I have mixed feelings about this book. By the end I really liked it, but I felt like the first half dragged a bit, making it hard for me to get really involved. John had been sent away from him home at age twelve to be a companion to the boy king. Now he has been sent by the king to bring Brunson men to fight in the king's war against a traitor. He arrives to find his father dead and his brother as the new laird. No one is interested in having anything to do with his mission and he still feels like an outsider among his own people. He is rather naive I think about how effective the king's word would be in keeping the peace. He also discovers that the key to his success may be in convincing Cate that it is in the clan's best interest to cooperate with the king. He doesn't remember what Border people are like and thinks that a few kisses and cuddles will turn Cate from her purpose and is surprised when it doesn't. He also senses that there is more to her than appears on the surface. Cate's father was killed and she was assaulted two years previously. Since then she has lived for revenge and kept everyone at a distance. She doesn't understand why she is so drawn to John when she fears all men. She wants to trust her feelings and the things he tells her but trust is a hard thing for her now. I did like the growth that both characters showed. John changed from someone who wanted to hurry up and complete his mission and return to court to someone who had reconnected with his roots and was more interested in the welfare of his people. He also showed incredible kindness and patience with Cate and showing her how good it could be between them. He also was able to confront his feelings of rejection from being sent away. Cate was able to confront her fears with John's help and learn that she could move on from the past and have a brighter future. I liked the way that it was shown as a process and not a sudden healing. I did like the way that people's motivations were portrayed in a realistic way. The politics of the time were also shown well without beating the reader over the head with it. I'm looking forward to the next one. ( )

RETURN OF THE BORDER WARRIOR by Blythe Gifford is an exciting Medieval historical romance. A Scottish tale set in 1528.Book 1 of "The Brunson Clan" trilogy. A family saga of the Brunson Clan: two Viking warriors,John and Black Rob Brunson and their sister,Bessie who rule the Scottish border. Fast paced and filled with danger, border wars,Scotland,passion,tragedy,love,secrets and healing. Cate Gilnock, has been raped two years prior to the story, and her father murdered,she seeks to have her revenge. John Brunson is the King's man now and must return to a home he hasn't seen in years to direct the Brunson's to fight for their King or face treason. John was sent away to the King's court,he was the youngest of the Brunson Clan,and only a child. He must fight an inner struggle,just as Cate has too. Together,they face their struggles and although, John may end up hanging for treason he is determined to protect Cate at all costs. A sad but enjoyable read. Realistic struggles,realistic characters,and an intriguing plot you want go wrong with this title. A must read for anyone who enjoys Scottish warriors,Scottish wars,historical romance,a dog who refuses to leave his mistress,and strong love. I can hardly wait to read the next installment of "The Brunson Clan". Black Rob and Bessie are strong characters. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley. For more details please visit the author's website,Harlequin,and My Book Addiction and More.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews ( )

The second son of a clan chief, John Brunson, at a young age, is sent to live with the royal court. He's always resented the fact that his father seemed to have no interest in him, to only pay attention to his older brother who would one day become clan chief. He hasn't seen his family or home in 10 years. Now his king has sent him back home to gather his family's men to join the king's war against a traitor. His reception home is a cold one. He finds out his father has recently died at the hands of a rival clan. His brother is now clan chief and has no interest in helping the king. The Brunson clan is focused on revenge.

Cate Gilnock is also bent on revenge, and she shares the Brunson's enemy. After the murder of her own father and the brutal taking of her innocence she turned to the Brunson clan for sanctuary. John's father promised her revenge. She hides herself in a tough exterior, never letting anybody get really close. She is learning to fight so she will never be vulnerable in any type of situation. She ends up being John's answer in getting his brother to send their men to help the king. If John can persuade her to give up her drive for revenge, then his brother would be free to help the king.

It's almost comical John's thought process at the beginning. He thinks it will be really easy to persuade Cate. He's used to women throwing themselves at him at court. He thinks first to seduce her into following his will. Cate's not going for it. She trusts very few men and in the beginning John does nothing to persuade her he is worthy of her trust. That trust slowly builds, though, once he promises to help her with her revenge and they spend more time together.

John had to grow on me too. I thought he was a little too cocky at first. I wasn't sure if I was going to ever like him. But I think it was his way of dealing with his insecurities with his family. Part of him wants nothing to do with them, to return to his king. And another part of him wants to prove to his family that he is still a Brunson and belongs with his family.

Once John gets past his insecurities, I started to really like him. Cate did too. The more Cate starts to trust John, the more he is able to break through her shell. She's really vulnerable, but determined. Cate vows never to be put in a position again where she feels helpless, where she won't fight. I liked that drive in her. Really John and Cate end up helping each other get past their problems and insecurities. Trust and respect become major factors in their relationship. But it wasn't all seriousness. John ended up having a cute flirty side too.

I do have to say something about the cover. I adore it. I love the way both models are looking out towards us. I love the colors and the almost suggestive way she is holding his sword. But Cate's hair is short throughout the book and she mostly dresses in men's clothing. The cover Cate does not really match book Cate. That bothered me a little.

ARC provided through NetGalley. ( )