How to Marry a Highlander

Sinclair heats up the 14th-century Scottish Highlands in her lusty eighth McTiernays novel. After rousing and arousing verbal sparring and some steamy skinny dipping starts a secret liaison between feisty red-haired Adanel and mysterious, “incredibly good-looking” soldier Dugan, these kindred spirits discover their liaison is forbidden: she’s a Mackbaythe and he serves their enemies, the McTiernays. Their flaming passion is nearly quenched by mutual distrust. He’s an experienced lover who’s sworn never to fall in love, though her spirited beauty makes him question that vow. She’s been too long without a lover and falls for Dugan quickly, but she also pragmatically wants a commitment that will allow her to escape her vicious father. Sinclair’s robust, well-researched plot, which hinges on the happenings at Highland shipping ports, provides authenticity as the reluctant couple overcomes opposing clan loyalties, earlier betrayals by rotten relatives, and the grim necessity of building a new McTiernay lairdship together in spite of a filthy castle and hostile former Mackbaythes. Heartfelt soul-searching, energetic weapon-wielding, and breathless lust make this an irresistible Highland fling. (Apr.)