Northern Scotland, late 1500s

Honora Tannach's life is one of playing least in sight to avoid her stepfather's heavy hand. Honora doesn't remember her real father, but daily mourns her mother. Calum Tannach is a conniving, ambitious man. His offer of Honora to the Sinclare laird as a bride for Cavan, his heir, was rebuffed by the potential groom, who declared he wanted no "little mouse" as wife. But now a year has passed since Cavan Sinclare and his youngest brother have failed to return from battle, and Tannach is successful at last. Honora is to wed Artair, the laird's second son, who promises to be kind and to keep her safe. Her wedding day has no pleasant ending, however. Cavan returns -- a dark, broody warrior, scarred inside and out. Tannach forces the Sinclares to follow the dictates of the marriage contract to make Honora the Sinclare heir's wife. And Cavan is still the heir.

In spite of Cavan's rejection -- he continues to be rude by day and sleep on the floor at night -- Honora tries to be a good, dutiful wife for fear her stepfather will retaliate with his fists. Cavan can't seem to help his hurtful behavior; the year of degradation by his captors has left him feeling too barbaric himself when set against Honora's innocence. Added to that is the profound guilt he feels over not being able to save his brother. He and Ronan were cruelly torn apart by the enemy, though, from time to time before his escape, Cavan would hear rumors of Ronan. His foremost goal now is to find Ronan and wreak revenge on the barbarians.

This is the set-up of the conflicts early in RETURN OF THE ROGUE and the beginning of an emotional novel about equally split between a plot with intrigue and action and with deep characterization. Cavan needs healing and to find his brother, while Honora, who is stronger than anyone, including herself, guesses, needs a feeling of love and safety to blossom.

The Sinclares are a wonderful family: Tavish, the strong, honorable and fair laird; Cavan, the eldest, who returned a changed man; Artair the next in age, handsome and kind; Lachlan, the third son and dedicated ladies' man; Ronan, the youngest, whose personality emerges in spite of his absence; and Addie, fond wife and mother. Addie, who is warm and supportive to all her menfolk and welcoming to Honora. Through all the joking and teasing and the verbal and physical battles among the brothers, there runs a deep bond of love and respect for each other and their parents.

I really liked and recommend RETURN OF THE ROGUE, but have a question about the identity of Cavan's captors. They are referred to as barbarians, but not invaders, and wasn't this past the time of the Viking? They could be long-settled Northmen, I suppose. Surely they weren't Highlanders, though a lowlander or Englishman might refer to them as such! Besides, the Sinclairs are a Highland clan, aren't they? Perhaps barbarians is merely used as a generic term for non-allies. In spite of the sparsity of demographic and geographic detail, RETURN OF THE ROGUE is a winning story of love and loyalty. Best of all, there are three other Sinclare brothers.

Jane Bowers