ASIN: B00XG9BWZE
Publisher: Loveswept (June 21, 2016)
Blurb
Errol MacRae’s days of gallivanting across the Highlands are nearing an end. His father’s health has taken a turn for the worse, and rumors are swirling that the crown intends to transfer ancient lands into the hands of the MacKenzies, the clan the MacRaes are sworn to defend. Errol expects to lead his men into battle soon. So he isn’t pleased when his father instead sends him to retrieve a beautiful flame-haired lass who has fled into the mountains.
Orphaned as a young girl, Aileana vividly remembers how the MacRaes rescued her and welcomed her into their clan. For ten years, she has served them loyally—until the night she’s nearly despoiled by one of the laird’s captains. Aileana risks her life and her reputation to seek refuge in the snowcapped peaks of the Five Sisters, the one place that has always felt like home. But after the strong-armed, strong-willed Errol tracks her down in a blizzard, she finds herself tempted to risk something even more dangerous: her heart.
Review:
The prologue of this satisfying romance definitely grabbed my attention. It’s not every week that I read a historical where a pregnant woman runs off (without being forced to) to live alone with her child, and I applaud the “thinking outside the box”.
Aileana’s had a good life, despite not knowing her family, or where she’d come from. The MacRaes welcomed her with open arms; and although a servant in their home, they’ve always treated her with love and respect. Errol has been fascinated with the fiery red-head since the moment she joined the family. Even has a young lad, he was smitten with her. He knew a relationship would never be allowed, so he hid is feelings and lived the life of a rogue. When he steps in to marry her in order to protect her from his brutish friend, he’s finally able to show her just how much he cares – has always cared.
I figured out Ailenan’s history, but that didn’t take away from the story. I didn’t know how it would unfold and eventually play out, so I happily read on. Errol is not the usual next-in-line-to-be-Laird. He takes his duties to protect seriously, but he could do without the political aspects of the position. He believes in taking advantage of the pleasures of life, and only his devotion and respect for his father keeps him from crossing the line completely. I adore him.
Aileana has always fancied Errol, but she also knew it could never be; therefore when he proposes, although it’s a dream come true she’s reluctant to accept. She doesn’t know how to be the lady of the house, and she doesn’t want to accept a new name before discovering her real name. Before long, they can’t deny their attraction…which quickly turns to love…, and decisions must be made.
Rand has blended in action and mystery to this fast-paced romance making it an all-around good read. The sparks fly has swiftly has the swords, and knowing the history between the two aids in accepting the hasty romance. I would’ve like the story to have been longer- to see more relationship development and witness them as a couple, but I was still pleased. The Laird, Errol’s father, was very accepting of the relationship, which did away with the familiar family interference (well, partly anyway). The plot is focused with clear direction; subplots are vague (don’t take that as a bad thing). The winds kinda shifted for me with the back-and-forth. Although I understood her fear, I wanted her to trust him more and to seek his help rather than always running.
Overall, it was a pretty good read. I really believe it would’ve been better had it been longer.
Rating system: Cups of Coffee (the less the better)
0: You won’t need any coffee to stay up for this one. It’s intriguing enough all on its own.
1: You’ll stay up late, but not all night. Brew one cup.
2: You’ll read as long as you’re not tired. If you are, two cups should do the trick.
3: I hope you got plenty of rest; you’ll need it, or at least 3 cups.
4: If the cable goes out, read the book. It’s better than nothing, I guess. Oh, don’t forget your brew!
5: Find anything else to do- it doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t waste your coffee. Too much caffeine is bad for you.
My rating: 1 1/2 cups of coffee
*This rating is because the story developed too quickly. The writing is very good, the flow is smooth, and the characters are well-developed.