Ransom Mass Market Paperback – November 1, 1999

SummaryGillian was just a child when her home was attacked, and her sister disappeared, and her father murdered in front of her, and the Baron Alfred took over and sent her away to her uncle up to northern England. Now its been ten years and she has been called back to the Baron, who wants to know the location of a box that belonged to King John, and thinks that the family still has possession over it. When she plans a escape with a child, Alec, who falls down a gorge, and she rescues him, they are caught by Baron’s men, and in order to protect the boy, Gillian is severely beaten. And they escape knowing if she doesn’t find the box or her sister the Baron will kill her uncle, a man that is her only family, and was like her own father and raised her, and she will do anything to save him. Gillian and Alec make their way to Scotland, to Brodick Buchanan, who is Alec’s protector and close friend to Alec’s father. Gillian and Brodick are drawn together by circumstances, and even though her life is in England, and she must return there, her heart belongs to a fierce Scot who would protect her at all costs…but will it be enough?The HeroBrodick Buchanan is now laird over th Buchanan’s who are known as heathens among the Scots. Brodick, once wanted a English lass, but when he and his friend Ramsey when to England in search of some sweet passionate lasses, they found none that they liked and were both used. Ever since he made a promise to himself that he would never marry a English lass only a Scottish lass. But when he hears of a woman claiming to be his bride, he is intrigued, and finds himself drawn to Gillian, who is so different from any other woman he has ever known. Brodick is a hoot for a hero….he is one of the most fiercest Scots, and always wearing a scowl, most women fear him, but not Gillian. His character is quite amusing, because he is used to issuing commands and having them obeyed and no protests allowed, I loved his stubbornness, strength, and ways he manages Gillan.The HeroineGillian has only known pain and grief, she loved her family, but when she witnesses her father being killed right in front of her, her life changed. Gillian as a child, was quiet and kept to herself, and had nightmares. As a woman, she has grown into herself, and is self assured and confident. She stands up to the Baron, and doesn’t let him weaken her resolve. She is protective of those innocent and those she loves most. She is patient with Alec (who is a child with endless questions and she never loses her temper…so bravo) She stands her own ground again Brodick, and isn’t afraid to disobey or disregard his rules he sets down. She is determined to save her uncle, no matter the risk to herself.Plot and Story LineFor quite some time I have been wanted to re read Julie Garwood’s historical romances. Now of all the authors that write historical romance, Julie Garwood is at the top. Its been years, so I decided to download the audio version, and the narration was amazing and did the accent quite wonderfully. (And as a side note its on sale at Audible for $3.49–which is quite a bargain so I recommend heading over there while the price is so low.) Ransom is the second book in series, and I recommend if you haven’t read this series yet, you might want to read Secret first since it’s a bit connected to Ransom. The story begins with some background information on our heroine, we see her as a child and a bit traumatized as well from what she witnesses. My heart just went out to her, but then we skip ahead and see her as a woman, and her character was so endearing. She is one of those heroines that accepts what has been dealt to her, but she also stands on her own and fights for what is right. Then we get an added element of a side character, Alec. And for those who have read Secret Alec is Ian and Judith’s son. And what a precocious child he is, and one of my favorite side characters I have ever read. I love the way that Gillian is with him, protects him and even though her uncle is at risk, will return him home as her first priority. And there were so many moments in this story that were charming. What I loved most about this story was the development of characters and seeing the various changes unravel in the plot that keeps the reader engaged. We also have a side love story of Ramsey and Bridgid…and oh Bridgid…just loved her. What I loved most about her character, is that she will only marry one man…the man she loves, but he has to stop “being stupid” before she will even agree. I love her bluntness and how true to herself she is, and holds nothing back. She is brave and bold and I admired that quite a bit and she brought a bit of fresh air to the story. This just might be one of my favorite books from this author, I am sure I read it ages ago when I first started reading romance, but I just don’t remember this one, but now I have decided it’s definitely going to be considered a re listen to. I would recommend it to anyone that loves a tender and fierce love story. A must read for any romance lover–HIGHEST PRIORITY!!!The CoverNow there are two covers for this book, the paper version and the audio version. I like both, but I like the audio version a bit more, since it connects with the setting of the story a bit more.Overall ViewRansom is a treasure of charming characters, thrilling plot, quick-witted humor, a tale of love and brings a spicy fresh quality to it, a engrossing read that will have you stunned from beginning to end!! A RICH AND A TRUE DELIGHT!!

