Book Review: Highland Hero by Amanda Scott

This has sweet romance in a story rich with history and intrigue.
Highland Hero
By Amanda Scott

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (October 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446574309
• ISBN-13: 978-0446574303

     Genre:  Historical Romance (heavy on historical)
     My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Series: Scottish Knights | Publication Date: October 1, 2011
LADY IN DISGUISE
Lady Marsi Cargill refuses to marry a man who wants her land rather than her love. To escape her arranged betrothal, she disguises her noble lineage and accompanies her young cousin--the future King of Scots--on a secret journey across the Highlands. Their guide is a mysterious knight known only as Hawk. Heat flares between the beautiful maid and the brooding warrior, but when Marsi's true identity is revealed, Hawk's desire gives way to fury...

KNIGHT AT THE READY
Summoned by the King to guard his son, Sir Ivor "Hawk" Mackintosh now has two royals to protect. This daring, willful woman has invaded Hawk's every thought, and laid siege to his heart. Soon the solitary soldier is yearning for a life with Marsi at his side and in his bed. But as their passion grows, so too does the danger surrounding them. Powerful enemies watch their every move, and to survive, Hawk and Marsi must fight for Scotland's future-as well as their own new-found love.

Review: Hawk is a surprising hero to a child and a damsel in distress.

Marsi is a character who grew on me. She is a Royal ward so it is not so surprising that she is rather spoiled and accustomed to her own way.  The Queen has died leaving her week husband in command. The youngest son, eight year old James, will be sent away to keep him from the hands of Albany who seeks to control the Kingdom, through manipulation if not through murder.  Marsi is James cousin and, to avoid an unwanted betrothal, she disguises herself as a nursery maid to hide with James and their nursery mistress. 

The King is afraid of Albany’s influence and has called upon Ivor, “Hawk”, to escort the young heir to safety. Hawk is attracted to the bright young woman and, considering her manners and saucy tongue, soon suspects that she is more than a maid. Marsi is cautious with Hawk but slowly finds herself trusting him and feeling safe - and other things - when near him.

Hawk is a stern character but kind, smart, trustworthy and a handsome Highlander to boot. Marsi is young, impulsive and spoiled but her strengths - smart, warm hearted, brave and beautiful - win out.  I liked how young James’ character is portrayed as arrogant but kind hearted. There is danger as the group travels through a countryside covered with enemies, spies and gossips.  I learned some interesting details about marital contracts in Scotland; also a sweet tidbit about the ring on the third finger.

I really enjoyed how the romance developed slowly, sweetly and with some irony but definite integrity.  The romantic scenes are sensual and a smaller feature within a story full of history and intrigue.  It read a little slower as I was keeping track of the noble politics. I like this more than I expected (I’m not sure what my reluctance was).  Now I want to go back and read the first in the series and look forward to the next one.

A Fav Quote:
"You will find me," she murmured, feeling warmth at the very thought of him.

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for providing this book for review and giveaway.  Please see the review of The Sinner right before this one and look at the next post for the Giveaway post.