01/08/2018
In Sands’s sassy fifth Highlanders historical romance (after Falling for the Highlander), she definitively answers the question of what is worn—or not worn—under the kilts of her sexy Scots. When Saidh MacDonnell (heroine of an earlier book in the series) sends her four brawny brothers on a two-day journey to investigate her friend Edith’s strange silence, they are plunged into investigating a series of mysterious events that have killed the Laird of Drummond and several of his heirs, and caused the near-death of his daughter Edith. Niels Buchanan, the most handsome of the family, is immediately captivated by Edith’s beauty and nurses her back to health while protecting her from other attempts on her life. Solving this mystery, amid many dips in the loch and attempts to investigate the kilt’s underpinnings, results in a humorous and sensual romance. Sands cheerfully mixes anachronisms with unconvincing Scottish dialect in a way that will never be mistaken for historical accuracy, but those interested in romance with a quasi-Highland setting and enough brothers to fill a lighthearted and lusty series will be entertained. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency. (Feb.)
Sands is among a select coterie of writers who truly bring the Scottish highlands and its history to its full swoonworthy glory.
2017-12-10
When Niels Buchanan realizes Lady Edith Drummond is being targeted by an unknown assassin, he vows to protect her, but the stakes get even higher once he acknowledges that he loves her.The Buchanan brothers are annoyed to be sent on the frivolous task of checking on their sister's beloved friend Lady Edith, who hasn't been answering her letters, but change their attitude when they realize the Drummonds have been poisoned. Edith lies deathly ill, while her father and two brothers are dead. Suspicion falls on her last living brother, the new Drummond laird, and his wife, who fled the castle claiming to fear contagion, but no one can find the couple to question them. Meanwhile, threats to Edith escalate, but she's determined to lead her clan through the chaos, even as she's weak and grieving. Niels both respects her commitment and is frustrated by what he perceives as her lack of concern for her health and safety, but as he keeps an eye on her he sees just how kind, capable, and intelligent she is, a potent blend of qualities that enhance her physical beauty. Niels concludes the easiest way to keep her safe is to marry her, which would also block her brother's rumored plan to send her to a convent. However, when another gruesome discovery makes it clear the murderer wants more Drummonds dead, Edith and the Buchanans must figure out how to bring the criminal out of the shadows. As the threats get closer, Niels and Edith do too, discovering a shared life worth fighting for, full of unexpected love, friendship, and passion. Sands (Immortally Yours, 2017, etc.) heads back to her Buchanan Highlanders with an intriguing mystery, interesting characters, and some unexpected twists that will keep readers guessing.A sexy, delightful must-read for historical romance fans.
Sands is among a select coterie of writers who truly bring the Scottish highlands and its history to its full swoonworthy glory.” — RT Book Reviews
“an intriguing mystery, interesting characters, and some unexpected twists that will keep readers guessing... A sexy, delightful must-read for historical romance fans.” — Kirkus Reviews
Lady Edith Drummond has been poisoned and is on her deathbed when Niels Buchanan and his brothers arrive at her castle. She survives, but the question remains: Who is murdering the castle folk and why? Once she’s on the path to recovery, narrator Sean William Doyle gives Lady Edith an articulate, firm voice overlaid with a soft Scottish burr. Niels has a stronger, rougher burr dancing through his speech. The two are drawn to each other in ways that only a close call with death can sometimes achieve. Their dialogue ranges from witty barbs to sizzling repartee. The supporting characters' voices carry the distinct burr too but are easy to understand and follow. This is a wonderful tale of historical romance suspense. A.M.G. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
Lady Edith Drummond has been poisoned and is on her deathbed when Niels Buchanan and his brothers arrive at her castle. She survives, but the question remains: Who is murdering the castle folk and why? Once she’s on the path to recovery, narrator Sean William Doyle gives Lady Edith an articulate, firm voice overlaid with a soft Scottish burr. Niels has a stronger, rougher burr dancing through his speech. The two are drawn to each other in ways that only a close call with death can sometimes achieve. Their dialogue ranges from witty barbs to sizzling repartee. The supporting characters' voices carry the distinct burr too but are easy to understand and follow. This is a wonderful tale of historical romance suspense. A.M.G. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine
