Highland Doc's Christmas Rescue - Susan Carlisle (HMED #1063 - Nov 2019)

Series: Pups That Make Miracles (Book 1)

A chance to mend her body…

A doc to heal her heart?

Search-and-rescue worker Cassandra Bellow arrives at Heatherglen Clinic injured and reeling from the loss of her faithful rescue dog. But a Christmas romance with the gorgeous clinic manager, Dr. Lyle Sinclair, along with Heatherglen's adorable therapy dogs, restores Cass's lust for life. Except soon she must return to America -- unless guarded Lyle asks her to stay…

Excellent book that tugged at my heartstrings. Cassandra arrived at the rehab clinic in Scotland, exhausted and hurting, physically and emotionally. During a search-and-rescue mission in Europe she was severely injured, and her canine partner was killed while saving her. She doesn't understand why she was sent there rather than a rehab facility back in the States, but she's determined to get better and get out. She is also at a crossroads because she doesn't know whether she'll be able to resume her career, or even if she could bear having a new partner.

I liked the development of the relationship between Lyle and Cass. Lyle is the director of the clinic and determined to see Cassandra fully healed. He is sincerely concerned about all his patients' recoveries, but something about Cass calls a little deeper to him. I loved how he is firm with her when she needs it, but that there is an underlying kindness and gentleness in the way he treats her. There were a few times in the beginning when I wanted to shake Cass because she was so stubborn and nearly rude, but Lyle didn't let it get to him. I enjoyed that evening early on when Lyle found Cass almost frozen after she had gone for a walk to avoid having to have dinner with everyone. Again, that mixture of firm and kind was just what she needed. What neither one expected was the flare of attraction between them.

I liked seeing their friendship develop as they spent more time together. I felt a little bad for Lyle when he discovered the full story behind Cass's refusal to work with one of the therapy dogs. He hadn't understood the depth of her grief and liked that he was willing to find a compromise. Cass appreciated his efforts, and I loved seeing the effect it had on her. Though she still avoided making an emotional connection with any of the dogs, the retired rescue dog, Hero, touched her heart anyway. I loved the scene with him and the search for the lost girl. I liked the slow but steady growth of Lyle and Cass's friendship into something more, even if neither was willing to admit to it.

Both Cass and Lyle have issues that hold them back from admitting those feelings. Cass is a bit of a mess emotionally. She isn't sure what her future holds, job-wise, as she doesn't know if she can ever bond with another rescue dog. Romantically, the last relationship she had ended when her boyfriend could neither understand nor accept that her work was part of who she was. She isn't sure that she is ready to risk her heart again. Lyle also had a failed relationship behind him. His girlfriend sent him a "Dear John" letter while he was deployed, making him reluctant to trust again either. He also has an ongoing dilemma with his dying father, who expects Lyle to follow the family tradition and rejoin the military. But Lyle has no interest in doing so, as the time he spent before nearly destroyed him. The problem is, he can't bring himself to stand up for what he wants. I loved seeing Cass stand up for him when he wouldn't do it himself.

I ached for them both when her time at the clinic was nearly over, and Lyle wanted her to stay. But Cass's fears wouldn't let go of her, and she ran, but not before lashing out at Lyle. I hurt for him, because he realized his feelings for her, but couldn't get past those fears. I liked that both of them took their time apart to look honestly at what was holding them back. Cass's big moment at the end was deeply emotional, and I loved seeing the decisions she made. The conclusion was sweet and romantic, and I hope to see more of them in the other books.

I liked the secondary characters, from the Laird to the staff members, to fellow patient Andy. I liked Laird Charles's decision to use the castle as a way to honor his brother Nick's sacrifice. I look forward to reading their stories in the rest of the series. I also liked Lyle's parents. His mom was sweet and welcoming to Cass. Lyle's dad was a bit harder to like with the way he kept hammering at Lyle about returning to active service. He did sort of redeem himself at the end.

Santa in a Kilt - Donna Kauffman (Zebra - Oct 2019)

Series: Hot Scot Trilogy (Book 3)

The wind-whipped December sands of the isle of Kinloch invigorate Kira McLeod as she sets out to tame rugged Shay Callaghan, a Scottish bachelor as wary of a wedding ring as a snowman is of the hot sun. It'll take all the wiles of the canny islanders to weave a perfect Celtic Christmas for all....

Good story.  Shay is a lawyer who specializes in divorce cases.  As a result he sees the worst of what can happen to a relationship and has sworn that he will not succumb to one himself.  The difficulty is that he has been attracted to Kira for awhile and knows that she isn't the fling type of woman.  When the attraction becomes mutual and overwhelming Shay's thoughts begin to contemplate the future but he is still scared of what could happen.  I loved Kira's acceptance of his feelings and the way she was able to wait so patiently for him to come to terms with his love for her and what it means to him.






*originally published in the anthology Unwrapped by Donna Kauffman, Erin McCarthy, and Kate Angell

The Highlander's Christmas Bride - Vanessa Kelly (Kensington - Oct 2019)

Series: Clan Kendrick (Book 2)

Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliating enough. Now that Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven a failure as a nun, she has no choice but to return to her family’s estate. The brawny Highlander sent to escort her is brash, handsome, and the only thing standing between Donella and a gang of would-be kidnappers. But the scandal in her past can’t be so easily outrun . . .

Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick was expecting to meet a plain, pious spinster—not a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass who can hold her own in any ambush. Though she’s known as the Flower of Clan Graham, Donella is no shrinking violet. In fact, she might be the perfect woman to bring happiness back to his lonely little son’s life, just in time for Christmas.  But first he must protect her from ugly gossip and a mysterious threat—and convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent.

Fun book about two people who need to overcome guilty feelings about past events before they can accept that they can have a happy future together. From the moment they met, the sparks flew between Logan and Donella. Logan wants the Earl of Riddick to enter into a business relationship with him, so he agrees to escort the man's grandniece from a convent to her family's home. He's stunned to find a beautiful and feisty woman instead of a plain and pious spinster. Donella entered the convent three years earlier after a series of events that caused a scandal. A month from taking her vows, the Reverend Mother has told her she's unsuited to being a nun (cue "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Donella?).

I liked both Logan and Donella. Donella is feisty and independent. She also loves her family and wants to keep them from having to deal with the fallout from her scandal. She can be brash and blunt and has no problem expressing her opinions to Logan. Having lost her place at the convent, she's not sure what's in store for her future. I ached for her as bits of her story were revealed throughout the book, leaving her doubtful of her worth. Logan is a good man with a painful past. He desperately wants to be a good father to his son, but events from his past make it awkward for him as he tries to reconnect with Joseph and the rest of his family.

I thoroughly enjoyed the development of the relationship between Logan and Donella. The banter between them was snappy and fun to follow. When their carriage was attacked by another clan who wanted to kidnap Donella, Logan refused to cooperate. I loved seeing them have to work together to escape. As the circumstances threw them together, the sparks between them flared hotter, but neither was willing to give in to them. Logan has no intention of marrying again, and Donella hopes to find another convent to go to. It was exciting to see their escape play out, especially with the lengths that Logan went to to disguise her identity. I laughed out loud when help finally arrived, and they had to do some fast talking to avoid a forced marriage. They parted, thinking they wouldn't see each other again.

