when they meet there are sparks but she's promised to another, someone who she doesn't like, so when Ewan Lochmore discovers her hiding in his baggage he now has complications he didn't expect.
Fun read with interesting characters. ( )

This is the next book in the reverse chronology of the Lochmore Legacy. Some questions from the previous books are answered while new ones make their appearance. Ewan and Marguerite are mentioned several times in the earlier books, so I was happy to get their story.

The story begins immediately after Scotland's defeat at Flodden, as the clans gather at Stirling to plan Scotland's future. Ewan, who had been studying law in Glasgow, is on the way to Stirling to claim the title of Earl of Glenarris following the deaths of his father and brother. Grief-stricken, Ewan suffers grave doubts about his ability to fill his father's shoes. While at the castle, he encounters an unusual young woman who he can't get off his mind.

Marguerite is a young Frenchwoman who is betrothed to Duncan McCrieff, a man twice her age. Still grieving the death of her mother, Marguerite is out of her depth in the rougher environment of the Scottish court. She also quickly realizes that her fiancé frightens her in ways she had not anticipated. The only bright spot is the young, handsome Highlander who befriends her. When she decides to run, she stows away in Ewan's cart.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Marguerite and Ewan. Their fascination with each other was evident from the beginning. While a good share of Ewan's interest was wrapped up in physical attraction, there was also a layer of protectiveness. He knew Duncan and his reputation and that it would not be a pleasant marriage for Marguerite. He was also well aware that there was nothing he could do about it. Though Marguerite was fearful of most men, there was something about Ewan that she found easy to trust. This made her avenue of escape an easy decision. I was quite impressed with her planning and preparation, though she neglected to confirm precisely where Ewan was going. I was surprised that she remained hidden as long as she did.

I loved Ewan's reaction when he found her. Though not at all happy to discover her there, especially given his recent encounter with Duncan, he is a gentleman. Knowing what he does, he won't return her to Duncan, but keeping her with him creates a whole different set of problems. As they make their way toward Lochmore they learn more about each other and realize that their initial impressions were not entirely accurate. I loved seeing Marguerite destroy his belief that she was a spoiled miss by rising to every challenge placed in front of her. She also learned that Ewan wasn't the barbarian she thought he was. In the time they spent together, the attraction between them grew stronger, and feelings of friendship deepened to more. I laughed a little at Ewan whose gentlemanly behavior warred with his baser urges. It became even more difficult as Marguerite's wariness lessened, her trust increased, and she discovered that getting close to the right man is pleasurable indeed. There are some emotional scenes that expose their vulnerabilities and fears to each other, but also show how right they are for each other.

But nothing is easy, and their arrival at Lochmore is complicated as the castle is under siege by the McCrieffs in a double-motivated attack. Ewan had previously made clear to Duncan that he was suspected of treason, and Ewan meant to prove it. Meanwhile, Duncan's cousin Donald is angry that Ewan received lands that Donald believed rightfully belong to him. Ewan must make his debut as Laird under these trying circumstances, and he isn't sure that he's up to the task. I loved Marguerite's confidence in him and the steadying effect that it had on him. The tension increases as the McCrieffs' actions strike at the heart of Lochmore, and Marguerite's disappearance forces Ewan to make a choice. I was on the edge of my seat until the final confrontation was over. The epilogue was a terrific wrap-up to this book and gave a sweet look at the Ewan and Marguerite's lives. ( )