Christmas Miracle at the Castle - Alison Roberts (HMED #1215 - Dec 2021)

A Christmas angel…
…to transform his world!
 
For GP Euan McKendry, Christmas is not the most wonderful time of the year -- it conjures up too many painful memories. But his home, Ravenswood Castle, is hosting its annual Christmas camp for sick children…and when perky pediatrician Abby Hawkins arrives to help, Euan knows he's in trouble. Not only does Abby adore the festive season, but she sees beyond Euan's impenetrable facade: to a man in need of a miracle!
 
Good book. Ravenswood Castle hosts an annual Christmas camp for sick children and their families every year. The children are sick enough to need medical staff on-site during the festivities. I loved the northern Scotland setting, the determination to give the children the best holiday possible, and the romance that blossomed between two very different people.
 
New Zealander and pediatric cardiology doctor Abby signed on to be one of the castle's doctors. She just finished specialized training in London, and the chance to experience her first white Christmas is too much to resist. Add in her over-the-top love of the holiday season, and she can't see a downside at all. After a brief stop at the local drugstore to replace some toiletries and be enchanted by a fun headband with an elf on it, she's off to the castle. Even her conversation with the grouchy but sexy man in the line doesn't dim her enthusiasm.
 
Meanwhile, Dr. Euan McKendry dreads the same event. This is the twenty-fifth year his grandmother has hosted it, and it could be her last. Euan's memories of Christmas are haunted by the death of his little sister, resurrected every year by seeing so many sick children. But he can't deny his grandmother's need to have him there. His mood isn't helped by the overexuberant and beautiful young woman he meets at the apothecary, ridiculous elf hat included. After going off about his dislike of the holiday season, he leaves.
 
Euan and Abby each got quite a shock when she arrived at the castle, as neither expected to see the other again. When he opened the door and realized who she was, Euan knew he was in trouble. After years of keeping his emotions under control, he senses that Abby could be the one to break down the walls he erected. Meanwhile, Abby is determined to do precisely that. She set a goal of making him smile as many times as possible. As much as it pains Euan to see these sick children, it impressed me that he never let on the effect they had on him.
 
The relationship that developed between Euan and Abby happened very quickly. A big part of it was working together to help the children. In previous years, Euan avoided participating in the holiday activities, preferring to keep his distance. This year he couldn't stay away from Abby, who took part in everything. Her enthusiasm gradually chipped away at his reserve. The late inclusion of a brother and sister to the camp pulled especially hard on Euan's heartstrings, as they reminded him of his sister and himself. I loved seeing Abby provide support when the memories became especially difficult. When a crisis occurred involving the two children, Abby knew what she had to do, but Euan disapproved. I ached for them both as they exchanged harsh words and parted angrily. I wasn't sure how it would turn out until a heartwarming scene in a stable brought the two together. Euan's confession to Abby was incredibly emotional and opened up the possibility of a future together. I also loved the good news for Liam and Lucy and the realistic look at the future.
 
I loved Euan's grandmother, Maggie, and her huge and loving heart. Despite the tragedies she endured, she lived to create wonderful Christmases for these children and their families. The descriptions were so vivid and detailed I could practically hear the children and feel the snow. I loved how the children had the opportunity to feel "normal" with sleigh rides, snowman building, and writing letters to Santa. Out of many fun scenes, my favorite was the one with the chainsaw.

Once a Laird - Mary Jo Putney (Zebra - Nov 2021)

Series: Rogues Redeemed (Book 6)

After the death of his fiancée, Kai Ramsay left Scotland to roam distant lands. He has searched ancient ruins, collected priceless antiquities, and escaped certain death after being imprisoned as a spy during the Napoleonic War. Ramsay has lived on the edge of danger for years—but everything changes the day a letter arrives for him from Scotland . . .
 
Signy Matheson has dedicated her life to the people of Scotland's remote Thorsay Islands. With a fiery spirit and agile mind, she is a faithful ally to the aging laird. But now their leader is near death, and Signy must summon his successor at once. It's time for Kai Ramsay to come home . . .
 
When Ramsay returns to Thorsay, he's shocked to find that Signy has blossomed into an alluring beauty, and a force to be reckoned with. Their complicated past interferes with their unspoken desire as they work together for their people. Until a wild storm sparks first passion, then unexpected danger when a treasure trove left by their ancestors comes to light . . .
 
Terrific conclusion to the Rogues Redeemed series. From the time he was a child, Ramsay's fascination with the past infused him with a desire to travel. Though the heir to the Laird of Thorsay, after the death of his fiancée Ramsay left Scotland to roam the world, promising to return when necessary. During his travels, he barely escaped death as a spy in Portugal (where he met the other Rogues), explored ancient ruins, and served his government in unnamed ways in Constantinople. It was there that a letter from Thorsay finally caught up with him and summoned him home. Though sad to leave Constantinople, he knew it was time and hoped to reach home before his grandfather died.
 
