The Highlands, 1118

I'm not going to rehash the synopsis for you.

Ms. Crosby has written in the style of the times, so it was a bit like reading Shakespeare-awkward at times. I was determined not to like this book when I started, but I quickly discovered that she'd written multi-layered characters, survivors, and their adventure together was enough to keep my interest throughout, in spite of arguing for Stockholm's Syndrome and the odd phraseology and "fun" words she felt it necessary to include. The story transcends all of this. It is a well-done Scottish historical complete with clan loyalty, men in kilts, a traitor amongst them and the hated English.

Well worth the read. ( )

The heroine is a shrew

I think the writer thought she was making Page sassy but she was a shrew. For most of the book, she argued and said rude things to everyone. That's not sassy, that's just being nasty.

It wasn't all bad but it wasn't up to the standards of what I'm used to in my historical romances. ( )

One of the downfalls of reading books in the same genre for a little over twenty years, is the repetitive feel they sometimes get. This wasn't bad but it definitely had a been there done that feel to it; it had faint echoes of a Scottish Garwood.

Along with the nothing new feeling I had, the insta-lust and the immature heroine had me skimming some pages. The story arcs of the villain feeling wronged and Page's father not wanting her were ok along with the developing romance between Iain and Page but again, not particularly original. There was never an anticipation or feeling of fun to their journey.

This was a kindle freebie for me and because the writing and grammar was good, I'd say if you're not an old hat to romances, this is definitely worth the free download. ( )

Scottish Highlander Iain MacKinnon captures an Englishman’s daughter in retaliation for the kidnapping of his young son. As he bargains for a trade, it becomes clear that the Englishman has no interest in his daughter Page. While Iain gains his son, he also must ponder what to do with the girl. Feeling that no one should be denied by their father, he takes her with him. The bulk of the story encompasses the growing relationship between Iain and Page. This is an old school romance novel with an emphasis on inner dialogue and lengthy love scenes, and I loved it. Iain is a tortured and compelling hero, and Page is a plucky heroine despite the circumstances. The romance was smoldering, and I cheered the ultimate happily-ever-after. ( )

Good

This was a good book. I loved the way the two main characters helped each other and they were able to grow together. ( )