Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Shackles of Honor

Rate this book
Cassidy Shea's life was nothing if not serene. Loving parents and a doting brother provided happiness and innocent hope in dreaming as life's experience. Yes, life was blissful at her beloved home of Terrill.Still, for all its beauty and tranquility...ever there was something intangible and evasive lurking in the shadows. And though Cassidy wasted little worry on it...still she sensed its existence, looming as a menacing fate bent on ruin.

323 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Marcia Lynn McClure

67 books1,350 followers
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Marcia Lynn McClure grew up influenced by the reminiscent stories of rugged, rural Colorado farm life fascinatingly recounted to her by her parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts…tales of runaway buckboards, mule-drawn plows and dust pneumonia; verbalized images of stream-flooded meadows, frozen over in winter, where a child could peer through the crystal clear ice in wonder at the small fish, snakes and mice sealed in the meadow grasses beneath; stories of hardship and tragedy, love and loss. But always the stories, and the people telling them, bore evidence of the wonder and worthiness of simpler, yet sometimes brutal, times.

These influential people and the family legends they detailed, coupled with her own life experiences and utterly romantic nature, led Marcia to begin writing novels as Christmas gifts for her closest friends…friends who long for a breath of the past and miss the romance of bygone eras; friends searching for moments of distraction from the stressful, demanding times we live in.

And so, knowing that it is the breath of the past and the "take me in you arms and kiss me" kind of moments that so many women long to relive, Marcia spins her tales of love, life and laughter…adventures woven around those compelling, romantic instances that most appeal to a woman's loving heart. Marcia feels that if her readers close one of her books with a contented sigh and a delighted smile, feeling rejuvenated, cheerful and edified, then she has achieved what she set out to do…shower refreshment and happiness on anyone having experienced the story.

Marcia lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. There she writes her stories surrounded by her beloved friends and family...and the beautiful desert landscape of New Mexico!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
988 (46%)
4 stars
652 (30%)
3 stars
329 (15%)
2 stars
117 (5%)
1 star
55 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy * Bookworm Nation.
2,116 reviews674 followers
October 16, 2014
This was my third time reading this book. I was in the mood for a little romance and McClure books are filled with romance. I like the setting for this, it has a regency feel to it and I’m always a sucker for an arranged marriage storyline. She is surprised one day to find her parents have arranged a marriage for her to a complete stranger. Mason comes across very gruff when they first meet and Cassidy immediately feels like he doesn’t want her. It takes her the whole book to realize differently. Mason is also full of insecurities and feels that Cassidy resents him taking away her freedom. The story moves along well and if you turn off your brain while reading it is a pleasant read. Mason and Cassidy have good chemistry and they have some fun moments together, some scenes are worth rereading.

As much as I enjoy the story, there were a few things that bugged me. I didn’t like how Mason handled the situation with Gabrielle (his childhood sweetheart). He knows how insecure Cassidy is and still does nothing to prove his loyalty. He expects her to trust him, but I think actions speak louder than words. He can say he will never cheat, but if he then turns around and spends time with Gabrielle and continues to allow Gabrielle to flirt with him then I have a hard time believing him. I don’t blame Cassidy for feeling insecure and I think Mason did a poor job of reassuring her. I think the majority of their problems came from Mason not being clear about his feelings for Gabrielle and for not separating himself from her, at least until Cassidy was more secure in his feelings and her new position. As good as their chemistry was, their communication skills need some definite work. I was also confused about why they had to wait so long to marry. They had been betrothed to each other since she was a baby so it wasn’t like a big surprise. They both agreed to the marriage so I don’t get the delay. That was probably part of their problem as well.



Overall, a fun read. I again loved the plot and there are some memorable scenes.

