Kidnapped by the Highland Rogue - Terri Brisbin (HH #1302 - Oct 2016)

Series: A Highland Feuding (Book 3)

The Highlander's prisoner

There's more to hardened outlaw Niall Corbett than meets the eye. Despite his merciless reputation, he's on a mission he must defend with his life. One that means taking beautiful Fia Mackintosh prisoner for her own protection!

Fia may have dreamed of being swept away by a gorgeous Highlander, but never of being held hostage by a gang of outlaws! While her head screams for her to run, her heart beats a little too fast for her captor, a man she shouldn't, yet can't help but trust…

Good book. Fia is lady's maid to Arabella, the heroine from the first book in the series. She is rather envious of the relationship between Arabella and Brodie, especially the "romantic" nature of its beginning. She dreams of being kidnapped by her own Highland hero and finding a love like theirs. 

Niall is a member of the outlaw gang that has been raiding villages belonging to Brodie. When they raid the village closest to the castle while Brodie is away, Niall spots Fia. He is stunned by her beauty and knows that he needs to warn her away for her own safety. Unfortunately, he's not quick enough, and to save her from danger by two other outlaws, he takes her captive himself.

I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Fia and Niall. Both of them are keeping secrets at the beginning, but it doesn't stop the attraction from building. Fia is not very happy that the reality of her kidnapping isn't anything like her dreams of it, but she makes the best of the situation. She doesn't let on to Niall that she knows their campsite very well. She plans to use that knowledge to help her escape. She also doesn't let on that she is closer to Laird Brodie than he suspects and that a rescue party is likely. I loved her powers of observation and how she watched everyone, trying to figure out who they are and why they are doing what they do. Niall is even less happy with the situation. Fia is a terrible distraction from what he is supposed to be doing. He has been sent to find out who is behind the attacks, something he doesn't tell Fia. He plays the outlaw very well around the others, but when he is alone with her his real nature comes out. Niall is trying to recover his lands after losing them. He is haunted by the guilt of some of the things he has done.

It was fun to see the two of them trying to hide their feelings from each other. There were some terrific scenes in the cave, especially involving the exchange of "boons". It didn't take long for Fia to fall for Niall, especially once she realized that there was more to him that first appeared. However, she doesn't hold out much hope for a happy ending. It takes Niall a bit longer to admit his feelings, but he also knows that nothing can come of them. After all, he is a nobleman destined to marry elsewhere, and she is just a village girl. I loved the protectiveness he showed, especially when he sacrificed his own safety to make sure she could get away. Naturally, Fia's feelings wouldn't allow her to just leave him, and I loved seeing her go back for him after the others were gone. Her strength of will (stubbornness) really showed in her determination to help him.

I liked seeing them get closer over his healing time, as they had the opportunity to talk more. Fia fell harder for Niall. Meanwhile, Niall realizes the biggest thing she needs protection from is him. I ached for her when they got to Edinburgh and he purposefully turned into a snob to drive her away from him. I ached for him too, as he really did love her and was torn between duty and love. He was stunned by her final gift to him, and felt even worse.

I knew they were going to end up together somehow, and I loved the way it came about. The scene in the great hall, between Brodie and Niall was great, though I also would have liked to see the conversation between him and Brodie after the conference. I loved Niall's big moment back in the village when he went after Fia.  The epilogue was great and I loved seeing Mistress Murray and her reaction.

What Happens Under the Mistletoe - Sabrina Jeffries, Karen Hawkins, Candace Camp, Meredith Duran (Pocket - Nov 2015)

The Heiress and the Hothead by Sabrina Jeffries

Series: Sinful Suitors (Book 1.5)

Stunned by the heat of an unexpected kiss on a cold winter's eve, two strangers from vastly different worlds turn hotheaded principles into burning passion.

I loved this story. Having read The Art of Sinning, the first book in the Sinful Suitors series, I was intrigued by Jeremy's sister Amanda. She is an independent woman who owns and runs the family mills in America. One reason for being in England is to find out why their mills are so much more profitable. There she encounters Lord Stephen Corry, younger brother of a marquess, who has made a career of investigating and writing about the terrible conditions of English mills. Their first meeting is quite fiery, as he kisses her under the mistletoe, believing her to be someone else. Stephen had hoped to interview Amanda, but their initial encounter has put them at odds. Still, he won't give up and strikes a bargain with her, where they can both get what they want. Neither had expected the sparks that flew between them.

