Annie MacPherson's world has been war for a few years now. She does what she can, she’s a healer and traveled with the Prince as his healer for a while. Her brother and Clan Chief Graham and his best friend Craig MacLean have been following fighting for the Prince against King Edward. After the Dragoons burned down the MacPherson’s castle, injuring her brother Logan Annie decides it’s time to find Graham and warn him. She arrives to find MacLean and nurses him and the remaining men. In the past Craig has been leery of Annie, his best friend’s sister, but now he’s vowed to be her protector at all costs. They both come to realize life is too short and an feeling and an attraction grows between them. Danger surrounds them and they will sacrifice themselves to keep the other one safe from harm. I loved this captivating story of two strong willed people as they navigate the perils of war, find love and try to hold onto it with everything they have. I have voluntarily read and reviewed these excellent story filled with adventure, intrigue and romance.

Historical romance: Annie MacPherson is a Jacobite determined to do her bit to ensure that Prince Charlie becomes the next King of Scotland. She’s a strong character, a healer who doesn’t hesitate to jump in as needed to help the wounded. The year is 1746, the Battle of Culloden. However, it’s a battlefield filled with the dead and dying and not too many with injuries Annie can readily help. One of the badly injured is Lt. Craig MacLean, a man that Annie is attracted to. Needless to say, the attraction is mutual. What follows is a romance mixed with Annie’s determination to protect those she has rescued from the battlefield. The focus is more on her tenacity to prevent those soldiers under her care from being captured by English dragoons than on the romance between Annie and Craig. As a result, I didn’t feel that their attraction was particularly believable; it seemed rather rushed. The historical details are accurate. Nevertheless, I found Truly Madly Plaid to be less compelling than the previous novel in this series, The Rebel Wears Plaid.

We are all aware of the atrocities committed against Scotland by the English. Even though some Scots were in support of the English crown, every Scot was treated as less than human. It was a grim, gruesome, terrible, stressful time for Scotland, and the Scottish population was decimated. Life expectancy was very short and losing friends and family members to a violent death were the norm rather than the exception. Women or children – it didn’t matter – everyone was maimed, murdered, executed, tortured, imprisoned. That grim time is the setting for this series. It isn’t just an ‘in the background’ thing. The strife – particularly Culloden – is heavily featured in the series. In this book, the battle at Culloden is front and center – as a matter of fact, it takes up about the first 60-70% of the story. The author’s research into the subject is thorough and deep and she shares a lot of that in the first half of the book. This is not a lighthearted romance, it is very dark and tense, but it is an EXCELLENT story.

We met Annie MacPherson along with her close friends, Jenny and Fiona in the first book of the series, The Rebel Wears Plaid. The three friends are devoted to Prince Charles and have vowed to do all within their power in support of him gaining the throne. Each of them has a particular skill to lend to the cause – Jenny is an extraordinary warrior, Annie is a superb healer, and Fiona is a messenger who has the stealth of a ghost.

Annie travels with the Prince’s troops from battle to battle and acts as Prince Charles’s nurse and healer for all of the wounded. Without her extraordinary gifts, they would have lost many more men than they have so far. Even her younger brother, Logan, was wounded and lost his foot – but he survived – and that was what was important. Everyone knows of Dr. Annie and everyone loves and respects her.

Lieutenant Craig MacLean is a member of Prince Charles’s army and is a staunch supporter of Charles and the Jacobite movement. He learned his fighting skills from his father who threw him into untenable situations from a very young age and Craig had to fight to save himself. Craig is a skilled warrior, a hero, and a consummate leader. He is also best friends with Graham MacPherson, Laird of the MacPherson clan, and Annie’s brother.

Craig and Annie had a bit of animosity between them at first and neither was sure why. That quickly became an attraction that both of them denied – until they couldn’t deny it any longer. Things really blossomed after Culloden where Craig was gravely injured and Annie dragged him and several others from the battlefield and nursed them back to health.

Times were tense because the Redcoats were hunting all of the survivors and putting them to death immediately. They were burning the cottages, destroying the contents, stealing the livestock, etc. of anyone they came across whether they were aiding the battle survivors or not. Craig and Annie knew the Redcoats were after them and that they had to leave the small cottage in which they were hiding. They also finally both realized their feelings for each other and acknowledged those feelings to themselves.

