Veena’s review of The Reluctant Highlander by Amanda Scott
Historical Romance published by Open Road Media Romance 13 Jun 17
I don’t believe I’ve missed a book by Ms. Scott. As my tastes have moved away from historical romance and some of the authors I once read have dropped away, Ms. Scott still remains on my list of authors I enjoy reading. Against a backdrop of warring highland clans and alliances made and broken, she brings us a tender romance between a highland man and a lowland lass. As a lady-in-waiting to the queen, Fiona Ormiston has always shied away from the fierce-looking Highlanders with their shaggy facial hair and kilts. A night escapade swimming in the loch brings her up close and personal to Adham MacFinlay when he saves her from what he thought was drowning. Matters proceed rapidly from that night and before she knows it, she’s wedded, bedded, and packed off to the Highlands.
Adham has a very interesting history, straddling both sides of the Highland conflict. His father is chief of a clan that is loyal to the Lord of the Isles, enemy to the King. He was fostered in a clan, whose name he bears, which is loyal to the King. He was once in the position of being able to turn the tide of war in favor of the King by making his father’s clan change their allegiance. With his connections to some of the noble houses in the country he travels, he gathers information and passes confidential messages.
As their romance heats up, Fiona is not content sitting in a lonely castle in the Scottish Highlands while Adham continues to venture far and away. Surprisingly, Adham finds it harder and harder to be away from home and hearth as well. Ms. Scott gives us an historically accurate backdrop of war and mayhem while the two lovers find their way to a happily ever after.
I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to reading more stories set in the Scottish Highlands with Amanda Scott.
Grade: B
Summary:
An uncertain bride looks for love with a man as wild and mysterious as his Highland home in this new Scottish romance from a USA Today–bestselling author.
Ordinarily, Lady Fiona Ormiston wouldn’t think of forming an alliance with an ungroomed, barbaric Highlander, despite the protection he offers. But now, by request of the king, Sir Adham MacFinlagh, a brazen stranger and outsider unlike anyone she has met before, is to be her husband. Torn from solitude and the comfort of her family to make a home with the rugged knight, Fiona surrenders to Adham’s powerfully passionate—and shockingly tender—touch, only to discover her new husband’s family ties may lie with an enemy of the king.
A sense of duty may have brought Adham to the marriage bed, but it’s his powerful feelings for his beautiful, willful wife that will be his undoing. Ultimately, the bold knight will have to decide: Does his allegiance lie with his blood ties to the man who hopes to bring down the king or with the bride who has stolen his heart?
No excerpt available.
