Forbidden to the Highland Laird - Sarah Mallory (HH #1544 - Dec 2020)

Series: Lairds of Ardvarrick (Book 1)

A Scottish beauty

Lures the Laird to sin!

Exchanging elegant society balls for clan wars, Logan Rathmore has returned to Scotland as the new Laird of Ardvarrick. Peace is within grasp when he meets musician Ailsa McInnis from a rival clan. Her stubborn pride and innocence fascinate him -- but with her now under his protection, he must do nothing to abuse her trust. The fragile peace is dependent on his being able to resist the forbidden temptation she presents…

Good book. The story begins a few years after the first Jacobite Rebellion, and interactions between the English and the Scots remain a bit tense. Logan Rathmore arrives at Ardvarrick to take up his duties as Laird after his father's unexpected death. Until he was sixteen, Logan lived in Scotland but was then sent off to England to his mother's family to finish his education. He hasn't been back in the ten years since then. Now he must refamiliarize himself with his homeland. Two weeks later, Logan's off to visit his nearest neighbor, Fingal Contullach, the rival clan's laird. On the way, he encounters Ailsa, the castle harpist, who instantly fascinates him.

Ailsa is Fingal's niece and follows in her mother's footsteps as the castle harpist. Though a family member, Ailsa is frequently ignored unless playing, and even then feels more like part of the background. She is wary when she meets Logan, having been warned against men, but she's also intrigued.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Logan and Ailsa. It is a slow burn, as they see each other rarely over the first few months. Logan received a stern warning from Fingal that Ailsa was off-limits, but that didn't stop his fascination with her. There is a beautiful scene at Contullach where, sensing her loneliness, Logan shares his love of poetry with her. But the feelings he stirs in her frighten Ailsa, as she's been told all her life that letting a man into her life would end her ability to make music. However, when she overhears a plot that would break the tentative peace between their clans, she is determined to warn him. Once again, a short time together allows them to get to know each other a little more, but it isn't enough. Logan fights hard against his attraction, well aware of what is at stake, but there's no doubt that she's taken hold of his heart.

There are obstacles ahead before Logan and Ailsa can reach their happy ending. A selfish, vindictive man has them both in his sights. I loved Ailsa's fight and initiative and Logan's pride in her when he found her. But even when Logan claims her for his own, Ailsa has issues that keep her from believing that Logan truly wants her. She worries about being up to the task of Lady of Ardvarrick even though Logan shows her how she's valued and appreciated. The one thing he can't do is get past her assertion that her music is gone forever. Her family spent years grooming her to believe in a curse, and nothing he says will convince her otherwise. I ached for Ailsa and her unhappiness and hoped that eventually, his words would have some effect. Nearly losing Logan in another attack forces Ailsa to face those demons in a last-ditch effort to save him. I loved the culmination of that confrontation and the emotion that spilled from the pages as she finally believed. The epilogue was terrific, and I can't wait for the next book.

I loved how Scotland and its history was almost another character in the book. I liked the peeks into their daily lives, from the weeks spent at the shirling cottage to the looks at the differences between life at Contullach and Ardvarrick. Watching Logan return to his Scottish roots was terrific. The landscape was not forgotten either. The descriptions of Ailsa's practice glen, the land over which they traveled, and even the homes themselves made me feel as if I was there.

Christmas Under the Northern Lights - Annie O'Neil (HMED #1143 - Dec 2020)

One Christmas on a Scottish island…

A lifetime together?

After her fiancé's shocking betrayal, district nurse Audrey Walsh hopes to escape Christmas on remote Bourtree Island! Instead, she's met by a gorgeous man in a Santa suit -- Dr. Cooper MacAskill! They're stuck working -- and living -- together till New Year, both with their demons to face. Except their inconvenient attraction and the warmth of this island community offer them healing and happiness -- if they have the courage to take it!

