Review: Sins of the Highlander

Reviewed by Jen
 

Mad Rob McLaren is on a mission of vengeance. Two years ago, Lachlan Drummond kidnapped his wife, just days after their wedding. He raped her; and she killed herself. But despite Rob's effort, Drummond refuses to face him in combat. So Rob kidnaps Drummond's bride from the altar, hoping to finally get the battle he's due.

The thing is, Rob never thought about Elspeth at all. He never considered the hell a kidnapping would put Drummond's betrothed through. And he certainly never expected the woman to get under his skin. But that is exactly what happens.

As Rob and Elspeth make their way back to Rob's castle, they begin to fall for each other. But they must sidestep danger from Drummond and his men the entire time. And once they reach their destination, they face more treachery and obstacles, as people and circumstances work to keep them apart.

The story doesn't exactly tread new ground. But Rob makes a pretty sympathetic hero, as he mourns his first wife and tremulously experiences a second chance at love. Elspeth is a brave and loyal lass, who discovers passion and love for the first time under Rob's experienced hand. There is also a touch of the supernatural, with Elspeth's gift of foresight.

Drummond makes for a kind of one-dimensional villain. And I would have liked to experience more of Rob's emotional journey into his love for Elspeth. It kind of felt like he took the words out of her mouth and let her brand his feelings. I would have preferred to see him find and recognize his feelings on his own.  

I liked it well enough.  Kilts and brogues abound. But not much in the way of surprises. 3 1/2 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

Click to purchase: Amazon

Sins of the Highlander

by Connie Mason

Release Date: January 1, 2012

Publisher: Sourcebooks