The Hawk by Monica McCarty – A Highland Romance with Charm, Heart, and High-Stakes Loyalty
Fall Back Into the Highlands With Erik MacSorley
If The Chief drew me into the shadows of sacrifice and leadership, The Hawk by Monica McCarty swept me straight into the wind and sea spray of the Scottish coast. This Highland romance has all the charm, danger, and emotional depth that make this The Hawk by Monica McCarty review such a fun one to write.
But then comes Ellie.
Quiet. Observant. Strong in ways he doesn’t see coming.
She’s the kind of heroine who gently untangles a man like Erik without him realizing it’s happening — until it suddenly is. And for me, that’s where this book absolutely shines.
Spoiler Warning
I keep my reviews as spoiler-light as possible, but this post does discuss a few key moments from the book — especially the emotional turning points between Erik and Ellie. If you haven’t read The Hawk yet and want to go in blind, feel free to bookmark this and come back later.
What Makes Erik and Ellie’s Story So Irresistible
Erik is the Guard’s seafarer — the storm-runner, the tide-reader, the man who knows every dangerous inlet along Scotland’s rugged coastline. He’s playful, charming, and dangerously confident. He hides every real feeling behind a grin.
Ellie sees straight through all of it.
She’s not dazzled by the charm or intimidated by the reputation. She notices the small cracks in his confidence — the ones he doesn’t want anyone to notice.
Their chemistry is sharp, sweet, and layered with tension in a way that feels both fun and deeply emotional.
If you love audiobooks as much as I do, you can listen to The Hawk by Monica McCarty on Audible.
It’s such a lovely way to fall into Erik and Ellie’s world while you’re cooking, crafting, or relaxing at home.
Try Audible’s free trial here:
When Erik’s Playfulness Turns Into Something Real
Every romance reader knows the moment when the hero’s mask slips — and in The Hawk, that moment hits with real emotional weight. Ellie is in danger, the stakes get real, and suddenly Erik’s jokes can’t protect him anymore.
“He’d laughed in the face of storms and sworn he feared nothing. But as he watched Ellie slip from his grasp, the truth hit like a blow — losing her was the one thing he couldn’t joke away.”
This is where Erik becomes more than the charming rogue.
This is where he becomes a man worth rooting for.
Erik’s character is one of the reasons readers enjoy this The Hawk by Monica McCarty review.
Erik MacSorley — “The Hawk” of the Sea
Erik is handpicked by Robert the Bruce for a reason. He is:
- a master seafarer
- a natural leader
- impossibly resourceful
- quick-witted and confident
- charming in a way that should be illegal in several countries
Erik moves through the world the way he moves through the water — fast, confident, and hard to catch. He laughs in the face of storms, grins through danger, and escapes emotional vulnerability with the same ease he slips through enemy hands.
But beneath all that charm is a man who’s spent years outrunning anything too real.
And Ellie is the one person he can’t outrun. Ellie’s quiet strength is one of the standout elements of this The Hawk by Monica McCarty review.
Erik’s character is one of the reasons readers enjoy returning to this The Hawk by Monica McCarty review and the Highland Guard series as a whole.
Lady Elyne de Burgh — Quiet Strength With a Keen Eye for Truth
Ellie quietly steals the entire story.
Her strength isn’t loud — it’s rooted in intelligence, emotional intuition, and an unwavering sense of right and wrong. She is:
- fiercely independent
- clever even when trapped
- loyal beyond expectation
- quietly brave
- unafraid to challenge Erik
Ellie isn’t dramatic or loud — her power lies in observation.
She sees people clearly, especially Erik, and that unsettles him more than any storm.
Her steadiness balances his wildness.
Her insight slips past every barrier he throws up.
She is the anchor of this story — but never a weight.
From the moment Erik pulls her out of the water, she disrupts his world. Ellie doesn’t melt just because he’s charming — she pushes back, questions him, and refuses to become another pretty story he laughs about later.
Her resilience makes her unforgettable.
Ellie’s quiet strength stands out as one of the most compelling parts of this The Hawk by Monica McCarty review.
Why Erik and Ellie Work So Well Together in The Hawk by Monica McCarty
They complement each other beautifully:
- Erik brings movement; Ellie brings meaning.
- His charm meets her clarity.
- Her steadiness softens his walls.
Their love story feels earned — not forced — and that makes it unforgettable.
Their Connection — Longing, Humor, Stubbornness, and Everything Unsaid
The romantic tension in this book is perfect because neither character wants to speak first.
- Erik wants Ellie to admit she wants him.
- Ellie wants Erik to ask her to stay.
- Neither wants to risk being the first to break.
Their encounters are full of longing, teasing, jealousy, misunderstandings, and tiny moments where you can see how much they feel — but can’t yet say.
