Series: Clan Kendrick (Book 3)
Lady Sabrina Bell has never been so embarrassed in her
life. Not only did her new suitor fail to appear for their morning rendezvous
in Hyde Park, but a thief pushed her into the Serpentine. Being rescued by a
burly Highlander just adds to her humiliation. Nor is he content with rescuing
her just once. Even when Sabrina travels to Edinburgh as part of King George's
entourage, Graeme Kendrick is there, interfering, exasperating, and so very
tempting . . .
Once notorious for being the most unruly Kendrick
brother, Graeme now runs dangerous missions for the King's spymaster. Yet
nothing has prepared him for Sabrina. The only child of a wealthy earl, and the
pampered goddaughter of the king himself, she is stubborn, impetuous, and far
too good for him. He doesn't deserve her, but he can protect her and then send
her safely back home. But the bonny Sassenach has her own ideas -- and a plan
for seduction that no red-blooded Highlander could resist . . .
Very good romance between two very independent and
strong-willed characters. Graeme was well-known as a troublemaker when he was
younger, but has tried to put his wayward past behind him. Now he works as an
investigator for one of England's spymasters and has played a significant role
in bringing several wrongdoers to justice. When this book opens, Graeme is
working undercover to catch a gang of thieves preying on noble houses. The investigation
hasn't gone well, but he finally has one in his sights as he pursues the thief
through Hyde Park. But when the thief knocks a young woman into the water,
Graeme gives up his pursuit to fish her out.
Lady Sabrina is the only child of her overprotective
father. She rashly made plans to meet a gentleman in the park, but her plans
were rudely interrupted when she was shoved into the water. Furious and
embarrassed, she just wanted the Scotsman who rescued her to leave her alone.
I loved the first meeting between Graeme and Sabrina. He's
angry about losing his quarry and not especially pleasant to Sabrina because of
it. Sabrina is quite independent and would prefer to take care of her problem
herself, but Graeme won't hear of it. Their clash creates some sparks, but
Graeme has no time for distractions of the female variety. Unfortunately for
him, Sabrina pops up again in the middle of another pursuit, this time finding
herself in imminent danger. I felt bad for Graeme, who lost yet another chance
to apprehend the thief because of her. His frustration was evident and vocal.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between
Sabrina and Graeme. From London to Edinburgh, Graeme seemingly can't turn
around without stumbling over her. Sabrina is independent, stubborn, and
impetuous, which gets her into some tight spots, and it seems that Graeme is
always there to rescue her. Their clashes are intense, as Graeme is loud and
blunt in his disapproval of her actions. Sabrina is just as candid about her
intention to do things her way. And underneath the fiery words is a fire of a
different sort, as the attraction between them grows. Sabrina quickly realizes
that Graeme is the man she wants, and aided and abetted by his family, sets out
to convince him. Graeme's feelings for Sabrina are just as strong, but he feels
that the things he has done in the past make him unworthy of her. Sabrina has
her work cut out for her, but she is determined to show him that they belong
together. There are some interesting twists and turns to their journey, including
a marriage proposal that had me laughing out loud.
Graeme's work creates quite a few exciting situations for
the couple. I found it interesting that Graeme is supposed to be so good at
what he does, but in this book, nothing seems to go right for him. Some of it he
lays at Sabrina's door because she is in the wrong place at the wrong time,
usually because she doesn't listen to him. There are other times that he ends
up in trouble himself because he is distracted by thoughts of her. It was fun
to see Sabrina turn the tables and rescue him now and then.
I liked seeing the changes that both Graeme and Sabrina
underwent. Sabrina learns that she doesn't have to have all the answers or do
everything herself. With the help of Graeme and his family, she learns that it
is okay to ask for and accept help. I loved her determination to fix the
problems at her father's Scottish property. Graeme has spent so long believing
that he was the black sheep of his family that it took a concerted effort from
Sabrina and his brothers to get him to let go of his guilt. Once he finally
believed, the change in him was fantastic.
I enjoyed seeing more of the Kendrick family. The married
brothers and their wives play significant parts in getting Graeme and Sabrina
together. Their matchmaking efforts were obvious but effective. Their
grandfather, Angus, is still outspoken, interfering, and incorrigible. There
were some hilarious scenes with him during the king's visit to Edinburgh.
Graeme's twin brother, Grant, made a few appearances, also. I got the feeling
that something is going on with him, and hope that his story is up next.
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