The Trouble with Highlanders (The Sutherlands)
In fifteenth-century Scotland, Highland rulers cannot marry for love. In Wine’s sequel to The Highlander’s Prize (2012), heiress Daphne MacLeod and earldom heir Norris Sutherland understand this. Previously, Norris bedded Daphne as a favor when her fiancé wanted to marry another. The one-time deed shouldn’t have affected them, but although they burn with the memory, neither can act on their attraction. After Daphne’s clan has been attacked and left starving, she sees it as her duty to lead until her brother can take over. Norris’ father wants his son to make a politically advantageous marriage, bringing numerous potential brides for him to inspect. When Daphne is captured by a rival clan and Norris rescues her, she becomes a distraction as well as a rival for one determined bridal candidate. How can Norris persuade his father and their people that Daphne is the right woman for him? Wine’s crisp writing, intricate plot, and deep insights into clan politics make this a fun and satisfying read, even for those who aren’t Highlander fans. --Pat Henshaw