Lawson’s review of Highlander Ever After by Jennifer Ashley
Historical romance released by Leisure 1 Apr 08

This is the third in a loosely tied series about various citizens of the fictional Kingdom of Nevengaria. The first was Penelope & Prince Charming and the second The Mad, Bad Duke. Neither of which I found in a search of our reviews. . . but a quick recap, both would be a sold B for me. There are a few characters from the first two books, most notably the hero Egan MacDonald, known as the Mad Highlander across Europe – he’s been pining for a witch from Nevengaria, someone he has loved but he can’t have.

Zarabeth has been in a horrific marriage to a tyrant who belittled her and forced her to change her behavior. The last straw was her discovery of a plot to kill her cousin, Crown Prince Damien, the ruler of Nevengaria. For her protection she’s been sent to the Highlands in Scotland until the unrest in her homeland is put down. Egan is charged with her protection, but she soon falls in love with the Scottish countryside and the open people there. She’s loved Egan for much longer and now relishes in her chance to win him.

The plot reaches farther than one would think, and it works well with the rest of the plot devices. Egan is a little too sacrificial at times and feels he doesn’t deserve the things he does have, but Zarabeth helps cure him of those misconceptions. Egan is a noble, loyal, caring sort of hero who was criticized too much by his father and jerk of a brother. In the end, Egan grows to accept himself and his place in his Scottish castle.

Zarabeth is a likable heroine. She’s smart, witty, and very serene. Never does she act TSTL or do something that would go against her character. Some of the best moments are her interactions with the open Scottish highlanders and her easy acceptance of their quirks. Zarabeth is also patient, or at least patient enough, when she convinces Egan to act on his desire. She’s open about her sexuality, but not harsh with it or crosses that line between confident and slutty.

It’s pretty hot too. 😉

Some of the pacing seemed off though, and the secondary plot with debutantes, the matchmaking nephew and the Nevengarian plot took a little away from the love story, but nothing grated or seemed out of place. A good story, but I’m not sure if this is a keeper or not yet.

Grade: B

     Egan MacDonald was the one person Princess Zarabeth couldn’t read. Yet even without being able hear his thoughts, she knew he was the most honorable, infuriating, and deliciously handsome man she’d ever met. And now her life was in his hands. Chased out of her native country by bitter betrayal and a bevy of assassins, Zarabeth found refuge at the remote MacDonald castle and a haven in Egan’s embrace. She also found an ancient curse, a matchmaking nephew, a pair of debutants eager to drag her protector to the altar, and dark secrets in Egan’s past. But even amid all the danger raged a desire too powerful to be denied….

     Read an excerpt.