This was a heartwarming small-town (island) holiday romance between two people running from their pasts. A few days after finding her fiancé getting merry with an elf, Audrey heads for Bourtree Island as a temporary District Nurse. Her Christmas spirit in tatters, Audrey hopes to escape the holiday altogether. That doesn't look likely when she's met by Dr. Cooper MacAskill - in a Santa suit! Cooper is an ER doctor in Glasgow but returned to Bourtree Island to bury his grandmother. He struggles with his guilty feelings over his infrequent visits and not being there when she died, as well as his bitter memories from his childhood on the island.

I liked the slow burn development of the relationship between Audrey and Coop. Thanks to Audrey's anti-Christmas feelings and Coop's struggle to gain some holiday spirit, they didn't get off to the easiest start. There are also their upended expectations. Audrey thought the doctor would be an older man (like the one about to retire), while Coop expected a more matronly woman, like the island's regular nurse. Neither expected a good-looking counterpart and the accompanying sparks of attraction.

Audrey hits the ground running as Cooper takes her on her first patient visits within moments of arriving. I loved seeing them quickly settle into a professional rhythm of teamwork and mutual respect. That teamwork gets an extra boost when burst pipes at her temporary lodging send Audrey to stay at Coop's house for the duration. As they work together tending to the islanders' needs, Coop's obvious respect for Audrey's abilities goes a long way toward rebuilding the confidence that her ex had destroyed. At the same time, Audrey helps Coop move past the guilt.

I liked how they grew closer as Coop and Audrey shared the pain of their pasts and their concerns for the future. It doesn't take too long before their simmering attraction bubbles over. Neither one knows where it will lead, but they'll take the "happy for now." Both understand that the time for decisions is rapidly approaching and have some serious soul-searching to do. Their insecurities return as each believes that the other doesn't return their feelings, affecting their decision-making. I seriously wanted to shake them both and tell them to talk to each other. I loved Coop's "aha" moment and his determination to do something about it. The pub scene was fantastic, and the follow-on down the road a couple of years was great.

I loved the setting of a small island, where everyone knew everyone else. Because of Cooper's familiarity with the people and their circumstances, he treated his patients with more than just medications. He also had to reconcile his childhood memories with their adult counterparts and accept the changes. I enjoyed getting to know some of the islanders/patients and how their issues affected both Cooper and Audrey.

Tempted by Her Viking Enemy - Terri Brisbin (HH #1537 - Nov 2020)

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 5)

"What do I get if I help you?"

"Whatever I have to give…"

The only person who can help Katla flee a violent marriage is the Viking in her father's dungeon, the strong and honorable Brandt Sigurdsson. Except Brandt is hungry to see justice done for his family's destruction, the final vengeance on behalf of all the sons of Sigurd. Is there any persuasion she can offer that will free them both to live -- and love -- together?

This was a fantastic conclusion to the series. All five sons of Sigurd swore to avenge their father's death in a treacherous attack on their home. Each book follows the journey of one son in his search for the truth. Each of those sons finds love as well as moving closer to the truth. This is the story of Brandt, the oldest son and heir, who also lost his wife and unborn son on that terrible day. All of the clues the brothers gathered point to Thorfinn Bjornsson, the man who married their mother's sister.

Brandt shows up at Castle Wik and immediately challenges Thorfinn. Brandt is seriously injured, but his life is spared, ostensibly so he can face a trial before the king. Thorfinn charges his daughter, Katla, with nursing Brandt back to health. Katla and Brandt are wary of each other initially, despite or because of the sparks that flare between them. Katla had been married to an abusive man and was frequently beaten by her father, so Brandt makes her very nervous. Brandt is suspicious of Katla, wondering if she spied on him for her father.

I liked both Brandt and Katla. Brandt is an honorable man who was devastated by the deaths of his loved ones. He never expected to survive his confrontation with Thorfinn and isn't happy about it at first. As he slowly recovers from his injuries, he develops a great respect for Katla. Katla works hard to save Brandt and realizes that she has come to trust him. I was impressed by Katla's bravery as she visited him late at night, knowing that some would not be pleased. As the days passed, she and Brandt formed a solid friendship. Neither expected the sparks of attraction that flared between them, nor the deeper feelings that followed. Brandt never thought he'd have feelings for another woman until he met Katla, while Katla never thought she'd welcome a man's touch.

