I wanted to love this book, but it just didn't happen. I was bored for the majority of it, and I kept rolling my eyes at Cat (and pretty much the rest of the characters.) The massacre of Glencoe itself is fascinating and tragic, but this novel didn't move me nearly as much as reading accounts of it did. As this is the second book of Jennifer Roberson's that I have read, I have come to realize that her writing style is not to my taste- that doesn't make her a poor author; rather, I simply need to look elsewhere when I turn to historical fiction (particularly when it comes to Scotland or Robin Hood.) ( )

What a moving account of the Massacre at Glencoe. This book is why I love historical fiction! Every character except 2 are real historical figures & the MC being one, but even she is based on a IRL figure-just the familial relationship was changed.

I would call this more a historical biography than fiction. Obviously, the dialogue between the characters is created by the author, but her extensive research really shows thru. It was realistic to the times & participants & really did help to tell the story in an accurate way, often backed up by genuine historical documents. I loved learning the political reasons & maneuverings of the parties involved. How a human being & a fellow Scot could conspire to exterminate an entire clan!

The slowly developed relationship between the two MCs seemed realistic, particularly since they were from warring clans IRL. Since the author took liberties with the female lead, I really appreciated her not making Cat a stereotypical romantic heroine. Instead, she gave her a real intelligence, prickly personality, wicked tongue, awkwardly built, & rather plain of face. Best of all, she showed how those things shaped Cat & how she learned & grew from her mistakes & misconceptions. Bravo!

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my first book by Jennifer Roberson (a fellow Arizonian!) & look forward to reading more from her. ( )

This was another good historical fiction read from Roberson. Similar in a lot of ways to her Marian books, there is a strong female character and the love story drives much of the action.

I loved this book, I guess I'm just hooked on Scottish history, even thou this one has a love interest ,it shows how the clans of Scotlan defeated themselves, rather than letting the English do it. ( )

This was a very good book and an enjoyable read. I really enjoyed the two main characters, Catriona (Cat) and Alasdair (Dair) a lovely Romeo and Juliet story. A pleasant change to have the heroine not be drop dead gorgeous. Their characters were well drawn, intelligent and displayed great chemistry. I enjoyed their playful banter as they "courted" and afterward when they become lovers. LOL when she became worried after their first time together in bed, as her brothers had always told Cat her tongue would shrivel a man's --- well you know what.

Even though when Cat and Dair get together they are a loving and lusty couple, the sex scenes are mostly left to the imagination and not overly drawn out, which helps make this book more appropriate for a younger reader than many books available these days. The author was able to convey much just with the subtle sexual banter betwen these two, it was very funny and sweet.

Although there is the "romance" of the book with the two main characters, this is more about the massacre of Glencoe, a little known piece of Scottish history, and a very sad tale for so many members of this clan. Don't let the cover of the book fool you, this is not a Julie Garwood type of book where the story is mostly fluff to place the H&H in in order to write steamy love scenes. And I'm not knocking Garwood, I loved Ransom -- this is just a different type of book altogether despite what it appears from the cover. If you are looking for a light book heavy on romance and light on the history, this book is not for you.

All in all quite an enjoyable read. ( )