Sandy Blair, A Thief in a Kilt

A Thief in a Kilt

Sandy Blair

Zebra, November 2006, $5.99

ISBN 0821779966

In 1411, tutor Kate Templeton remains loyal to her former student, Scottish King James I incarcerated in the Tower of London. She wants to help the monarch gain his freedom, but wonders why his lords have made no effort to get him released from his five year imprisonment. Able to foresee, Kate decides to go undercover as the widow of a late Scottish laird to learn what she can in London and then in Scotland.

Kate heads to Stirling Castle in Scotland to obtain information, but she quickly learns to avoid the "Thief of Hearts," Ian MacKay, agent of the Regent Albany, who wants James to remain locked away so that he can continue to use his regal power and influence. When Ian and Kate meet, they are attracted strongly to one another, but mistrust each other, as they assume their beloved works for the enemy; neither realizes that both are undercover trying to restore James to the throne.

The third "Kilt" Scottish historical romantic intrigue (see A MAN IN KILT and A ROGUE IN KILT) is an exciting romance starring two likable characters, whose covert activity makes them suspicious so that each thinks the other is a beloved enemy. The storyline is fast-paced, filled with a deep sense of time and place due to the Scottish vernacular and historical depth, though the brogue can become irritating. Still, this is a superb fifteenth century political romantic thriller that sub-genre fans will enjoy once the lead couple set off sparks of love and suspicions.