Falling for the Highlander

When feisty but fainting-prone Murine hears her guardian half-brother crassly offer her body to Highlander Dougall in exchange for horses, she knows that only Dougall’s honor has spared her virtue. Escaping that night on her pet bull, Henry, Murine meets up with Dougall and his brothers. Soon they realize she is the woman who recently saved their sister, Saidh, and they vow to escort her to safety. The kindhearted, bantering brothers seem as anxious to protect Murine’s virtue from the obvious passion building between her and Dougall as to discover the cause of mysterious attacks on their small band, from which Murine receives a head wound and an arrow puncture. Sands (The Highlander Takes a Bride) imbues her scenes with physical comedy, as when Murine calmly sidesteps the brawling brothers (“it was rather entertaining to watch”) or Saidh attempts to prepare Murine for her wedding night, demonstrating with a carrot and bread: “Had she not already been bedded by Dougall, she would most likely be horrified and dismayed at this display.” The lovers’ courage and passion match the mounting dangers, cementing the bond between them in this enjoyable romp. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency. (Feb.)