SEDUCING A SCOTTISH BRIDE - Sue-Ellen Welfonder
MacKenzies, Book 6
Grand Central's Forever
ISBN-10: 0-446-19529-4
March 2009
Historical Romance

Western Highlands of Scotland - 1348

Lady Gelis MacKenzie is known for her bold and fiery temperament. Much like her father Duncan, the legendary Black Stag of Kintail, Gelis is unwilling to back away from any challenge, no matter how dire. So, when she finds out she’s to marry Ronan “the Raven” MacRuari of the cursed Clan MacRuari, she doesn’t panic. Then again, she does have a secret that helps; gifted with second sight, Gelis has already seen that she’s meant to share a great love with the Raven.

Having already buried two wives courtesy of the MacRuari curse, Ronan has made the decision to never marry again. In fact, he’s planning on a pilgrimage that he’s certain will help lift the curse when his grandfather, Valdar, informs him that his soon to be third wife, Lady Gelis, is on her way to Castle Dare at that very moment. Outraged that Valdar would force an innocent woman into the danger that surrounds them all, Ronan is determined to find a way out of this mess without compromising duty or causing anyone to lose face.

A warrior determined to do what’s best for everyone, a lass who’s been yearning for love, and magic both foul and fair filling the air around Castle Dare make this a story that could end in disaster or become a grand story of love to rival the most romantic ever told.

SEDUCING A SCOTTISH BRIDE may not be at the top of Ronan’s to do list, but the bride in question is certainly bent on seducing him. Gelis has dreamt of a wondrous, passionate love, and she’s certain it will come to pass, even if Ronan seems determined to avoid her at every turn. Why, if she wasn’t certain he was just trying to put her off for her own protection, she may have been a bit more angry when he destroyed their wedding night feast and threw her bath out the window. Luckily, she understands his motivations, and he’ll soon discover that she’ll never give up on him or ending the curse of the MacRuari. Ronan has never met a female more bewitching or determined. If it’s not the enticing scent of roses that seems to surround her, it’s the sway of her hips or the brightness of her smile that brings him closer to claiming her as his own. Surely, no other man of honor has been so sorely tested to his limits. But when he realizes that Gelis has captured his heart, there’s naught else to do but return her love tenfold and defeat anyone or anything that stands in their way. After all, he is a Highlander and they never give up.

Gelis’s elder sister, Arabella, is known for her composure. Though she seems to scorn Gelis’s romantic dreams of love, I think Arabella’s serenity will be tested when she meets her own true love in A HIGHLANDER’S TEMPTATION (coming in October 2009). Gelis’s father, Duncan, is pressed by honor to give her hand to Ronan, but, that doesn’t mean this fierce and loving father won’t destroy all in his path if his beloved daughter is harmed in any way. Valdar is Ronan’s loving and still very capable grandfather. Meddlesome he may be, but it’s a sure thing that Gelis and Ronan owe him many thanks for his part in their tale. Torcaill is a white-maned old druid friend of Ronan’s. Devorgilla is the bright-eyed, grizzle haired, wise woman of Doon. Both Torcaill and Devorgilla have no doubt they know what’s best for all, and they use the magic at their disposal to push for the outcome they desire. Anice, a servant in Castle Dare, and Hector, a young lad, both become Gelis’s great friends. Lastly, I must mention Dungal Tarnach, former druid and current Holder (the Holders are ancient enemies of Clan MacRuari and are determined to regain something they feel the clan owes them). His part in this tale could make all the difference in determining if it ends well or not.

Scotland is one of the most magical lands in history, and Sue-Ellen Welfonder brings it alive in this tale. The heather, the lochs and glens, and most important of all, the Scottish people with their customs, and spirited look on life contribute to making this one of the most romantic and magical stories a reader could ask for. You’ll fall in love with Ronan and Gelis, and if you haven’t read the rest of the MacKenzies’ stories (find the list at www.welfonder.com), you’ll be chomping at the bit to get them after reading SEDUCING A SCOTTISH BRIDE, an enchanting tale of love that won’t be denied.

Lori Ann