Ramsay's arrival home gets off to a rough start when he is confronted by Signy, his late fiancée's younger sister. Signy harbored some deep anger toward Ramsay, but they worked through it quickly. Signy spent the last several years serving as the old laird's assistant, devoting herself to the health and welfare of the island's people. Intelligent, compassionate, and a gifted artist, Signy can't wait to turn her duties over to Ramsay and start living the life she wants. She tells Ramsay it's her turn to travel, and she'll start with training with a woman artist in London. But first, she'll fulfill her promise to the old laird to help Ramsay settle into his new responsibilities.
 
I loved watching the relationship develop between Ramsay and Signy. Blown away by her transformation from a gangly schoolgirl to a Viking goddess, Ramsay can't deny the attraction he feels for her. Encouraged by his grandfather to marry Signy, Ramsay also realizes that pushing will only drive her away. Signy also feels the sparks between them, but she has plans and won't give them up. They haven't seen each other in more than a decade, but their former friendship grows stronger as they get reacquainted. I loved seeing them work together to bring Ramsay up to speed.
 
I loved the scenes all around Thorsay as Ramsay and Signy carried out his tour. The details of the kelp burning and the people who did it brought that facet of island life into sharp focus, along with the dangers that went along with it. The descriptions of the land and the ruins that occupy it were vivid and made me feel as though I was there. I liked how Ramsay appreciated Signy's insights and advice when it came to both people and places. I loved watching their feelings for each other grow while at the same time they are careful not to rush into anything, but wait until the time is right. There was no great drama, just the realization that they belonged together.
 
I ached a bit for Ramsay at the beginning as he gave up his explorations to fulfill his promise to his grandfather. I loved when Signy pointed out to him that the islands had enough ruins to keep him busy for a long time. His excitement leaped off the page when a storm uncovered a Viking ship and an ancient village. At the same time, Signy is torn between her plans and her growing feelings for Ramsay. I loved the surprise he planned for her and how it showed his love for her.
 
However, trouble looms on the horizon for Ramsay and Signy. The disasters that rocked Thorsay in the past created tremendous strain on the laird's finances. Ramsay's grandfather took out a loan that's about to come due, and Ramsay has no way to pay it. The loan's owner is a particularly nasty piece of work. I was glued to the pages as I waited to see how it would turn out, knowing that Ramsay and Signy would manage however it turned out.
 
In keeping with their promise in that Portuguese cellar, the book reunited all the Rogues and their ladies. I loved the timing of their arrival and their words of gratitude for Ramsay. I would have liked to see a bit more of their time on Thorsay, but overall it was fantastic.
 
My favorite secondary characters were the animals. The one-eyed cat, Odin, belonged to Ramsay's grandfather and later attached himself to Ramsay. Like his namesake, Odin has a strong personality and makes his presence known in many ways. Signy's dog Fiona is loyal and intelligent and proves to be a lifesaver at a crucial time. I also loved the horse Thor (the Fifth) and laughed at the scene where he insisted on visiting Signy.

Christmas in the Scottish Highlands - Donna Ashcroft (Bookouture - Oct 2021)

Welcome to the gorgeous little Scottish village of Christmas, where snow is falling, presents are being wrapped and the locals are writing their festive wish lists. Will this finally be the year that Belle's dreams come true?
 
Thirty-year-old Belle Albany is feeling lonely this Christmas. Another whole year has passed and her life is… exactly the same as it was last December. She longs for true love and a little bit of winter magic – but she's almost given up on finding it in the sleepy Scottish community where she lives…
 
When Belle crashes into elderly Edina on her cherry red bicycle, it's not the meet-cute she'd been hoping for. But she immediately recognises the lost look in Edina's watery-blue eyes and resolves to organise a Christmas to remember for them both – brimming with mince pies, mulled wine and lots of sparkle. Although Belle hadn't counted on Edina's home being a crumbling Scottish castle and she certainly hadn't been expecting Edina's handsome long-lost grandson Jack Hamilton-Kirk to turn up on the doorstep in the middle of a snow storm…
 
Jack is arrogant, rude and bossy and Belle is convinced he's about to ruin the seasonal cheer she has worked hard to create. He's basically the Grinch in human form, so why does her heart race every time they're in the same room? They disagree on almost everything, from menu choices to music, and yet she starts to glimpse a softer side hidden behind Jack's clipped words and brooding countenance.
 
