Ms. Robyns demonstrate an excellent command of historical detail in this romantic tale set in the midst of the royal intrigue of Queen Mary of Scotland’s court. The intertwining of actual characters with the fictional characters (and some dramatic scenes of the harsh cruelty of the age) contributes to the realism and magnetism of the growing relationship between spirited Breghan McAllen and the Devil of Jedburgh, Laird Arran Kerr.

Frightened by the dark rumours of the Laird’s reputation, Breghan runs away when her parents refuse to withdraw their marriage arrangement with the Devil…straight into the arms of a golden virile stranger!

From that first meeting between the fiery Breghan and the (deliciously) arrogant Arran, Ms.Robyns successfully tells a gentle and passionate love story threaded through with the danger of a threatening civil war.

I was quickly drawn into this richly detailed story: the tender but strong women who are more than a match for the brave, but tough, warriors who love as wildly as they fight.

This is a fast-paced, exciting read. THE DEVIL OF JEDBURGH transported me back into the heart of the Scottish Lowlands during a time when men would give their lives to protect their country and their families, and the women they loved were as brave as the warriors who fell in love with them.

A wonderful read, with plenty of heat between Arran and Breghan. This is the kind of romance I love reading. ( )

Breghan McAllen's father has promised her hand in marriage to the Laird of Kerrs, Arran. He is known as the Devil of Jedburgh, because of rumors of his evilness. He's finally looking for a wife in order to get an heir. He choose's Breghan thinking she will be someone who can handle giving birth to a large baby. When he finally meets Breghan, though, he finds a much tinier woman than he expected. He suggests a handfasting instead of a marriage. Breghan agrees, looking forward to the freedom to choose her next husband after a year with Arran.

This one started a little rough for me. I found the hero a bit too unforgiving and rough around the edges in the beginning. And though Arran doesn't change a whole lot by the end, he grew on me. If I were in his circumstances, I might be grumpy too. He did have some great moments of sweetness with Breghan.

I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this book. Robyns integrated Mary, Queen of Scots and the politics and royal drama of that time very well, I thought.

Definitely recommended to fans of highlander romances.

ARC provided by NetGalley. ( )