ARC Book Review-Lachlan's Bride

Lachlan's Bride
Highland Laird's Trilogy (2)
Kathleen Harrington
Avon
ARC E Book
Published April 30th 2013
317 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780062226334
Author's Website 

Synopsis
He is Lachlan MacRath, laird and pirate. And he intends to be her lover…

Lady Francine Walsingham cannot believe this warrior is to be her escort into Scotland. It is whispered that Lachlan MacRath has magical powers…how else do you explain his success as a pirate? But trust him she must, for a treacherous plot is about to reveal all her secrets…and Francine has no choice but to act as his lover to keep her enemies at bay.

When Lachlan first sees Francine, the blonde beauty stirs his blood like no woman ever before. As luck would have it, they must now play the besotted couple so he can protect her…and Lachlan is determined to use all his seductive prowess to properly woo her into his bed.

My Review
Summary 
Lady Francine first takes notice of Lachlan when he steps into court, never has been seen such a virile man who takes her breath away. She also recognizes him as the Scottish Pirate and believes him to be a sorcerer. When it becomes known that he is to be her protector and escort to the wedding of the King of Scotland, she doesn't know if she will be able to resist his charm. Lachlan first notices Francine from the first moment he walks into court, the most beautiful lass. He is determined to show her the touch of a man, to seduce her in his bed before their journey is through. When he learns that there is a danger to Francine and her daughter he knows that he is the only one that can truly protect them and keep them from her. Even though their lives are in constant danger, Francine and Lachlan are forced to be together at all time, including in the same bedroom at night. Francine is seduced by his tender touches and fiery kisses that only inflame her body more and desire to be his forever.

The Hero (Lachlan MacRath)
Lachlan, has fought many battles, and as the second in the MacRath family, he is a very capable fighter, and lover as well. When Lachlan first see's Francine and her beauty both inside and out he is captivated. Lachlan has had to keep certain secrets from Francine in order to protect her, but knows he will have to reveal them eventually. He never thought that he would want to marry her or find her young daughter endearing.

The Heroine (Francine Walsingham)
Francine a widow, has no desire to find a love to warm her bed at night. She is content with her life in court, and her daughter at her side. Francine has certain secrets that must remain hidden from others else they would put her daughter at risk. When she first meets Lachlan, he makes her laugh and she feel's more free with him than she has with anyone. She knows that a match between them can't happen because of her relationship with the King of England, but her heart aches to have him for the rest of her life.

My Thoughts 
Lachlan's Bride is the second in the series, and this book took a while in the making from the first book. I haven't read anything from this author until now. I received this ARC from Edelweiss and Avon for a honest review. The one thing I had the hardest about reading this book, I think was the flow. Its the kind of read that is a comfortable read, but the first half of the book I had a hard time getting into. But I just knew I had to keep up with it, that I would enjoy it. Once I reached the second half of the book, I breathed a sigh of relief as I finally started to really enjoy it and was able to get into it fully. I definitely skimmed a bit in the first half unfortunately, but toward the end I started to enjoy it.  I found the story to have a strong plot with enough mystery and action and sensuality to satisfy your senses. The characters were well acclimated into the story, but Francine was my least favorite. Throughout the story there is so much focus with her believing that Lachlan is some kind of sorcerer. She is very supersiticious and I found it to be a bit distracting at times. I found Lachlan to be ever patient with her, plus being one super sexy hero that I wouldn't mind having at my side. One of the aspects I enjoyed about this book is the time and place this story takes place. We see the type of culture and what they had to amuse themselves. I enjoyed seeing how this author put together the story with a variety of aspects that made for a likeable read. Even though it wasn't my favorite read, I did somewhat like it, and have good things about her other books, so I do plan on reading her other books.


First Line 
Stretched flat on the blood soaked ground, Lachlan MacRath gazed up at the cloudless morning sky and listened to the exhausted moans of the wounded. 

Favorite Quote 
As she sailed past with her pert little nose in the air, Lachlan reached out and caught her in his arms. He slid his hand beneath the soft fold of her headdress, threaded his fingers through long silken curls, and imprisoned her head in his cupped palm.
"Sleep with me tonight, Lady Walsingham," he said hoarsely, "And I'll make you forget any other man you've ever known."

My Grade 
3 Blossoms


Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In Series 
The Maclean Groom