TAMING THE HIGHLANDER – May McGoldrick
The Scottish Relic Trilogy , Book 2
Swerve eBook, St Martin's Press
ISBN: 978-1-250-10657-5
ASIN: B01FQRXTJK
September 2016
Historical Romance

Scotland, 1544

Fifty years ago, a stone relic was brought to Scotland and its four pieces were sent to various parts of the land for safety. Each piece confers a special power on the owner. The stones and the talents were to be handed down from mother to daughter in secret. The power cannot be used by another until the current possessor dies. In no circumstances were the four segments to come together in the hands of one person.

One piece of the relic was given to Innes Munro by her dying mother when she was only seven. Her father, Baron Folais, Laird of the Munro clan, was the only other one who knew this secret until Innes shared it with her six-year-younger sister Ailein. When Innes touches her bare hand with another's, she connects with him or her, mind to mind. Whatever is forefront in that person's thoughts, she not only knows them all, but feels them as well. That can sometimes be uncomfortable, but can also come in handy. Innes is not one to intrude or take advantage unless necessary, so she wears gloves almost all the time. Now twenty-seven, all her dresses are black, and her cool demeanor discourages men. However, a betrothal is in the offing for Ailein.

Conall Sinclair, heir of the earl of Caithness, decided to serve his country instead of marrying the bride chosen for him. He served with distinction against the English until taken prisoner at the battle of Solway Moss. He spent a year of torture in a horrible place hiding his identity lest his brother Bryce would beggar the clan by paying a ransom. He already felt guilt over the defeat to the English, thinking he let his men down. Meanwhile, his father had died, and the family was told Conall was dead, so Bryce became both laird and earl. Conall's identity became known to the enemy and a huge ransom was paid. The handsome new earl came home with scars and only one hand. He made Bryce stay on as laird and pretty much became a recluse.

Soon the wedding between Bryce and Ailein is to take place. The Munro family travel to the Sinclair's castle on the sea. The young people are not well acquainted but soon will be. And thereby hangs a tale or two.

With so many FASCINATING lead characters and the plotline concerning the relic and its powers and the villainous Englishman on the hunt for the parts and prepared to do anything to get all the power. . . .

I'll say no more to give away the story, but only say when Conall meets Innes is no small drama.

These books are romantic and exciting. It's best to start with book one, MUCH ADO ABOUT HIGHLANDERS (May 2015), but not absolutely necessary to enjoy this TAMING THE HIGHLANDER, but they are both memorable. Next comes TEMPEST IN THE HIGHLANDS this December when we find out if the four pieces are reunited and what happens then, not to mention another sure-to-be exciting romance.

Jane Bowers