Annie is one of the strongest and bravest heroines I’ve ever read. She’s smart, determined, cunning, and so very, very brave. I absolutely loved her character. Craig is one of the most honorable and brave heroes I’ve read. I loved both of the characters very, very much and it really saddened me to feel that their romance was sort of lost in the background of the battle story. I had expected it to be the other way around – with the battle and strife in the background and the romance front-and-center, but, to me, that wasn’t the case. I would have much preferred a lot less of a history lesson and a lot more of the romance. Were I to be categorizing this book, I would categorize it as Historical Fiction rather than Historical Romance.

I also have to take a bit of an issue with the book’s title. I know most people love it, but, again, to me, it seems inappropriate. The title makes me think of lighthearted romps through the heather and thistle, and there was absolutely nothing happy or lighthearted about this story. I also mourned the death of a favorite character that I had hoped would be featured in his own book. That came out of left-field and I put the book down for a bit before continuing with the story. Yes, given the times it was expected, but I didn’t want to see it. Announcing the deaths of people I hadn’t met and liked is fine, but don’t let me become attached to a character and then kill them off.

This was an excellently written book. It was well-researched and the characters were compelling. I’m so glad I got to meet Craig and Annie and will be looking forward to seeing what has happened to them when the next book is released. I will tell you, quite honestly, I would not purchase or recommend this as something for my really soft-hearted friend to read, but I would recommend it for other friends.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! It was much more than a typical historical romance. There was plenty of action, battles, heartbreak and grief. I loved Annie and strength and tenacity really shone through tout the book. My only complaint is that certain characters and subplots could have easily taken more exploring and more pages - truly I would have read double the novel! Overall a really wonderful book and I am excited to see where the series goes.

Knowing as we do what happened at Culloden, Truly Madly Plaid was difficult to read at times. Ms. Knight did not ‘make’ Annie and Craig’s HEA horrific. Hard – yes, realistic – yes, loving – yes. All those things, but she also made sure to include the good from that era; such as those who helped the Jacobites. Annie and Craig’s commitment to the cause and their prince did not waiver. Annie described herself as a healer, but she was so much more than that. She was brave, strong, caring and a leader during the most difficult of times. Craig loved her all the more for being herself, a true Scot. And, as a warrior Craig was her equal in every way.

I loved how they cared for each other and for those around them. Ms. Knight did not ‘sugar coat’ the rebellion, but used the historical events as a back drop for love. Her female leads are strong and they need to be for the time period.

This really is an amazing, historical romance set in the grim time before, during and after Culloden.

MORE THAN JUST HISTORICAL ROMANCE

Usually, with historical romance novels, the romance is the most prominent and sometimes even the only plot. Those books are just fine, but usually not all that special to be honest. This book has more than just romance. It has danger, fighting, war and rebellion. All that makes it something extra in my opinion.

👍 What I Liked 👍

Annie: I love a strong female character and Annie was certainly one of them. She doesn't take a seat on the bench while the men are of doing their duty for King and country. She joins them in the thick of things. As a healer she sees a lot og stuff that other ladies of her time wouldn't ordinarily and she still keeps running towards danger. She was strong, tenacious, loyal, smart and brave. Just how I like it.

Action: Action is not a thing usually seen in historical romance, especially not to the extend shown in this book. Here we have a full fledged battle. And not just any battle. The Battle at Culloden of 1746 during the Jacobite rebellion in Scotland. I really loved how this extra layer of historical realism was added to the story. And I loved how this story wasn't rosy red. Characters died, others were mortally wounded more than once. Danger was all around and some points even felt a little angsty. Which I actually enjoyed because it was different from what I am used to with historical romance.

Eliza Knight did it again! She has entertained me in this book from beginning to the end. Good storyline full of twists and romance. You will find there a lot good vibes. It covers not only romance but friendships and bravery.
I am going read more of her books!

This is the second story of the series set during the second Jacobite rebellion which contains the Battle of Culloden. This was a very difficult time for Scotland and this is not a light hearted HEA story, but it is an EXCELLENT story. It is well written and the characters are great. There is duty, honor, friendship, loyalty and love. This book appealed to both the history buff and romantic in me. I have enjoyed both books in this series and look forward to the next installment.

Annie Macpherson is a gifted healer who is very much in demand. This story is set around the time of the battle of Culloden so there are very many wounded men for her to help. Our heroine goes right to heart of the battlefield to search for her family.

Graig MacLean has fought for the Bonnie Prince trying hard to rid Scotland of the hated English King's men. It's heart breaking and extremely dangerous, even after the main battle has ended.

