THE DEVIL WEARS TARTAN - Karen Ranney
Avon Books
ISBN: 978-0-06-125242-6
September 2008
Historical Romance

Scotland, 1870

Today is Davina McLaren's wedding day. Some would think she'd be delirious with joy, but Davina hasn't even met her future husband. And she has no choice but to wed, as it seems the Earl of Lorne is the only one who is willing to take on a fallen woman as his bride. The mysterious earl, also known as the Devil of Ambrose, waits in the chapel of his estate for her to walk down the aisle. Davina decides that she must face her future bravely and marches to her fate. As he turns to greet her, she is relieved to see that he is delightfully handsome! Why on earth is he called a devil?

Marshall Ross is in a living nightmare. Ever since his disastrous trip to China where he was imprisoned, his men tortured and killed, and he was addicted to opium, Marshall has lived, not as the renowned British diplomat of the Queen, but as a hermit, loath to leave Ambrose, his estate. His decision to wed anyone who would have him was made in order to do his familial duty and produce an heir. Marshall is, however, stunned in many ways by the wife who was chosen for him. Not only is Davina a beautiful woman, but she is also forthright, honest, and determined to be his wife in every way. How can he tell her that he is slowly going mad? And how dangerous he can be to her? His nightmarish dreams have resulted in having mattresses lining his private room, and the thought that he could harm Davina terrifies him.

Davina is no shrinking violet when it comes to facing life; she never has been, despite her late father's constant warnings to be more demure and less...well, honest. So when her new husband avoids her after their wedding night, she is determined to discover just what the problem is. The fact that Marshall obviously doesn't want to talk about it doesn't bother Davina in the least. One way or another, she'll ferret out the reason he thinks he's going mad. As the couple slowly grow closer over the weeks, Davina sees a tortured man who can't let go of his past. But there is something else wrong, too, for Marshall never shows his "mad" side when he's with her; so just what starts the nightmares?

Fans of Karen Ranney will not be disappointed in her latest Scottish tale. It's one of her best, in my opinion, with such well-rounded, realistic characters and a profoundly moving premise. Marshall's "madness" is heartrending, as is his need to do the honorable thing with Davina in order to protect her. With her grim determination to get to the bottom of Marshall's illness, Davina shows herself to be as honorable and thoughtful as her husband, as well as innovative in her approach. Secondary characters bring a sense of mystery, as well as some humor, to the story, especially Davina's extraordinary Aunt Theresa.

There is plenty of steamy romance, mystery, and excitement in THE DEVIL WEARS TARTAN. Ms. Ranney has penned another terrific novel for old fans and new!

Jani Brooks