The Highland Earl

The Highland Early by Amy Jarecki Lords of the Highlands #6 Lady Evelyn Pierrepont at 21 years of age and bred to marry someone of her own status realizes that she will marry strategically rather than as a result of falling in love but she had hoped to at least be consulted or given a choice. John Erskine, Earl of Mar, is recently widowed with sons 5 and 9 years of age. He needs money to get out of debt and knows he needs a stepmother for his sons BUT he never plans to fall in love again. With their upcoming nuptials and no love in sight the two really have what amounts to a convenient if not emotional marriage. In some ways I am sure this is more realistic of weddings that took place in the 1700’s than those written with flowery prose and love in abundance. The age difference of 16 years seemed to also be in keeping with the times. I could see how Evelyn became entangled in spying for a cause she believed in though I am not sure that her ability to sneak around would have been as easy as it was made in the book. The physical relationship of the two was much easier than communicating, sharing and really getting to know one another. In fact, there was more misunderstanding than understanding for a large portion of the book. I am not sure how believable the story is overall but it was a fun way to spend the day today. I enjoyed watching John and Evelyn work their way to a happy life together...eventually. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Forever-Grand Central Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review. 4-5 Stars

This Regency read has the setting of all the makings of a civilized society, but... when underpinned with the turbulence of its time, the characters have the opportunity to show what they truly are made of. Evelyn, Lady Mar, is a young woman who is emotionally challenged when she finds out her father leads a path of greed. She, then, is encouraged, by Monsieur Dubois, who lives his life in duplicity, to spy on her own father and prevent him from reaping the rewards of his schemes. However, Dubois, too, is a schemer who dups many. As Dubois’ spy, she marries John, the Earl of Mar, a widower of only a few months. He has worked for the Crown for years. He's known as Bobbin’ John for a reason which I’ll let you ferret out as you get into the story. The earl marries for two reasons: He has two young children who need a mother and he needs the dowry which comes with his titled wife to pay debts his father left on the property when he passed away. This marriage has all the markings of a marriage of convenience – Evelyn has easy access to spy for France through Dubois. In so doing, she thinks to support Scotland and the Jacobites. Matters of the heart arise, taking this marriage of convenience toward an engaging emotional journey. Will Dubois’ conniving for his King and his own pocket destroy Evelyn’s marriage? Will John’s loyalty to family and home take center stage verses the Crown? Can John love another when his heart belongs to his dead wife? If you like your Regency reads with fewer steamy scenes (I do), dangerous encounters and more character development, this story is an easy choice. Jarecki always writes a well-balanced story, one full of entertainment.