Release Date: June 28, 2016
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewer: Andrea
The Summary:
Colin MacLean has always felt like a black sheep—especially after his brothers are slain before his eyes in the Battle of Culloden. A smuggler by trade, Colin makes for an embarrassing chieftain. He can’t even save his friends from their British pursuers without getting himself captured. But before he is martyred by the hangman’s noose, Colin escapes with his cellmate, a brave lad he’s come to admire. It’s only in the depths of the Highlands that Colin discovers the lad is a lass—and a bonnie one at that.
Raised by her older brothers, Maggie Sinclair can drink a pint in no time flat and wield a dagger with the best of ’em. Still, men have always excluded her and women have always shunned her. Colin makes her feel different. His wild spirit and rugged good looks have Maggie reconsidering her less than ladylike ways. For the first time, she’s tempted to put on a gown, just to see how Colin would react. She can only imagine what might happen next: a kiss . . . a touch . . . and perhaps enough sultry heat to melt a cold Highland night.
The Review:
Oh, I do love a good Highlander novel! Paranormal or Historical, I’m a sucker for a brawny Scots with a longsword! This one was not a disappointment.
I was surprised by the action in this novel. Just when things seem to settle down, BAM! From floods to uprisings, Maggie and Colin’s journey is far from easy. The unusual beginning was refreshing. It’s not often a good romance novel begins in prison after all. That opening set the tone for the twists and turns to come.
I loved Maggie’s spunky fire; her cursing and fighting was a breath of fresh air compared to normal historical romance doves, too precious to break a sweat or voice her true feelings. If she was angry or confused, she actually told Colin, so you don’t have as much of that usual “does he love” angst (which I normally end up skipping).
Colin was uncertain and far from the typical braggart Casanova. He was raw and rough around the edges—the perfect kilt wearing warrior. It was a fantastic dynamic between main characters. Throw in the humor in their internal and external dialogue, and it all mixes for an almost perfect Scottish cocktail.
My only complaint is the—hmm, how to say this politely—lack of steam. While the novel had great plot and engaging action, most historical romance lovers want more in the way of romance. This one didn’t have as much of that. So if you want hot and heavy, this isn’t the one for you.
4 Stars