As they hunt down costumes for the annual nativity show and save a donkey from a snowy disaster, Belle can't ignore their growing attraction. But will a secret from Jack's past come between them? Or will this finally be the year Belle falls in love?
 
Good book. Thirty-year-old, single, primary school teacher Belle lives in Christmas Village, a tiny town in the Scottish Highlands. A caring, compassionate woman, Belle tends to put everyone else's needs before her own, often leaving no time for herself. As the book opens, Belle feels a little out-of-sorts because nothing in her life seems to change. But as she rides her bike home from school one day in the snow, she accidentally runs into elderly Edina Lachlan, causing an injury to the lady's ankle. Determined to make amends, Belle offers to stay with Edina and take care of her while she heals.
 
Edina is a sweet and feisty woman who has lived alone in Evergreen Castle since the death of her curmudgeonly husband. Her daughter, Tara, lives on Skye, runs a donkey refuge, and rarely visits. Edina recently reconnected with her grandson, Jack, who only just found out she was still alive but hasn't visited yet. She loves having Belle stay with her, especially when Belle's class comes to visit.
 
During one visit, the children write letters to Santa, and the adults do too. When Belle ends up with Edina's letter, its contents inspire her to make Edina's wishes come true - without giving away how she knows about them. I loved seeing how Belle involved others in helping and how her actions encouraged Edina to become part of village life again. One of the first wishes to come true was for Edina to dye her hair pink. It's around this time that Edina's grandson Jack shows up for that long-delayed visit.
 
A successful London divorce lawyer, when Jack learns of Edina's injury and Belle's moving in, he cynically believes Belle has nefarious intentions. He rushes to Evergreen Castle, sure he'll find Belle in the process of stealing anything not nailed down. At the same time, he thinks Edina shouldn't live there alone and wants her to move to a retirement home.
 
The first meeting between Belle and Jack doesn't go well as each is suspicious of the other. Jack doesn't trust women at all, thanks to his father. Belle thinks Jack wants Edina out so that he can have the castle and her money for himself. I loved seeing Belle slowly draw Jack into everything from Edina's Santa list to the school's Nativity play. It isn't too long before both realize that they may have misjudged each other. The more time they spend together, the more the attraction between them grows, but their trust issues may prevent anything from coming of it.
 
Complicating matters, Belle attempts to end the estrangement between Jack and his mother, Tara. I wanted to shake Jack for his obstinate refusal to even listen to Tara's side of the story. A confrontation between Jack and Belle over his stubbornness ends with them having to face some uncomfortable truths. It takes an eye-opening conversation with his best friend's soon-to-be-ex for Jack to see the benefits of looking at things from another's point of view. I liked the ending as both Jack and Belle face their pasts, and in doing so, overcome the obstacles that kept them from having the future they wanted.
 
The romance between Jack and Belle isn't the only one going on. Belle's friend, Kenzy, has been crushing on local handyman Logan for a long time. But Kenzy believes love doesn't exist thanks to her family background, and Logan doesn't do casual affairs. I loved watching his gentle way of chipping away at her walls and Kenzy's bewildered reaction to his refusing to take what she offers.
 
I also enjoyed the various aspects of village life. When a family loses their rental lease right before Christmas, Belle lets them have her house while she stays with Edina, and they search for a new place to live. Everyone jumps in to help Belle make Edina's wishes come true. Local curmudgeon Tavish steps up to carry Edina up and downstairs while she's healing. I got the feeling that there was a very subtle romance going on between those two. I especially enjoyed the villagers' support of Edina staying in her home when word of Jack's plan got out. I loved how so many people got involved in making the school's Nativity play happen.
 
The secondary characters added to the richness of the story. Besides Tavish, Logan, and Kenzy, one of the most important ones was Tara. My heart broke for her as more of her backstory came out. She wants to reconcile with Jack, but standing up to his anger doesn't come easy. The various children in Belle's class were adorable, and I liked how each one found the perfect role in the play. My favorite secondary character was Bob, Edina's donkey. He made me laugh with his frequent walkabouts as he searched for friends. I also loved how he attached himself to Jack.

Portrait of a Scotsman - Evie Dunmore (Penguin - Sept 2021)

Series: League of Extraordinary Women (Book 3)

Going toe-to-toe with a brooding Scotsman is rather bold for a respectable suffragist, but when he happens to be one's unexpected husband, what else is an unwilling bride to do?
 
London banking heiress Hattie Greenfield wanted just three things in life:
 
1. Acclaim as an artist.
2. A noble cause.
3. Marriage to a young lord who puts the gentle in gentleman.
 
Why then does this Oxford scholar find herself at the altar with the darkly attractive financier Lucian Blackstone, whose murky past and ruthless business practices strike fear in the hearts of Britain's peerage? Trust Hattie to take an invigorating little adventure too far. Now she's stuck with a churlish Scot who just might be the end of her ambitions....
 