A historical romance filled with courageous, strong and loving characters. You will need tissues and there are several scary moments.

A very exciting book.

Truly Madly Plaid is a gripping historical romance that follows Annie as she heals and protects wounded Jacobites before and after the battle of Culloden. Lieutenant Craig MacLean, a friend of Annie’s brother, is one of the wounded warriors. He has vowed to always protect Annie, even in his wounded and weakened state. Hiding from the Dragoons that are searching the country for their enemies, Annie and Craig must risk everything to protect each other and escape the clutches of the enemy.

A dual third-person narration offers an in-depth view of Annie and Craig’s inner thoughts and feelings. Annie is a strong and determined woman who does not cower in the face of danger. Vowing to help the Jacobite cause, she uses her skills as a healer out on the battlefields. She is fierce and intelligent, and her take-charge personality, as well as her immense skill and loyalty, is admirable.

Craig is a fantastic Highland hero. A strong leader, he is not used to being helpless. He is a protector who finds it difficult to resist his growing feelings for the smart and compassionate Annie. Fiercely loyal and a bit stubborn, Craig will do whatever it takes to fulfill his vow to Annie’s brother.

The romance between Annie and Craig is my favorite part of the novel. They have a bit of the enemies-to-lovers romance with a little forbidden love sprinkled in, and I was there for it! Both struggle with their duties to the cause versus their personal desires. When they talk about a loss they both suffered, they offer each other comfort in the most beautiful of ways. The depth of their love is immense and lovely, especially since they find love in the midst of war and loss.

As mentioned before, the story takes place shortly before and after the battle of Culloden. The battle is devastating and intense, and the characters in the novel suffer heart-breaking loss. I like that the author delved into Scottish history and showed that love can bloom even under the most turbulent and devastating circumstances.

Though Truly Madly Plaid is the second book in the series, you do not need to read the first one to appreciate this one. That being said, I enjoyed this book so much that I intend to read the first in the series as well. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablance, and Eliza Knight for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

I was so afraid that Truly Madly Plaid, was going to end like Romeo and Juliet did. It was a close call. A lot of gory parts during the battles. I skimmed through most of that. This book was fantastic though, a good Scottish Highland romance novel.

I enjoyed this second book in the Prince Charlie's Angels series just as much as the first one. Taking place amidst the English trying to eliminate the Jacobite, there is plenty of danger, battles, fear and a daring rescue. One young woman, Annie, has made a vow to help as much as she can as a healer, even going into the battlefields in the aftermath of battles to save her own kind, Jacobite soldiers, who are barely alive. She has seen the ravages of war, has lost loved ones, and yet hope keeps her going.

Craig is Annie's brother's best friend and he has vowed to always take care of her, if only she will let him! It's up to him to make her realize she needs his help. Passions soon flare and although they both try to resist each other, it's a battle they can't win:) When Craig is taken prisoner by the Dragoons, it's up to her to rescue him in a very interesting way!! All in all, this is a very solid story that will keep you turning the pages.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Truly Madly Plaid is well-written and both main characters are likeable. However, I thought it a bit lacking in the romance department - and it is supposed to be a romance novel. Both the actual romance between the main characters and the getting to know these two people take a backseat to the war in which they are fighting, and I think it should have been the other way around. 3.5 stars

(Also, I would urge the publisher to write better synopsis, ones that do not give away the entire plot of the book. Something that only happens in around the 70% or 80% mark is mentioned in the last paragraph of the synopsis, for example, and there is no need for that.)

This is a well written story set during the 18th century Jacobite rebellion. Our heroine, Annie, is so strong and committed to Prince Charlie. Craig is a warrior highlander fighting for the cause. This tale reminded me of Outlander and I believe Annie and Craig are perfect Highlanders. I love this period in Scotland's history thought it is certainly a sad, horrible time. Ms Knight understands and shares with us the emotions these warriors feel as they fight for their cause and to save each other, their families and their way of life. Annie and Craig are a wonderful couple and I look forward to seeing how they are doing in the next book of this series. I received a complementary copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. I honestly loved this tale.

This is the second book in the Prince Charlie's Angels series. We follow Doc Annie as she heals and protects Jacobite warriors after the battle of Culloden. After a terrible loss, Annie and Craig find themselves hiding from dragoons that are scouring the Highlands looking for Jacobites.

I really like the twining of Scottish history and the romance between Annie and Craig. This series features courageous women who are fighting for the freedom of Scotland. They are no damsels in distress.

