Review: Coming of Age Wrapped Up in a Forbidden Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 1, 2013
After I started this book, I discovered that it wasn't quite what I thought it would be- in a good way, I might add.  I was leery of the possibility that it would be filled with high doses of angst based on the premise, but it wasn't.  It was a coming of age story wrapped up in a forbidden romance that didn't seem to have a chance at happily ever after.  Once it got started, I recognized the only possible solution if they wanted to be together and was right, but even then I was still eager to read through how they got to that point.  It's a short story, but it was written well enough that I was able to connect with the characters and see a fleshed out plot.  It is told in flashbacks alternating with the present and alternating between points of view so it did keep me on my toes to pay attention to the when and the who behind the narration.The story's backdrop is the Scottish Highlands at least a few hundred years ago (not sure of the exact period) and the dress, language and life reflect this.  It opens with Tavish, the young laird in training, coming to his distant cousin, Ian's farm to beg Ian's da to let him come hunting with him.  The permission is given and the two lovers who had broken it off come together once more.  Ian broke it off out of thoughts of honor and doubts of any chance of a real future knowing that as laird, Tavish's life would not leave room for Ian.Ian is the thinker and Tavish more impulsive so Tavish doesn't look ahead like Ian until he is forced to when his mother sends Ian away and makes him consider a wife.  The two young men are devastated to be parted, but see no way to be together even if Tavish has no desire to wed.All in all, it was a passionate short read that I found highly enjoyable with its historic Scot setting and seeing the two men together.  I wish it could have been a bit longer because I liked the story, but it did end after all the salient parts occurred.  Those who enjoy historical m/m romance should give this a try.Thanks to Net Galley and Riptide for providing the book for review purposes.