When Katla's father betroths her to a man she is terrified of, she begs Brandt to help her escape. He wants to protect her, but how can he leave without carrying out his plans to avenge his father? As he and Katla plan their escape, they also put their minds to discovering the truth behind his father's death. Some things that Brandt has learned do not make sense, leaving him with more questions. Katla has also experienced some unsettling revelations. When they combine what they know, they come to a startling conclusion. The ending was intense, as Katla provides the last piece of the puzzle that explains it all. There are some nail-biting moments as Brandt finally takes his revenge.

I loved the epilogue and how it brought the series full circle. There is an update on the brothers' quest for justice. We get to see all five brothers together again, this time with the women who changed their lives. I loved the scene around their father's grave and the depth of emotion displayed.

Redeeming Her Viking Warrior - Jenni Fletcher (HH #1527 - Sept 2020)

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 4)

He's sworn celibacy…

Until he gets vengeance!

Danr Sigurdsson is indebted to the captivating, mysterious healer living alone in the wilderness who carefully tends his wounds. Consumed with anguish over the massacre that killed his family, Danr has sworn not to touch another woman until he finds those responsible. So resisting Sissa should be easy, but as they search for the truth, fighting their mutual attraction becomes the hardest battle…

Terrific continuation of the series. It can be read alone, but it is better if you know the full background. In the previous book, the brothers discovered something that leads them to believe that their father's wife may be responsible for his death. Danr volunteers to find Hilda and confront her. Not known for his patience, Danr's initial attempt at interrogation ends with him wounded and on the run. He is found, near death, by a mysterious woman who heals him.

I was pulled into this story from the very first pages. Danr is the brother known for his ability and willingness to charm the ladies. On the day of the massacre, he was lured away from the wedding by a woman and knew nothing of the attack until it was too late. Distraught and guilt-ridden over his failure to protect the family, Danr swore that he would not touch another woman until he found who was responsible and earned his brothers' forgiveness.

Sissa's village was destroyed five years earlier in a raid. She barely escaped with her life and was taken in by a reclusive healer. The woman trained Sissa before her own death, and for the past three years, she has been on her own. Wary of people, Sissa developed her mysterious persona as a way to protect herself. She is especially wary of the injured warrior she finds in the forest.

I loved the description of the first encounters between Danr and Sissa. He fears at first that she's an apparition, while she isn't sure it's safe to go near him. Sissa can't leave him hurting and sets about healing him. Even in his weakened state, Danr can't help being drawn to her despite his vow of celibacy. As soon as he is on the road to recovery, Sissa disappears. She is dismayed by her reaction to him and wants him gone. Fate does not cooperate, however, as Danr finds his way to her home, determined to repay her for his care. This scene is hilarious as the silent Sissa faces a Danr who talks and talks and talks until he talks his way into staying.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Danr and Sissa. Both start with suppressed feelings - Danr because of his vow, and Sissa because of her fear of loss. Sissa's walls are so thick, and she is so stubborn that it is hard to believe she will let him in. Danr is unexpectedly domesticated, and it is his kindness, cooking ability, and way with a good story that begin to break down those walls. I loved watching them grow closer as each reveals more of their history. Simmering under the blooming friendship is attraction. Danr does his best to bury his, determined to stick to his oath, but he can't help thinking what it would be like to have Sissa in his life. Sissa feels the sparks also, but in her innocence, it takes a while for her to recognize the feelings he stirs in her. I ached for them both as Sissa's fears push Danr away. A bit of unexpected danger brings them back together, and advice from an unlikely source helps them through the last obstacles. There is still a bit of excitement due to misunderstandings, but the ending is terrific.

