Why have I never read a Paula Quinn before? That's what I was asking myself as I was reading this. I mean, I've read nearly every other Scottish Romance writer, so how has this one passed me by? Well, I have no idea, but she's on my radar now, and if this is any indication of the standard to expect, I have some fun times ahead making my way through her back catalogue!

Edmund MacGregor is the leader of a group of lethal Highland men. His mission is to prevent the signing of a treaty which will seal Scotland's fate. During the course of his mission he meets Lady Amelia, who aside from being the most beautiful woman he's ever seen, just happens to be the daughter of someone very important politically, and would therefore make an excellent bargaining chip were she to be, say...kidnapped and held for ransom!

Now, you'd think you'd be cross at Edmund's character for his kidnapping ways, but he and the rest of the guys were so blinking honourable, and treated her so well, you probably won't be able to maintain a scowl any longer than I did. I fell instantly in love with him, and loved it when the narrative would switch to his POV, because he was almost poetic in his flattering descriptions of heroine Amelia. It was just so cute! And who doesn't love a hero that knows his own heart? No one, that's who.

Amelia was a little firecracker as well. Her tendency to say exactly what she's thinking without first running it through a filter is a character flaw that has found her in hot water more times than she can count, but as a reader, her utterings are endlessly entertaining. She may have made an error in judgement here and there throughout the story, but overall I really enjoyed her.

The plot wasn't the fastest paced I've ever read, but the ending was certainly exciting. I also enjoyed the subplot with Amelia's maid and one of the other men. That was an added bonus for sure!

I'll definitely be coming back for more from this author, and recommend readers already familiar with her work, and particularly the characters from her previous series (who are the parents of this lot) check this one out, too!

4 Stars ★★★★
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.