Content: Clean. Some passionate kissing, but nothing more.
Profile Image for Victoria.
166 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2013
I normally don't rate the fluffy free romance books I get on my Kindle, but this was TERRIBLE. Both main characters are spoiled teenage brats with self esteem issues who spent the entire book arguing about who hates who more. For all his dedication to "honor", the guy is domineering, comes and goes as he pleases, and seems to have abusive tendencies as well. The girl is just stupid- spends the majority of the book crying about how horrible it is to be engaged to a hot guy and the other part of it debating on whether she is attractive or not. And how am I supposed to believe the whole romance factor if whenever he has physical contact with her, her body's instincts are to break out into red hives and to push away from him rather than approach nearer? Ugh. Don't buy into "I hate you so much that I love you" being the foundation for a stable relationship. Ah wells.
Profile Image for Erin.
132 reviews
September 17, 2010
Um, this book was not what I expected. It was a romance, for sure, and "clean" so far as there was no sex. But the language was provocative, which-when used sparingly, isn't always a bad thing, but the sheer volume of it was tiring. And I have to admit, I laughed in the first few pages when every character, from gentry to maid was described as "astoundingly handsome," "very beautiful," "profoundly physically attractive," and it goes on...and on. I became weary of the main characters: Mason, who couldn't speak without shouting and was constantly angry and "brooding" and Cassidy, who cried on nearly every page. I admit the story was intriguing, with a little twist at the end (but the fact that they didn't figure things out in time to prevent a death was disappointing). After this story, and skimming through the synopsis of several more of her books contained at the end, I probably won't spend any more time with Ms. McClure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,074 reviews220 followers
November 18, 2009
This book was a strong 2 star book, despite my love of Ms. McClure's writing, until the ending salvaged it (somewhat.) Maybe it is because of the author's incredible ability to paint characters so well that they drive you NUTS! In "Shackles Of Honor", Cassidy Shea is a 17 year old who's life has been perfect, until she finds out she must marry a man she has never known about until he shows up to take her. Inspite of the fact that he is incredibly handsome, considerate, honorable and all other virtues combined (except a biting tongue when he's upset, which is often around her),Cassidy turns into a whiny, self-absorbed, poor-me,baby who is either crying or lashing out at Mason (her betrothed) everytime she's in his presence. Not that serious if it starts out that way and she learns and grows throughout the book, but she DOESN'T! It goes on and on, until (FINALLY) at the very end it all reconciles. Like I said, you have to love McClure to finish this book.
Profile Image for Cindy.
816 reviews48 followers
August 18, 2011
Shackles of Honor is one of my favorite Marcia books, it has everything: romance,mystery,intrigue,great story and amazing characters. Cassidy is a bright and strong willed young women who's life is opened to many possibilities. She has a loving family who deeply care for one another. However Cassidy feels that there is something amiss, but she can't quite put her finger on it. Then one day this brooding stranger shows up and completely rocks her world.
I loved this story and all its twist and turns. I had an idea as to what would happen, but only Marcia can write it so beautifully and put her little flare to make it great. The romance, is sweet, and intense! The lead male is, okay I will just say it, soooo swoon worthy. He is awesome, awesome. I know I am not giving much away but I don't want to spoil one blissful word/moment for you. As always the kissing scenes are amazing, and I loved the bracelet concept, oh what a guy!


no language
clean romance
Profile Image for Ange.
141 reviews
April 21, 2008
OK, book club turned me on to McClure and her "clean romance" novels and I was skeptical at first... but dang, they are AWESOME books! This one in particular is my FAVORITE! In fact, I haven't read one of her books in a while, and I really need to get something of hers on my to-read list. If you haven't read this author yet, and you like "smut free" romance, then I recommend this book!
Profile Image for Lori.
211 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2009
One of my all-favorite love stories! Once you start you can't put it down. Marcia is one of my favorite authors!
I loved the tension between the two main characters and thoroughly enjoyed the plot.
Profile Image for Emily.
1,261 reviews
November 30, 2013
Definitely 5 stars!

I was "shackled" to this romance. Shackles of Honor was a fantastic read, and I enjoyed every single page. Marcia Lynn McClure is brilliant storyteller. She has weaved a complex and enticing web of thrilling mystery, tantalizing secrets, and emblazoned seduction.

This is a page-turner of a romance. Each new page revealed a new layer to the plot. It was so exciting to read of Cassidy's and Mason's relationship unfolding through each chapter.