When the daughter of his business rival all but falls into his lap, Lucian sees opportunity. As a self-made man, he has vast wealth but holds little power, and Hattie might be the key to finally setting long-harbored political plans in motion. Driven by an old desire for revenge, he has no room for his new wife's apprehensions or romantic notions, bewitching as he finds her.
 
But a sudden journey to Scotland paints everything in a different light. Hattie slowly sees the real Lucian and realizes she could win everything--as long as she is prepared to lose her heart.
 
Terrific addition to the series. It was an emotional roller-coaster with a Beauty and the Beast feel to it. Like the previous books, this one focuses on particular aspects of the suffrage movement. In this case, most of the focus is on a woman's loss of autonomy when she marries, and some on the plight of women and children in the mining communities.
 
Hattie and her friends are all members of a group working toward women's suffrage. At the beginning of the book and series, I didn't care for Hattie as she didn't seem to be as deeply invested as the others. I sometimes felt she looked at her involvement more as a form of rebellion against her wealthy father than a true calling. She is also a struggling artist who evades her bodyguard one day to attend a tour of Lucian Blackstone's art collection.
 
Lucian is a ruthless businessman and self-made man rumored to have ruined more than one peer. The only reason he opened his home for the tour was to attempt influencing members of the peerage into accepting him into their circles. He wants that acceptance to make the contacts he needs to push for the changes he'd like to see happen in the country.
 
I liked the first meeting between Hattie and Lucian. He wasn't expecting her and mistook her for a different type of woman. Though Hattie was nervous and wary around him, that didn't stop her from standing up to him. Her knowledge and passion intrigued him and attracted him, leading to an explosive kiss. After she left, he discovered who she was and decided she was the perfect solution to his problems. He'd marry her and use her father to get what he wanted. Hattie herself would be an unexpected bonus. To that end, he manipulates events to force a marriage between himself and Hattie.
 
I enjoyed watching the slow burn development of the relationship between Hattie and Lucian. I liked that Hattie stood up for her needs from the beginning, insisting that she continue her studies and work with her friends. Lucian was surprisingly agreeable. But their marriage gets off to a rough start when Hattie learns of Lucian's actions. Already wary of the attraction that burns between them, Hattie does her best to keep him at a distance. Lucian wants her in his bed, but seduction, not force, is his preferred method. A small taste of passion sends Hattie running for cover, but she doesn't get far.
 
The confrontation between Lucian and Hattie when he stopped her flight created more of a rift between them. Lucian wasn't about to give in and insisted on Hattie accompanying him to Scotland. While there, the rift narrows as they spend more time together. I liked seeing how Hattie's positive outlook softens some of Lucian's rougher edges. He's more than a little disturbed by his growing feelings for her but can't help wishing for more. At the same time, as Hattie sees a different side of life, she grows to love Lucian for who he is. There are some wonderful scenes of their interactions and the effects on the way they look at things. I especially enjoyed seeing Hattie get involved with the miners' families and search for ways to help them, bringing in her work for women's rights. I loved her ideas.
 
When disaster strikes at the mine, sending Lucian into a rage against the previous owner of the mine, Lucian carries out his long-planned revenge against him. Horrified by his actions, Hattie tears into Lucian before fleeing back to London. When Lucian catches up to her, she makes it plain that some things must change and that it starts with her. I ached for them both as Hattie made her demands, though I understood why she felt that way. Though it hurt him badly, I loved that Lucian understood and supported her needs. I rooted for them to find their way back to each other and loved how it happened. Their reunion was lovely, and the epilogue showed the changes in them both.
 
I liked the attention to historical detail. The stories of the miners, their families, and the hardships of their lives painted a vivid picture and drew me deeper into the book. Hattie's idea of using photographs to bring attention to their plight intrigued me. I thoroughly enjoyed the expedition to purchase the camera and supplies. Seeing Hattie's treatment by the shop owner opened Lucian's eyes to the truth behind so many of her complaints. We also get updates on the suffragists' work back in England and the frustration at the glacial progress. I can't wait to read the next book, which I assume will be Catriona's story.

The Exile - Diana Gabaldon (Random House - Sept 2010)

Series: Outlander

After too long an absence, Jamie Fraser is coming home to Scotland -- but not without great trepidation. Though his beloved godfather, Murtagh, promised Jamie's late parents he'd watch over their brash son, making good on that vow will be no easy task. There's already a fat bounty on the young exile's head, courtesy of Captain Black Jack Randall, the sadistic British officer who's crossed paths -- and swords -- with Jamie in the past. And in the court of the mighty MacKenzie clan, Jamie is a pawn in the power struggle between his uncles: aging chieftain Colum, who demands his nephew's loyalty -- or his life -- and Dougal, war chieftain of Clan MacKenzie, who'd sooner see Jamie put to the sword than anointed Colum's heir.
 
