Good book. A companion to The Highlander and the Governess, this is the story of Lachlan's ex-fiancée, Regina, and their friend, Lord Camford. Much of the two books take place at the same time but from different viewpoints.

As the story opens, Regina finds out that she is expected to accept Lachlan's proposal. After being assaulted by a suitor five years earlier, Regina planned never to marry. Just the thought of marriage and everything it entails brings her fears to the surface. An old friend, Dalton, Lord Camford, is the only man she is comfortable around.

Dalton has been in love with Regina for years, despite knowing she's promised to his friend, Lachlan. When he realizes Lachlan loves someone else, his protective instincts are aroused. He will do anything to make her happy.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Dalton and Regina. There was a connection between them since the day she comforted him at his brother's funeral. Dalton is an honorable man and buried his feeling for Regina under a layer of friendship. However, as the wedding draws nearer and he realizes that neither one wants the marriage, Dalton encourages Lachlan to follow his heart. Unfortunately, Regina didn't read Lachlan's letter and was left standing at the altar. Rather than allow her to be humiliated, Dalton steps up and takes control.

I ached for Regina, whose fears have controlled her life for five years. She doesn't want to marry, but when she finds out why her father insists on the marriage, she knows she has no choice. I liked that she trusted Dalton enough to confide in him and ask for his help. That trust is about to be tested in ways she never expected.

After the wedding, Dalton and Regina leave for his home in Scotland. Dalton is patient and understanding of Regina's fears but hopes that he can eventually overcome them. Away from London and the memories there, Regina slowly begins to relax. The attraction that simmers between them grows stronger, leaving Regina in a quandary. Can she let go of her fears and trust Dalton? There were some sweet scenes as Dalton cautiously encourages Regina's growing desires while keeping himself under control. I liked Regina's determination to break free of her fears.

Though Regina opened up to Dalton about the cause of her fears, there are some things about that event that she kept to herself, afraid of his reaction. It is that secret that precipitated her father's actions and led to the bargain with Lachlan. Now someone threatens to make that secret public. After a bit of misunderstanding between Dalton and Regina over her motive for keeping the secret, Dalton shows the depth of his love for her in his determination to end the threat. A couple of twists add complexity to the problem, but Dalton comes through with an excellent solution. With all of the obstacles removed, Regina and Dalton can finally look to a future free of fear. ( )