I knew this was a romance book when I started it but after reading the prologue and how it concentrated on what happened to Niall's clan I was really hoping to read about his quest for revenge. I just wanted a little less romance and a little more revenge out of this book. Half the time Niall seemed to completely lose his anger and become way to distracted by Elspeth. He wanted to destroy the MacClaren clan yet he kept mooning after Elspeth. I wanted him to concentrate more on his mission and less on Elspeth who he seemed to fall in love with too fast (as was she with him). 

 

I wasn't a big fan of the ending. Any conflict that there was in the book seemed to be resolved way too easily. Elspeth ended up forgiving Niall to easily and casted side her family. Niall rose to power with absolutely no resistance. It just wasn't satisfying.

 

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the galley.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

After his father was betrayed, Niall and his two younger brothers were spirited away and split up to preserve the Kincaid Laird bloodline. Seventeen years later, Niall seems to be the only surviving one and has come home to take back what is rightfully his.
Elspeth's been saved by the mysterious mercenary three times and each encounter only adds fuel to her attraction. However, her clan is relying on her to make an advantageous marriage to protect them against another clan and a lonely mercenary won't do.
Niall and Elspeth both try to deny their growing feelings but neither can give the other one up. They each want to do right by their clan but following their hearts will be dangerous.
 
The first in a new series by a debut author, the prologue grips you right away as a delicious blend of danger and vengeance is relayed. The set-up of Niall coming back home to avenge his family and then falling in love with his enemy's daughter, who doesn't know his true identity, creates an enthralling tale. Unfortunately, I felt the attraction was rushed between our leads and it left me with a feeling of insta-lust.
 
Our beginning introduction of Elspeth has many scenarios that combine together to give a very shiny heart of gold persona; she's the woman you want to say something bad about, because her goodness is slightly annoying, but she's just too darn sweet to do it. Her inner battle over feeling like she was betraying her clan with her attraction to Niall had depth and felt real. Niall captured my attention right away with his inner turmoil and secrecy to take his lands back but when he meets Elspeth, he slowly becomes all about his lust and attraction for her. His feelings were excessive, that he would suddenly become so wrapped up in this woman, who he barely knows, when for seventeen years he has been preparing for his vengeance. I understand and like romance but wanted a more natural progression of feelings, with more time and interactions, for the torment of it all too really shine through.
 
"I tried to forget you," she whispered against his lips, her hands touching the bare skin of his torso.
"I tried to let you forget me, but I cannot."
 
A lot of the story was devoted to Elspeth and Niall wanting each other and then saying they felt guilty because of their commitments, over half of the story is their back and forth. I don't consider this a slow read, per say, but this did make the story feel like it had some repetitiveness. Elspeth doesn't learn of Niall's true identity until the last 20% of the book and then it is glossed over pretty quickly, she forgives him in a day. Some of the lust, guilt, rinse and repeat should have been cut for the juicy betrayal/how do they live together now drama this scenario could have produced.
 
Secondary characters did a pretty good job of filling out the story with Deargh, Niall's clansman who spirited him away, Elspeth's half sisters popping in and out, and Magnus, a childhood friend of Elspeth. Bridget was Elspeth's step-mother and started off a Cruella de Vil and then contrary to a few hints (or what I perceived as hints) she does a 180. Now, if I'm right about the hints, it's misdirection by the author for future shock but since it wasn't cleared up in this story, it left the character feeling very confusing and forced. This does take place in Scotland in the 1300s but other than a couple mentions of a kilt, swords, and castle, I can't say I felt completely transported to the time.
 
As I mentioned, this is a debut book and as such, it is pretty strong. The author's writing style is highly readable and her story and character ideas are engaging. I just personally felt the relationship was rushed and some inta-lust was at play. The overall tone also was pretty gentle, there are a couple sex scenes but they did have a tendency to feel dropped in. If you're looking for an amiable read and wanting to give a new author a try, then this would be a good choice.

"Good night, Niall,” she murmured, and pressed past, her body burning to be touched by him again, her heart filled with an ache she had never suffered before. When she had gone several paces, she glanced back and saw him watching her, his expression hidden by the night.
He strode forward, and seized hold of her again, murmuring as he bent, “As long as this is good-bye, I’ll dare to kiss you again.”

This was another book from NetGalley, that I had also heard about on a fellow book bloggers site or was recommended to me on Goodreads, I decided to take a gamble on. I'm leery of trying out new authors; I already follow more than I can keep up with, and I never know what I will get, but I'm glad I took this gamble. It paid off in an exciting read with two strong main characters, a conflict that was emotionally real and powerful, and a antagonist that was more a horrendous act in the past than an actual person. Niall has returned to his ancestral home 17 years after his father and mother were betrayed and murdered to seek vengeance against one of the two men who stole his home and life from him. What he didn't expect was Elspeth, an innocent beauty with a kind heart and passionate eyes. When he realizes she is his enemy's daughter, he sets out to possibly use her in his plot for vengeance. What he doesn't plan for is growing to care for her deeply, to the point where he even for a short time considers giving up his vengeance so he doesn't have to hurt her. But he does stay with his course and tries to send her away to find a husband, but instead rescues her from a violent attack and ends up being her choice for husband (no surprise there). What is a surprise and an emotional scene is when all of the truth is revealed and the betrayal she feels towards the man she loves deeply. Great story, well written, passionate, and a fun adventure. I couldn't put this one down at all.

I would like to thank Annie Hulkower from St. Martin's Press for giving me a very advance copy of this book. I was not really expecting it but I am really glad that this was sent to me.

Revenge was the main plot of the book. Going back to a place that was once Niall's home was his sole propose but when he saw Elspeth, his priorities and his heart somehow changed.

This was really such an expected read. I was supposed to read it by the end of April, but I find myself opining it and reading it in one day. It was such a good story that I can put it down. The main plot even the subplot was so intriguing. There were times that I wanted to hurt Niall, but coming from his point, he needed to do it. After all, they took his home. But still the way he was thinking was irritating, however, the end result? It did not happen the way he wanted it , but he did get what he came for, and then some.

As historical goes, this was one really good read. As a start of a new series, it’s a very good kick off. The elements are there, lost brothers…not to mention they were very young when the events happen. I would not be surprise when if one of the three brothers would have a amnesia or some drastically life altering even. The end book one opens possibilities that came about to book two. And I am excited to read it too.

I love reading stories about Scottish Highlander and I am proud to say that Ms. Blackwood writing gave me the same feeling whenever I re-reads Julie Garwood’s Scottish historical stories. The rush, the reactions, and the feeling that you have somehow became part of the book, however you are merely a specter as the scenes unfolds. I would gladly re-read this book again and I cannot wait for the next book to arrive.