And then there is Claire Randall -- mysterious, beautiful, and strong-willed, who appears in Jamie's life to stir his compassion . . . and arouse his desire.
 
But even as Jamie's heart draws him to Claire, Murtagh is certain she's been sent by the Old Ones, and Captain Randall accuses her of being a spy. Claire clearly has something to hide, though Jamie can't believe she could pose him any danger. Still, he knows she is torn between two choices -- a life with him, and whatever it is that draws her thoughts so often elsewhere.
 
I'm a huge Outlander fan, so I couldn't resist this graphic novel. The Exile covers the first third of Outlander, mainly told from Murtagh and Jamie's viewpoints. The first part covers the time when Jamie first returns from France, briefly mentioned in Outlander. Jamie comes across as a bit headstrong though not reckless and is kept on track by his godfather, Murtagh. Murtagh witnesses Claire's arrival through the stones, making him suspicious of her and why she is there. Unlike the original, there is an additional character in Kenneth, another time-traveler and cohort of Geillis. I never quite understood his purpose. The events that occur during their time at Castle Leoch and on the rent collecting journey were well done. The wedding scene was also good.
 
Having read Outlander several times, I never had a problem following the story in this book. The graphic novel format is more condensed, without the signature descriptive prose of the original. I didn't care much for many of the illustrations. The men all looked enough alike that it was sometimes challenging to figure out who was speaking. Claire's portrayal isn't so good either. I thought she looked harsh. I also agree with other reviewers that her proportions were highly exaggerated.
 
Overall, I enjoyed the graphic novel. I think it helps that I'm familiar with the story. I'm not sure that it would be a good introduction to the Outlander world.

The Highlander's Irish Bride - Vanessa Kelly (Zebra - Aug 2021)

Series: Clan Kendrick (Book 4)

Meet the most respectable member of the Kendrick Clan and the independent woman who has stolen his heart...
 
Miss Kathleen Calvert may be the daughter of an Irish aristocrat, but she has no intention of acting like one. All she desires is to return to her family's estate to raise horses and manage her father's magnificent gardens. But when a scandal threatens her reputation, her parents order her to a remote Scottish estate, hoping she will finally learn to behave like a proper lady. To make matters worse, her escort is a handsome Highlander who just happens to be the most boring man in all of Scotland...
 
After a youth of dangerous and wild escapades, Grant Kendrick surprised his family--and himself--by becoming a successful businessman and the most respectable Kendrick brother. But does that matter, when the beautiful and free-spirited Kathleen deems him a stodgy bore? Luckily, he gets the chance to prove her wrong when their carriage is ambushed by thieves. But it will take all his ingenuity to protect the beautiful lass who has stormed her way into his heart--and to convince her that a life with him will be a love-filled adventure...
 
Another fun entry in the Clan Kendrick series. This is the story of Graeme Kendrick's (The Highlander's English Bride) twin brother, Grant. Though Graeme and Grant were hell-raisers when they were younger, both have changed and matured. Grant took to the family business and surprised everyone with his success. Much to their dismay, however, Grant shows no interest in marriage, seemingly content with his bachelor status. He occasionally feels that his life lacks something, though he isn't sure what. That is, until the day a feisty Irish visitor arrived.

 
Kathleen is the daughter of an Irish baron who longs to return to Ireland and the family estate, horses, and gardens. Instead, she's stuck in London, bored stiff by Society activities. Her latest attempt to relieve that boredom, carriage racing on Hampstead Heath, landed her in the midst of scandal. Her parents decide to send her to her cousin Sabrina in the Scottish highlands to let the scandal die down and hopefully expose Kathleen to more ladylike behavior. Accompanied by her friend Gillian, Duchess of Leventon, they stop in Glasgow to visit Gillian's cousin, Countess of Arnprior. The trip becomes more complicated when they discover that Kathleen's sixteen-year-old stepsister, Jeannie, stowed away.
 
From the moment Kathleen and Grant met, the sparks between them were obvious. However, their first impressions of each other don't bode well. Kathleen thinks he is boring and humorless, and Grant believes she is flighty. Besides, neither is looking for a relationship; they are too different. Kathleen intends to return to Ireland as soon as possible, and Grant isn't interested in marrying. Grant's family thinks they are perfect for each other and find every opportunity to throw the pair together. It isn't long before Kathleen and Grant start to see each other differently, but they still fight their feelings.
 
