Hero in the Highlands
A No Ordinary Hero Novel
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- $5.99
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- $5.99
Publisher Description
WILD AT HEART
Scotland, 1812: He’s ferocious and rugged to the bone, an English soldier more at home on the battlefield than in any Society drawing room. And when Major Gabriel Forrester learns that he’s inherited the massive Scottish Highlands title and estate of a distant relation, the last thing he wants to do is give up the intensity of the battlefield for the too-soft indulgences of noble life. But Gabriel Forrester does not shirk his responsibilities, and when he meets striking, raven-eyed lass Fiona Blackstock, his new circumstances abruptly become more intriguing.
Like any good Highlander, Fiona despises the English—and the new Duke of Lattimer is no exception. Firstly, he is far too attractive for Fiona’s peace of mind. Secondly, his right to “her” castle is a travesty, since it’s been clan Maxwell property for ages. As the two enter a heated battle of wills, an unexpected passion blazes into a love as fierce as the Highlands themselves. Is Fiona strong enough to resist her enemy’s advances—or is Gabriel actually her hero in disguise?
“It’s time to fall in love with Suzanne Enoch.”
—Lisa Kleypas
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Enoch (Some Like It Scot) produces another bold Highland fling in this stirring historical romance. Maj. Gabriel Forrester is enjoying the Duke of Wellington's 1812 campaign near Salamanca in Spain when he receives the unexpected news that he is now the Duke of Lattimer, a title that comes with a 10,000-acre estate in Scotland. The estate was originally owned by Scottish lairds, and it's been cursed ever since it was taken over by the hated English. He arrives to find the place run by black-eyed Scottish spitfire Fiona Blackstock, who despises all Englishmen. She predictably goes weak in the knees in Gabriel's presence, disguising it by raging at his English arrogance which is a cover for his own developing attraction to her. Gradually, they manage to overcome all the barriers that separate them. Enoch alternates Fiona's spunky feminism with Gabriel's down-to-earth pragmatism in this adventurous tale of sex and war, and Gabriel proves himself a dashing expert at both. With colorful secondary characters, judicious lashings of Scots dialect, and lush summertime Highland landscapes, Enoch creates a heady romantic atmosphere that's sure to captivate the genre's eager audience.
Customer Reviews
the contrast between these two was marked
I read and loved Some Like it Scot from this author, and hoped that I would find the same humor, befuddlement and intrigue in this new series starter. Fortunately, I found many of those beloved elements in this story, with two very different and occasionally difficult characters.
Gabriel was wonderful: full of honor, good intentions and a truly stand up man, revered by his regiment and brother’s in arms. While he’s busy garnering victories in the war, he discovers that he has inherited a title and lands in Scotland, with no way to refuse the request. With several missives gone unanswered, he leaves the battlefields to travel to Scotland, looking to settle things with his steward and decide what to do.
Fiona has been managing the Lattimore lands since her brother’s disappearance, and has little interest in cowtowing to some Sassenach interloper. She’s a bit rough around the edges, perhaps a bit too modern for her time: unmarried, free with her body and determined to drive her own life path. She’s admittedly treacherous and distrustful, more than a bit dishonest and her attitude slides from spoilt child to scheming courtesan in the blink of an eye.
Dislikable heroines are often a death knell to a book, and the contrast between these two was marked, until bits of Fiona’s insecurities and history start to come forward. I never did come to love her, but I understood her AND Gabriel’s desires for her: his need to protect and care, to smooth the way and to assume his rightful place as she starts to see his bone-deep honorable streak. When the two band together to focus on the troubles plaguing the castle rather than their own sparks, their attraction sparks naturally and leads to plenty of unconsciously planned moments full of spark and heat. Humor also works its way through the story, and I would say that sticking with this story purely for Gabriel will bring plenty of rewards.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
We know what society was like during Regency
If they language of"ye", "nae" and "aye" weren't used, this story could have been 2016. There's more to loving historical novels than horses and gowns. Part of the thrill is social expectations and propriety.
Got a little slow at times
It started out great but way too much internal dialogue. Just a lot of repetitive thoughts. And I noticed a few sayings that were too modern for the time period. One of those is; not for all the tea in China. After reading that line I did a quick google search and sure enough that phrase wasn't uttered until 100 years after this story took place.