I really enjoyed the unusual aspect of the story. Both Amanda and Stephen have similar goals, but approach them in different ways. Stephen is focused on exposing the worst and forcing change that way. Amanda looks at the way things are done and tries to figure out how to make them better at her own mills. I loved her strength of will and determination. Stephen was a little harder to like because of his stubbornness and tunnel vision when it came to mill owners, but he grew on me by the end.

I liked the development of their relationship as they worked together on his investigation of the local mill. I really enjoyed seeing Amanda shut Stephen down on some of his deepest prejudices. The more time they spent together the more he realized that he could be himself with her. Amanda saw that Stephen was a man who accepted her for who she was. The heat between them was fierce the closer they got. Neither of them could see a way to bring their different worlds together until a near tragedy opened their eyes to possibilities. The scene in the mill was rather improbable, but the ending was quite romantic.

Twelve Kisses by Karen Hawkins

Series: Oxenburg Princes (Book 2.5)

In the snowy Scottish countryside, a rakish duke has an unforgettable holiday encounter when the alluring lady he surprises under the mistletoe is not who he expected, but a long-lost love with a score to settle.  

A good second chance story. Marcus and Kenna had been engaged years before, but ended the engagement a month before the wedding. Kenna then married another man, but became a widow a few months before the story begins. Marcus isn't too happy to see Kenna at the same house party, as it brings back memories of what they had. That night he kisses her under the mistletoe, thinking that she is someone else. Unfortunately they are discovered, creating a scandal that Kenna does not need at this point in her life.

Marcus has spent the last few years in the diplomatic service, and is currently back in Scotland. Seeing Kenna again brings back the memories of what they had, and though he won't admit it, he has never forgotten her. He's got too much pride to let anyone see that he is still affected by the sight of her, and instead treats her with disdain. Then that kiss explodes between them. Though he won't admit it, he feels partly responsible. When he discovers she plans to ride over to her father's home and ask for his help, his protectiveness kicks in and he tries to stop her.

Kenna was heartbroken by the end of their engagement, and gave in to her father's pressure to marry someone else when it was over. Now that she's a widow, he is pressuring her once again to marry the man of his choice, and she only wants to live her life. The scandal created by Marcus's kiss causes her to ride to her father's to ask for his help in squashing it, even though she knows that there will be consequences. Marcus's attempts to stop her only increase her determination..

Riding off into a pending snowstorm isn't the smartest move, but Kenna's stubbornness won't allow her to admit that Marcus is right. Fortunately, he follows her, and they end up stranded in a cottage together. Forced together they finally have the chance to confront their pasts and see that both had made mistakes. Their conversations were helped along by the rather unique decorating in the cottage, as their similar sense of fun and the ridiculous bring them closer together. 

The ending was good as they discover that their time together was extended by the machinations of Tata Natasha. Kenna's father and hopeful fiance arrive and try to force their will on Kenna, but she has finally gained the maturity to stand up to them both. There is also an interesting twist involving the rejected suitor that is the final nail in his coffin. I really enjoyed Tata Natasha's blunt observations about the people around her.

By Any Other Name by Candace Camp

Series: Secrets of the Loch (Book 2.5)

Edinburgh is aglitter for Christmastime as Candace Camp sends a curious gentleman in hot pursuit of an intriguing lady in disguise -- one who refuses to reveal her true identity, though she fears he has already stolen her heart with his kiss.  

Fun story. Rylla is distraught over the argument between her brother and father that sent her brother running from his family. After several days of not hearing from him, she is worried that something has happened to him, and is determined to search for him herself. To that end, she disguises herself in boy's clothing and heads out to the gambling dens to look for him.

Gregory is there keeping an eye on his cousin Andrew (brother to Isabel of Treasured), who is not known for his good luck in gambling. While there, he spots a young man who he suspects is going to be the next victim of the men he is playing cards with. When he leaves, Gregory spots a tail and follows just in time to rescue him from a robber. Taking the boy back to his rooms, he's stunned to discover a woman underneath the boy's clothing. He's also quite drawn to her.

This begins a period of cat and mouse, as Rylla is determined to protect herself from scandal by not telling him who she is. Gregory is equally determined to find her. Her attempts to mislead him cause some pretty funny moments, as he initially pursues the wrong woman. Once he discovers her true identity, he agrees to help her find her brother. Rylla is determined to be involved in the search, and her arguments are quite persuasive. It doesn't hurt that Gregory will take any excuse to spend time with her. The chemistry between them is very strong, and Gregory has a hard time trying to behave honorably. Rylla doesn't help, as she is determined to explore her feelings for him. I enjoyed seeing how everything worked out for them.