When another scandal accelerates Kathleen's departure to Sabrina and Graeme's home, Grant is tagged with ensuring Kathleen and Jeannie arrive safely. Grandfather Angus goes along to help and spends much of the trip telling stories about Grant's past exploits. Shortly before their arrival, highwaymen rob the coach, and Kathleen sees yet another side of Grant.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Kathleen and Grant started with dislike, then moved to friendship. I liked their time in Glasgow as they began to get to know each other. Their visit to Castle Mugdock with Jeannie and Grant's youngest brother Kade was hilarious as they teamed up to keep Jeannie out of trouble. But their changing relationship hits its stride when they arrive in the highlands. Grant agrees to stay to help Graeme track down the men who robbed them but worries about his ability to resist his attraction to Kathleen. His fears are well-founded as he finds himself more and more drawn to her. Kathleen discovers that returning to Ireland holds less appeal than it used to, displaced by the vision of a life with Grant. 

I loved the teasing, light-hearted banter, and flirting between them as the feelings they tried to resist take over. Some Jeannie-induced drama accelerated their attraction, while Kathleen battled fears about the future. I loved seeing her work things out in her mind and then explain them to Grant. His reaction was fantastic, and his understanding of her fears was terrific. The library distraction scene made me laugh out loud a couple of times and ended perfectly. There's a dangerous foe to face before they get their happy ending. The epilogue was a grand wrap-up.
 
The suspense of this story involved a gang of bandits terrorizing the area. From their attack on the carriage that brought Kathleen to the final confrontation, I could feel the frustration as Grant and Graeme fruitlessly searched for their hideout. From thievery and vandalism to arson, the growing threat created fear and tension among the villagers. I began to suspect the truth near the end, a suspicion that proved to be horrifyingly true. I wasn't sure how it would turn out, and I certainly never suspected who would be responsible for the capture. That scene was intense but also had some unexpected moments of humor.
 
As for secondary characters, I enjoyed catching up with other members of the Kendrick family. Kade was one of my favorites. He was kind to Jeannie despite her over-the-top actions. I felt terrible for him when she cornered him at Mugdock, but he handled it well. Grandfather Angus is always a hoot with his matchmaking attempts, conveniently revised memories, and willingness to interfere in almost anything. The secondary character with the most prominent part was Kathleen's sister Jeannie. I still have mixed feelings about her. For most of the book, she was a brat. She refused to listen to anyone who disagreed with her desires, putting herself and others into awkward and sometimes dangerous situations. While she supposedly hero-worshipped Kathleen, that certainly didn't translate to listening to her advice. She did redeem herself in the end, but it was a close-run thing.
 
My only question now is: will there be a story for Kade?

Highland Treasure - Lynsay Sands (Avon - Feb 2021)

 

Series: Highlander Brides (Book 9)

After escaping from the English soldiers who attacked her home and imprisoned her in a dungeon, Lady Elysande de Valance is grateful for the rugged Scots who are escorting her to safety in the Highlands. Even with danger dogging their every step, she hadn't expected to welcome the strong comforting embrace of their leader, Rory Buchanan. They say he's a healer, but she finds the heat of his touch does so much more…
 
Let his brothers get married -- Rory is too busy tending to the sick to be bothered with wooing a bride. But when he is tasked with accompanying a family friend's "treasure" to the Highlands, he is surprised to learn the treasure is a beautiful woman on the run -- and even more surprised to discover bruises hidden by her veil. Rory makes it his mission to tend to her injuries and protect her, but the thought of losing her makes him realize that perhaps it is his heart that is most in need of healing…
 
Another Buchanan brother bites the dust. Rory Buchanan is a healer who is well-known throughout Scotland and even into England. He and his brother Alick are the last of the unmarried Buchanan brothers, though not for lack of opportunity. His family does their best to put a variety of women in front of him, but Rory isn't interested. He will eventually get around to marrying, but his healer duties occupy him more. That all comes to an end when he receives a request to escort a "treasure" to a family friend's home.
 
Elysande barely escaped her home with her life. A family friend turned traitor murdered her parents and all of their soldiers and beat Elysande nearly to death, searching for incriminating evidence against him. With the help of the servants and two knights who were away during the attack, she escapes the castle to meet with the man who will get her to her extended family.
 