But Fate wasn't done with them. Donella's uncle refuses to let her run away to another convent just yet and sends her off to Glasgow to help with family Christmas preparations. Since she needs a chaperone, she's sent to stay with her cousin Victoria - who just happens to be Logan's sister-in-law. From the moment they meet again it's evident to everyone around them that there is something between them. When Logan's son and grandfather arrive unexpectedly from Canada, Logan is surprised by how quickly Joseph and Donella bond. As Logan discovers that Donella brings light and laughter back into his life, he decides that he'd like to keep her in his life.

Meanwhile, Donella is surprised by the effect that Logan has on her, but she has secrets that keep her from believing that she is suitable for him. I enjoyed seeing them grow closer, first building something of a friendship in their mutual care of Joseph. The attraction also continued to build. I enjoyed seeing Logan try to work past Donella's walls. The scene at the ball, where he and Donella were caught together was pretty funny. I loved Logan's support of Donella when she finally confessed all of her secrets.

Though Logan and Donella are ready to embrace their future, her past isn't quite done with her. When a man with a grudge succeeds in kidnapping her, it's up to Logan to find her before it's too late. The final confrontation was both intense and funny, as the kidnapper's plans are foiled by a surprise twist. The actions of several highly volatile Highland men left me laughing and shaking my head, especially when it took a woman to bring them under control. I loved the epilogue and seeing the happiness that both Logan and Donella found together.

I will definitely go back and read the first book in the series as soon as possible and look forward to further books about the Kendricks. They are sure to be just as fun. The only issue I had with this book was the occasional use of anachronistic words or phrases, but it didn't diminish my enjoyment by much.

 

Secrets of a Highland Warrior - Nicole Locke (HH #1446 - July 2019)

Series: Lochmore Legacy (Book 4)

The key to his past…

…lies with the enemy sharing his bed!

A Scottish castle through the ages! Rory Lochmore had expected to wage battle, to claim land and finally secure his standing within his clan… Instead he won a wife. A McCrieff wife. Their convenient marriage could unite the two long-feuding clans forever. But can a political alliance give way to a passion strong enough to stand the secrets of the past?

Excellent conclusion to the series, as the last pieces of the puzzle begun in the first book are revealed. The year is 1293, and there have already been generations of hostility between the Lochmores and McCrieffs. Now that the English king granted a piece of the McCrieff's land to the Lochmores, it is time to claim that land. After months of their missives being ignored, Rory Lochmore, heir to the clan chief, is on the way to confront the leader of the McCrieffs. Fully expecting to meet resistance, Rory is deeply disturbed by the lack of it.

Rory has spent all his life trying to prove his worth to his father and feels that successfully handling this matter will go a long way toward doing so. When he arrives at the McCrieff castle he is met by the chief's second-in-command, the Tanist, as the chief is dying and invited in for a meal instead of a battle. There he discovers that the Tanist is prepared to accede to the king's demands, under one condition - that Rory marries his daughter, Ailsa.

Ailsa, besides being his daughter, is also the clan's healer and has been caring for the gravely ill chief. She is beautiful, headstrong, and blunt, and none too happy with her father's plans. But Ailsa is also very intelligent and loves her people, and after considering the ramifications agrees to the marriage. When Rory's best friend is poisoned right after the marriage announcement, she must race against time to save him and prevent all-out war.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Ailsa and Rory. Ailsa is no meek and obedient miss but is keenly observant and outspoken when she needs to be. Neither one trusts the other at first, thanks to the long-standing feud between their clans. I thoroughly enjoyed Rory's reactions to Ailsa's words, as he is unused to having women speak their minds quite so freely. However, it doesn't take long for him to appreciate her honesty and inability to beat around the bush. Rory is cautious about the marriage, unsure of his father's reaction, and tries to keep Ailsa at a distance. This is increasingly difficult, as the sparks between them are impossible to ignore, and when they finally give in, the results are incendiary. But there are obstacles that hold Ailsa and Rory slightly apart. Rory has some deep-seated insecurities stemming from his doubts over his place in his family. Ailsa, who is privy to some explosive secrets learned from the previous healer, suspects that some of what she thought was myth is, in fact, true. I ached for Rory, who hesitated to take Ailsa home, believing that his parents disapproved. There were some tense moments upon their arrival back at Lochmore, with a roller-coaster of emotions as secrets were finally laid to rest. I adored Ailsa's support of Rory during this time and loved the effect it had on him and his confidence in who he was. It was easy to see how this couple became the legend that they were for both families through the ages.

The epilogue was written by Janice Prescott, author of the first book in the series. It was beautifully done, bringing the story in a full circle. The depth of emotion as Rory and Ailsa were finally reunited was incredible, and I loved seeing how all four couples had a part in it. Lachlan and Flora's final words were perfect.

 

The Highlander and the Governess - Michelle Willingham (HH #1462 - Oct 2019)

Series: Untamed Highlanders (Book 1)

A ruined lady turned governess

Can she tame the Highlander?

When Frances Goodson is summoned to Scotland to give etiquette lessons, she's not expecting to tutor a handsome laird! The scandal of her past means going home is not an option, so she must help wild, scarred Lachlan MacKinloch win a wealthy London heiress. She's determined to fulfill her task and not get distracted by the passion she sees in the powerful laird's eyes…

Good start to the new series. As the book opens, Frances is on her way to Scotland for a job tutoring someone in etiquette for a London season. She wasn't given any details and believed her student to be a young lady getting ready for her first season. Imagine her shock when she discovers her student is none other than the laird himself!

Lachlan is not happy when Frances shows up. His mother did the hiring unbeknownst to him. He was contracted to marry an English heiress by his father and hers and is not enthused about the idea. However, he needs the woman's dowry to save his people from starvation, so he'll go through with it. He sees no need to change who he is to do so.

I loved the first meeting between Frances and Lachlan. He is determined to send her home, and she is equally committed to staying, both having their reasons to do so. Frances has a scandal in her past that made it impossible for her to remain in Society and estranged her from her family. Her work as a governess is all she has. Lachlan carries a load of guilt over his father's death and feels that the marriage is also his way to honor his father's wishes. I laughed at the way Frances bargained her way into staying and doing what she was hired to do. There were sparks between Lachlan and Frances from the beginning, and they burned hotter by the day. I loved how comfortable they became with each other and the teasing and banter between them. I ached for them both as they grew closer, and their feelings deepened because both knew that there was no chance for them to be together.

Their situation became even more heartbreaking when the story moved to London. Frances's lessons proved to be invaluable, and Lachlan was wholly accepted. He was still unaware of some of the pitfalls in front of him, and there were a couple of great scenes where Frances kept him from disaster. The more time Lachlan spent with his bride-to-be, the more he realized that neither of them wanted the marriage. I ached to see Lachlan's protectiveness toward Frances and her determination not to interfere with what he needed to do. I wasn't sure how they would find a way to be together. I loved how Lachlan made it happen, perhaps imitating the methods of his ancestors. There were a couple of interesting twists at the end that wrapped up the story quite nicely.

I liked the introduction to Lachlan's friends, who I assume will be the subjects of the other books. I am especially interested to see the next book, as I believe it will be about Lachlan's ex-fiancée and his friend Camford.

