Series:
Lairds of Ardvarrick (Book 2)
Her rugged Highlander
Is the gallant son of a laird!
Traveling alone through the treacherous Scottish
Highlands, Madeleine d'Evremont is saved by rough-looking soldier Grant
Rathmore. Attraction flares between them as he escorts Madeleine on her
perilous escape to France, until she discovers he's the heir of a respected
laird! Madeleine knows she must let him go. Surely the daughter of a humble
adventurer could never be a suitable match for him now…
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.
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