As Lady Dunblane, Elen Burnard is determined to reclaim that land that was stolen from her family one hundred years ago by the Forrests of Rancoff Castle. And when her sister is kidnapped by her adversary's younger brother; Elen leads the men of Dunblane in heated pursuit - bringing home as her prize the Lord of Rancoff himself. Now all that remains is to barter his life for her sister's safe return . . . and try to ignore the unexpected emotions her prisoner stirs in her heart.Munro Forrest finds his jailer as bewitching as she is beautiful, and soon his desire for her keeps him at Dunblane more surely than his shackles. Fearing she is playing with fire, Elen boldly welcomes his advances while carefully guarding her heart. How can she surrender her treasured freedom, as well as her family's future, to her enemy? And even as she struggles to reconcile her duty with the longings of her soul, there are others who seeks to destroy her fragile happiness for their own gain . . . no matter what the cost . . .
When her sister, Roslyn, is kidnapped by members of the neighboring Forrest clan of Rancoff Castle, Lady Elen Burnard of Dunblane races to her rescue. As luck would have it, she and her men come across the Laird of Rancoff returning with his men from a hunting party. With the element of surprise on their side, the Dunblanes capture the Rancoffs. Lady Elen will use the laird as a bartering tool for her sister's release.Munro Forrest, Laird of Rancoff, is at first amused by his capture and the tenacity and cleverness of his old adversary's daughter. His amusement quickly turns to frustration when he realizes Elen is serious about this prisoner business and keeps him locked up below ground in the castle's oubliette. He knows nothing of Roslyn's disappearance and is confused when Elen informs him that her people saw the kidnappers wearing the colors of the Forrestclan. Days pass and messages sent to Rancoff castle go ignored. Munro and Elen develop a fragile relationship as they try to discover the truth behind the kidnapping. Betrayal and greed from an unexpected quarter flummox the two. Additionally, conflict over land stolen from the Burnards by the Forrests many years ago heightens this tense, fast paced story.Ms. Faulkner is a master storyteller and creator of intriguing, real life characters. Munro retains his unusual sense of humor despite his precarious position and Elen is a strong, yet flexible heroine trying to uphold her father's dying wish that she continue in his place as laird. Sexual tension runs high between these two class equals. The bond of friendship they first develop is refreshing and believable.A compelling page turner, HIGHLAND LADY is the first of Colleen Faulkner's works that I've read. It won't be the last. This one's a keeper!
Faulkner has done it again!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
"Highland Lady" is a terrific Scottish romance. I love strong heroines and unique stories. "Highland Lady" qualifies on both counts. This heroine is unforgetable. I laughed and cried. I couldn't put the book down. Talk about your steamy love scenes. Wow! Great going, Ms. Faulkner. I can't wait for your next book.
Timeless passion and beauty of the Highlands -- Very highly
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Elen was sworn by her dying father to regain the lands stolen by the neighboring Forrests a hundred years ago. As he passes his castle, clansmen, vassals and families into Elen's inexperienced hands, she endeavors to uphold her father's example. Disdaining the customs of her sex, Elen dresses as a man and acts as lord to her people. When her sister Roslyn is reported kidnapped, Elen suspects the kidnapping to be retribution for not yielding her claim to the disputed land.Opportunity is with Elen when she takes Munro, the Lord of Rancoff, hostage. She intends to barter Munro for her sister, but the fiery attraction she feels in Munro's presence threatens Elen's careful control. Despite the attraction, Elen dares not marry any man for fear of loosing possession of Dunblane and not being able to keep her vow to her father. Munro refuses to take no for an answer, and soon they will have to work together to uncover the greedy plots that threaten them both. Once again Colleen Faulkner creates a memorable novel that uniquely captures the indomitable spirit of the Highlands. The fierce warrior woman who cares little for clean floors, yet is tempered by her passionate nature, presents a powerful character. Likewise, the hero's determination to win her heart, even while held prisoner, presents a fun, almost playful image -- who wouldn't want such a sexy hero at one's beck and call! Additionally, the ferocious plot, complete with traitorous motives and evil conspiracies, juxtaposed against the medieval background, creates a fabulous tale too absorbing to put down. HIGHLAND LADY is very highly recommended.
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