Review: Accident Prone Heroine Finds Love with a Highland Laird
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 05 14, 2013
This is the author's debut novel, set in the highlands of Scotland in 1256. It tells the story of Ailsa Cameron who, by her father's command, is wed to Black Duncan, laird of Clan MacLean. Duncan accepts Cameron's offer of his daughter's hand in marriage to join the two clans against their shared enemy, Clan MacKinnon.Most of the story takes place at the MacLean castle as the accident prone Ailsa wrecks havoc with her falling, tripping and nearly drowning while turning the clan upside down with her many changes. It seemed a bit unlikely and it stops half way through the novel. Its purpose seems to have been to show she did not feel at home. Not much else happens (except frequent lovemaking between Ailsa and her new husband) until the middle of the book when the Camerons decide to call upon the alliance to go to war with the MacKinnons. Duncan, who is a levelheaded laird, thinks war can be avoided but the Camerons insist. And there's a bit of treachery involved.Troche creates the feel of 13th century castle life, though she did use some modern phrasing at times that detracted ("always a plus" was one, and "weird" in the modern sense, which dates from 1815, was another). Her style took a bit of getting used. There was not much history in this historical romance, and the heroine did not appeal to me. I did like the hero, however. He was a worthy Scot. Generally, the writing was good and for someone who likes a lighter Highlander romance, this will entertain.