Veena’s review of Bride Of A Scottish Warrior by Adrienne Basso
Historical Romance published by Zebra 01 Jul 14

This is a sweet, deeply romantic story about how a marriage intended for wealth and convenience turns into a love story. Now that the war for the crown of Scotland is over, Ewan has been awarded land in a remote corner of the country. It’s going to take a lot of work to make the land something to be proud of and, most importantly, it’s going to take money. What else is a man to do in medieval Scotland but to marry a heiress and use her dowry to create a bright future for himself and his clan?

His choice for wife is the newly widowed Grace, who has determined to embrace the convent and forsake any future marriage, regardless of her brother’s and sister-in-law’s wishes to the contrary. For Ewan she epitomizes everything he wants in a wife, and never having learned to take no for an answer, he sets about wooing her to change her mind. Grace, however, uses all the tools at the disposal of a noblewoman of her times to keep him at bay, even though she is definitely tempted and hard pressed to keep to her resolve.

When it seems like Ewan will have no choice but to accept defeat, fate takes a hand bringing Grace’s past back to haunt her. Ewan is the only person who can help her and, in turn, she accepts his terms of marriage and sets off to his lands in a remote corner of Scotland. Along the way she finally gives in to her feelings and seduces her new husband.

The rest of the story deals with how Grace creates a place for herself in her new household. We get deep insights into post-war Scotland as the poor crofters and farmers are finally able to start settling down to a peaceful future rebuilding their lives and lands. I truly enjoy how Grace, given her privileged upbringing, is able to teach her new husband simple skills such as reading and writing, while at the same time learning to appreciate his unique brand of leadership skills.

Clearly her past is not just going away. Will their relationship have a future, given that she has powerful enemies, even though they are balanced by her powerful relatives and allies? This book is like a breath of fresh air in the darkly erotic romances that seem prevalent these days.

Grade: B

Summary:

A union born of duty. . .
Newly knighted Sir Ewan Gilroy needs a dowry and a wife, in that order. Though the widowed Lady Grace plans to enter a convent, squandering so much lush beauty–and such a fortune–would surely be its own sin. Grace will not be easily wooed, despite her family’s urging and Ewan’s famed charm. She challenges him as no woman ever dared, proving his equal in spirit and in passions. . .

Forged by desire. . .

To atone for her past, Grace vows to never remarry–least of all a brash and reckless warrior. Yet whether defending her honor or stoking desires she hardly knew she possessed, Ewan is a man beyond compare. And as their fragile trust is threatened by treachery, Grace must decide whether to reach for the happiness within her grasp–and fight for the love of her bold Highlander. . .

Read an excerpt.