Highland Master by Hannah Howell 
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Murray Family #19
Publication Date: November 26th 2013
ISBN: 9781420118810
Page Count: 352
Rating: ★★★
Review Copy: ARC
Reviewed by: Lynsey
Buy Link: AMAZON
Synopsis: Lady Triona McKee's life is under desperate siege. The marriage she thought would answer her dreams has left her struggling alone to provide for her people, while an arrogant kinsman prepares to take her land. But one look into the cynical green eyes of her cousin's boldest knight warns Triona that even a promise of help is just as dangerous...

Betrayal taught Sir Brett Murray to make protecting others his only life. Still, the growing desire he can't help but feel for this entrancing widow makes him long to earn more than her trust. But in trying to save all she cherishes, he can't see how an honor-scarred knight can stay in her world and her heart... unless he risks everything to prove his love is now and forever always...

REVIEW

Highland Master

Another great Highlander romp from Hannah Howell, who is a new-to-me author. That's right. I joined a series nineteen books in. Hark, is that the series reading order police I hear at my door? Heh. Normally I'd agree with their outrage, but I find it matters not one jot with Scottish romances since the stories are usually very self-contained, and the characters often secluded at one castle/keep or another. And, indeed, I can confirm that even having not met a single Murray before, this book reads perfectly well as a stand alone.

Overall I enjoyed Highland Master and don't really have any complaints about it writing-wise. Although, as you'll see from my rating, it didn't exactly knock my socks off either. I'd probably have been a lot more receptive to it had the heroine, Triona, not been a widower. I'm terribly archaic about this genre and prefer my heroines fresh faced and virginal. The widowers with their extra years and baggage don't seem to entertain me quite as well. Having said that, dear, sweet Brett made a valiant effort at overcoming this personal peeve. He was delightful and by far my favourite part of the story. I loved that he wasn't a laird for a change, but a knight, a soldier at arms. He was quite the braw man, and together, he and Triona certainly knew how to heat up the bed chamber.

The rest of the plot had a mystery to unfold which was also surprisingly entertaining. And as with many of these style of romances, there's a villain to gleefully jeer at. Quite a nasty one, too. It was all good fun and I'd definitely read from this author again.

3 Stars ★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.