It’s slow in the best way. Earned. Layered. Human.
Every time danger closes in, they protect each other without hesitation. Their actions tell the truth long before their words do.
Danger, Betrayal, and Impossible Stakes
One of the most gripping turns in the book is the destruction of Bruce’s ships — and the capture of his men. Suddenly Erik’s easy confidence shatters. Without ships, without resources… how does the Hawk fly?
Ellie steps forward and changes everything.
With her ideas and determination — and the help of the women on the isle — Erik rebuilds a ship from scraps. It’s the moment he stops seeing her as a beautiful distraction and starts seeing her as a partner.
But Ellie’s family ties pull her in the opposite direction. Her father’s political schemes force her to choose between duty and her heart… and that pressure pushes this story to its most emotional moments.
Identity, Duty, and the Moment Everything Breaks
When Erik learns Ellie’s true identity — and her betrothal — he steps back out of honor. Ellie steps back out of heartbreak.
Both believe they’re doing the right thing.
Neither is prepared for the ache of letting go. One of the most emotional scenes comes when Ellie visits Robert the Bruce and it is basically understood that Erik has “moved on.” Readers know instantly — he hasn’t. Not even close.
They’re two strong people terrified of being the first to fall.
Emotional Comparison: Erik & Ellie vs. Tor & Christina
You asked for this section — and yes, it adds so much depth!
Tor & Christina — The Chief
Tor is carved from stone: disciplined, serious, and emotionally restrained. He unravels slowly. Quietly. His love feels heavy, intense, disciplined. Tor is honor-bound.
Christina is gentle but brave, finding the cracks in his armor and proving that vulnerability isn’t weakness.
Their story is about tearing down walls and Tor learning vulnerability.
Erik & Ellie — The Hawk
Erik is charm and sunlight: playful, bold, and quick with a smile.
He unravels instantly — sharp, startling, honest. Love crashes into him like a wave against stone.
Where Tor aches quietly, Erik fears loudly.
Where Tor softens over time, Erik snaps awake in a moment.
Both are powerful, but in completely different emotional languages.
Themes That Stay With You
- Love breaking past bravado
- Quiet strength shifting a wild heart
- Loyalty tested in unexpected ways
- The courage to finally stop running
If you’re searching for a The Hawk by Monica McCarty review that highlights romance, tension, and emotional depth, this story delivers beautifully.
Final Thoughts — A Romance Worth Savoring
The Hawk blends:
- romance
- danger
- loyalty
- longing
- heartbreak
- courage
- and two people who are perfect opposites but perfectly matched
The Hawk is charming, adventurous, and unexpectedly emotional. Erik and Ellie challenge each other, soften each other, and grow together in ways that feel both romantic and deeply human.
Ellie’s voice is strong. Erik’s loyalty deepens. Their love is tested, shaken, rebuilt, and earned.
If you loved The Chief, you will melt for The Hawk.
A beautiful, emotional Highland romance worth every page. If you love a story where the charming rogue finally meets his match, this one will stay with you.
If you’re searching for a thoughtful The Hawk by Monica McCarty review that highlights romance, tension, courage, and emotional growth, this story delivers beautifully.
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Monica McCarty | Scottish Historical Romance
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Continue Your Highland Journey
- If you haven’t read Book 1 yet, you can catch up on my review of The Chief – Tor and Christina’s story sets the Highland Guard world in motion.
- Next up in the series is Book 3: The Ranger — and I’m already excited to talk about it.
- And if Scotland has your heart the way it has mine, I’ve been writing my own travel series from our own trip – starting with cozy walks through Edinburgh’s cobblestone streets. You can read my Scotland Travel Series beginning with — Visiting Edinburgh, Scotland – Cozy Corners & Historic Charm.
- Next up in the Scotland Travel Series: Inverness and Aviemore – I’m excited to talk about it.
- If you enjoy emotional, character-driven romances like this, you’ll feel right at home in my Cozy Book Nook – my warm little corner for heartfelt book talk.
Highland Guard Reading Order
- Book 1: The Chief
- Book 2: The Hawk
- Book 3: The Ranger
About the Author
Hi, I’m Mary Ann. A cozy reader, Highland-romance enthusiast, and creator of My Tasteful Threads. I write about stories, recipes, crafts, and travel moments that bring a little warmth into everyday life. If you love heartfelt characters, comfort-food classics, and the simple joy of making things by hand, you’re in the right place.
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Excellent! Love that you have jumped right in to writing! Very inspiring! I started a book, but have never been confident enough to polish and finish. I give you a lot of credit!
Thank you for your kid words. It means alot to me.
Will check in my local library… have booked marked the link. It’s sounds like good read during holidays.
It’s awesome! You might find the audiobook there, also.