Sandy M’s review of The Scot and I (Seers of Grampian, Book 1) by Elizabeth Thornton
Historical Paranormal Romance published by Berkley 2 Jun 09
This is my first Elizabeth Thornton book, and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The paranormal aspect of the story added to a conspiracy mystery to assassinate the Queen, some pretty good action along the way, with an old-fashioned romance that took its developing all came together quite nicely for an enjoyable read.
Another added plus for me is the fact that the hero’s brother is also featured here and there throughout. I always like reading about brothers and I enjoyed the relationship between Alex and Gavin Hepburn. Alex, the older brother, is the no-nonsense investigator brought in to help stage a decoy for the Queen when an anonymous tip is received about the assassination, while Gavin is his delightful opposite, very dashing and charming. They each have a psychic gift thanks to their grandmother and they’re little by little learning how to deal with those unexpected gifts.
Alex is able to see events surrounding items he touches. He even gets a glimpse of Mahri, the heroine, but this vision confuses the investigation more when he finally meets her – he sees her dressed as her alter ego, Thomas. Marhi is the reason the Queen is still alive, but Alex is on her tail and of the opinion she’s very deeply entrenched in Demos’ traitorous activities and won’t rest until she’s in custody.
But meeting up with the woman herself confuses the issue even further for Alex. As much as his law-abiding self knows he should turn her over to pay for her crimes, there’s a hidden part of him that wants to know her better, though he doesn’t give trust easily. Of course, Marhri knows there can never be anything between them, not only because of her affiliations but also because of their stations in life. But action and danger has a way of pushing a body toward something they never thought they’d do. Their attraction and then love develops slowly as they stay one step ahead of the chase that ensues when the villains turn the tables on them.
I enjoyed these two characters, both hiding secrets and hurts, doing what they think is right, and both working on the same side though they don’t know that for the longest time, and it wouldn’t make much difference anyway until the trust between them becomes stronger. The secondary characters are an interesting lot, from Mahri’s military father to Alex’s commanding officer, Mahri’s friend and confidant Dugald, and the officer in charge when things go wrong and he wants the Hepburn brothers for their supposed part in the whole sorry business. Ms. Thornton also does a good job of misdirection several times, but you end up solving the mystery right along with Alex.
I haven’t read the first book in the series, but liked this one enough that I believe I will pick up The Runaway McBride and give it a shot too.
Grade: B-
Summary:
After a mysterious woman foils an assassination attempt on the Queen’s life, Alex Hepburn, a psychic agent for Her Majesty’s Secret Service, recognizes the bold beauty as a conspirator he’s been hunting for years.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
