To Desire a Highlander
Part of the Scandalous Scots series, this historical romance is set in the Hebrides in 1400. Lady Gillian MacGuire is very reluctant to wed the older man to whom she was promised years ago, but her resentment turns to confusion when he returns, much changed. No surprise, because he is actually Roag the Bear, a magnificent warrior on secret assignment for the Scottish king. He counts on a superficial similarity and the passage of time to conceal his subterfuge; he did not expect to find himself betrothed to a flame-haired beauty. After initial difficulties, they fall in love.
Despite interesting glimpses into conditions in a remote part of the world, notably the use of galleys (descended from Viking longships), the focus is on the lovers’ passionate response to each other. Welfonder acknowledges her enthusiasm for ‘big, bold Highland heroes and the strong and proud heroines who love them… reading a book is actually opening a portal and being swept away to wherever or whenever your heart desires.’ If sentimental romances which follow this formula appeal to you, you may enjoy this one.
