Janet B
1684, Scottish Highlands Englishwoman Lady Evelyn Worthington is resolved to build a school for ladies in her brother's newly purchased Scottish castle. She's also fleeing a betrothal her late father arranged but when she arrives, not only does she find the castle scorched by fire, but a brawny Highlander bars her entry. Clan chief Grey Campbell would rather die than see his family home, Finlarig Castle, fall into English hands, so Grey must win the battle of wills with the beautiful Sassenach who flashes a bill of sale before him. A well written well paced novel. The characters have plenty of depth, Grey & Evelyn are likeable & even though they are at odds to begin with soon find that as well as being attracted to each other they also like & respect each other. This is the start of a new series & there are plenty of secondary characters who I hope will have their stories, there’s also Izzy whose reason for not talking needs to be resolved. I found myself engrossed in the book & carried away by the plots, secrets & intrigue that accompanied the romance so much so that I read it in under a day & I certainly look forward to more from the author My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Christine Woinich
This tale had action, heartbreak, witty banter, and danger. Evelyn left England for Scotland to try to support herself while running a school. Her good intentions met the wall and menace of Grey. It was entertaining as Grey fought his feelings for the English woman taking over his home. He was so protective when not growling. Despite his attempts to stop her, Evelyn was a force unto herself, doing things to change the castle to suit her needs, and except for a moment or two of weakness, she was strong enough to stand up to Grey as well as the English soldiers threatening the clan. Justine Eyre did a wonderful job with the narration, and she kept me wanting to listen. This is my unsolicited review.
Lori Dykes
Scotland 1684. Heather McCollum expertly combines her historical knowledge with romance and many surprises in this wonderful tale of two people who come together in an unexpected way. Englishwoman Evelyn Worthington is desperate to flee an arranged marriage and manages to talk her brother into letting her go to his castle in Scotland. She plans to make a school for ladies and be successful in earning money. She has three months or she will have to return and marry, but she is determined!! When she arrives at the castle, she is met at the door by Grey Campbell, a Scottish Clan Chief claiming the castle is his. The English had already wrought destruction trying to kill his people and take over his land. Can you imagine how he felt when a Sassenach stood at his door claiming the castle was her brothers? He was furious, but stubborn Evelyn marched right in and began making plans. When sees the plight of the people inside and how the place had been burned she is horrified. She realizes the castle should rightly go back to the Chief but she has to make a go of her school. As the two are around each other there is definitely an attraction. Adventure, action and hidden secrets all make this story a page turning romance you will not want to miss. Who can resist a Scottish Highlander? A wonderful start to a new series!