I love Scotland. Anything set in Scotland, especially during the Jacobite/dragoon era- count me in! The description of this story is what ultimately drew me in. I am a shameless Outlander lover, and I felt like this story could have fit right in with Claire and Jamie's story. Annie is a healer and she is notorious for playing angel and doctor to the men in Prince Charles's army. Craig is a soldier in that army, and best friends with Annie's brother. He is intrigued by Annie but thinks nothing of it the first time they meet. Then, they meet again and he's forced to face his infatuation! But "woe is Craig" how could a girl of her family standing ever love a lowly soldier?? Tale as old as time... ASK HER CRAIG!!! C'mon man. Annie is feeling the same way about Craig and decides she's going to give in and go for it! Of course, there is a kidnapping and rescue from prison, running from their enemies and healing from battle wounds all tossed in there, but you'll have to read to find out more! Great writing, especially steamy romance scenes, but I wish the characters were developed just a taddd bit more! That being said, I honestly felt as if I was there with them in the castles and green landscape. Now if only I could find a Craig of my own!

A romance with Culloden in the actual plot, not just part of a tragic back story, was a difficult premise to pull off. It’s just...so sad, so deeply depressing, and while it does offer hurt/comfort and nurse-me-back-to-health vibes afterward, it's maybe not the amount needed to make up for the devastation of that battle. Despite the HEA, there's this grim pall over the whole storyline.

In fact, there was so much care taken to really show this dark part of Scotland's history that the actual romance plot suffered a bit—it sort of jumps from hesitant hurt/comfort to sudden "I would die for you!" that didn't feel earned. There were some side characters and subplots that didn’t get the sort of page time that I wanted. There's also a character death that Hurt A Lot and felt like...either shouldn't have happened or, if it had to because of Culloden, at least that character should have been given a bit more time and attention. They felt seriously shortchanged.

I received a digital advanced copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Eliza Knight is one of the authors I follow. I saw her book in NetGalley and requested for a cooy so I can enjoy reading it. Now, I would like to share my reading experience.

This book is rich in events during a time of war in Scotland. It touched on history and historical facts. It has a battle scene that devastates the emotions. And it is during this time that the love between the hero and heroine developed. The heroine being a healer and the hero a warrior. I was not totally into the historical aspect of the book but at least it did not entirely overwhelm the love story. I enjoyed reading about their journey to their happy ending.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley for my honest review.

Truly, Madly Plaid is the second in Eliza Knight’s Prince Charlie’s Angels series. (Charlie’s Angels…see what she did there?) The book does a great job of standing alone though; I don’t think you need to read the first book (The Rebel Wears Plaid) to enjoy this one.

The book takes place in Scotland in the mid 18 th century, when the Jacobites were rebelling against British. I always struggle a little bit with books in this time period because I love a good highlander, and I know that this period didn’t end well for them. This book does a good job representing both the triumphs and the grief of the time.

“Charlie’s Angels” are three friends who use their individual talents to help Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s rebellion. Book 1 apparently focused on Jenny (a warrior), and this one focuses on Annie (a healer). Fiona (the messenger) will have her story next, I assume. Annie is a terrifically strong heroine who does as much (if not more) saving than Craig, the novel’s hero. Craig, for his part, wears a kilt well; he’s strong and powerful in his own right, but he also respects and admires Annie for her talents and her need to be in the throes of the action.

The only part of the book that really stood out as “off” to me is the title. Truly, Madly Plaid to me sounds like a fun highland romp, but while it definitely has fun moments, the sheer tragedy of the Battle of Culloden just doesn’t scream “romp” to me. At times, this book felt like a snapshot in time rather than a full novel with a solid story arc. I kept expecting a bigger or at least more obvious conflict for the characters to surmount (aside from the whole rebellion thing). But perhaps being part of a trilogy has something to do with it. The author’s writing style is solid though, and I don’t regret reading it.

Annie MacPherson works in a field hospital as a healer, helping Scottish soldiers fighting for independence after he family's castle is ravaged by the British army during the Jacobite rebellion. She nurses her brother's friend, Craig MacLean, back to health after he was left for dead and she falls for him. After Craig is captured by the British army, Annie does everything she can to rescue him.

It has elements of Outlander in it due to the timing of the novel, but it is much better written in my opinion, as the characters are more fully flushed out and you root for them even though you know the Scottish rebellion is doomed to fail. It is part of a series, but it can be read alone.

My honest review is provided in exchange for receiving an ARC from Netgalley.