HIGHLANDER EVER AFTER – Jennifer Ashley
Leisure Books
ISBN-10: 0-8439-6004-3
April 2008
Historical Romance with Elements of Fantasy

Nvengaria; Ullapool, Western Highlands, Scotland – 1820

The women of Princess Zarabeth‘s family guard a well kept secret. Not only can they make magical potions, and charms, but they possess the ability to read minds. This ability has served them well, as the magical land of Nvengaria is always afloat with treachery and deceit. Married for five years to Sebastian, a cruel and abusive husband, Zarabeth hears his plot to assassinate her cousin, Prince Damien, the reigning leader of Nvengaria. Risking her life, she flees to warn Damien about the imminent danger. However, Sebastian immediately spreads the rumor that Zarabeth is kidnapped, thus adding fuel to the problems. Damien provides Zarabeth with shelter and protection, but because her life is still in danger, he decides to send her to the castle of Egan MacDonald in the remote highlands of Scotland.

Egan has been enchanted with Zarabeth since she and her family rescued him. When Prince Olaf, Zarabeth’s father, confided in Egan that he wanted her to marry a rich man, out of reverence for her family, he backed away. Egan felt he was not rich or good enough for her. Unbeknown to Prince Olaf, the man he chose is cruel and vile. Sebastian is a member of the Duke’s council, and is the ringleader of the insurgency. Now, after five long years of missing Zarabeth, Egan is on his way to where the ship will dock. As he nears the dock, Egan learns that her ship has broken up among the dangerous reef, Devil’s Teeth, and there is no sign of the princess. Egan refuses to accept that she is dead, and as he rides along the shoreline, he hears her screaming for help. When Egan finds her, he is overjoyed, and tells her he heard her screams, but, it was not her screams he heard.

HIGHLANDER EVER AFTER throws the beautiful Zarabeth and Egan together in an intense tale of treason, betrayal, lust, and love. Can these two finally admit that they are in love? Can Zarabeth trust Egan with her secret? She cannot read his mind, or can she? The suspense is balanced along with the eccentric MacDonald clan and the whispers of a curse, as well as the ghosts that haunt Egan. The chemistry between these two is not bashful, but hot and steamy, and their desires are too strong to be denied.

Jennifer Ashley has written a smooth, action packed read. HIGHLANDER EVER AFTER is the third book in Ms. Ashley’s series about the magical Kingdom of Nvengaria. The first is PENELOPE & PRINCE CHARMING, and the second THE MAD BAD DUKE. Since this reviewer has not read the first two books, I can say for sure HIGHLANDER EVER AFTER stands on its own merit. The Castle MacDonald is vividly portrayed, as well as the customs of time. The story will enthrall the reader as the mystery unravels. Get ready for a fun, thrilling, and sexy read. Enjoy!

Deborah C Jackson