The Rebel of Clan Kincaid

Laird Kincaid, a highlander, who opposed the Crown and died under mysterious circumstances, along with his wife and three sons, and Magnus, was led to believe he was Laird Alwyn’s illegitimate son. However a visit to his friend Elspeth Kincaid, née MacClaren, upends his life: Magnus just learned that he is one of those hated Kincaids, and the brother of Elspeth’s husband Niall. Magnus is confused and angry, and he vows to have his revenge against the Alwyn. Tara Iverach’s guardian, the Earl of Buchan, has just come to see her at the Duncroft Priory, where Tara has lived for years. Tara is to marry the eldest Alwyn, the dreadful and frightening Hugh! Tara doesn’t understand: her sister Arabel was to wed the sinister Alwyn, but Arabel has died, and Tara’s heart is broken. On their way to Castle Burnbryde, they are attacked by brigands, where Tara is rescued by a gentle man with a lovely voice, but she never saw his face, even if she kissed him. Upon reaching the Castle, Tara is promptly imprisoned in a tower so she doesn’t escape her sordid fate: Hugh is a nightmare, and Tara knows she must flee, she cannot wed this uncouth and dissolute boor. THE REBEL OF CLAN KINCAID is a complex story of treachery and double-crossing during the reign of Robert II of Scotland, in the late Middle Ages, and I thought Ms. Blackwood perfectly captures the colour, and the atmosphere of the era. The author also respects the customs and appropriate behaviour of the times, and I really appreciated that, especially when it came to intimate scenes, which were scalding, gorgeous, and very tender and realistic as well. I loved the tone of the book: danger lurking in the shadows, ferocious rivalries, a lot of tension without fanfare, and a delicate touch that never felt precious or stilted, whether in the romance or the dialogue. Hugh is revolting in an unfortunate very realistic way, and he is an ideal foe for Magnus, a most splendid hero; he is, in fact, so honourable and chivalrous, that it nearly has catastrophic consequences. There is an understandable misunderstanding and my heart broke for Tara, so strong and brave, and all this was superbly well handled by the author. And the romance! Be still my heart! Everyone should be so lucky to experience the true love that Tara and Magnus share! The ending to this epic medieval story is fabulous! THE REBEL OF CLAN KINCAID is the second instalment in the series, and although there is a continuing storyline that began in the first book, it reads perfectly as a standalone, and believe me, I am waiting with bated breath for the third book! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

Loved this book 2nd in the series. Wonderfully written!

Loved the characters and story.