The overarching series story of the search for those responsible for the massacre moves ahead in this book. Danr's first confrontation with Hilda doesn't go as planned, and he is left stewing while he heals. Eventually, he shares the story with Sissa, who has some theories of her own. Sissa's acting on those theories created some personal drama for them that led to some unexpected danger. I loved the scene in the village as Sissa and Hilda joined forces and the further revelations that ensued. It was a great lead-in to Brandt's story, and I can't wait to see how it ends.

A Forbidden Liaison with Miss Grant - Marguerite Kaye (HH #1525 - Sept 2020)

An unexpected encounter 

Will change everything!

Self-made gentleman and widower Grayson Maddox has devoted himself to his children and business, leaving no time for pleasure. Until he has an impulsive, thrillingly sensual encounter with lady's companion Miss Constance Grant! Their passion gives Grayson hope of a happiness he never thought he'd feel again. But there's still much in both their pasts to confront before they can turn their forbidden liaison into a new beginning…

Good book. There were two things about this book that made it unusual in the historical romance genre. First, the couple is older, with Constance being forty years old and never married, and Grayson being forty-three. I love having a couple with some life experience. Second, neither of them is part of the aristocracy. Grayson is a self-made man, a successful shipbuilder. Constance is a teacher who has turned to writing political essays.

The story opens as Constance witnesses the cruelty of the Highland Clearances. The pain of seeing the village go up in flames is magnified by knowing that her former fiancé is the one enforcing them. The tragedy is compounded when her father suffers a heart attack and dies as they watch it happen. Constance packs up and goes to Edinburgh to live with a family friend. Six years later, she has made a life for herself penning articles about the Clearances and their effects, hoping to open peoples' eyes to what is happening. Unfortunately, most people don't seem to care. There is more excitement over the impending visit of the King.

Grayson arrived in Edinburgh from Glasgow looking for accommodations for his family during the King's upcoming visit. His teen children want to see the King and participate in the festivities. Grayson is a widower whose children are the most important things in his life, with his business coming in a close second. He is also caught in a quandary because his late wife's parents, who never approved of him, keep trying to get the kids to live with them. They are aristocracy and believe that they can offer a better life than he can.

I loved the first meeting between Constance and Grayson. Constance went for a walk to clear her mind and consider the fact that her quest for justice appears to be fruitless. Her ruminations are interrupted by Grayson, who had also gone walking. They immediately connect, two people who don't realize that they are lonely until they meet someone that calls to them. Underneath the easy conversation, there is also a simmering attraction that they choose to accept and act on. Both agree that it will last only as long as Grayson's stay.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between Constance and Grayson develop. Though the passion they experience is strong, so too is the connection they share. I liked seeing them spend time together, able to talk about almost anything. The more time they spend together, the deeper the bond grows, but neither believes anything can come of it. Grayson is fixated on his responsibility to his children and doesn't think adding another person is a good idea. Constance gave up on marriage long ago and believes that her work for justice is more important. Both have moments when they fear their growing closeness and try to pull back, but the attempts at distancing never last. Each of them also hides a secret. Grayson hasn't told Constance the identities of his in-laws, nor has Constance shared her writing life with Grayson. I ached for them when the time came for them to part. Both agreed seeing each other again would be a bad idea.

However, like before, their vows to stay away from each other don't last. Both were miserable when they were apart, but still don't see a way to be together. The time apart has brought about some changes. Grayson's point-of-view of his in-laws has undergone a shift, thanks to his conversations with Constance. Meanwhile, Constance has a new plan for her future. It was painful to see how much Grayson and Constance loved each other, and their steadfast refusal to believe in a future together. There were some interesting scenes during the King's visit that seemed to be Fate pushing these two stubborn people together. I loved the scene where Grayson saw the light. His speech to Constance was fantastic, romantic and emotional, and yet practical too. The epilogue was excellent, and I loved seeing the changes over the year.

I loved the attention to historical detail. The Clearances and the hardships suffered by the Highlanders were vividly described and heartbreaking. I also enjoyed the vision created of the King's visit to Edinburgh. I could easily picture the crowds and the events. I laughed at Shona's description of the Drawing Room. It was interesting to see how  Sir Walter Scott influenced the pageantry and attitudes.