This is a very clean romance, as far as romances go. I would rate it a healthy PG. There was plenty left to the imagination, but Marcia Lynn McClure 's descriptive ability is sure to leave the reader breathless with expectation.

I highly recommend reading this one, ladies. It's made its way on to my 'favorite's' shelf, and will remain there indefinitely. I know I will be revisiting this fascinating tale of love.

I have no doubt that Marcia Lynn McClure 's other books are just as amazing. I look forward to reading more of her work.
Profile Image for Zette.
170 reviews5 followers
November 10, 2010
My favorite MLM book so far! Cassidy is a 17 year old girl who is unaware that she has been promised in marriage to a man she has never met. Mason shows up at her home and turns her world upside down. She is taken away from all she knows and holds dear and must learn to be happy in a totally new life. The romantic tension is what sets this book apart from other romances and there is plenty of it! Although Mason is angry and moody, there are glimpses throughout the book of his teasing and gentle side which causes you to fall in love with him. Cassidy is a likeable, innocent girl that tends to be either angry at Mason or crying because of his treatment of her. She is insecure about whether Mason will ever be able to really love her and a lot of the misunderstandings between them are because of her interpretations of his actions to try and show her that he cares. I think that was the only thing that was a bit overdone in the book but I kept telling myself that this girl was so young and inexperienced that maybe it would take her a lot longer to see what was right in front of her. There is a little mystery woven in and a slight twist at the end to add some flavor to the story.
Profile Image for Teya Teya.
Author 9 books102 followers
August 17, 2022
It's that time of the year again to devour the deliciousness of Marcia Mcclure's journeys to destiny books. Okay, I'm a month early starting but who cares!

8/16/22
THis one always gets my dander up every time. Yet I still love it. iT creates frustration, swooning, cringing, and love. Seriously it's packed with yumminess.

other years
Loved it!

I have a hard time with this book. I noticed it more the second time. I think it's the way it's written and if I'm right about that then it's perfect. I feel so frustrated because nobody explains anything till the end. You figure moat of it out right with her if not before. It adds to the intensity of this book. I love it, yes because it all comes together in that happy feel good, whew moment. Infill then you want to pull your hair out and shout would someone just explain. Well written in that aspect of hanging on and suspense intensity. I want to reach into the book and slap somebody. Then all the sudden when you can't take it another second, there and breathe.
Incredible!

Cassidy and Mason have always been a long favorite. A mystery of sadness and secrecy all thwarted by true love. Swoon!
Profile Image for Gigi Williams.
9 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2012
I have never read such a story that moved my very soul as this one. I had no expectations when I started. I hadn't even read the description. This story has quite changed me. I found myself unhealthly engrossed in the tension between these two characters. Why this has not made it to the screen is beyond me. I found it disturbing, heart wrenching, and most beautifully divine. The characters are written with such intimate detail, it was quite astounding. The secrets that bound these two fated hearts together are the same that threaten their very existence. Never, has honor been so dutifully portrayed between two souls before. As Mason felt honor, I felt honor. As Cassidy felt alone, unloved, and forsaken, I felt the same. I loved LaMont, as Dove loved LaMont, and felt utter heartbreak in that same moment, as they all did. This is most assuredly the most divine love story my eyes have ever fell upon. Most thankful, Ms. McClure.
1 review1 follower
February 10, 2008
I really love this author!

