Review: BORDERLAND BRIDE - GREAT READ
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 26, 2014
Category /Genre:  Historical RomanceReceived from:  Samantha Holt (in exchange for an honest review)Tour by:  My Family's Heart Book ReviewsRecommended for:  18+ due to sexual content and violenceGrammar/editing:  B – a few small errorsOn the night of her betrothal, Lady Isabel has run away from an arranged marriage in which she was betrothed to a sadist.  She is intent on forging her own destiny, perhaps a lady's maid in Scotland.  Unfortunately, during her journey north, she is ambushed by a gang of men intent on stealing her jewels.  When she fights back, they beat her and leave her for dead.  Jake chases off the gang and is surprised to find a noble lady alone and near death on his brother's lands.  From the beginning, she captures his heart, but will her secrets and his past prevent him from claiming her?I loved the characters in this story.  Lady Isabel is feisty, independent, and sweet.  Jake's brother, Dominic, is flirtatious, intelligent, compassionate, and loyal to his brother and his people.  Jake has been misjudged based on his size and has built an armor of protection around himself because of it.  I have known young men like Jake.  They grow tall at such a young age, that people expect them to act more the age they appear than the age they actually are. This makes them appear socially awkward, when society is actually the awkward factor.  Luckily, Isabel sees the true Jake and does not make the common assumptions. He is a warrior, but inside he is still a teddy bear and his soft heart has fallen for her.I enjoyed this lighter story.  Think of it as éclair cake (my favorite dessert) after a satisfying, but heavy, meal of steak and baked potatoes.  They're all delicious, but sometimes you just need a little fluffy dessert.This is the second book I have had the privilege of reading from Ms. Holt and I absolutely love her style.  This book is reminiscent of the classic bodice-rippers of my youth with added humor and wit. I will be immediately reading the next book in this series and I have another of her books on my personal TBR list that I am looking forward to reading.