Julia London, Highlander Unbound

Highlander Unbound

Julia London

Pocket, Feb 2004, $6.99, 384 pp.

ISBN: 0743465067

Even though it is 1816 and a few years have passed since the armed combat ended, Navy Captain Liam Lockhart still suffers from battle fatigue. However, he has other concerns besides his nightmares as his family is broke. He agrees with the proposal to steal back a gold beastie heirloom from the English branch of the family for the Scottish Lockharts to sell.

In London in the house where he rents a room at usury rates he meets nine year old Natalie, granddaughter of his nasty landlord. Through the child who constantly visits him, Liam meets Ellen, the lass' mother. Liam falls in love with Ellen, but she seduces the location of the heirloom from him and steals it to insure a future for Natalie. Liam is filled with rage and a need of vengeance for he allowed passion to hurt his family and devastate his honor. He will follow Ellen's trail to wherever it leads, for he will regain the beastie and avenge the betrayal.

Readers will appreciate this exciting Regency romance in which a sailor scorned is someone to beware of as Ellen will learn. Natalie is too precocious though readers will understand her need for any companionship beyond her mom while her grandfather is a very odious a soul who deserves an eternity of loneliness. The lead couple is a delightful duo, who make the tale, as Ellen feels bad for what she did to the man she loves, but like any lioness feels her first priority is her cub. Fans will enjoy this interesting tale.

Harriet Klausner