Holly‘s review of Devil of the Highlands by Lynsay Sands
Historical Romance released by Avon 27 Jan 09

Years ago I read a novella featuring Lynsay Sands and Hannah Howell. Though it was enjoyable, it featured vampires – something I’m practically allergic to. I was under the impression that Lynsay Sands only wrote vampires, so I didn’t bother to look for anything else by her. Recently Sybil suggested this book and I decided, ‘oh, what the hey.’ Even though I’m not big on vamps I enjoyed the novella I read by her. I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn’t a vamp book at all, but a fun, light historical. 

Evelinde was freaked out when she realized her evil stepmother was marrying her off to the Devil of Donnachaidh, but it isn’t long after meeting him (or realizing who he really was, since she didn’t realize during their first meeting) that she realizes the rumors about him are wrong. He isn’t an awful beast of a man. He’s actually very considerate. He also awakens serious passion in her. The problem is that he doesn’t say much. Or, well, anything really. He’s the strong silent type. He believes a man should be judged on his actions, not on his words. Which is how he got his reputation. He just let people assume the worst about him. So Evelinde is basically dropped in a new place with nothing and no one and a husband who doesn’t speak to her.

Evelinde was a great heroine. She’s spunky and feisty and not afraid to stand up for herself, but she wasn’t stupid or rude. She was kind and generous and really rather sweet, though she definitely had a temper. The constant battles she has with Cullen to get him to talk to her were hilarious. I loved that she was open and honest with him from the beginning. Instead of lying to him or letting him come to his own conclusions she always told him exactly how she was feeling and what she was doing.

One of the things that really stands out for me about this book is that Cullen really cared for Evelinde right from the beginning. He didn’t fall in love with her until later, and he was completely baffled by her throughout, but he didn’t shy away from her or avoid her or whine and complain because he didn’t want to be in love. He just went on about his day. That was definitely refreshing.

The villain was easy to figure out, but I enjoyed watching the hero and heroine puzzle it out. I didn’t find it boring or tedious, though I do think the romance is the main focus.

Overall this was a cute historical romance reminiscent of Julie Garwood’s earlier works, without the stilted writing. I’d definitely recommend it.

Grade: B+

Summary:

They call him the Devil . . . He is the most notorious laird of Scotland: fierce, cold, deadly . . . and maybe even worse. Yet Evelinde has just agreed to wed him. Anything, she thinks, is better than her cruel stepmother. Though Evelinde should be wary of the rumors, she can’t help but be drawn to this warrior . . . for the Devil of the Highlands inspires a heat within her that is unlike anything she has ever known.

They may call him whatever they wish, but Cullen, Laird of Donnachaidh, cares only for the future of his clan. He must find a wife, a woman to bear him sons and heed his commands. He has no need for beauty or grace, but one taste of his lovely bride’s sweet lips and the sultry feel of her skin arouse an untamed passion. Perhaps there’s more to marriage than he thought . . .
Read an excerpt.