The Highlands of Scotland, 1607

Flora MacLeod's four times married mother left her a fortune, but that was not all of her legacy. Flora was also left with a firm determination not to be forced into marriage, to be bartered as a piece of merchandise as was her mother, and also the belief that highlanders are all heartless barbarians -- no matter that two of her half brothers are powerful Highland chiefs and that her even more powerful cousin is the wily Earl of Argyll, himself a Highlander by birth. As a beautiful wealthy heiress with connections, Flora has managed to put off all those who would court her, but she feels her luck is running out. If she must marry, it will be to someone of her own choosing...and not a Highlander. She carefully selects William, Lord Murray, who has lands and influence aplenty and no need of hers, and who is also a civilized courtier. He readily agrees to a quick, clandestine wedding, but their elopement is cut off by an attack on their carriage. Too bad Lord Murray hasn't the heart to fight for what is his -- or enough honor not to flee from trouble, leaving his betrothed in the hands of a kidnapper.

Laird Lachlan Maclean of Coll has no choice; he needs to persuade Flora MacLeod to marry him. Granted, abducting her isn't the best beginning, but he's never had trouble winning a lass, and he has no doubt he'll soon win her over. He still holds that belief in spite of the stab wound in the side she inflicts during her capture. The seat of Lachlan's troubles lies in the long-standing feud between him and one of Flora's half brothers, Hector Maclean, chief of the branch of Macleans on Mull. Hector wants Lachlan and all who are under his suzerainty to acknowledge Hector as the superior chief. Hector captured Lachlan's castle while he was away, and Lachlan made the mistake of trusting the king in an attempt to solve the situation peacefully. Now his brother John is in the king's prison, and Lachlan and what people he has with him barely subsist on another isle.

Both Flora and Lachlan are passionate people and their physical attraction is immediate and dynamic. But pride and fear for his brother's safety dictate Lachlan keep secrets from Flora. And when Flora learns she's a pawn in a feud, she's more fixed than ever in the attitude her mother drove into her. She doesn't trust easily, and when she gives it, it's a fragile thing. Both are handicapped as well by the differences in their life experiences. Flora has never really lacked or had to work for anything; Lachlan has had to fight his whole life -- or at least from age ten when his father died -- to take care of his people. While their battling is amusing to watch at times, it can also almost break your heart.

HIGHLANDER UNCHAINED, like the novels that preceded it, is many-layered and filled with secondary characters who enrich the reading experience. There are sensuous passages between the hero and heroine and several exciting, heartpounding battle scenes. Yet, the main focus is on the conflict-strewn path to happily-ever-after for two strong and determined individuals. Unfortunately, we weren't sent the first of the trilogy, HIGHLANDER UNTAMED, but be sure to check out the review of HIGHLANDER UNMASKED just below this one. The heroes and heroines of both books are captivating characters you'll enjoy spending the hours getting to know.

Jane Bowers