Review: 4.25 stars-romantic tale of struggle, betrayal, heartbreak and love
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 15, 2014
4.25 starsTHE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE is the second instalment in Cathy MacRae’s Highlander historical romance series. This is Lord Ranald Scott and Lady Riona Macrory’s story.  Following the death of Laird Macrory, King Robert sends Ranald to Scaurness Castle to secure and assume the position of Laird. To establish ownership, Ranald is ordered to marry Lady Macrory and is not surprise when she denies any claim of marriage. The two have a prior history that goes back a number of years.The premise focuses on the building relationship between Ranald and Riona as well as defending the castle from would be claimants-a one time friend of the former Laird: and the head of the Laird’s guards. When treachery and treason is suspected Ranald must ensure his position of authority or lose control of the castle and the men.The relationship between Ranald and Riona began as children but neither had seen one another in years. Their attraction to one another is immediate although both deny feelings or their emotions. But Riona hides a secret that she believes will push Ranald away and in doing so will discover that her past has come back to claim what he believes belongs to him. When Riona chooses her past over her present Ranald knows that the future he promised was never going to happen.The world building continues with the inclusion of Laird Eaden Scott  (Ranald’s brother) from the first storyline. With the backdrop of Scottish castles and the salt water ocean you can feel the moisture and dew on the misty shores.  The secondary characters include family, friends and enemies all carefully placed who reveal bits and pieces about the history of the family and the guards.Cathy MacRae pulls the reader into a romantic storyline of struggle, betrayal, heartbreak and love.  The Highlander storylines are always a favorite genre for many romance readers and THE HIGHLANDER’S RELUCTANT BRIDE is the perfect romance read for love in the afternoon.I was gifted a copy