see more of that.
The story does have a steady buildup, but for two different reasons. The beginning is all about hiding from Blackwood, the man who is hunting Eleanor, and the second half of the book is all about Brice and Eleanor trying to relocate her to a safe place, away from his people. About mid-way through, I felt the story start to lag. It became all about the inner turmoil or angst of the characters. All they did was mourn their future separation. This went on for majority of the second half. When we finally get to the climax, where Eleanor, Brice, and Blackwood come face-to-face, the reader is left wanting more. There’s no expected action or fight scene. In fact, there’s really no fight scene ever. The meeting falls flat and is tidied up rather neatly. I wanted Brice to finally have a moment to shine as the fierce warrior that he is.
A few things were left hanging, too, which I can only assume will be addressed in the next book. What happened to Colin and what was the favor Campbell wanted?
With all of this being said, Sutherland’s Secret was the first book in a long time to pull me out of a reading slump. It had my full attention and I raced through it to see what would happen. It would have been on my top favorite list, if not for the reasons above. Regardless, I do have a bit of a book hangover from it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the pleasure of reading and reviewing Sutherland’s Secret by Sharon Cullen.
This story was one of the hardest for me to review because my feelings are so torn. The opening of the book grabs your attention and draws you right in. You’ll not want to put it down. Brice is a warrior with a sweet heart and he takes such tender care of Eleanor. You really feel for her because of the abuse she went through and you can’t help but cheer this couple on. While the story is so beautiful, I did have a few hang-ups.
Initially, Eleanor is unable to speak due to her past experience. While this is so, she is able to make sounds, like screaming and moaning. I didn’t understand that. When her voice does come back, it does so rather quickly and I found that I would have preferred the progress to be slower. When this happens, Eleanor suddenly does a 180 and is no longer a broken and meek woman. This decision of hers also was rather quick. Her being a frightened woman just pulled on the heartstrings and I would have liked to see more of that.
The story does have a steady buildup, but for two different reasons. The beginning is all about hiding from Blackwood, the man who is hunting Eleanor, and the second half of the book is all about Brice and Eleanor trying to relocate her to a safe place, away from his people. About mid-way through, I felt the story start to lag. It became all about the inner turmoil or angst of the characters. All they did was mourn their future separation. This went on for majority of the second half. When we finally get to the climax, where Eleanor, Brice, and Blackwood come face-to-face, the reader is left wanting more. There’s no expected action or fight scene. In fact, there’s really no fight scene ever. The meeting falls flat and is tidied up rather neatly. I wanted Brice to finally have a moment to shine as the fierce warrior that he is.
A few things were left hanging, too, which I can only assume will be addressed in the next book. What happened to Colin and what was the favor Campbell wanted?
With all of this being said, Sutherland’s Secret was the first book in a long time to pull me out of a reading slump. It had my full attention and I raced through it to see what would happen. It would have been on my top favorite list, if not for the reasons above. Regardless, I do have a bit of a book hangover from it.
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the pleasure of reading and reviewing Sutherland’s Secret by Sharon Cullen.
February 2, 2016
This story started so amazingly captivating that I hoped it would remain so until the end but it just wasn’t so. I devoured the first few chapters in only a few hours but after a while I just had to put it down. No biggie, it happens. Sometimes you have to be away for a while to feel the heat again however I have to say that didn’t happen here.
The story takes place in Scotland after the battle of Culloden when there was still some talk of an uprising against the British, hence those thought to be traitors to the crown were being thrown in jail or worse. Our heroine Eleanor is witness to some terrible crimes against these so-called traitors and goes mute out of fear. She’s in a foreign country and doesn’t know anyone and feels she cannot trust anyone either so she pretty much gives up and is about to die when she meets our hero Brice. Given that they are both from the opposing “team” neither of them give in to trust the other however little by little he wins over her trust. She not so much his.
The historical subplot was amazing. For instance, we learn that there was an escape route that took many Jacobites and their possible allies from that area to Canada in search of a chance at life. We learn how the lairds and their people used to live at the times and how those in high ranks have used (and abused) their power since for ever. So as far as researching her topic and creating a plausible and vivid setting the author did a great job. Now, when it comes to the main characters I have a few cavils that unfortunately prevented me to enjoy the story to the fullest.