There was also a secondary romance between Andrew and Rylla's friend Eleanor. The sparks between them were also fun, as Andrew is the irresponsible gambler and Eleanor the daughter of a minister and a woman with decidedly different values. I loved their interactions and the effect they had on each other. Andrew's actions at the end were awkward and sweet and pretty funny.

Sweetest Regret by Meredith Duran

Will the festive spirit of the season sweep Meredith Duran's feisty heroine beneath the mistletoe -- and back into the arms of the dashing rogue who broke her heart two years ago?

Terrific second chance story. Georgie is the daughter of a British diplomat who rushes off a few days before Christmas to deal with a crisis, leaving her to entertain a houseful of foreign guests. To top it all off, he tells her that one of them may have stolen an important letter, and charges her with finding it before they leave. To help her with that task, he has sent for one of his underlings - the very man who broke her heart two years earlier.

Lucas was on his way to England anyway because of a family issue. Stopping in to help Georgie isn't high on his list of pleasant activities after the way she had treated him two years earlier. He'll do what he must and be on his way, making sure that she doesn't get another shot at his heart.

First, I have to say that I disliked Georgie's father from the very beginning. His attitude toward her was very condescending, as though she couldn't really be trusted to manage on her own. The more I learned about him during the story, the less I liked him.

The early encounters between Georgie and Lucas were very contentious. Each of them blames the other for what had happened in Munich, and the verbal arrows fly fast and furious. As each one looks back to those days, they can't understand why the other behaves as if they are the injured party. When they really let go with their tempers, suddenly they realize that their stories do not match. Actually talking to each other about what happened, they discover that they had been parted by the machinations of Georgie's father.

I felt really bad for Lucas, who had suffered all his life because of who his parents were. Because of that, he was a little too quick to believe the lies that Georgie's father told him, and his pride wouldn't let him contact Georgie to convince her. Georgie has her own insecurities, considering herself rather plain and boring. She certainly didn't think that she was enough to keep the interest of a handsome and charming man like Lucas.

Once they straightened out the truth about the past, it didn't take long for them to make up for lost time. I loved seeing them work together to find the missing letter, while entertaining the crowd of foreign diplomats. I loved their determination to be together now, though Georgie worries about the havoc that her father could cause to Lucas's career.

When Georgie's father returns, he admits to his interference both then and now, claiming he only wanted what was best for her. But Georgie is wise to him now, and displays her own form of making her point. I loved seeing her stand up to her father and his antics. It is even more satisfying when Lucas returns from his family business with his own plans for their future.

The Gift - Margaret Mallory (Createspace - Dec 2014)

Series: Return of the Highlanders (Book .5)

Lily's well-honed sense for trouble tells her no healer is safe in London while gangs roam the city looking for witches to burn. In the dead of night, she escapes on a northbound ship, intending to return after Christmas celebrations calm the city's witch fever. But when Lily lands in the wilds of Scotland, her skills for surviving in the city can't save her. 

Roderick MacDonald is on a secret mission for his chieftain when he finds a lass near death on a barren hillside and is forced to take her with him. Though this mysterious Sassenach may have The Gift his clan needs-and he burns with passion for her-he's determined to resist the enchantment she weaves on his scarred heart. When love blooms amidst the harsh winter beauty of the Highlands, will these two obstinate souls from different worlds accept the Yuletide gift?

Good book. Lily is a trained healer living in London when a bout of witch fever strikes the city. Her instincts tell her that it would be a good idea to get out of town for awhile so she dresses as a boy and stows away on a northbound ship, intending to visit a friend. Unfortunately, she is discovered and thrown off the ship near Edinburgh, far from where she intended to go. She sets off on foot, unaware of just how unprepared she is.

Roderick is on his way back home after a mission for his chief when he stumbles across Lily. There's no way he can just leave her, so he takes her along with him. Once he discovers that she's a healer, he wonders if she is the woman his grandmother predicted he would find. Knowing that the clan is in need of a healer, he's determined to convince her to return with him.

I loved the contrast between Lily and Roderick. She is a city woman who has never been outside London. She is determined to return and rebuild her business once the danger has passed. Roderick is a highlander who finds cities too crowded and noisy for his tastes and prefers his home in the Highlands. Neither expected the flare of attraction between them, but past hurts have them reluctant to trust each other.

