Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good story that sets an unlikely romance in the perilous days following the Battle of Culloden. The story opens as Grant witnesses more of the aftermath of the battle - the wholesale murder of an entire village. What he sees sickens him, but he can do nothing except escape to fight another day. Grant is devastated by the loss of life during the battle and after. He also realizes he is now a fugitive and can never return home. He hopes that his foolish rebellion won't bring danger to his family. Grant plans to make his way to France to start a new life. His plans are interrupted when he stops to rescue Madeleine.
Madeleine has spent the last several months in Inverness with her father, a gentleman of questionable morals. She is an independent and resourceful young woman who has traveled Europe with him for several years. He left her alone (not for the first time) with instructions to follow him when he sends word. As the book opens, Madeleine's maid has deserted her, and she must continue her journey alone. Unfortunately, she encounters three English dragoons who have plans for her.
Gentleman that he is, Grant immediately comes to her rescue when he hears the commotion. He's taken aback to discover she's disabled one attacker alone and quickly stops the other two. I loved the bit of trickery he used to send them on their way before introducing himself to Madeleine. Words are exchanged when he expresses his dismay at her circumstances, and she defends her independence. Eventually, Grant convinces her of the dangers of traveling alone. Though initially intending to leave her in the hands of a guide, Grant finds himself volunteering to take her to the next stage of her trip instead. Neither counts on the sparks of attraction that flare between them.
This begins a journey full of adventure, moments of fear, moments of laughter, and a growing connection that neither can deny. I appreciated that the author did not minimize the fear and danger that stalked the Highlands as Cumberland wreaked revenge on the Highlanders, whether they fought for the Prince or not. Their long journey was treacherous, as they had to be constantly on their guard. I loved the lighthearted moments, such as Madeleine (dressed as a boy) and her skillful card-playing with some British soldiers. I could feel Grant's frustration with her as he feared what would happen if she were discovered. When Grant is injured, it's up to Madeleine to get him to his friends to recover.
There is more intrigue and plenty of time for Grant and Madeleine to get to know each other. I loved how he appreciated her resilience, ingenuity, and beauty. Grant realizes that he has fallen in love with her but has nothing to offer her. Madeleine feels the same for him but believes the daughter of an adventurer is not suitable for the laird's son, no matter his circumstances. There is additional intensity when an old foe appears, determined to have revenge on Grant and his family. I loved the ending and the unexpected twist that changed Grant's future.
Grant is the son of Logan and Ailsa from Forbidden to the Highland Laird, book one of the series.
Madeleine has spent the last several months in Inverness with her father, a gentleman of questionable morals. She is an independent and resourceful young woman who has traveled Europe with him for several years. He left her alone (not for the first time) with instructions to follow him when he sends word. As the book opens, Madeleine's maid has deserted her, and she must continue her journey alone. Unfortunately, she encounters three English dragoons who have plans for her.
Gentleman that he is, Grant immediately comes to her rescue when he hears the commotion. He's taken aback to discover she's disabled one attacker alone and quickly stops the other two. I loved the bit of trickery he used to send them on their way before introducing himself to Madeleine. Words are exchanged when he expresses his dismay at her circumstances, and she defends her independence. Eventually, Grant convinces her of the dangers of traveling alone. Though initially intending to leave her in the hands of a guide, Grant finds himself volunteering to take her to the next stage of her trip instead. Neither counts on the sparks of attraction that flare between them.
This begins a journey full of adventure, moments of fear, moments of laughter, and a growing connection that neither can deny. I appreciated that the author did not minimize the fear and danger that stalked the Highlands as Cumberland wreaked revenge on the Highlanders, whether they fought for the Prince or not. Their long journey was treacherous, as they had to be constantly on their guard. I loved the lighthearted moments, such as Madeleine (dressed as a boy) and her skillful card-playing with some British soldiers. I could feel Grant's frustration with her as he feared what would happen if she were discovered. When Grant is injured, it's up to Madeleine to get him to his friends to recover.
There is more intrigue and plenty of time for Grant and Madeleine to get to know each other. I loved how he appreciated her resilience, ingenuity, and beauty. Grant realizes that he has fallen in love with her but has nothing to offer her. Madeleine feels the same for him but believes the daughter of an adventurer is not suitable for the laird's son, no matter his circumstances. There is additional intensity when an old foe appears, determined to have revenge on Grant and his family. I loved the ending and the unexpected twist that changed Grant's future.
Grant is the son of Logan and Ailsa from Forbidden to the Highland Laird, book one of the series.
