ASIN: B0165I3W1E
Publisher: Loveswept (June 28, 2016)
Sold by: Random House LLC
Blurb:
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.
Review:
This original, steadfast historical is loaded with action, and the sexual tension between the duo is enough to choke a horse. Maggie is headstrong and determined. She doesn’t conform to social standards by any means, and she makes no apologies for it. Colin is as familiar with his weaknesses as he is his strengths, and if given the chance, he plans to make amends. The last thing he expected was to be attracted to his cell mate, but the moment he realizes he is actually as she…well let’s just say her topless discovery left him speechless. I’ve read historicals where the women long to have the rights of men (some of the rights, anyway), but never had I read one where the desires were carried out to such a blatant extreme.
Cullen takes readers on a wild ride, complete with prison escape, deathly illness, dogs barking, bullets flying, and daggers swinging. There’s the usual arranged marriage, but the reason is quite more disturbing. Maggie’s coming-of-age at such a late time in life (compared to the norm) added to the furor of the romance, and Colin’s laid-back, accepting attitude made it easier for her. As noble as he was, he too, had to set limits on her; but he never wavered on keeping her safe and happy. She learned a lot – some willingly, some by force- but her flaws make her relatable and charming.
The siege on the castle was expected, but not cliché. Of course Colin had to regain his rightful place, and Cullen delivered on the action, although the plot undertaken by the soldiers was well…a tad questionable, but not a disappointment.
The writing is really good, and there was no eye-rolling on my part (this actual says a lot). This fast-paced novel has a smooth flow, and I really enjoyed it.
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: 1/2 cup of coffee