A Runaway Bride for the Highlander - Elisabeth Hobbes (HH #1439 - June 2019)

Series: Lochmore Legacy (Book 3)

Lost in the Highlands

Found by the laird!

A Scottish castle through the ages! Far from her home in France, Marguerite Vallon escapes her arranged marriage to a man she despises. Stowing away in a stranger's cart, she finds herself headed deep into the Highlands with Ewan Lochmore, the new Earl of Glenarris! Ewan vows to protect her. But maybe the freedom Marguerite has been searching for can be found with this rugged warrior…

This is the next book in the reverse chronology of the Lochmore Legacy. Some questions from the previous books are answered while new ones make their appearance. Ewan and Marguerite are mentioned several times in the earlier books, so I was happy to get their story.

The story begins immediately after Scotland's defeat at Flodden, as the clans gather at Stirling to plan Scotland's future. Ewan, who had been studying law in Glasgow, is on the way to Stirling to claim the title of Earl of Glenarris following the deaths of his father and brother. Grief-stricken, Ewan suffers grave doubts about his ability to fill his father's shoes. While at the castle, he encounters an unusual young woman who he can't get off his mind.

Marguerite is a young Frenchwoman who is betrothed to Duncan McCrieff, a man twice her age. Still grieving the death of her mother, Marguerite is out of her depth in the rougher environment of the Scottish court. She also quickly realizes that her fiancé frightens her in ways she had not anticipated. The only bright spot is the young, handsome Highlander who befriends her. When she decides to run, she stows away in Ewan's cart.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Marguerite and Ewan. Their fascination with each other was evident from the beginning. While a good share of Ewan's interest was wrapped up in physical attraction, there was also a layer of protectiveness. He knew Duncan and his reputation and that it would not be a pleasant marriage for Marguerite. He was also well aware that there was nothing he could do about it. Though Marguerite was fearful of most men, there was something about Ewan that she found easy to trust. This made her avenue of escape an easy decision. I was quite impressed with her planning and preparation, though she neglected to confirm precisely where Ewan was going. I was surprised that she remained hidden as long as she did.

I loved Ewan's reaction when he found her. Though not at all happy to discover her there, especially given his recent encounter with Duncan, he is a gentleman. Knowing what he does, he won't return her to Duncan, but keeping her with him creates a whole different set of problems. As they make their way toward Lochmore they learn more about each other and realize that their initial impressions were not entirely accurate. I loved seeing Marguerite destroy his belief that she was a spoiled miss by rising to every challenge placed in front of her. She also learned that Ewan wasn't the barbarian she thought he was. In the time they spent together, the attraction between them grew stronger, and feelings of friendship deepened to more. I laughed a little at Ewan whose gentlemanly behavior warred with his baser urges. It became even more difficult as Marguerite's wariness lessened, her trust increased, and she discovered that getting close to the right man is pleasurable indeed. There are some emotional scenes that expose their vulnerabilities and fears to each other, but also show how right they are for each other.

But nothing is easy, and their arrival at Lochmore is complicated as the castle is under siege by the McCrieffs in a double-motivated attack. Ewan had previously made clear to Duncan that he was suspected of treason, and Ewan meant to prove it. Meanwhile, Duncan's cousin Donald is angry that Ewan received lands that Donald believed rightfully belong to him. Ewan must make his debut as Laird under these trying circumstances, and he isn't sure that he's up to the task. I loved Marguerite's confidence in him and the steadying effect that it had on him. The tension increases as the McCrieffs' actions strike at the heart of Lochmore, and Marguerite's disappearance forces Ewan to make a choice. I was on the edge of my seat until the final confrontation was over.  The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to this book and gave a sweet look at the Ewan and Marguerite's lives.

 

The Nurse's Christmas Temptation - Ann Mcintosh (HMed #1061 - Oct 2019)

She didn't plan on celebrating Christmas…

Can he change her mind?

Nurse Harmony Kinkaid grabs the chance to spend Christmas working on a remote Scottish island. Without her beloved grandmother, the season won't be the same. But her organized world is thrown off balance by her fierce attraction to daredevil Dr. Cameron MacRurie. He's her complete opposite -- she'd be foolish to fall for him. Yet as Christmas lights begin to shine, Cam becomes a temptation impossible to ignore…

I loved this book. Harmony escapes the city and her grief over her grandmother's death by taking a job on a remote Scottish island. With her mother spending Christmas with her new boyfriend, Harmony has zero Christmas spirit and plans to lose herself in her work. Having recently ended a two-year relationship, men are also off her wishlist. But all her plans are thrown off-kilter by her temporary boss.

I loved both Harmony and Cam. I ached for Harmony because she was so unhappy. She missed her grandmother fiercely and felt cast adrift by her mother's plans. But she has a good heart and refuses to make her mother feel guilty about moving on. I found it interesting that she stepped so far outside her comfort zone to take this job. She is a woman who likes her life stable and logical, and she doesn't like change. Much of her attitude stemmed from the loss of her father when she was a small child. He was into many different extreme activities and died doing one of them. She doesn't understand how anyone can put their lives at risk for something so ridiculous.

Cam is a doctor who lives a full and adventurous life. Diagnosed with diabetes as a child, he suffered from a fearful and overprotective mother until his doctor grandfather taught him how to manage his disease. Since then he has thrown himself into anything that caught his interest, from medical aid work to skydiving. At home on MacRurie island, he cares for the health needs of the islanders in between his adventure trips.

I loved the first meeting between Cam and Harmony. She witnessed one of his daredevil stunts as she arrived on the ferry and was dismayed to discover that he was her new boss. Though she was immediately attracted to him, she couldn't hide her disapproval. Cam was puzzled by her reaction to him but bowled over by her beauty. I loved his cheerfulness and how he tried to make things better by talking about Christmas. This only made things worse as she shuts down any holiday talk too. She's determined to do her job and nothing else.

I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Cam is pretty easygoing, which is a good thing, as Harmony can be very intense. Used to big city doctor's offices, Harmony doesn't quite know how to deal with the more laid-back attitudes of Cam's practice. Some sparks flew as Harmony's intensity and occasional bossiness ran up against Cam's easier way of doing things, but eventually they developed a good working relationship. That quickly grew into friendship as Cam learned more about why Harmony was so prickly. The attraction between them continued to grow, with both trying to resist it. Cam, because she worked for him, and Harmony because she couldn't see a future with someone like him. Eventually the sparks grew out of control, and they decided that enjoying each other for the time they had would be okay.

Of course, the connection between them was more than just physical. I ached for Harmony as she realized that she had fallen for him, but couldn't bring herself to accept his lifestyle. Her fear of losing him the same way she lost her father wouldn't allow her to take a chance. Cam, too, realized he'd fallen hard for her, but wasn't sure he could give up something that was such an intrinsic part of him, even for her. A conversation with her mother gave Harmony a different perspective and something to think about. I loved Cam's big moment at the end, and the thought and effort he put into it showed the depth of his love for her. I loved seeing what could happen when two people accept each other for who they are and find that love can overcome any obstacle.