At the beginning of the story Eleanor sounded so vulnerable and terrified that her actions and reactions were completely understandable. However after a certain incident it was BOOM! a completely different character, and to me it wasn’t even a turning point in the story. She even recuperated her ability to speak without so much as a hint of a hoarse voice. I get that what she went through made her a stronger woman but the change felt forced as opposed to gradual. Then she went on to prove herself and her love for Brice over and over again and it still wasn’t enough for him. I have to say I wasn’t happy with the ending because of his attitude. And again I get the reasoning behind his feelings but he was way too possessive for reasons out of her control. Yes, there was definitely a HEA but it made me feel there was no middle ground when it came to it and that to Brice it was either my way or the highway.
Since this was the first of a series and my first from this author I will continue reading more by her and this series.
Note - It contains explicit sexual content that may not be suitable for some sensible readers. You have been warned and now no one has any excuse to leave a bad review solely based on that fact.
** I received a copy of this story by Netgally in exchange for an honest review **
The story takes place in Scotland after the battle of Culloden when there was still some talk of an uprising against the British, hence those thought to be traitors to the crown were being thrown in jail or worse. Our heroine Eleanor is witness to some terrible crimes against these so-called traitors and goes mute out of fear. She’s in a foreign country and doesn’t know anyone and feels she cannot trust anyone either so she pretty much gives up and is about to die when she meets our hero Brice. Given that they are both from the opposing “team” neither of them give in to trust the other however little by little he wins over her trust. She not so much his.
The historical subplot was amazing. For instance, we learn that there was an escape route that took many Jacobites and their possible allies from that area to Canada in search of a chance at life. We learn how the lairds and their people used to live at the times and how those in high ranks have used (and abused) their power since for ever. So as far as researching her topic and creating a plausible and vivid setting the author did a great job. Now, when it comes to the main characters I have a few cavils that unfortunately prevented me to enjoy the story to the fullest.
At the beginning of the story Eleanor sounded so vulnerable and terrified that her actions and reactions were completely understandable. However after a certain incident it was BOOM! a completely different character, and to me it wasn’t even a turning point in the story. She even recuperated her ability to speak without so much as a hint of a hoarse voice. I get that what she went through made her a stronger woman but the change felt forced as opposed to gradual. Then she went on to prove herself and her love for Brice over and over again and it still wasn’t enough for him. I have to say I wasn’t happy with the ending because of his attitude. And again I get the reasoning behind his feelings but he was way too possessive for reasons out of her control. Yes, there was definitely a HEA but it made me feel there was no middle ground when it came to it and that to Brice it was either my way or the highway.
Since this was the first of a series and my first from this author I will continue reading more by her and this series.
Note - It contains explicit sexual content that may not be suitable for some sensible readers. You have been warned and now no one has any excuse to leave a bad review solely based on that fact.
** I received a copy of this story by Netgally in exchange for an honest review **
December 5, 2015
I really enjoyed reading Ms Cullen's latest book and of course she is the top of her game in this one. There is a lot of action, adventure, and highlanders to suite everyone. I thought the characters were very well written with feelings of the times of conflict. This story is about the aftermath of Culloden where the English are trying to get rid of the Jacobite's who are nothing to them. You have so many people who just want the freedom to live their lives, but the King thinks different.
Brice Sutherland, the Earl of Dornach, is risking his life in getting the Scottish people transferred to Canada. It is very risky for his clan but he sees no way to keep the people alive. When he finds a woman on the road, he thinks she is dead and takes her back to his home. He feels for the lass and can't see her dying all alone.
The lass is an Englishwoman by the name of Eleanor Hirst. She is the very loved daughter of the family who wed the Earl of Glendale. Due to her husband's being a soldier and transferred to Scotland, she is happy with her marriage. But her husband is imprisoned as a traitor and is hanged before her eyes. She can't believe and won't believe he was what they say he was. She tries to get help from an acquaintance, but he only wants to force Eleanor to wed him, but she refused. Therefore she is locked up in the goal until she complies.