Conveniently Wed to the Viking - Michelle Styles (HH #1515 - July 2020)

 

Series: Sons of Sigurd (Book 3)

Strangers on the run

Now they must wed!

Sandulf, youngest of the famed Sigurdsson brothers, is on the trail of the assassin who murdered his family. On his way, he meets Scottish runaway Lady Ceanna, a prickly, wary woman trying to escape a forced marriage. Her beauty and courage make Sandulf realize there may be more at stake than his revenge… As the threat of her family follows them, there's only one way to keep her safe -- marriage!

Another fantastic entry in the Sons of Sigurd series. This one features the youngest son, Sandulf. As in the previous books, the story opens on Alarr's wedding day and the attack that decimated their family. The oldest brother, Brandt, tasked Sandulf with watching over his pregnant wife, Ingrid. Sandulf does his best but is no match for the assassins who attack. He is devastated by his failure, a feeling that is compounded by Brandt's harsh words on his return. Sandulf is sent away to Constantinople to protect him from Brandt's anger.

As the youngest, Sandulf idolized his older brothers and followed them around when he was younger. As he got older, he trained hard so that he could join them. But he is also still young and headstrong and tends to rush in without thinking things through. This creates quite a bit of strain between him and his brothers, who do not let him forget the problems he causes. He looked on his protection of Ingrid as a way to prove himself. As he leaves his home and family, he swears to find the man who killed Ingrid and make him pay.

Several years later, a matured and changed Sandulf has tracked the assassin Lugh to Scotland. In a village in Scotland, where Northmen are not exactly welcomed, he waits for the guide he hired to take him on the next leg of his journey. A chance encounter with Lady Ceanna provides him with another key to his pursuit of the assassin Lugh.

Ceanna is desperately trying to escape a forced marriage. Her new stepmother is determined to marry her off to the captain of the guard, who is also her lover. Ceanna's father is fading fast, and Ceanna is his only heir. Marrying Ceanna to her henchman would cement the stepmother's power. Ceanna is sure that if she can get to her aunt, an abbess in a nearby city, she would be safe. She plans to become a nun, putting her home under the Church's protection. Unfortunately, the guide she hired left without her, leaving Ceanna stranded.

Sparks flew between Sandulf and Ceanna from the moment they met. Ceanna is wary of Sandulf, unwilling to trust a stranger in her escape. Sandulf immediately senses that Ceanna is his ticket to the monastery where his quarry is rumored to be. I loved their back-and-forth in the tavern as she refuses his attempt to join her on her journey. Sandulf's instincts are good that she's in trouble, and he prevents one attempt to stop her before she even gets started. Ceanna is a determined and intelligent woman and sets out on her own, unaware that Sandulf follows her. She is none too pleased when he reveals himself but eventually sees the sense in joining forces with him. This was none too soon, as they soon caught up with the guide's party, which has been attacked. The guide is injured, and the rest of the party is dead, including a woman dressed in Cearra's clothing.

This began a journey full of ups and downs. Ceanna knows the way to the monastery, but the trip is not an easy one. Added to the strains of the trip is the attraction that grows between Ceanna and Sandulf. Both try to resist because of Ceanna's stated goal of becoming a nun, but it is not easy. There are some amusing moments as each one holds mental arguments with themselves over those feelings. Sandulf is very protective of Ceanna, determined that he won't fail to keep her safe. Their arrival at the monastery doesn't go quite as planned, and with becoming a nun out of the picture, the only way to keep Cearra safe is for Sandulf to marry her himself!

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sandulf and Cearra. It was fun to see Sandulf's reactions to Cearra's practicality and lack of squeamishness. She is nothing like the women he is used to, and it only adds to her appeal. He also finds her beautiful, and can't understand why she doesn't realize it. Cearra quickly comes to trust Sandulf, but that doesn't stop her from standing up to him when she thinks he is wrong. Once they are married, their feelings for each other grow more potent, but neither feels worthy of the other. I ached for them both until they realized that they belonged together. I loved the scene at the end where Sandulf was finally able to lay his quest to rest and confess his love to Ceanna.

