The Hunter is the seventh installment in the Highland Guard series and I absolutely had a blast with this book. This is one of those series that I always delight in these books that Monica McCarty has written and yes I know I am really behind on these books. After reading this one I realized why I had fallen in love with these books so much. I love the setting, the set up of the Highland Guard, the mystery surround King Robert the Bruce and the strong willed heroines that blends almost flawlessly with the stories.

In The Hunter, our story begins with our hero, Ewen, who is part of the Highland Guard, but also determined to save his people and clan who don't have the wealth and prestige to be vital in their living. He is faithful to his king and his brothers in arms. And when the king sends him on a mission to rescue a courier, the last person he would have suspected was a nun but who is also related to the king. And as such she is forbidden to Ewen. Ewen and Janet once had a moment and a kiss and it changed everything for them both. But now Ewen and Janet are back together and as such having to confront old wounds and the taste of the forbidden. But their lives are in danger from the English, but as they join forces, they find a love. But Ewen knows how impossible a relationship with Janet is, and while he feels the intensity of their connection, he can't encourage it but attempts to push Janet away but sometimes true love has a way of finding its circle and one wonders if Janet and Ewen will be able to find their balance and the HEA they both deserve.

The Hunter is a story that I had such an easy time reading and so easy to immerse myself into this fascinating world of medieval Scotland. I actually adore this era in Scotland, its one of my favorites to read. And Monica McCarty just makes this period of time come alive in so many respects. Its a story that brings together a strong alpha warrior with an unconventional heroine. I wasn't sure at first how I felt about this pairing and most particularly the heroine. She could be selfish, secretive at times, and the beginning scene, I didn't like how she used her hidden identity to create shame in the hero. But Janet eventually grew on me, I did feel that she could be consumed by her job as a secret courier with little remorse of the people she harmed in her wake. Janet in the end didn't impress me all that much, however, I did feel that we saw character growth from her and that is what truly one me over in the end with her character. Now our hero, Ewen, was a delight to read. I adored his character so much and I couldn't seem to get enough of it. He was an alpha, he is a natural protector, has a sense of honor and duty, but also is crafty and creative.

Overall I found The Hunter to be a romance that is rich in its history, deep in its chemistry and vivid in emotion. An adventure of a read you will love the journey in.