The Highland Renegade

Holy Snapdragons!! Can a story get any better than this one? Hard to do when there is a braw, fierce, handsome, highland warrior, one Robert Grant, Laird of Clan Grant, who is everything one would want (well I mean the ladies, umm yes he is something!). Janet Cameron has traveled with her brother to attend the Samain celebration and hopes to find a husband among those present. Of course her friend pushes her toward Robert, but the Grants and Camerons have a long feud and recent developments have then at odds again. Janet is very strong willed and refuses to be linked to Robert, but fate has a hand it seems when they are drawn together. English Redcoats are in the area, supposedly keeping the peace in Scotland. But the leader has his eye on Janet and pursues her. When it becomes evident the man will not leave her alone and intends to arrest her, Robert steps in to protect her. One thing leads to another and the adventure or rather harrowing experiences begin. Robert vows to himself, "Janet Cameron would be safe on his watch. Nary a soul will touch her. I swear it." On a journey for their lives, through a winter storm, riding in land that is difficult, even in good weather and a gut wrenching fall, the enemy continues their pursuit. Janet is so strong and determined to survive and Robert seems hard, but deep down he has a lot of feelings. They are strongly aware of each other and the emotions were off the charts! I truly loved these two and Amy has brought them to life. I can feel the cold and angst with her amazing descriptions and wonderful words. This is one of my favorite books I have read this year but is seems every story written in this series is outstanding!! Cannot wait for the next book!!

THE HIGHLAND RENEGADE starts with much action as the red coats are intent on making life difficult for the Highlanders, in addition to the cattle thievery that has plagued the Grant and Cameron clans, and Janet’s brother Kennan is not helping with his temper. However things simmer down for a while, after Robert takes Janet to safety. I loved that Robert rescued Janet out of chivalry and loyalty to Scotland, and not out of lust; that part came later. In spite of a centuries-long feud between their clans, Robert and Janet cannot help being attracted to each other. Although the lust between them is palpable, I never quite got the impression that they were in love, I cannot put my finger on why exactly. Amy Jarecki’s descriptions of Scotland are breathtaking, and all along I felt as if I were seeing those stunning sites. Ms. Jarecki’s research is impeccable, thorough and extensive as we witness the precarious political climate in Scotland in 1712-1713.

This story was hard to put down. With the danger, the humor, and the love, I just wanted to find out what was next. Robert was protective from the beginning, and he was willing to change the situation so that he could have what he wanted, Janet. She also changed her perspective as she got to know Robert and realized not all was as it seems, in more ways than one. Emma and Ciar were wonderful secondary characters, and I would love to know more about them. I highly recommend this book. I received a copy of this book through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.