Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
This was an excellent addition to the Highland Brides series. Graeme Gunn spent the last ten years as a mercenary, fighting his way around Scotland and beyond. As the second son, he does not expect to become laird, especially after his oldest brother, William, married. But William ran off with a village woman on his wedding night and hasn't been seen since. Six years later, they find William's body, and Graeme must take him home and take over as laird.
Annella Mackay Gunn had the care and keeping of the Gunn lands dropped in her lap the day after her wedding. Annella is the daughter of Annabel and Ross in the series' first book, An English Bride in Scotland. She hoped for a love match like her parents had. Instead, she had to deal with being abandoned by her husband, putting up with a witch of a mother-in-law who cut her down at every opportunity, coping with an annoying young brother-in-law, and rescuing a clan struggling to survive. She has been laird, chatelaine, and healer for the last six years. It took time, but she has grown from a quiet and naïve young girl to a woman with a steel spine and fantastic management skills.
I loved the opening scenes of the book. Graeme has listened to Annella's brother Payton extoll her virtues of a quiet and biddable woman. It is an eye-opening (and hilarious) scene when they arrive at Gunn and find her bellowing at the clansman she is attempting to sew up. Rather than being put off by her actions, Graeme is intrigued. Meanwhile, upon learning of her husband's death, Annella makes no secret of her pleasure at the news and her desire to return to her parents' home.
I enjoyed watching Graeme and Annella's relationship develop. In addition to the sparks of attraction that flare between them, Graeme is smitten with Annella from his first encounter with her. He wants nothing more than to make her his wife, especially after they've given in to those sparks. Having been burned once, Annella finds it difficult to trust him.
I laughed out loud at Graeme's attempts to convince or compel Annella to marry him. Her determined resistance frustrated him, but eventually, he succeeded. However, while their physical relationship is explosive, they still have much to learn about each other - especially Graeme. He makes some boneheaded decisions by not using Annella's hard-earned management skills. I loved watching her come to his rescue and point out the error of his ways. It takes some time for him to learn to trust her and to earn her trust in return. Admitting their feelings is even more difficult.
Complications arise when it becomes evident that someone is unhappy about their marriage. As frequently happens in this series, Graeme and Annella face poisoning, flying arrows, and other attacks aimed at ending their lives. Some unexpected twists kept me guessing who was behind it, and the resolution held some surprises.
Annella Mackay Gunn had the care and keeping of the Gunn lands dropped in her lap the day after her wedding. Annella is the daughter of Annabel and Ross in the series' first book, An English Bride in Scotland. She hoped for a love match like her parents had. Instead, she had to deal with being abandoned by her husband, putting up with a witch of a mother-in-law who cut her down at every opportunity, coping with an annoying young brother-in-law, and rescuing a clan struggling to survive. She has been laird, chatelaine, and healer for the last six years. It took time, but she has grown from a quiet and naïve young girl to a woman with a steel spine and fantastic management skills.
I loved the opening scenes of the book. Graeme has listened to Annella's brother Payton extoll her virtues of a quiet and biddable woman. It is an eye-opening (and hilarious) scene when they arrive at Gunn and find her bellowing at the clansman she is attempting to sew up. Rather than being put off by her actions, Graeme is intrigued. Meanwhile, upon learning of her husband's death, Annella makes no secret of her pleasure at the news and her desire to return to her parents' home.
I enjoyed watching Graeme and Annella's relationship develop. In addition to the sparks of attraction that flare between them, Graeme is smitten with Annella from his first encounter with her. He wants nothing more than to make her his wife, especially after they've given in to those sparks. Having been burned once, Annella finds it difficult to trust him.
I laughed out loud at Graeme's attempts to convince or compel Annella to marry him. Her determined resistance frustrated him, but eventually, he succeeded. However, while their physical relationship is explosive, they still have much to learn about each other - especially Graeme. He makes some boneheaded decisions by not using Annella's hard-earned management skills. I loved watching her come to his rescue and point out the error of his ways. It takes some time for him to learn to trust her and to earn her trust in return. Admitting their feelings is even more difficult.
Complications arise when it becomes evident that someone is unhappy about their marriage. As frequently happens in this series, Graeme and Annella face poisoning, flying arrows, and other attacks aimed at ending their lives. Some unexpected twists kept me guessing who was behind it, and the resolution held some surprises.
