Michele Sinclair, Desiring The Highlander

This was the first book I read of Michele Sinclair. I ended up buying her other two books, and I must say, I wasn't disappointed. Can't wait for the next release to this series.

Desiring The Highlander

Michele Sinclair

Zebra, Dec 2009, $6.99

ISBN: 9781420108545

As a child in Scotland Cole McTiernay watched the English kill his best friend Rob and almost him too. He grows up into a strong man, but loathes everything English. In the northern Highlands, the ravaged nomadic people ask him to become their laird. However, he has doubts he can bring the passion and serenity a leader must provide to inspire people.

In 1311 his brother Conor believes Cole would do a great job as he has shown he can lead his men into battle, but his sibling also realizes his younger brother needs to let go of his hate. Thus he sends him to Durchent Hall in England to retrieve a package from Baron Ainsley Cordell. He is outraged to learn the parcel is Ellenor Howell, whose brother-in- law plans to marry her off to the highest bidder. Still Cole escorts Ellenor back to the Highlands; on their trek north, she melts his frozen heart as they fall in love.

Filled with rage, anger, and a need to conceal any warm emotions, Cole makes the tale as he slowly transforms from hulking to warm and caring due to Ellenor. The story line is fast-paced from the first insult tossed by Cole at Ainsley and then the "parcel"; however, the "parcel" bites back. Fans will enjoy the third of seven brothers keeling in matrimony finding seven brides (see To Wed a Highlander and The Highlander's Bride) as Michelle Sinclair provides an intelligent medieval Scottish romance.

Harriet Klausner