Book Review-The Scotsman by Juliana Garnett

The Scotsman
Juliana Garnett
Bantam Books
Paperback
Published November 1998
Acquired: Library
388 Pages
Medieval Historical Romance
ISBN: 0-553-57627-5
Authors Website 

Synopsis
Follow this extraordinarily talented writer into a wild, romantic land of mists and mountains, where a rebellious Scots lord and a defiant English beauty surrender to a reckless passion that could destroy them both…

SHE WAS HIS SWORN ENEMY – AND THE WOMAN HE DARED TO LOVE
Proud and fierce, Alexander Fraser fights for the lands and title the English stole from his family – and for the Scots dream of freedom. Now he’s lost what’s closest to his heart: his younger brother Jamie, captured by the ruthless earl of Warfield. Determined to free Jamie, Alex boldly takes a hostage – the earl’s daughter Catherine. But the delicate maiden he locks in his craggy castle has more mettle than many men…and more passion than any woman he has ever known. Even as Alex and Catherine risk scandal and insurrection to indulge their desire, he knows he must someday give her up…or forfeit his brother’s life.

My Review

Alexander Fraser has learned that his younger brother has been captured by the English, and he knows he has little time to save him. So Alexander does the only thing he can, he kidnaps the daughter of the man who is holding his brother hostage. Catherine has always felt oppressed by her father, who only sees her as a way to gain fortune with planning her upcoming marriage with a man twice her age. But while out taking a breath of fresh air, Catherine finds herself kidnapped by A fierce yet handsome Scottish warrior. He takes her to his home, and plans on trading her for his brother. Catherine knows that she means little to her father, she knows her brother will try, but she doesn’t see her father trading her for his valued prisoners. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love with her captor, a man who offers her respect and gentleness and…desire. She has only ever wanted to find a place in life, and she knows that in her heart her place is by Alexander’s side.

The Scotsman is another single title by Juliana Garnett, but takes place in the same time frame as The Laird, which I recently read and reviewed. After recently discovering this author, I am amazed that this is the first time I have read her. Her storytelling is inspiring, passionate, and full of depth with each page. The Scotsman is a story that takes place in Scotland, with the waring between Bruce and the English king. There is something awe inspiring about this time period and the passion and determination of the Scots. With The Scotsman we see how far men and women are willing to go for what they believe in, even at the cost of their lives.

The story starts with Catherine being kidnapped by Alexander who hopes to ransom her. While Catherine is residing with Alexander, we start to see a slow burning passion build between these two characters who try to resist it knowing it could never go anywhere. I love how much emotionally driven this story is and I loved this love story. There was so much intensity in this story, and it definitely carries through until the end. When you finally think that you have the plot figured it, it throws a curve ball and you better watch out or you might get slammed.

Overall a intense and passionate story to burn in your memory. A tale that takes place in a time of war, grief, and loss but also passion and a fierce will to survive. A stunning romance to worm its way into your heart!! REMARKABLY WRITTEN and I LOVED IT!!

My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm

Book Review-The Laird by Juliana Garnett

The Laird
Juliana Garnett
Jove Books
Paperback
Published October 2002
303 Pages
Medieval Scottish Highlands Romance
ISBN: 0-515-13388-4
Authors Website 

Synopsis
She is the enemy of his clan, the friend of his foe, and the most beautiful prisoner he has ever seen. She is Judith Lindsay, the brazen young beauty who’s bound by blood and honor to her beloved England–even now, as she’s bound by her captors in the Campbell family’s keep. As future laird of this proud Scottish clan, Robert Campbell knows he should treat the Lindsay woman with contempt. The feud between their people has claimed the lives of his brothers. But when he sees the quiet strength in Judith’s soul–and the fire in her eyes–his heart must surrender to a very different battle.

My Review 

Judith Lindsay has been a widow for seven years, and knows that she wouldn’t be welcome back with her own family in England. So her only purpose is her niece, Mairi, who is the only one that make her feel she has a purpose. But while spending time with her niece, enjoying the fresh spring after the long winter, riders come storming their way and kidnap both Judith and Mairi. So Judith finds herself kidnapped, far away from anyone she knows. Judith is determined to stay with Mairi no matter the circumstance. Robert Campbell has just lost his seven brothers, because of his father’s decision, and now he will be the future laird, and even though he tries to resist his feelings for Judith, he can’t help but feel a connection towards her. Rob knows that he is for quite a battle, when Judith’s life is put in danger, and he will have to decide between his loyalty to his father and his love for Judith.

The Laird is a single title from Juliana Garnett, and this story takes place in the early 1300’s in Scotland.  Now I recently just discovered this author a few days ago, and when I saw a couple of her books on the shelves of my local library, I thought I wanted to try it out. I have been more interested lately in the medieval time period, and I wanted to see what Garnett’s storytelling was like….and I can say that its a diamond of a romance that is authentically realistic to the time period and I had no hardship getting into the story. I do love a story that seems more realistic, I feel like a lot of historical’s currently are more happily based and they are more based in 1800’s, and as much as I love that time period, its always a good experience to mix things up a bit. I really love history, and once you start reading this story, you see certain details in a culture that captivate your attention and turns a story into a world of real people and circumstances.

There is quite a bit of historical facts involved in the story, but I loved the way that Juliana Garnett weaved this story together, while sticking with facts of history. It always make for a more intense read when the author has done their homework, which I am sure isn’t easy especially when you consider how long ago this story takes place in.  The story is about two people that fall in love when you least expect them to. Judith has been kidnapped by Rob’s father, so tensions are a bit high, but from the beginning we see a bond form between them. Even though they are enemies of sorts, a adventure soon begins with these two characters at the helm, danger around, enemies that would seek to tear them apart, and a plot to keep you surprised. I really loved how it seems like a predictable story, but in the later half of the story, it keeps you on your toes. The romance is slow and steady, and I loved how comfortable I was able to get with this story and I just wanted to soak it all in.

A winner of a medieval romance…charm, history, passion, fierce emotions and one wild ride you won’t ever forget. TASTEFUL AND EXCITING!!

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Warm