I received this book for free from the library in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Source: the library
Rebellion
by
Nora Roberts
historical romance in Paperback edition that was published by Silhouette on December 1, 2006 and has 395 pages.
Explore it on Goodreads or Amazon
Other books by this author which I have reviewed include Irish Hearts, Montana Sky, Carnal Innocence, Playing the Odds, Second Nature, One Summer, Nora Robert, Serena * Caine, Daniel * Ian, Alan * Grant, The Witness, The Search, Time and Again, Shadow Spell, Blood Magick, The Next Always, The Last Boyfriend, The Perfect Hope, Irish Rebel, Year One, Of Blood and Bone, Legacy
In publications-order, Rebellion was published after Roberts started writing the MacGregor historically romantic family saga, hence the need to number this as 0.1 in the series. I consider it the first chronologically. The couple focus is on Brigham Langston and Serena MacGregor on the eve of the Jacobite uprising of 1745.
This series is a mess chronologically and has a number of stories combined into single books, so you may want to explore my list of the MacGregor family saga.
In 1987, Rebellion won the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award.
My Take
Well, it was a rather mediocre romance with the usual suspects. I’m hoping its purpose was simply to provide a reason for the family’s exile and striving to return to their lost estates.
If you’ve read a few histories and romances about the Jacobite Rebellion, the ’45, you know how it goes. Roberts provides a point of view from this group of characters but skims very lightly over Prince Charles’ weaknesses. The rebellion’s real purpose is simply to provide the reason for the MacGregors’ and Langstons’ to struggle in the future.
The Story
It’s time. Bonnie Prince Charlie intends to take back his crown. It’s why Brigham and Coll are riding fast for Coll’s home in the Highlands. But it’s Brigham’s Englishness that warrants his violent reception when he arrives with a dying Coll.
Nothing will soften Serena’s perception of this Englishman. Nothing but those impatient kisses and fevered caresses.
And in between, the MacGregors and Langston are rallying the clans — with a slip for Coll to rediscover Margaret MacDonald’s more grownup beauty.
The Characters
Ian and Fiona MacGregor are the Lord and Lady of the manor whose daughter, Serena, has good reason to despise the English. Coll is her older brother followed by Gwen and then Malcolm the younger son.
Brigham Langston, fourth earl of Ashburn, has been filled with tales of the Scottish kings on his mother’s side of the family. And he and his best friend Coll MacGregor‘s actions have always been aimed at a Stuart restoration. Parkins is his very correct and finicky valet whom we discover has a wealth of bravery.
Bonnie Prince Charles with two of his advisers: Lord George Murray and Quarter-Master General O’Sullivan.
Captain, now Colonel, Standish is the English pig who violated Serena’s mother. Lucky for Langston that he can bring such a betrothal gift to the woman he loves.
The Title
Not particularly imaginative, the title sums it up — Rebellion. And, so it is, a rebellion against Hanover George.