Great historical romance that gave me goosebumps. Set in Scotland hunreds of years ago and quite remarkable. Great/funny characters! It's about duty, honor, insecurity, quiet love, passion (the good kind), mystery, loss...all the great things. It made me laugh in several spots.
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,741 reviews6,001 followers
May 8, 2010
I am becoming a huge fan of Marcia Lynn McClure's books. The books I've read are all "clean" but full of real romance. Not the typical - scantily clad, jump in bed the first time you meet kind of book. Instead her characters have morals, standards, values and yet there is plenty of romance. I've heard Shackles of Honor is one of her best books so I hope the others I read don't disappoint.
Profile Image for Heather.
127 reviews30 followers
January 11, 2011
I LOVVVVVED THIS ONE!!! It's tied as my very favorite Marcia book with "The Visions of Ransom Lake". Marcia can write a brooding, jealous, passionate man like no one else, and I just ate it up! I loved the mystery of the story and why they were promised to each other. This was the least predictable of her books and, OHHHHHH! I just loved it!!!! =)
Profile Image for 한 카트 .
103 reviews31 followers
November 2, 2014
What a headache this book was! Was it really necessary to use such strainous English? The lady is a whiny idiot and the guy is an arrogant prick, this combined with what could have been a simple English sentence is stretched to a paragraph of ancient grammar and tiring vocabulary, it was just too much for me.
21 reviews
April 30, 2008
This is my Favorite book by McClure!! It is probably my most favorite book I've read just for fun. She is a great clean romance novelist!! Everyone i've recommended it to has loved loved loved it. Be aware, it's just for a fun giggle like a teenage girl book!!!
Profile Image for Dawn.
307 reviews3 followers
November 25, 2015
My favorite romance! I love a hero that is strong and honorable, saves his lady but never compromises her. My favorite Marcia McClure and I am a huge fan of her books!
Profile Image for Jenn.
43 reviews2 followers
July 7, 2008
This book is pure romance. It is clean, but very passionate. Definitely gives you butterflies. I loved it. Marcia Lynn McClure's books are all like that. She is one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for Aingean.
68 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2016
The thing that draws me to books most is the characters. Though I did adore Masons parents both Mason and Cassidy were both good examples of why I rarely read books with teenaged main characters. Cassidy is always in tears over something, she seemed to have very little backbone to even out her emotional over load. Mason on the other hand seems excessively angry and his supposed control over it is very little in written evidence. Though as a married woman I do bicker with my spouse on occasion but these two are constantly fighting with each other. I am not sure how anyone can fall in love almost instantly and in such conditions.

Other then my dislike of the main characters the story is decent. I can honestly say I wasn't sure where the story was going and how it would all play out in some aspects. Others were easy to foresee. Not the best book I have ever read but not the worst either.
Profile Image for Sarah.
352 reviews5 followers
June 28, 2018
I have a love/hate relationship with Ms. McClure. I love clean romance, but despise romance were the characters spend most of the book yelling and screaming at each other just to decide that they've been in love the whole time. I don't like leading men who treat the leading lady with anger and disdain, and I think it's possible to write a passionate, clean romance that doesn't include so much angst.
Profile Image for Maddie.
1,439 reviews
April 22, 2015
Let's just say that I got pretty annoyed with Cassidy's character. The story seemed to drag on and on. Mason was a total brute! Both of them were seriously getting on my nerves!! The ending is so not what I was expecting, so I was not satisfied with it either. This has to be my least favorite of Marcia's books
36 reviews2 followers
April 13, 2008
This is a wonderful story about a handsome man and a sweet girl who falls in love.. Its written in such a way that you can see it... feel it.. its like you are there watching them... it really is beautifully written..
Profile Image for mary Ethington.
328 reviews
April 23, 2008
Again, I loved this book. This is my other favorite from this author. I read this book and then re-read parts because it was easy to visualize what was happening and again, even though this is a clean book, you feel giddy for the girl.
Profile Image for Kellie Shotwell.
8 reviews4 followers
July 16, 2008
I just finished this one and true to Marcia Lynn's form, she didn't disappoint me! These books are hard for me to put down and I do have to complain that I do lack sleep until I get finished with one!
Profile Image for Macayla Fryc.
304 reviews16 followers
July 4, 2022
Marcia is my classic go-to comfort read because you know exactly what you're getting: a flirty, clean, feel-good romance. It will be unrealistic, too good to be true, with perfect MCs, many eyerolls, and just breezy cuteness. However, what she makes up for banter, really lacks in the whole plot thing. The romance is what folks are here for, so really the info dump / tragedy / "plot twist" / speed drama reveals all packed into the last half of the last chapter are truly unnecessary. Plus you don't just end a book with (spoiler) "Aha! I am your long lost X who was the one who poisoned your dad to his death right under your nose last week and I'm here to kill everyone though first I must fight you but you beat me in two seconds and I fall off a cliff the end."

