Short Book Review-Tamed By A Laird

Tamed By A Laird
 Galloway Trilogy (1)
Amanda Scott
Forever
Paperback
Published July 2009
388 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-0-446-54137-4
Author's Website

Synopsis 
National bestselling author Amanda Scott sweeps readers back to the turbulent fourteenth-century Scottish Borders, where valiant men and women risk everything for their land. Jenny Easdale is ready to accept her fate. She's agreed to marry a man she will never love - yet not before slipping away for one last adventure. Following a traveling minstrel troupe, she's whisked into a world of intoxicating freedom. Then, all too soon, she finds herself in danger - from a vengeful political plot against Scotland and from the man who has come to take her home. Dutybound to return with his brother's wayward bride, Sir High Douglas is not prepared for how her quick wit, courage, and laughing eyes touch his warrior heart. Now, as the merry minstrels play matchmaker and passion sparks between Hugh and Jenny, the conspiracy against Scotland builds...and threatens all they hold dear.

My Review
 I have read from this author before and just fell in love with her books. I will admit that I had a hard time getting into this one until the end....it almost became a chore. I usually wouldn't have kept up with it so far...but the plot was decent, and I just had to see how it turned out. Even though toward the end I started to really enjoy the story, I found myself skimming almost through the majority of the book...which is a shame. Also I think the strong accents in the book, didn't exactly help any, it takes a while to get used to. Since they are very overly strong, it can be really hard to understand, so it takes a lot longer to read. However I did like the characters, but overall it didn't stand out to me as much as her other books. I think I had high expectations so I got really disappointed. Even though there were a few things that I enjoyed, it didn't sing to me, so I was frustrated quite a lot since it never takes me three days to get a book read. Hopefully the next one that I read of hers will be better.

First Line 
Minstrels had been playing music in the minstrel gallery from the time the first guests of the new laird had entered the ancient castle hall to take dinner with him. 

Favorite Quote 
"Don't try again to tell me my business. I--"
Grabbing her by the upper arms, he gave her a shake that broke off her reply, making her eyes widen and her lips part in shock. 
They looked invitingly soft and rosy. 
He had intended to tell her just what he though of her behavior. Instead, without another thought, he pulled her close and kissed her hard.

My Grade 
2 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Other Books In The Series 
Seduced By A Rogue
Tempted by a Warrior
 

Book Review-Seduced By A Rogue

Seduced By A Rogue
Amanda Scott
Grand Central,
358 Pages
Published January 2010
Medieval Scottish Highlands
ISBN: 978-0-446-54134-3

Synopsis:
A fair-haired beauty at 19, Lady Mairi is heiress apparent to her father Lord Dunwythie's rich barony. He has carefully taught her how to manage their estates, but a feud between his clan and the Maxwell clan is brewing as the two families edge toward a clan war - their dispute over money owed. Mairi's father believes he owes nothing, and of course Mairi sides with him.

When the impulsive and blue-eyed Rob Maxwell chances to meet Mairi in a barley field, they feel instant attraction, despite their families' antagonisms. Knowing he must put his clan first, Rob enacts a plan to force Dunwythie to pay his debt: Rob kidnaps Mairi, making the abduction appear the work of a stranger; then he and his sheriff-brother offer to help Dunwythis rescue his daughter IF, and only if, he will pay them the monies due. Yet after Rob captures Mairi's body, she captures his heart. When Dunwythie summons the aid of the most powerful clan in all Scotland (the Douglases), clan-tensions rise to a fever pitch. Love takes its own feverish course, as Mairi and Rob join forces to prevent a clash between hot-headed clans, and to protect their budding love.

My Review:
Robert Maxwell, on errand for his brother comes to Lord Dunwythie to try to convince him to submit to the sheriff's demands, who happens to be very powerful as well as his older brother, whom he owes his allegience to. On his way however, he comes across Mairi, and young woman that captivates him like no other woman has. Mairi, daughter of Lord Dunwythie, and the one to inherit, unless her father bears a son, which he has yet to do. Mairi learning how to run his estates, however feels like she is not part of his inner circle, despite the fact that she is his heir. When she meets the handsome rogue Robert Maxwell, despite her better judgment, finds herself drawn to this stranger. After he leaves however, being rejected by her father, she is a bit disappointed. But she is shocked when taking a walk comes face to face with Robert again, and is then taken captive away to a tower on his land by the sea, with no safe way to escape. At first Mairi is outraged by what he has done, but there is a sizzling attraction between them that no matter the circumstances is alive and growing into a ascending flames closely resembling flames. But the longer they spend in each others company, Mairi realizes that she would rather stay at his side, than go home. Mairi, never feeling wanted or loved at her home, feels that way in Rob's presence, like she could talk or laugh with him about anything and feel a strong bond with him. Robert, knows that there is something strengthening between them, and he knows that he loves Mairi. However, he knows that with Mairi's father, he could never marry her, it would be impossible. Where he knows he will have to choose between his love for Mairi and his loyalty to his clan and brother.

This is the first that I have read from Amanda Scott, and as I love Scottish romances, I was glad to discover a new talented romance author. I loved the plot to this story, where Robert feels he has no choice but to kidnap her hoping that it will force her father to see reason. Mairi knows her father, and knows what his reaction will be and that his land and plans for the future mean more than she does. But after she spends time with Robert and comes to the point of where she would rather be with him, she knows that she is in love with them, even though she knows that she must cherish the time they have together, because she won't be able to marry him. The other thing that I loved about these characters, is how despite what Robert feels he has to do, they get along after the anger and tempers are spent, and a intense desire flares up between the two. Even though it was a good story with some strong characters, there was something off about this book. It felt like at times it flowed smoothly, but at other times it didn't flow like I felt it should have. Also I felt like there was something missing, pretty much all throughout the book. But for the most part I did enjoy this book, and I do plan on reading more of this author.

My Grade On This Book:
4 Blossoms