Multiple mysteries with plenty of plot, suspense, romance, and hot warrior Highlanders. Believable couple, especially made clear at the very end. Love scenes are limited and tasteful. I’ve certainly come to trust Julie Garwood to write a good story I am sure to enjoy.

I loved the laughter mixed in with the danger and romance. This is about my tenth time to read this book. To me that says it all.

This is the 7th time I’ve read this book, and I love it just as much as I did the first time. This is very well written and grabs your attention right from the beginning. The plot is very interesting and you really get to know the MC’s and even the side characters. The side stories are very well interwoven and the ending is super good. It’s one of those books that you don’t want to put down and you keep thinking about when you’re not reading it.I really liked Gillian and Brodick. She is so strong-willed and kind hearted and brave. You can easily see how Brodick can be impressed by her and drawn to her. Even though he is gruff and direct and marches to his own tune, he is also kind hearted and does all he can to make it easier for Gillian. They are sweet together and I enjoyed watching their relationship blossom.I absolutely love this book and intend to read it again and again. I highly recommended this to everyone!

Julie Garwood is an extremely gifted writer. This book is one of her historical romances ,that I read at least twice a year. the male leads (yes there are three of them) are every woman's fantasy heroes. An unusual plot, with twists and turns , laugh out loud humor ( a Garwood trademark) , and OH! ,The children in the story will have you laughing , and wanting to hug your own. Her villains are truly vile, and her heroines are lovable and spunky and strong ! But, beware....this book is addictive !!!! 😀

You know a book is awesome when you start just as you really already should be sleeping and it makes you wide awake.I could not put this down. I love how Julie Garwood writes fierce heroines, she is funny and she writes just the best grumpy scots.You’re in for a real treat!

Terrific story. Book in good condition

But I thought the author did Ramsey a disservice by lumping his story in here and in such a rushed way too. In fact his HEA wasn't interesting at all. He was set to marry another until the very last page when all of a sudden he says I love you, and that's it. No chemistry what so ever.Anyway, on to Brodick and Gillian. Overall it was a great read. She was witty, sweet and stubborn and definitely not a doormat. He was arrogant, possessive and OTT alpha. There were plenty of funny moments as well endearing ones but again the ending took a deep dive. This always seems to be the case with this author. I always cringe when I get to the ending because she always leaves me unsatisfied. Its like running full speed in to a brick wall. It's an exciting rush till you hit the wall. No epilogue to tie everything up nicely either. I wish she'd put more efforts into the ending as she does the rest of the book. It'll be a 5 star the.

This book has all the good stuff that makes Julie Garwood a champion author. Cute but realistic children, feisty and funny heroines, muscly highlanders and great BFFs. There are also dastardly villains and the odd twist...look out for an unexpected meeting with a long lost sister. It all moves along at an entertaining pace.It opens with Gillian facing tragedy as a small child. A hellish night leaves her orphaned and deprived of her birthright. Gillian turns into a creepy kid who spooks the villains (yay), but then has a stroke of luck when she is raised by a loving uncle. Years later when she sees a child suffering and risks everything to save him. She returns him to his clan, fortuitously filled with hot highlanders, including steamy Brodick laird of the Buchanan clan.While this book has lots of romantic cliches, they are offset by moments of real humour and friendship. It's a truly entertaining and heartwarming read.

I have always loved Julie Garwood books and by far her historical Lairds stories are the best. Charming and loveable characters a joy to read over and over again.

Loved it, don't know how many times I've read it. Still great

Love the story line