The vividness of the descriptions of the island made me feel as though I was there. From the crashing waves during Cam's rescue of the boy, where I could almost feel the iciness of the water, to the descriptions of the Manor in all its Victorian beauty, I easily pictured each setting. I also loved each of the Crafty Islanders, with their individual quirks. It was fun to see them embrace Harmony and pull her into island life. I especially enjoyed the part each of them played in Cam's surprise for Harmony.

Highland Jewel - May McGoldrick (St. Martin's - Sept 2019)

Series: Royal Highlander (Book 2)

Maisie Murray is the picture of docility, quiet and compliant in the eyes of her family. To her activist friends, however, she’s a fearless crusader for women’s rights. In the wake of the Peterloo Massacre, Maisie and a friend found the Edinburgh Female Reform Society, and she carries the banner for universal suffrage.

Niall Campbell, a hero of the wars, a decorated officer of the Royal Highland Regiment, is battle weary and searching for stability in his life. A fierce warrior by training and a poet at heart, Niall walks away from the shining career that lies ahead of him, to the dismay of his superiors. In saving his sister when a protest turns violent, he meets Maisie. Their relationship begins as one of experience versus idealism, of scars versus hope. Soon, however, he finds in Maisie the heart he longs for.

When Niall’s sister is arrested and disappears, he quickly realizes his life is not his own, for the British authorities have a mission for him to accomplish in exchange for his sister’s freedom. Overnight, Maisie loses Niall, her friend, and her home. And in the wake of the riots that sweep through the cities of Scotland, Maisie’s own sister Isabella is branded a traitor to the crown, and the family must flee to the Highlands. Here in the heart of the Highlands, Maisie runs into Niall again. He has a new name and carries a message of hope―but Niall has a task to complete―and their future rests on their ability to overcome the forces that divide them, or―for the future of Scotland―she must stop the man who owns her heart.

Excellent continuation of the Royal Highlander series. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, the experience will be richer if you read Highland Crown first. One of my favorite things about both books is that they deal with events outside the usual Society life. Indeed, the upper crust of Society is shown in an entirely different light. The setup of the book is a little different also. It starts in the middle of the story, goes back to the beginning to catch up, then continues in the present. Part of the story also takes place at the same time as the previous book, but from Maisie's point of view rather than Isabelle's.

There are two sides to Maisie. One is the quiet, docile girl who doesn't seem to have a thought in her head. This is the side that her family sees, and the reason for it is heartbreaking. Outside of the home, she shares with her family, Maisie is just the opposite. She is an activist, working for the rights of women and the ordinary people of Scotland. She has formed a Women's Reform Society with her best friend, Fiona, where they meet to talk about issues, plan protests, and recruit new members. Unfortunately, the British government is cracking down on what it considers to be subversive activity.

Niall is Fiona's brother. He recently retired from active service, disturbed by the things he's been called to do since the end of the war with Napoleon. All he wants now is a stable, quiet life with his sister and nieces. He is dismayed to discover Fiona's double life, knowing from experience the danger she is in. When a rally turns dangerous, Fiona begs Niall to save Maisie too. From that moment on, there is an undeniable connection between Niall and Maisie.

I liked the development of the relationship between Maisie and Niall. Though he was a soldier for a long time, there is also a softer side to him that comes out around Maisie. She understands that the things he's seen haunt him. I liked the way that she listens to more than just the words when he talks. Niall is also just as protective of Maisie as he is of Fiona and I ached for how he worries about them both. The feelings between them grow rapidly, but there are obstacles to overcome. Maisie's brother-in-law has taken a dislike to Niall, and she has to find a way to overcome that. She also needs to tell them about her other life. But before she can do that, Fiona is taken by the authorities.

There is more behind Fiona's capture than either Maisie or Niall is aware of at first. Niall is blackmailed into accepting a dangerous mission for the Crown. Accepting the danger to save his sister, Niall refuses to drag Maisie into it. Instead, he frees her from their commitment, breaking her heart. He never expects to see her again, but fate has other plans. The intrigue and intensity ramp up when Niall shows up in the Highlands under suspicious circumstances. There are multiple twists and turns that put Niall, Maisie, and even Cinead and Isabelle in danger. I was glued to the pages as each event played out, and I found myself rooting for the best outcome. I loved seeing Niall and Maisie come together despite the turmoil around them. I especially enjoyed Niall's words to Maisie at the end about their future and life together.

The story arc that runs through both books, and will continue into book three, is an intriguing one. I love seeing more of the world outside London, and the realistic look at the social problems of the day. The story of Cinead and his mother is especially intriguing. I ached for Caroline and what she went through. I was somewhat familiar with her as a historical character, but these books provide a different look into her life. The ending brought tears as Caroline finally got her dearest wish. It will be interesting to see where it goes in the next book.

The secondary characters were terrific as well. My favorites were Fiona and Morrigan. I liked Fiona's determination to make a better world for her daughters. She and Maisie made an excellent team, each with their own strengths. My favorite was Morrigan. I liked seeing her relationship with Maisie change from adversarial to the closeness of sisters. She is just as committed to her cause as Isabelle and Maisie are. I look forward to the next book and seeing what is in store for her.

 

The Lord's Highland Temptation - Diane Gaston (HH #1455 - Sept 2019)

A soldier burdened by guilt…

…to the future Earl of Foxgrove?

Captain Lucas Johns-Ives is injured in the same battle that killed his brother. Haunted by loss, Lucas is saved by Mairi Wallace. In this Highland idyll, masquerading as her family's butler, Lucas can avoid the responsibilities of becoming the new earl. He's tempted by Mairi's sweetness -- but to win her hand, he must face his demons and claim his noble birthright…

Good story about two people with painful pasts who find love and healing with each other. Lucas was devastated by his brother's death at Waterloo and consumed by the guilty feeling that he should have been able to save Bradleigh. Unable to face taking his brother's place as heir to the earldom, Lucas wanders aimlessly through Scotland, drinking his way from inn to inn while trying to forget. Ill and passed out near some standing stones Lucas is found by the younger children of Baron Dunham, who fetch their older sister for help. They take Lucas to their home to nurse him back to health.

Mairi is at her wit's end, trying to keep her family from financial ruin. The last thing she wants is a strange Englishman to take care of, especially one who reminds her of a devastating incident that happened several years earlier. That incident has had a significant impact on Mairi's life and the way she looks at the world.

There is a connection between Lucas and Mairi from the start, though both of them try to resist it. As Lucas recovers from his illness, he has a front-row seat to Mairi's efforts to save her family. Impressed by what he sees and unexpectedly compelled to help, Lucas conceals who he really is as he does what he can. Though Mairi is suspicious and wary at first, she finds herself trusting Lucas. Lucas is drawn further into the lives of the family as he plays the part of a servant to help them out of an awkward situation. I ached for Mairi whose efforts are unappreciated by her family and felt her frustration at her parents' attitudes. I loved Lucas's support of her, and his attempts to show them the truth.

Matters become more complicated when the visitors include a man with a hidden agenda. Hargreaves is a wealthy man who has designs on their land and title and who will do anything to get it. When he also attends the same house party as the Dunhams, Lucas's protective instincts are aroused. I liked seeing Mairi and Lucas grow closer and loved how they opened up to each other about their pasts. Lucas knows he has to come clean with Mairi about who he is, especially when someone at the party recognizes him. When matters take a turn for the worse, Lucas must decide if he's ready to face his past and his responsibilities. I ached for Mairi as she faced a miserable future. I was on the edge of my seat as I wondered how long it would take Lucas to come to his senses. I must say, he came through in a stellar manner in a very exciting scene. The epilogue was good too.