The pursuit of the assassin was full of twists and turns, and complicated by the trouble that stalked Ceanna. Their arrival and conversation with Cearra's aunt did not go as Cearra hoped. I did not like the aunt and her attitude toward both Cearra and Sandulf, especially at first. I loved Cearra's persistence in pursuing the truth. I didn't feel terribly sorry for the abbess as she was forced to face the truth. I was glued to the pages as Cearra and Sandulf returned to her home, found she was believed to be dead, and that an unexpected suspect was believed to be the murderer. I was on the edge of my seat as they carried out their plan to rescue the suspect and confront the stepmother and assassin. The confrontation was exciting and intense.

There are still some questions that remain in the search for the truth behind the attack and murder of Sigurd. The quest continues with the next brother, Danr, who is on the way to confront their mother.

 

 

The Highlander's English Bride - Vanessa Kelly (Zebra - May 2020)

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.

Hunting for a Highlander - Lynsay Sands (Avon - Jan 2020)

Series: Highlander Brides (Book 8)

Lady Dwyn Innes feels utterly out of place among the eligible women who've descended on Buchanan Keep, vying for the attention of the last unmarried brothers. She isn't long-legged and slender like her sisters, or flirtatious and wily like other lasses. Since her betrothed died, Dwyn has resigned herself to becoming an old maid. Yet a chance encounter with a stranger in the orchard awakens her to a new world of sensation and possibility...

After weeks away, Geordie Buchanan returns to find his home swarming with potential brides, thanks to his loving but interfering family. But one lass in particular draws his attention from the moment he spies her climbing a tree. Lady Dwyn is not nearly as plain as she thinks. Her lush figure and eager kisses delight him, as does her honesty. But the real test lies ahead: eliminating a hidden enemy, so that he and Dwyn can seal their Highland passion with a vow.

Fun book. With four of the seven Buchanan brothers married off, their sister and sister-in-law feel that it's time Geordie, Rory, and Alick, also settle down. To aid in this endeavor, they invite a selection of unmarried women to visit, hoping to tempt the men into matrimony.

Geordie was away for several months, helping various members of his family settle into their new homes. He returned late one night to discover his home stuffed with people, so he slept in the orchard. He awoke the next morning to the sounds of several women making horse noises and the sight of another woman climbing a tree.

Dwyn is one of the women invited to Buchanan Keep, but she holds out no hope to attract one of the men. She is neither thin nor beautiful, a fact that several of the other women do not hesitate to remind her. Tired of their constant tormenting, Dwyn escapes to the orchard and climbs a tree, knowing her pursuers wouldn't think to look up.

I loved the first meeting between Geordie and Dwyn. Geordie's protective instincts are aroused when he sees Dwyn climb the tree and thinks she won't be able to get down. Dwyn is startled to have a strange man suddenly appear in her tree and isn't quite sure how to deal with him at first. Her embarrassment is compounded by the fact that the dress her sisters altered cause her bosom to escape its confines. I loved how quickly Geordie and Dwyn became comfortable with each other. Geordie got an earful of why the keep was so crowded, giving him advance warning of what to expect when he finally goes inside. He is intrigued by Dwyn's straightforward attitude and very attracted to her lush figure. He also has no intention of marrying any time soon, feeling that he still has wild oats to sow. Dwyn is upfront in her opinion of her attributes and chances and her frustration with the position she is in. She is stunned when Geordie suddenly kisses her and can't help responding. She's equally stunned when he suddenly stops, drops from the tree, and disappears.

