Highland Master by Amanda Scott (Book Review and Giveaway!)

Title: Highland Master (Scottish Knights)
Author: Amanda Scott
Publisher: Grand Central Publisher


About the Book: The story opens on a battlefield in Perth, Scotland in 1396.  The battle is between the Mackintoshes (Clan Chattan) and the Camerons.  Clan Chattan is the victor as only one Cameron is left alive. This survivor, Fin, swears an oath to his dying father, the clan leader, for vengeance against Clan Chattan.  One of Clan Chattan's members approached him at this point and they recognized each other and realized they could not fight, so he motioned for Fin to go for the river so he would survive.  It wasn't until later that Fin realized that he had sworn an oath going into battle to not pursue vengeance and the one to his father contradicted that.

We find Fin almost 5 years later on the banks of a river in the Highlands, bleeding from a gash to his head.  He is discovered by Catriona Mackintosh and her wolf dog protector, Boreas. Fin is in the Highlands on orders from Davy Stewart (Rothesay) - current governer of the Realm and heir to the Scottish throne. He is to convince the Mackintosh to host a meeting between Rothesay and the Lord of the Isles and the Lord of the North.  Rothesay hopes to win their favor so that he can retain their votes to keep the governorship and not have it revert back to his uncle, Albany. Albany was not a good ruler of the people, but only wanted to rule for power and wealth.  Rothesay was good for the people, but was also a womanizer and would chase anything in a skirt - married or otherwise.  At the back of Fin's mind was also the oath of vengeance he had sworn to his father, to kill the leader of Clan Chattan.  He knew if he came on this journey for Rothesay, he may have the opportunity to fulfill his oath.

Turns out that Catriona is the granddaughter of the Mackintosh and daughter of the man Fin has sworn to kill. As she and Fin grow closer, he doesn't know what path he is going to take.  Catriona is a very strong woman and does not like being told what to do.  She appreciates Fin in that he allows her to voice her opinion and seems to really listen to her, and not dismiss her like her brothers and father. Unfortunately, when Rothesay and the two Lords arrive, this gets her and Fin into some hot water.

I really enjoyed this book.  It had not only a strong hero in Fin, but also a strong heroine in Catriona.  She spoke her mind and acted on her convictions, regardless of what it might cost her. Their relationship developed gradually and wasn't the "see the girl - bed the girl - ok, now let's get to know her" story. The more time they spent together the more I wanted to see them end up together.  They were just a really good fit.  There were a lot of different conflicts that kept the story line moving - what would Fin do about his oath - how would Catriona deal with Rothesay - what would all the leaders decide to do - how does Fin react upon meeting Cat's brothers and father.  I definitely recommend this read.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my review from Hachette Books.~

TIME FOR THE GIVEAWAY!

I have 3 copies of this book to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Books.  Just leave a comment to enter.  Entrants limited to US and Canada only with no PO boxes.  This giveaway will end March 23, 2011.

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Highland Master (Scottish Knights)

Publisher/Publication Date: Grand Central Publishing, Feb 1, 2011

ISBN: 978-0-446-57431-0

400 pages