I liked the secondary characters also. From Mairi's family to the servants, they all added complexity to the story. Mairi's brother and sister were realistic in their sibling disagreements and their often obliviousness to what went on around them. I wanted to shake her parents on multiple occasions because of their utter unwillingness to face the truth of their circumstances and their attitudes toward Mairi as she tried to help. I liked seeing some of the story from the servants' side of things and the look at what their lives were like. Their respect for Lucas said a lot about the kind of man he was.

 

Unlaced by the Highland Duke - Lara Temple (HH #1432 - May 2019)

Series: Lochmore Legacy (Book 2)

A plain Regency governess

In bed with the duke!

A Scottish castle through the ages! Unceremoniously packed off to Scotland to care for the Duke of Lochmore's young son, practical widow Joane Langdale fears she will be ignored as always. But the deep connection and heated passion that develops between her and Benneit is far more dangerous! When Benneit is expected to propose to another, how dare Jo dream of becoming his duchess?

This is the second book in the Lochmore Legacy series, and like the first one, I read this in one sitting. The heroine of this book is Joane, who was a secondary character in the first book, His Convenient HighlandWedding. I liked her a lot in that book and was excited to see her front and center in this one. Here Jo is the poor widowed relation of Benneit's late wife. She has spent the last two years in servitude to various members of her family, mostly ignored unless they wanted something. Here we find her packed off to Scotland to care for Benneit's little boy, Jamie.

Benneit is the widowed duke who is fighting battles on several fronts. Most important to him is securing his legacy for his son Jamie, who he adores. To do so, he plans to build a whisky distillery on his land. That requires the cooperation of the neighboring McCrieff laird, a family the Lochmore's have been feuding with for generations. Benneit feels that the best way to solve all his problems is to marry McCrieff's daughter Tessa. This will end the feud, secure the distillery, and give Jamie a mother and eventually, some siblings.

I loved both Benneit and Jo. Though she seems a bit mouse-like and doormatty at first, it doesn't take long to see that there is much more to her. First of all, I loved how she and Jamie took to each other so quickly. Once in Scotland and away from her family, the real Jo emerges. She is intelligent, loving, and can have a wickedly sharp tongue when she wants to. She is grateful for the time in Scotland, away from her family, where she can make her own plans for her future. Benneit comes across as cold and aloof at the beginning as he faces off against his late wife's family. He is not about to submit to their desires to keep young Jamie in England. But it is his love for his son and determination to do what is right for him that shines through. Benneit also feels a profound responsibility for his people, which factors into his decisions.

I loved the development of the relationship between Benneit and Jo. They knew each other from when Benneit courted Bella. Benneit thought of her as a mouse, and Jo just knew that he made her uncomfortable. Six years later they are different people, but with their losses in common. I loved seeing how being away from her family gave Jo the chance to be herself, which manifested in a tendency to be a bit prickly. Benneit was surprised by this unexpected side of her and occasionally found it uncomfortable. Their care for Jamie brought them closer together, though they sometimes clashed over what they thought was best. Unexpected attraction built between them as Jo saw past Benneit's crusty exterior to the caring and vulnerable man inside. He didn't expect how right it felt to be with Jo and the feeling of family it engendered. As the attraction between them grew, dreams and desires butted up against honor and intentions. I loved Benneit's scene with Tessa at the end as he makes the only decision possible for him. His big moment at the end was fantastic.

Besides the irrepressible Jamie, I also liked many of the other secondary characters. I loved the staff at the castle and their outspoken attitudes. Angus was fantastic with his often unsolicited advice and tendency to say, "I told you so." I laughed at Jo's maid Beth and her comments about Jo's ball gown. McCrieff came across as pretty unbending when it came to the various negotiations but surprised me at the end in the confrontation with Benneit and Tessa. I loved Tessa. She was sweet and loving and would have been perfect for Benneit if it hadn't been for Jo. I liked how she and Jo got along rather than having the whole "other woman" vibe going on. I had to laugh at her "banishment" because her appearance in the first book showed how that turned out.

There is only a brief mention of the mystery that began in the first book. There are more hints about the ongoing feud, including comments about Ewan and Marguerite, who are the subjects of the next book in the series. The empty crypt and a mention of the missing brooch also have a place and left me wanting to know more about what happened.

 

Mad for the Plaid - Karen Hawkins (Pocket - Sept 2016)

Series: Oxenburg Princes (Book 3)

Nikolai Romanovin, a royal prince of Oxenburg, has travelled to the deepest wilds of Scotland to rescue his grandmother the Grand Duchess, who was abducted while visiting an old friend in the Highlands. Wanting to avoid an international incident, Nik plans to quietly slip into enemy territory disguised as a groom at Castle Cromartie. But his plans go awry when he falls under the cool gray gaze of the laird's daughter.

Pragmatic and clever, Ailsa Mackenzie has been left in charge of the family estate and her unruly grandmother in her father's absence. Something about the new groom catches her eyes, and makes her think he's not who he pretends to be -- and even more shockingly, stirs her senses. Is it his obviously educated manners? His arrogant, non-servant-like presence? It's certainly not his towering, powerful form, or slumberous, inviting green eyes!

After confronting the imposter and learning the truth, Ailsa agrees to help Nik -- for she, too, understands difficult relatives and would do anything for family. Soon their secret partnership leads to growing respect, searing kisses, and then something far more perilous. And when their quest turns dangerous, Ailsa and Nik must discover this unknown enemy while facing the dangerous demands of their own unruly hearts.

This was a good conclusion to the series. In the previous books, Prince Nikolai has the reputation of a womanizer and someone more interested in pleasure than duty. Here we discover that there is more to the party prince than meets the eye.

The story opens as his grandmother, the irrepressible Tata Natasha, Grand Duchess of Oxenburg, has gone off to visit an old friend in Scotland. Unfortunately, she left behind a black "case" of her lotions and potions and has tasked the daughter of the house with writing to the prince to have him send it. The exchange of letters between Ailsa and Nikolai sets the stage of their preconceived ideas of each other. When the Duchess is kidnapped during her visit, Ailsa feels compelled to inform the prince, but also lets him know she has the matter in hand. She doesn't want him showing up and getting in her way.

The prince has no intention of leaving his beloved grandmother's rescue up to an unknown woman. He has other reasons for wanting to get away from London without anyone knowing he's gone, so he goes undercover as a groom. His arrival in Scotland arouses Ailsa's suspicions because it is obvious that he is not a servant. Their confrontation was hilarious as she played with him before calling him on his deception. After some more push and pull, and Ailsa's attempt to leave him behind, she and the prince eventually agree to work together to rescue the captives.

