Monday, March 8, 2010

Review - The Highlander's Sword

The Highlander's Sword
By Amanda Forester
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Release Date: March 2, 2010









Anyone who knows me realizes that I'm a sucker for a Scottish romance and when there's a brawny Highlander on the cover...well, bring it on! Debut author Amanda Forester has written a charming medieval romance set in the Highlands, filled with warring clans, a hastily arranged marriage and topped off with liberal dose of humor.

Padyn MacClaren has recently returned to his home in Scotland after fighting the English in France. Since his French fiancee betrayed him to the English, he is determined never to trust another woman and risk betrayal again. This battle-scarred knight returns to his estate with his friend and fellow knight, Frenchman Sir Chaumont, ready to assume leadership of his clan. But his estate has been badly neglected and he needs money and land, something he is lacking. So he agrees to marry the only daughter--and heir-- to Lord Graham of Dundaff.

Lady Aila Graham is destined for the convent, so when her father informs her that she will be marrying Padyn MacClaren immediately, the safe, quiet life she planned on is irrevocably changed. Yet she has no choice but to do as she is told. She is intrigued by Padyn and finds herself drawn to him--he was a friend of her brother, who died in battle, so she remembers Padyn when he was younger--in spite of his stern demeanor and warrior's countenance. Once she resigns herself to this marriage, she is determined to win Padyn's love and trust, but that will be much harder than she imagines.


Aila pondered his words, more clearly understanding his distrust of women. He would forever carry the visible reminder of the last woman who betrayed him. Other scars were not as visible but deeper and more painful. How could she ever gain his trust?


Ms. Forester has penned a comedy of errors that had me laughing out loud. Due to a series miscommunications and the evil machinations of a traitor, Padyn and Aila spend most of the book struggling to find a place and the privacy to consummate their marriage. Along the way they grow to trust one another and learn that love does indeed conquer all. Filled with a cast of entertaining secondary characters and the mystery of the traitor's identity, The Highlander's Sword is the perfect read if you're in the mood for a little escape. Aye, the Highlands are calling.

~ Gannon

14 comments:

  1. Oh wow, love the Highlanders myself Gannon, time to go to Amazon. I just finished reading the 3rd in a series by Lynsay Sands, also medieval Highlanders.

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  2. Dianna, there are a lot of us out there with a thing for Highlanders. *g*

    I love Lynsay's books! I have the latest on my TBB list.

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  3. Um, what sword are we talking about here? *snort*

    Drew, why whatever do you mean? *batting eyelashes* LOL

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  4. Gannon, you *know* how much I adore Highlanders!! And if you add an arranged marriage and humor into the mix, I'm bound to love it! Guess this is one I will have to buy.

    Great review!

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  5. Um, what sword are we talking about here? *snort*

    Hopefully the best one ;-)

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  6. Thanks, Buffie! I thought of you when I was reading this one--has all of your favorite things, including the sword. ;-)

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  7. Men in kilts! Great review, Gannon! This one sounds g-o-o-o-o-d!

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  8. Thanks, Deb! I'll add you to our "Love Men In Kilts" club! :-D

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  9. My kind of book. I am finding that more and more I am appreciating humor in the stories I read. Of course if the story takes place in the Highlands and there are men in kilts, that makes it that much better.

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  10. Thank you Gannon for such a nice review! Please add me to your "Love Men in Kilts" club - oh yeah - I am so there!

    If anyone is interested in winning a free copy, I'll be blogging and giving away books - check out my blog tour at www.amandaforester.com

    Thanks!
    Amanda

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  11. Thanks, Buffie! I thought of you when I was reading this one--has all of your favorite things, including the sword. ;-)

    It's nice to know I am such an open book :-)

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  12. Librarypat, I love humor in some stories, too. Add that to the men in kilts, and you can't lose!

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  13. Amanda, you can be the president. LOL

    I'm so glad you liked the review, and thanks so much for stopping by!

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  14. Buffie, you're in good company! *g*

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