I liked both Elysande and Rory. She is intelligent, kind, determined, and more than a little stubborn. It's that stubbornness that compels her to bury her pain for as long as she can to facilitate their escape from her pursuers. Her kindness is evident in many ways during their journey, but especially during their stay in Carlisle. I loved how easily she connected with all types of people. Rory has been present in the previous books, helping his brothers along their ways to wedded bliss, but not ready to take that step himself. He immediately steps up to take responsibility for Elysande's safety and find a way to get that evidence where it will do the most good.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Rory and Elysande. She intrigues Rory from the start with her determination and resilience, while Elysande finds it easy to trust him. I found it very amusing that Elysande was most interested in Rory for his protection rather than his healing abilities, as she is a good healer herself. Rory's nose was out of joint because he wanted to be the one to heal her. I loved seeing them get to know each other over the journey and learn to trust each other. I had to laugh at how Elysande's trust manifested during the first nights on the road, and she moved in on him while she was asleep. Poor Rory surely had some uncomfortable moments!
 
As Rory and Elysande grew closer, Rory had some unexpected bouts of insecurity. Because she doesn't need him as a healer, and he doesn't see himself as special, he isn't sure what he can offer her. It takes some effort to convince him that he is more than just a healer; he is a fierce protector and a good and honorable man. That honor and protectiveness kick in when he realizes her reputation is a stake, and he takes steps to preserve it. I loved watching the attraction between them simmer until it could no longer be contained and how it enhanced the feelings growing between them.
 
The tension remains high throughout the book as their little troop barely seems to stay a step ahead of their pursuers. I loved their time in the town of Carlisle. Elysande's ability to connect with anyone makes friends out of enemies. Rory worries that she's too open with those that she encounters, and I could feel his frustration with her. But Elysande is proved right in a hilarious scene when nearly the entire town turns out to help them get away. Their worries aren't over yet, as even once they make it into Scotland, their enemies are close behind. An attack on Elysande puts her life in danger and raises Rory's suspicions. I loved watching him put his mind to discovering the truth, solving the issue of getting the evidence to the English king, and keeping Elysande safe. A last-minute betrayal nearly brought disaster, and I ached for Elysande because of it. Once again, Rory saved the day.
 
I loved the ending. First, the king summoned Rory and Elysande. I laughed out loud as Elysande talked circles around the king, making it impossible for him to annul the marriage between her and Rory. Rory's amusement was fun to watch, as the king knew he'd been played and couldn't logically do anything about it. Then, a month later, Rory's "reward" for his help showed up in Scotland. I laughed out loud as Rory faced that headache, only to turn around and find another one coming from the other direction. Elysande's happiness was vital to him, but what he faced could have been a disaster. I loved how it turned out and chuckled at her description of it being like having a kitchen full of cooks. Now I can't wait for Alick's story.

Not Quite a Scot - Janice Maynard (Lyrical Shine - Nov 2016)

Series: Kilted Heroes (Book 3)

Three childhood friends with a shared passion for the Outlander novels and TV show decide to travel to Scotland looking for adventure—and their very own Highland heroes…

McKenzie Taylor is high maintenance when it comes to fashion, but when it comes to travel, the socialite prefers privacy to parties, and her own space to hotels. After she and her friends arrive in Scotland and split up to pursue their own adventures, she rents a small cottage on the Isle of Skye. On day two, she crashes her rental car. But a hero emerges from the mist to rescue her. He's handsome, earthy, funny, and before long is making her feel desirable, not mention desirous. There's just one problem: McKenzie's Highland dreamboat is a motorcycle riding American.

Finley Craig knows his cute new tourist friend is stubbornly set on falling for a Scotsman. But he's just as set on her falling for him. So he plans to give her a taste of what she thinks she wants. Because Finley suspects McKenzie isn't as shallow as she appears. And in the process of surrounding her with his hand-picked suitors, she may just decide that American-made is best—especially when she and Finley are rained in together over one long, delicious, and very adventurous weekend…

Fun book. McKenzie and her friends are huge fans of the Outlander books and show and head off to Scotland for a month-long vacation. They plan to go their separate ways when they arrive, each looking for her own adventure - and maybe her own kilted hero. The story opens with the three women on a train bound for Inverness and McKenzie having second thoughts about her plan. However, she buries her qualms and soon finds herself on the road to Skye.

McKenzie's trip gets off to a rough start on her drive to the cottage she rented. While trying to avoid hitting an animal in the road, McKenzie ran the car off into a ditch. Thanks to no bars on her cellphone, she contemplates spending the night in her car when a knight on shining motorcycle shows up to rescue her. Finley is grumpy and sarcastic but takes McKenzie up to her cottage, where she gets a shock. The place is a mess and unlivable as it is. Finley may be a grouch, but he's also a gentleman and offers McKenzie the guest room at his house until hers is cleaned.

I enjoyed watching the relationship between McKenzie and Finley develop. The sparks between them are evident from the start though initially, both resist doing anything about it. Finley's been burned in the past and has shut down his emotions, while McKenzie has a kilt-wearing Scotsman on her mind. As American as she is, Finley doesn't qualify but being a nice guy, he introduces her to some of his friends. I laughed out loud at his "introductions" as it was apparent he wanted her for himself.