The sparks fly between Nik and Ailsa from the very start. He is equally intrigued and frustrated by Ailsa's independence and stubbornness. He is also wary, as his experiences with women have made him very cynical and unwilling to trust. Ailsa is irritated by Nik's arrogance, but can't deny her attraction to him, though she is determined not to give in to his seductive ways. After all, there's no chance of anything permanent between them. It was fun to watch these two together as their preconceived ideas were disproved as they learned more about each other. I especially enjoyed Nik's growing respect for Ailsa and her leadership style. He took a bit of a hit when she accused him of being spoiled, but earned some respect when he took her words to heart. And though their heads fought the feelings that grew between them, their hearts knew what they wanted. Unfortunately, there were a couple of obstacles in their way. Nik refused even to consider exposing Ailsa to life at court, believing that it would destroy who she is. Ailsa considers herself bound to her land, besides believing that she isn't good enough for him. Their relationship is further complicated by a boneheaded move on Nik's part when he makes some pretty terrible accusations against her. It takes some deviousness by Tata Natasha to bring them back together. The epilogue was a nice wrap-up.

The underlying mystery of the book is the kidnapping and rescue of Nik's grandmother and her companion. Ailsa and Nik butt heads over the proper way to deal with it, both of them stubbornly sticking to their own plans. Each of them had good points to make, and I wondered for a while if they were going to end up working against their best interests because they couldn't compromise. Matters were complicated by several attacks on their party, one of which seriously injured Nik and separated him and Ailsa from the rest of the group for a few days. The tension mounted as they came closer to where the captives were held. There were some interesting twists to the rescue, one of which I had begun to suspect but was still a shock. Nik and Ailsa's rescue came from an unexpected source, making for a very satisfactory resolution.

 

His Convenient Highland Wedding - Janice Preston (HH #1427 - Apr 2019)

Series: Lochmore Legacy (Book 1)

Bought by her husband…

Bound by secrets of their past!

The start of The Lochmore Legacy -- a Scottish castle through the ages! Earl's daughter Flora McCrieff brought shame on her family once, now she discovers she must wed impossibly rich but lowborn Lachlan McNeill. He's undeniably handsome, but a man of few words. Despite the attraction that burns between them, can she reach beyond his impeccable clothing to find the emotions he's locked away for so long?

Terrific start to the new series. I was hooked from the beginning and read the book in one sitting. It opened with a young Flora, frustrated by her father's attitude toward her, dealing with her frustration by exploring an area of her home that was expressly forbidden. She paid for that disobedience with the horrifying discovery of a skeleton hidden in the tower and was unable to talk about it for fear of the repercussions. Two things she brought away from the experience was a silver brooch found on the skeleton's clothing, and the need to find out more about it. There was a touch of the eerie in the emotions that Flora felt upon the discovery of the skeleton and again when contemplating the brooch.

Fast forward seven years. Flora was on the way to her wedding to a man she had never met, her father's attempt to repair the family fortunes. After the scandal she caused the previous year when she publicly refused to marry a duke, Flora was given no choice in this marriage. The guilt she felt overpowered her objections, and she desperately hoped that going through with the wedding would repair her relationship with her family.

Waiting for her at the altar was Lachlan O'Neill. Born in poverty, with tragedy and secrets in his past, Lachlan was now a very wealthy man. He had plans for his new whisky distillery and felt that marriage to the daughter of an earl would open doors to the upper echelons of society. Stunned by Flora's beauty and delicacy, he was suddenly filled with self-doubt.

The path to a happy future was not an easy one for Flora and Lachlan. While there was no doubt about the sparks of attraction that flew between them, both Flora and Lachlan suffered from crippling bouts of insecurity. Lachlan often felt like a bumbling, uncultured oaf around her, which caused him to withdraw into himself and hide behind his business. This caused Flora to believe that she was lacking in any number of ways, which fed her feelings of worthlessness. I ached for them on their wedding night, as what could have been the beginning of true intimacy was made awkward by the horrible advice Flora received from her mother and Lachlan's feelings of inadequacy. Away from the strictures of her father, Flora slowly began to assert herself. I loved seeing her face up to Lachlan and let him know what she needed. Afraid of doing the wrong things, Lachlan erred on the side of caution. I enjoyed his surprise and relief when Flora showed interest in his work.

Their first foray into society after their marriage did not go well. Flora's past transgressions were neither forgiven nor forgotten. Her inability to hold up her part of the bargain with Lachlan devastated her. I loved Lachlan's understanding and support when she confessed to the problem. This also gave Flora hope for the future of their marriage. The sparks of attraction continued to grow, but it seemed that every time they made progress, something would interrupt them. I ached for Flora as, time after time, Lachlan would leave her hurt and frustrated. I wanted to shake Lachlan for not telling her the truth behind those interruptions. An unexpected visit and some timely advice gave Flora the confidence to make some changes. I loved seeing Flora come into her own as her confidence grew. The dinner with her aunt and uncle was a prime example of what was possible with confidence and thinking outside the box. I especially enjoyed Flora's dedication to Lachlan's plans, and determination to be an asset. I enjoyed Lachlan's hint of jealousy, then his astonishment and approval of Flora's initiative.  

I was so frustrated with Lachlan's refusal to come clean with Flora about his past. His constant retreats added to Flora's unhappiness and fears until she finally stood up for herself and what she wanted from her marriage. That strength and confidence and persistence finally broke through Lachlan's walls. His confessions of all that he'd been through were heartbreaking and emotional, as was his fear of Flora's reaction. Her compassion and understanding were not what he expected, and I loved seeing the difference it made. He wasn't completely clear of his demons, however, and family-induced stubbornness nearly derailed his progress. Flora also made progress with her own family, her newfound strength giving her the confidence to face them all. The scene with her father was awesome. I loved the surprise she arranged for Lachlan for Hogmanay, and the follow-on epilogue was excellent.

One of the things I really enjoyed about this book was the look at the lifestyles of the period. Instead of just seeing the upper classes, a lot of time was spent on the social problems of the day. I especially liked how Lachlan's experiences influenced his actions as a business owner. Flora had been quite sheltered and the things she learned after her marriage were eye-opening. The change from typical earl's daughter to a supporter of social justice was a moving one. I liked the support and encouragement she received from both Lachlan and her aunt at the dinner in Glasgow.

The story of the silver brooch and skeleton that Flora found was an intriguing one. The brooch itself was important to Flora and she wore it often. It was interesting that it looked familiar to the Duchess of Lochmore, though she couldn't recall why. It was quite spooky to see Flora's reaction when she stumbled into one of the crypts at the Lochmore chapel. I am anxious to read the rest of the books in the series to get the rest of the story. This one is done a little differently. Instead of moving forward in time, this series will trace the Lochmore and McCrieff families into the past, going from the current Victorian age to the Regency, then the Tudor, and finally to the Medieval period.

 

Ever My Love - Lynn Kurland (Jove - Apr 2017)

Series: MacLeod (Book 10)

In search of a fresh start, Emma Baxter has traveled to Scotland to try to forget her rocky love life. Luckily, the gorgeous Highlander who owns the house up the path from her rental cottage might be exactly the kind of distraction she needs. But there's more to his intriguing qualities than she can explain -- although she certainly isn't buying into the local legends of Highland magic.

Nathaniel MacLeod is a man adrift, all thanks to the unwanted gift that forces him to continually jump between centuries. He never knows if he'll wind up in the present day or the fourteenth century, but when Emma follows him back through time, he suddenly has more to worry about than keeping his separate lives straight...

Someone has started to notice Nathaniel's travels and now, no time period is safe, for him or for Emma.