Eleanor escapes by the skin of her teeth and almost dies if not for the hunky and handsome man who comes to her aid.
This book will keep you reading to the final happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
Brice Sutherland, the Earl of Dornach, is risking his life in getting the Scottish people transferred to Canada. It is very risky for his clan but he sees no way to keep the people alive. When he finds a woman on the road, he thinks she is dead and takes her back to his home. He feels for the lass and can't see her dying all alone.
The lass is an Englishwoman by the name of Eleanor Hirst. She is the very loved daughter of the family who wed the Earl of Glendale. Due to her husband's being a soldier and transferred to Scotland, she is happy with her marriage. But her husband is imprisoned as a traitor and is hanged before her eyes. She can't believe and won't believe he was what they say he was. She tries to get help from an acquaintance, but he only wants to force Eleanor to wed him, but she refused. Therefore she is locked up in the goal until she complies.
Eleanor escapes by the skin of her teeth and almost dies if not for the hunky and handsome man who comes to her aid.
This book will keep you reading to the final happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
January 21, 2016
In the aftermath after of the war at Culloden Brice Sutherland, the Earl of Dornach feels it’s worth the risk to lead his fellow Scot’s through a covert escape route to Canada. Along the road home from a multi-clan meeting our hero Brice and his men come across a bundle of rags which turn out to be a half dead and what he thinks is a dying women, a dying Englishwoman by the looks of her. She is hauntingly beautiful though emaciated and scarred by manacles and unable to speak, but Brice feels compelled to help her even though he knows nothing but ruin could result from helping her. He feels she will probably be dead by morning and no one should die alone. Our heroine is Eleanor Hirst the pampered daughter of a marquis who was the talk of the ton when she wed the Earl of Glendale. Unknown to Eleanor his posting as an officer is to be in Scotland. So now her husband is now dead and she is a fugitive in a hostile country with the English army looking for her especially one Colonel who has falsely imprisoned her after he murdered her husband. When Brice finds her, Eleanor has been traumatized, badly beaten and staved by the Colonel and when she wake up she's obviously terrorized by the sight of Brice. As Eleanor slowly recovers she realizes she can trust Brice she desperately throws herself at the mercy of Brice, her Scottish enemy. Both Eleanor and Brice are honorable people and their story is a page turner, you will not be able to put the book down! Great character development, sexual tension and a few twist make a great story!!!
I received a free ARC copy from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free ARC copy from NetGallery in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2016
WOW! What a read! First in a new and exciting series, from Sharon Cullen, "Highland Pride", and what a beginning! This story entail's a story of the horrible events following the Jacobite Rebellion in Scottish history. The clans which sacrificed so much for freedom, the clans which helped so many escape death and imprisonment. It's also a story of betrayal, treason, treachery, obsession, and the need for one widow to survive a fraudulent imprisonment, beatings, starvation, one man's greed and a Scottish Laird's need to help a woman, they find in the middle of the road near death, even through she's English and could cause the death of so many.
Fast paced with some magnificent and mesmerizing storytelling. The characters are simply amazing, very engaging and easily captures the reader's heart. You can not help but fall in love with this story, the characters, and the Scottish countryside.
"Sutherland's Secret" is a keeper, a definite attention grabber and simply mesmerizing. Another hit for Ms. Cullen! I can't wait to read the next "Highland Pride" tale. Magnificent!! A must read for fans of Scottish Historical romance, Scottish history, English history, adventure, danger during turmoil, and a beautiful romance.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
*Posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com*
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Fast paced with some magnificent and mesmerizing storytelling. The characters are simply amazing, very engaging and easily captures the reader's heart. You can not help but fall in love with this story, the characters, and the Scottish countryside.
"Sutherland's Secret" is a keeper, a definite attention grabber and simply mesmerizing. Another hit for Ms. Cullen! I can't wait to read the next "Highland Pride" tale. Magnificent!! A must read for fans of Scottish Historical romance, Scottish history, English history, adventure, danger during turmoil, and a beautiful romance.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
*Posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com*
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
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