Hunting for a Highlander

The middling eighth historical romance in Sands’s Highland Brides series (after The Wrong Highlander) relies heavily on goodwill built in previous installments without offering much new. Geordie Buchanan, one of the three remaining unmarried Buchanan brothers, returns to his family home to find the keep awash with eligible women who’ve come hoping to catch the eye of him and his single brothers. When one potential bride, Lady Dwyn Innes, climbs a tree to escape the catty machinations of the others, Geordie rescues her from the branches and becomes enamored of the lowland lady. As the pair grows closer, Dwyn continues to need rescuing and Geordie vows to protect her in every way possible. The plot shifts dramatically halfway through, introducing a one-dimensional villain who brings unnecessary drama. Geordie and Dwyn have few distinguishing characteristics beyond their lust for one another, and Sand’s always excellent depiction of clan loyalties cannot overcome the story’s weaknesses. Existing fans will enjoy the cameos from other Buchanan couples, but newcomers will want to start earlier in the series. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Literary Agency. (Feb.)