I liked seeing Finley and McKenzie get to know each other. Though they might try to deny it, along with the attraction, there was an immediate connection between them. Finley saw past McKenzie's confident exterior to her hidden insecurities. She had trouble believing he could be attracted to her, and he thinks she is beautiful the way she is. It also doesn't take him long to figure out that McKenzie is more interested in finding out who she is beyond the surface that everyone else sees. I loved her joy in her photography and the satisfaction she gets from finding that perfect shot. Turnabout is fair play, and McKenzie sees a hurting man underneath all of the grumbles. She has no problem pushing at him to get him to open up about what drove him away from home. I ached for Finley after he shared his story with McKenzie.

Eventually, those sparks they've been ignoring become too much to resist, and they give in. That adds a whole new layer of complications to their lives. McKenzie gets a little freaked out because she realizes that it would be far too easy to fall in love with Finley, and there's no future in it. Though she has to go back to Atlanta and Finley won't leave Scotland, they still have the rest of her time on Skye. Then an unexpected twist shows McKenzie how deep she already is and sends her running to protect herself. I ached for her as she tried to deal with her broken heart and the hope that he would come after her.

At the end of her stay, it's time to meet up with her friends again for their trip home. Though I haven't read the first two books, I will because Hayley and Willow both showed up with extra baggage, and I want to know more. I loved the ending, as Finley makes an unexpected (to McKenzie) appearance. His big moment was sweet and romantic and just right for the two of them.

I liked the bits of Scottish history and descriptions of Skye that were part of the book. I haven't made it to Skye, but it certainly sounds intriguing. I also learned a fun new Scottish word - carnaptious - which means grumpy, bad-tempered, irritable. I can probably find a use for it somewhere...

The Highlander and the Wallflower - Michelle Willingham (HH #1519 - Aug 2020)

Series: Untamed Highlanders (Book 2)

She's been living in the shadows…

Can he draw her out?

Since a traumatic incident, Lady Regina has consigned herself to the shadows. Fearful of marriage and intimacy, she reluctantly accepts the engagement her father insists upon. But when her husband-to-be deserts her, her old friend Dalton, Lord Camford, takes up the role! Dalton gradually starts to reach the woman within and draw out her desires. Just as it seems Regina's life is coming together…will her secret cause it all to fall apart?

Good book. A companion to The Highlander and the Governess, this is the story of Lachlan's ex-fiancée, Regina, and their friend, Lord Camford. Much of the two books take place at the same time but from different viewpoints.

As the story opens, Regina finds out that she is expected to accept Lachlan's proposal. After being assaulted by a suitor five years earlier, Regina planned never to marry. Just the thought of marriage and everything it entails brings her fears to the surface. An old friend, Dalton, Lord Camford, is the only man she is comfortable around.

Dalton has been in love with Regina for years, despite knowing she's promised to his friend, Lachlan. When he realizes Lachlan loves someone else, his protective instincts are aroused. He will do anything to make her happy.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dalton and Regina. There was a connection between them since the day she comforted him at his brother's funeral. Dalton is an honorable man and buried his feeling for Regina under a layer of friendship. However, as the wedding draws nearer and he realizes that neither one wants the marriage, Dalton encourages Lachlan to follow his heart. Unfortunately, Regina didn't read Lachlan's letter and was left standing at the altar. Rather than allow her to be humiliated, Dalton steps up and takes control.

I ached for Regina, whose fears have controlled her life for five years. She doesn't want to marry, but when she finds out why her father insists on the marriage, she knows she has no choice. I liked that she trusted Dalton enough to confide in him and ask for his help. That trust is about to be tested in ways she never expected.

After the wedding, Dalton and Regina leave for his home in Scotland. Dalton is patient and understanding of Regina's fears but hopes that he can eventually overcome them. Away from London and the memories there, Regina slowly begins to relax. The attraction that simmers between them grows stronger, leaving Regina in a quandary. Can she let go of her fears and trust Dalton? There were some sweet scenes as Dalton cautiously encourages Regina's growing desires while keeping himself under control. I liked Regina's determination to break free of her fears.

Though Regina opened up to Dalton about the cause of her fears, there are some things about that event that she kept to herself, afraid of his reaction. It is that secret that precipitated her father's actions and led to the bargain with Lachlan. Now someone threatens to make that secret public. After a bit of misunderstanding between Dalton and Regina over her motive for keeping the secret, Dalton shows the depth of his love for her in his determination to end the threat. A couple of twists add complexity to the problem, but Dalton comes through with an excellent solution. With all of the obstacles removed, Regina and Dalton can finally look to a future free of fear.