Not my faves of hers TBH. But I'll still keep her books in my back pocket.
39 reviews
February 17, 2016
I only kept reading this book because I wanted to find out if I was right about the mystery of who was trying to mess with the heroine.

Mason is a spoiled bully who kept forcing himself on Cassidy. He's either pinning her against the wall or grabbing her wrists or body and refusing to let her go. Meanwhile Cassidy is upset with him doing so but then... oh wait! he's so handsome!!! which makes it so much better. ugh. I felt the author had to keep throwing out there how handsome he was every single time Cassidy sees him so we can handle how ruff and mean he is towards her. He most definitely was not a gentleman though all anyone could talk about was how wonderful and honorable he was.

Cassidy, oh Cassidy. She was constantly crying. She cried throughout the entire book over everything. Sobbing, silent tears streaking down her cheeks, tears of joy.... and so on. Lots of crying. I could see her crying over the way he treated her, but there were many other things she was always crying over as well.

And all they ever did was shout and yell at each other. Mason would throw his man-tantrum and Cassidy would yell back at him. But then he would grab her and kiss her and though she'd try to push him away she would remember how handsome he was and give in. The kissing scenes were completely ruined for me because of the forcefulness of the kisses.

It felt that all this book centered on was lust. They both wanted each other's body. I couldn't understand how they loved each other at all. With all the shouting and slamming doors and mistrusting, I just don't see how it came to be.

The only good thing I liked about this book was the fact that Mason believed Cassidy when bad stuff was happening to her. He didn't just blow her off and took steps to help her.
Profile Image for C Joy.
1,780 reviews65 followers
November 11, 2012
2.5 stars

I browsed through the reviews here before downloading this at Amazon, and I was really disappointed with the story, especially Cassidy's character. She is by far the most annoying and tearful heroines I've read about. I tried to place myself in her own shoes and understand how one would feel if one's life was uprooted from home to live among strangers, and to marry one due to an arrangement.

My only consolation is I got it for free. I haven't reviewed books since the beginning of the year but I felt the need to justify why I gave this one a low rating.

It has been a long time since I've read historical romance and the story pace was too slow and their activities redundant, it's only the latter part of the story where it got exciting. If not for that, I would've rated this 1 star. I appreciate the mysteries but I had an inkling towards them.

It's refreshing to read "clean romance" and I must say I'm not a fan of it. Their engagement was a long one and after confessions of love due to a life-threatening situation, the author cuts the story and proceeds with the epilogue.
Profile Image for Kristen.
1,711 reviews44 followers
May 17, 2013
5/15/13 - Just as good the second time around. In fact I probably enjoyed it more. Just getting in my WDOM (Weekly Dose of McClure)

7/25/12 - I couldn't give this 5 stars, because while I loved it, the whole thing infuriated me. I kept thinking, Mason, dude, if it bothers Cassidy so much, and you are so much in love with her why is Gabrielle anywhere near you. Obviously you find out towards the end more, but still.

And I would've like to see the mystery built up more rather than the reason for them to marry. Which wasn't that big of a deal. I think the two should've been switched. It would've been awesome if he were her champion protecting her from the twins the entire book, while they had the love/hate relationship thing going.

But, again, another awesome romance story by McClure. She draws you in from the first page and leaves you wishing for more by the end.

Moral Note: Passionate kisses, one on a bed. A couple of swear words. Non-graphic murders. Mild violence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
682 reviews
September 28, 2010
Amazingly well done Marcia! I loved it. I hope to own this book someday. I'm sure I'll want to read it again.

While I sometimes got frustrated with Cassidy and her lack of self confidence,I still thoroughly enjoyed this tale. The imperfections in the two main characters made them seem more real to me. The whole concept of the pride that keeps the characters from sharing their true feelings for each other was fun to explore. I had also not thought about how an arranged marriage might make it harder to believe that your betrothed really loved you.

The interactions between the characters were frustrating and amusing. There was a great deal of suspense and a twist to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.