SOME LIKE IT SCOT – Suzanne Enoch
A Scandalous Highlanders Novel , Book 4
St. Martin's Paperbacks
ISBN-13: 978-1-250-04163-0
October 2015
Historical Romance

Nineteenth Century Scotland

Munro “Bear” MacLawry is the youngest male of the MacLawry Clan in Scotland, and is tall, imposing, blessed with a short temper, and almost always ready for a fight. The Chief of the Clan, his brother Ranulf, and his other brother Arran consider him all brawn, no brain, and at the moment that suits him. Recently his two brothers have married women from England, and the youngest sister, Rowena, also married. Bear has all the women of the area if he wants them, and he's had a lot of them, but it isn't until he's out hunting deer one day that someone else shoots one right before he does. It was a fine shot, too, until he follows the person who dared to hunt on MacLawry land without asking permission. Imagine his surprise when he is led to crumbling, centuries old Haldane Abbey, supposedly haunted. Before he even gets there he is surprised by a lady wearing pants and hunting boots, who threatens him with her musket. Keeping his identity secret, he finds out Catriona MacColl is living in the only semi standing room in the Abbey, the kitchen, despite the roof falling down in a corner.

Catriona found the Abbey as a fluke while she and her half-sister Elizabeth were escaping from London. Elizabeth was promised to a Duke over forty years older than she, who had had four previous wives; the last one threw herself off a tower. Elizabeth wrote Catriona, and she hurried to London and they escaped, living off the land, until they found a type of shelter at the Abbey. Catriona's father wanted a son, so from an early age she was taught to hunt, fish, wear clothes like a boy, and generally be made fun of by everyone over her strange lifestyle. Elizabeth's mother escaped to London with her when their father had a boy's outfit made for Elizabeth too. Despite growing up far apart, they have kept writing to each other, and Catriona left her clan, the MacDonald's, to find Elizabeth and help her escape.

Catriona attracts Bear, although he doesn't know why, since she fights him at every turn. Soon he is bringing extra food and blankets when he finds out about Elizabeth, but is Catriona grateful?—oh no. It is awhile before she finds out he is the brother of the MacLawry Chieftain, and soon Ranulf is wondering what Bear is doing away all the time, and finds Elizabeth in the Abbey. He takes her home thinking Bear is wanting to marry her, and figuring out a way to keep from an all-out war with her clan, the MacDonalds. Bear never does anything the easy way, especially when he could have all the local ladies willing to take him on any time.

Suzanne Enoch is finishing up the story of the MacLawry Clan, and its leader, Ranulf. Ranulf is strong and a fair leader, but coming between another Clan because of a woman is just confusing to him. Bear quickly decides that Catriona has become essential to his life; he does his best to make her life in the ruined Abbey as best as it can be before winter sets in. Catriona is head strong and determined, irascible and unappreciative of everything Bear does for her. She has only had herself to depend upon since her father died, and now her Clan is trying to start a war by betrothing her to Viscount Torriden. The Clan is essentially in two parts, and if the Viscount refuses to marry Catriona because of her man-like clothing and behavior, the Clan Leader who set up the betrothal will be insulted and start a war, hoping to get the other part of the clan's territory. Bear has never met such a woman, and soon cares little how she dresses, she is his. Catriona can't believe this man cares for her and never disparages her attire or attitude. Catriona also figures out Bear isn't all brawn and no brains, although his brawn is very interesting to her.

The MacLawry clan and their new wives, children, and husband are devoted to one another and their Clan, nothing must come between them. When Viscount Torriden comes looking for his betrothed, he is invited to stay; hopefully they can figure some way to stop a war between them and the MacDonald Clan. Catriona's sister Elizabeth might not be well-versed on taking care of herself, but knows all the angles of being a proper lady in front of the MacLawry's. Elizabeth will be essential in solving the problem of Catriona and Viscount Torriden.

SOME LIKE IT SCOT is the last in A Scandalous Highlanders Novels, and finishes up the MacLawry Clan, fierce and protective, and each has gone against history to bring a woman not from their Clan into their lives. Catriona tries to attempt to act like a woman, and Bear wants whatever she wants. He loves her no matter what she wears. Other books in the series are THE DEVIL WEARS KILTS (November 2013) ROGUE WITH A BROGUE (July 2014), and MAD, BAD AND DANGEROUS IN PLAID (March 2015). Scottish men are proud and fierce, especially if someone tries to come between them and their women. An exciting end to this series will delight you this month.

Carolyn Crisher