Tying the Scot

If you love Scottish romance, welcome to your new guilty pleasure

Prideful Lucy FitzHarris, desperate to marry into English nobility, is instead promised to hot-headed Alex Sinclair, an old family friend and future Laird of Balforss in the Scottish Highlands. Though their initial meetings are fraught with animosity, nevertheless they are inexplicably drawn to each other and within days, realize not only their lust but their true affection for each other. Their almost-couplings before they take their vows was steamy to say the least; the heat between these two almost burned through the page.

But when Lucy spots Alex in a compromising situation with his former love, she puts herself and the entire Sinclair clan at risk by fleeing the estate and walking into the hands of the Sinclair's sworn enemy. Despite to rescue her, Alex must use not only his brawn but his brain and the loyalty and bravery of his entire family to trace her whereabouts. Meanwhile Lucy, resourceful and wily, works desperately to find a way to escape.

I loved not only the sexy interactions between the two main characters but the well-developed cast that surrounded them: Laird John and his wife Flora, a mature couple who model what a successful marriage can be; Declan and Magnus, two strong-willed and valiant cousins, Hercules the pipsqueak of a doggy and Lucy's loyal companion, even Peter, the adorable young groom striving to be more.

Authentic dialogue and customs blend seamlessly in this fast-paced romantic tale, laced with historical details from food, to clothing, to the historical true history of clan wars and its effect on tenant farmers. If you love Regency romance, Scottish Highland stories, or just want to settle back in a comfortable chair in front of the fire and eavesdrop on a hot sexy romance, pick up Jennifer Trethewey's debut novel and then recommend it to your friends. My guess is this won't be the last we hear from the Highlanders of Balforss.