I loved the latest entry into the MacLeod series. Emma is an American looking for a fresh start after a bad break up. The trip to Scotland was just what she wanted for inspiration. Emma is a bit of a romantic, hence her visit to magical Scotland, but she is also a fairly practical woman. When she first arrived in the village she overheard conversations in the pub talking about the odd things that happen, comments about the local laird and his brother and who they really are, and a few other things that just make her roll her eyes. She also overheard some women discussing the local recluse, who is young, handsome, and extremely rich, and the best ways to hunt him down. All she wants is some peace and quiet and the opportunity to get her jewelry business restarted. Things took an unexpected turn for her when she witnessed what appeared to be a Medieval reenactment before the participants vanished into thin air.

Nat is a Scotsman whose life jumps from one crisis to the next. Our first sight of him was as he's dining in the pub and listening to the women who are hunting for him, feeling very much like Nessie. He has his very successful business as a venture capitalist that kept him extremely busy. Then there were the regular confrontations with his grandfather, who wanted something Nat has and won't give up trying to get it. But the thing that had him most in turmoil were the frequent trips to a century not his own. He had no idea why, and he never knew when the need would come. When one of these trips was inadvertently witnessed by Emma, his life became even more complicated.

I liked both Emma and Nat. They are both intelligent, easy to like, tenacious, and surprisingly optimistic considering their current lives. Each of them also has secrets and unexpected abilities. It was sweet to see the protective Nat jump right in when he saw the smoke pouring out of Emma's cottage. His brief glimpses of her before intrigued him but that gave him the chance to get to know her a little, and he liked what he learned. Emma's curiosity was just as intense, as she recognized him from that moment in the woods. Though interrupted by yet another call to the past, Fate threw them together the next day. Yet again, Nat's protectiveness kicked in as he offered his assistance. I loved their conversations, which were fun and riddled with teasing. Things took a turn for the weird during a sightseeing visit. I ached for Nat, who didn't know why he was so affected by what he saw. I loved how it was Emma's turn to take care of Nat. Her curiosity was stirred, also, which ultimately led her where she shouldn't go.

Two unexpected trips to the past, and two rescues by Nat, and it seemed that he and Emma were now inexplicably linked. Nat was determined to protect Emma and get to the bottom of why she was involved at all. Emma was not the type to sit back and wait for others to figure things out. It was fun to see them dance around the truth at first, neither one wanting to appear crazy, but needing to figure out what the other one knows. Once the truth was out there, they teamed up to search for answers. And what fun that search was. Their trip to Edinburgh had me in stitches at places. I love it when a MacLeod crosses paths with a de Piaget, and the conversation between Nat and Stephen had me laughing out loud. There were also darker moments, and the presence of a particular dagger in an armaments museum raised further questions.

For the past five years, Nat did everything possible to avoid encountering either Patrick or James MacLeod. But the deeper the mystery over his trips to the past became, the more he realized that he had to talk to them. Things that Nat suspected, but didn't want to admit, suddenly became very important. I thoroughly enjoyed the "discussion" between Nat and Patrick. It was also fun to reacquaint myself with Robbie the piper and his friends. Even Emma received some unexpected attention. The conversation with James was a bit more difficult, as were some of the things he recommended. It all led to Nat's decision to force the issue of keeping Emma safe, and an unexpected twist landed him in graver danger than he expected. What was grand to see was that this time it was Emma's coming to his rescue. She had some unexpected help, which also cleared up some questions from the beginning of the book. The ending still had a couple of twists, but they were great ones.

The development of the relationship between Nat and Emma was pretty sweet. The connection was there from the start. I loved Nat's protectiveness, not just regarding the time traveling issue, but also in the present day. His interactions with Emma's father and ex were great. Emma was also equally protective of him and not shy about doing something about it. The effects of what happened gave both Nat and Emma ample opportunity to show the caring sides of their personalities, and I loved how those moments strengthened their feelings for each other. It was a bit amusing to witness Nat's awkward declarations, as the timing is never the best. I liked the epilogue and seeing how things have settled out for Nat and Emma. I am curious to see if they appear in any future books and if there is any more traveling. I also suspect that we haven't seen the end of Nat's cousin Gerald and that there is something up with Nat's sister.

 

Stars in Your Eyes - Lynn Kurland (Jove - Nov 2015)

Series: de Piaget (Book 14)

Imogen Maxwell is on a hunt for rare, antique items to use on a period movie set. The last thing she expects to discover in the peaceful Scottish countryside is a pristine medieval sword...or to suddenly find herself facing its very vintage owner in a far too authentic castle.

Phillip de Piaget has run out of patience with his recalcitrant Scottish betrothed and is determined that she will join him, once and for all, in front of the altar. Only the lass he captures fleeing his would-be keep seems more interested in running away from him than talking to him. In fact, she seems to have no idea who he is.

But taming his reluctant bride is the least of his worries; it seems someone else wants him at the chapel...in a stone box. As for Imogen, how can he let her go, when she holds the key to not only the castle, but his heart?

Love, love, loved this book, but I nearly always do when I read a Lynn Kurland time travel/historical. Imogen's dream was to work in the movies. Not as an actress, but in the making of them. Her current job was to visit the UK in search of unique items for a period movie and acquire them for use. A chance encounter resulted in an invitation to a Scottish castle and the opportunity to investigate their possessions. Only it didn't turn out quite as she expected.

I liked Imogen a lot. She has a bit of an inferiority complex when it comes to her family, but she also had the backbone to go after her own dreams rather than fall in with their expectations. I didn't like them at all for the way that they treated her, especially her sister, though her brother went a long way toward redeeming himself at the end.

Phillip signed the contracts with Heather's father seven years earlier, supposedly gaining both a bride and a place to call his own until it was time to take over Artane. The problem was that all his attempts to gain entry to the keep and actually marry the wench have been spectacularly unsuccessful (and downright embarrassing). He was finally ready to put his foot down as he arrived at Haemesburgh, only to discover his fiancée missing, a strange woman dangling from the drawbridge, and the keep itself in disarray.

I also liked Phillip a lot, though there were a few times I wanted to shake him. He is honorable and chivalrous. As the oldest of Robin's sons, he would eventually inherit Artane, but in the meantime, he wanted a place and purpose of his own. He went about it in a logical and practical way. It was interesting to see his thought processes as he prepared to claim his bride. He had something of a soft spot for his younger relatives, who had no trouble talking their ways into going with him.

The story moved a tad slowly as Imogen and Phillip's separate stories were told but picked up immensely upon Imogen's arrival in the past. She was understandably confused, and it was amusing to see her interact with various people as she tried to figure out what was going on. She certainly didn't sit in a corner and weep and wail, and eventually, she could not deny what was blazingly obvious. That didn't stop her from having frequent conversations with herself over what was happening. Phillip's confusion was even greater. First, he had to deal with what was happening inside Haemesburgh. There were plenty of questions with no answers, including the matter of his missing sword. Then there was Imogen. He was drawn to her in unexpected ways, but she also unsettled him. Her speech was strange, but also familiar. For someone who came from the family he had, he was amazingly unprepared, thanks to deliberately avoiding thinking about or questioning things he had seen and heard over the years. It all came back to bite him when he took Imogen to visit his Uncle Jake (Dreams of Stardust). I ached a little for him then as he learned the truth, and was hurt and angry that he hadn't been trusted with it before, but he had brought it on himself by not pursuing answers earlier.

