Joanna’s Highlander

Greyson’s spicy, pleasurable second Highland Protector historical (after Sadie’s Highlander) picks up 16 years after the goddesses have transported the MacDara druid family from 10th-century Scotland to 21st-century North Carolina. From their headquarters in the medieval park of Highland Life and Legends, the MacDaras safeguard the Heartstone, on which humankind’s well-being depends. Hunky Grant MacDara pursues sexy tour guide Joanna Martin, determined to make her his own. For readers willing to accept the unabashedly silly premise, the story offers plentiful entertainment, including galvanic attraction and steamy sex scenes between two appealing and well-matched lovers, witty banter, and a delightful cast of supporting characters, particularly Joanna’s high-octane geriatric clients. When Grant reluctantly reveals his family legacy to Joanna, as “she must be brought before the stone” before he can marry her, she fears her penchant for picking losers continues, believing Grant to be “crazy-ass, possibly drug-using—or if he didn’t use drugs now he probably needed to start.” Once she accepts the bizarre truth and the two of them get through an unconvincing tacked-on subplot threatening their newfound commitment, this rollicking cross-cultural love story offers much to enjoy. (Apr.)