While Roderick succeeds in convincing Lily to come home, he hasn't told her the whole truth behind his invitation. Discovering the truth adds to her stubborn determination to leave, but outside interference delays her departure. Roderick's grandmother lends a hand in giving them a chance to get to know each other and learn to trust. The ending was exciting and perfect for this couple.

The Highlander Takes a Bride - Lynsay Sands (Avon - Aug 2015)

Series: Highlander Brides (Book 3)

Sword fighting, swearing, and riding astride come naturally to Saidh Buchanan. Simpering and holding her tongue definitely not. Raised alongside seven boisterous brothers, Saidh has little interest in saddling herself with a husband until she glimpses the new Laird MacDonnell bathing naked in the loch. Though she's far from a proper lady, the brawny Highlander makes Saidh feel every inch a woman.

She has an angel's looks, a warrior's temper, and seeks out his kisses with wanton eagerness. Little wonder that Greer is intrigued by his comely guest. When reckless desire overtakes them, he's more than willing to make an honest woman of her. But Saidh is the target of a hidden enemy, and Greer faces the battle of his life to safeguard the woman he wants above all others.

I loved this book. Lynsay Sands always seems to come up with heroines who don't fit expectations and it makes for a really fun story. We find out early that Saidh has not had the usual girls' upbringing. As the youngest in her family, with seven older brothers, she spent far more time with them than doing girl things. So she learned to hunt, fight, use a sword, ride astride - everything that her brothers did. She also tends to speak bluntly and can curse with the best of them.

In the prologue, Saidh witnesses something that her cousin does, but understanding the motivation covers it up. Four years later, while visiting a friend, she hears that Fenella has just been widowed for the fourth time in four years. Worried about her cousin, and the rumors swirling about her, Saidh rushes off to see her. 

Upon her arrival at the MacDonnell keep, she sees Fenella again for the first time in those four years. Though rather disgusted with Fenella's constant crying, she's pretty sure that she isn't guilty of killing her husbands. When Fenella begs her to stay for awhile, Saidh gives in, hoping to help her through her grief. She's also rather intrigued by the new laird, Greer MacDonnell, who she saw swimming naked in the nearby loch. While she's never been much interested in marriage, something about him rouses strange feelings in her.

Greer became laird upon the death of his cousin. He hadn't expected it, as his cousin was a young man. Greer has spent years as a sword for hire, but he is determined to do his best as laird. He has some issues he has to deal with, not the least of which is his late cousin's wife. I don't blame him for staying as far away from her as he can. I also loved seeing him with his squire, Alpin, who at nine years old has very definite opinions of the proper behavior for a laird and has no problem with lecturing Greer about his responsibilities. His first sight of Siadh sends him running because he knows his intense physical reaction to her isn't appropriate, but his first conversation with her leaves him wanting more. 

I loved seeing Greer and Saidh together. They are so much alike that it is no wonder the chemistry between them is off the charts. Saidh has no feminine wiles thanks to her brothers. I loved her lack of filter when talking to him, and that she doesn't defer to him just because he's a man. I also liked that, while she may be innocent, she isn't naive, and gives as good as she gets when he kisses her. It was fun to see him try to keep control and fail every time. When he realized that resisting wasn't an option, he took steps right away to make sure that her reputation is protected. The arrival of her brothers in reaction to his letter was hysterical, and her reaction was even better. I loved her comments on being "ruined" and how she stood up to her brothers. I loved the growing of their relationship, as it is built not just on their attraction but also on the obvious respect and liking that they have for each other. I especially liked seeing how much Greer enjoyed Saidh's uniqueness.

Once the wedding happened things started getting really interesting. Saidh survived a couple of attacks on her, escaping the second one only because of Alpin's actions. No one could figure out why she was being attacked, though her brothers were sure that she had made someone mad. I was sure I knew who it was for most of the book, but then questions were raised about that likelihood. During the last few chapters my suspicions bounced back and forth among several possibilities before finally settling on one, and even then I wasn't wholly certain. It wasn't until the final confrontation that we get the how and why that explains it all. 

The secondary characters were all marvelous parts of the story. Alpin was really fun with his young boy's view of what was the right and wrong way to behave when you were laird or lady. I loved his running commentary on Saidh's actions when he accompanied her riding. Saidh's brothers were great. Each of them had their own personalities and handled their sister in different ways. Whatever else they did, they accepted her for who she was, even taking the "blame" for how she turned out. I'd like to see them all get their own stories.