When Imogen decided to take matters into her own hands, the adventure continued. She returned to her own time, determined to find Phillip's sword and return it to him. Her arrival back was not without drama, with her family at the forefront of it. I was a little disappointed in the way she let them steamroller her, especially her sister. Phillip was close on her heels, though he took a different route. He received some unexpected help upon his arrival, and I had to laugh at his predicament. I thought he handled it all quite well, but I think that the support he received made a big difference. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his experiences.  Phillip and Imogen's reunion was well done, but not the end of the story. There were some interesting twists and turns to the search for the sword, and the resolution of the unexpected danger Phillip encountered. I found that I was not surprised by Phillip's opponent.

I liked the development of the relationship between Phillip and Imogen. They are drawn to each other from the beginning. Phillip's desire to protect Imogen was more than his usual chivalry, though it took him a while to realize his true feelings. Imogen was mesmerized by Phillip. She was also very adept at reading him, which enabled her to understand him very quickly. Imogen was also protective of him, which is what sent her off trying to find his sword herself. Though he was a bit of a jerk when he found out about where she was from, he overcame that pretty quickly. I liked seeing them spend some time together just talking and getting to know more about each other. I ached a bit for Imogen as she realized her feelings for Phillip. Because of her lack of confidence in herself, she believed that she wasn't good enough for him. Phillip warmed my heart with the way he overcame her fears.

I loved seeing various characters from previous books. It's always a pleasure to see Robin of Artane and see his unique ways of supporting his family. I especially enjoyed Phillip's reactions after finding out about the origins of some of his family members, like hearing modern English phrases spoken by his father. Both Stephen and Kendrick assisted Phillip and Imogen, and those scenes were pretty funny. My favorite two secondary characters were Sam and Theo. I truly hope that there will be stories for them in the future. The same for Rose and Jackson, who are an intriguing mix of old and new.

One of my favorite quotes came as Phillip and Imogen went to visit modern day Artane. Phillip commented on having to pay to visit his own home, whereupon Imogen said "Life's weird." followed by Phillip's "Damn skippy, 'tis." and Imogen "laughed, because there was nothing like modern mixed with really, really vintage."

 

The Wrong Highlander - Lynsay Sands (Avon - Jan 2019)

Series: Highlander Brides (Book 7)

Lady Evina Maclean has heard much about Rory Buchanan’s skill as a healer. What she hasn’t heard is how good the brawny Highlander looks bathing in a waterfall. But Evina can’t afford the distraction, for her ailing father urgently needs care. Only when she’s rendered Buchanan unconscious and dragged him back to her family’s castle does the truth emerge -- it’s not Rory she’s kidnapped but his brother Conran.

Other ladies try to ensnare Conran with flattery. Evina hits him over the head with the hilt of her sword to save her kin -- and Conran likes the spirited redhead all the more for it. He’s learned enough from his brother to heal Evina’s father, but there are other dangers swirling around the Maclean clan. And while the beautiful, independent lady has sworn not to marry, this wrong Highlander may be just the right man for her.

The saga of the Buchanans continues with the story of the middle brother Conran. Conran is the brother who hasn't yet found his niche in the family. He spent his time helping his various brothers with their activities, so he had a good working knowledge of many things, but he considered himself a master of none of them. As this story opened, Conran was helping Rory collect his "weeds" for his medicinals. When they finished, Rory left to see to a patient, and Conran stopped to wash off the sweat, bugs, and dust. He did not expect to be attacked by another naked man, and coshed on the head by a redheaded beauty.

Evina and her cousin rode long and hard to find famous healer Rory Buchanan and bring him back to her home to heal her father. When she saw the man with the saddlebags full of plants bathing under the waterfall, she wasted no time. Unfortunately, the encounter didn't go quite as she planned, and she had to render him unconscious to keep him from killing her cousin. Unwilling to wait until he regained his senses, Evi tied him naked to his horse and headed for home.

There was an undeniable connection between Evi and Conran, starting with that first encounter. Evi couldn't help but notice Conran's looks and build, which stirred up unexpected feelings in her. In the few seconds he saw her before she hit him, Conran was stunned by Evi's beauty. But the real fun began after they reached her home. Evi felt a bit of guilt over the circumstances but still justified in what she did. Conran wasn't really satisfied by her explanation but wasn't about to correct her mistake and possibly put his brother in danger. It was lucky that Conran had picked up enough knowledge from Rory that he could try to treat Evi's father. I loved watching the sparks fly between Conran and Evi as he agreed to help, but only on his own terms. Evi wasn't used to not getting her way, and she was not too happy about it. Sparks of another kind began to fly as Conran and Evi "fell" into a kiss that scorched them both, though some confusion had Conran pulling back. A bit of wily interference from Evi's father and the attraction they felt got a bit out of hand. I felt terrible for Conran, who received quite a shock, and for Evi, whose experience wasn't what she expected. The arrival of Conran's brothers, including Rory, provided an amusing back and forth that ended up with Conran and Evi looking at getting married. As Evi hadn't planned to marry at all, and her encounter with Conran only reinforced that plan, he had his work cut out to change her mind. I loved that he was determined to do so, rather than just force the issue, and his efforts were well done. I especially liked his patience and willingness to listen to her point of view. The time that they spent together reinforced how much Conran liked Evi and appreciated her strengths and abilities. I think it helped that she was so much like his sister Saidh (The Highlander Takes a Bride). I also liked how Evi grew to appreciate Conran's variety of abilities, including how he got along with everyone. Their feelings for each other deepened, though neither of them recognized them for love until danger opened their eyes. I liked their big moment at the end when they finally shared those feelings.

The Buchanan family tradition of heroines in danger continued in this book. While the first attack where Evi was injured could have been a random attack by bandits, the following attacks made it clear it was personal. Though usually a pretty laid back kind of guy, Conran became quite intense when it came to protecting Evi. I was very invested in figuring out who was behind the attacks, as the most logical was also the most unlikely. I had several likely suspects and was still surprised when the villain was revealed. The final confrontation was intense and had me glued to the pages until it was all over. I especially enjoyed seeing that Evi remained true to herself and had a big part in her own rescue. The resolution was quite satisfying and gave me the answer to a subject I had wondered about, regarding the eventual inheriting of Maclean lands.

I thoroughly enjoyed the secondary characters. Evi's father was quite the wily schemer. Once he was on the road to recovery, he took some of the things he had observed and ran with them. It was funny to see his conversation with all the Buchanans once the mistaken identity was cleared up. I also enjoyed seeing the previous couples again. The guys did a stellar job of teasing Conran and poking at him until he saw the truth of his feelings. It was also great fun to see how the women became friends so quickly. The similarities between Saidh and Evi were obvious. I also liked how the other ladies took to her right away too. It was funny to see Alick and Geordie's reaction of "The women are thinking. Ye ken there's always trouble when the women start in thinking." I also loved Evi's comment to Conran about what they talk about: "Well, what the devil do ye think we women talk about when ye men aren't around? The weather?" (You'll have to read it to see WHAT they talked about.)