Thus begins an unusual courtship. Though Geordie insists to his brothers that he is not ready to marry, he also inadvertently gives away that he has already met Dwyn and is attracted to her. It was fun to watch his uncle pay attention to Dwyn solely to stir up Geordie's jealousy and make him realize that he wants Dwyn for himself. When Dwyn is injured after being the subject of his attention, Geordie makes it his mission to care for her. I loved seeing them get to know each other. It's clear that Geordie is falling hard for Dwyn, though he resists admitting his feelings to himself. Dwyn is oblivious to Geordie's feelings, believing that he's just being nice. When Geordie finally realizes that he wants Dwyn as his wife, he wastes no time in going to her father. I had to laugh at the meeting with her father and his brother and his impatience to get the marriage accomplished.

It quickly becomes apparent that someone doesn't want the marriage to take place. Geordie is determined to do whatever he must to keep Dwyn safe. But there is another enemy who is bent on revenge against Dwyn. He wants her family's land and didn't take kindly to her refusal of his advances. The story gets intense very quickly when Geordie is injured foiling one kidnapping attempt. When a second attempt is successful, Dwyn must rely on her own wits to stay alive until Geordie can come to her rescue. I was glued to the pages as Dwyn faced off against her enemy, and Geordie rallied his family. I loved the final confrontation and seeing the bad guy get what was coming to him. It was intense, but with a few lighter moments popping up.

We are now down to two brothers left unmarried. Will it be Rory or Alick who falls next? I can't wait to find out.

Catch Me If You Can - Donna Kauffman (Kensington/Zebra - Dec 2019)

Series: Morgan Brothers/Men of Rogues Hollow (Book 3)

IF IT’S TUESDAY, THIS MUST BE SCOTLAND

All Tag Morgan wants to do is help settle his father’s estate so he can get back to properly cataloguing his Mayan ruins. So he’s caught quite off guard to discover that:

A) His father had holdings in Scotland 

B) The property now belongs to Tag

 Leafing through his father’s correspondence with the property’s overseer, one Maura Sinclair, yields even more surprises. His father’s letters reveal a warmer, kinder man—nothing like the harsh, cold disciplinarian Tag remembers. Surely it has to do with Maura, whose writing is filled with a dry wit and an infectious charm that keeps Tag reading all night. By the time the sun rises, Tag knows he’s going to Scotland to find this woman who has so thoroughly captivated him . . .

Good book. Tag Morgan is an anthropologist who studies Mayan ruins, as far from his abusive father and life in Rogues Hollow as he could get. As the oldest of four brothers, it falls to Tag to settle his father's estate when the man dies. He is surprised to discover that his father owned property in Scotland and puzzled over the letters his father exchanged with the castle's caretaker, Maura Sinclair. Fascinated by the wit and charm of the letters and unexpectedly drawn to the writer, Tag heads for Scotland. He doesn't expect to wreck his car in a blizzard on the way to the property.

Maura is the last of her line of Sinclairs. The care and keeping of the castle and its people have fallen on her shoulders. Desperate to keep the property from crumbling into ruin, she reached out to Tag's father as an investor. With his death, the monthly payments have stopped. In the culmination of a horrible day that started with finding her boyfriend in bed with her best friend and continued with the denial of a loan she needed for the property, Maura found herself stranded in a blizzard.

I loved the first meeting between Maura and Tag. The chemistry was incendiary, and the connection was immediate. I enjoyed their innuendo-filled banter as the sparks between them grew hotter. After a steamy night together, Tag is stunned to discover that Maura is the woman behind the letters. After some initial misunderstandings are resolved, Tag and Maura realize that there is more between them than just physical attraction. I liked seeing how Maura's love of the land and her history rubbed off on Tag. She had a big part in helping him get past the resentment of his father that kept him from embracing his own interest in his ancestry. At the same time, Tag's attention showed Maura that she'd been settling for less than she deserved in her previous romantic relationships. The question became one of whether Tag's issues with his father would send him back to the Mayans. I liked seeing the changes in Tag as the Morgan/Sinclair/Ramsey history burrowed into his heart and mind. I loved his solution of the way to combine his passion with Maura's, making it possible for them to have the future they both wanted.