The Reluctant Highlander: Highland Romance, Book 1

Scott takes the reader back to early-15th-century Scotland in this satisfying opening installment of her Highland Romance series. Lady Fiona Ormiston enjoys her life as one of the ladies in waiting to Joanna, wife of King James. When she first meets Sir Adham MacFinlagh while swimming on a moonlit night, she is intrigued by him but still considers him somewhat of a barbaric Highlander, with his scruffy beard and lack of stylish clothes. As she sees him around court, she begins to soften toward Adham and even finds him attractive. When Fiona’s father speaks with Adham and agrees that he should offer for Fiona in marriage, Adham proposes and she gladly accepts. But their early wedded bliss is not without danger, as Adham has pledged his loyalty to King James and other factions follow the imprisoned Alexander, enemy of the king. Fiona must come to terms with the fact that her husband will always be a warrior. Scott’s extensive knowledge of clan warfare and loyalties adds to the realism of this novel, which is rich with historical detail and tender romance. Agent: Lucy Childs, Aaron M. Priest Literary. (June)