Publication Date: October 4, 2016
Genre: Historical Romance
Synopsis:
Great Scott! Scotland in 1812 isn’t really a destination spot, but it invites readers to take a different kind of adventure. New York Times bestselling author, Suzanne Enoch’s HERO IN THE HIGHLANDS (St. Martin’s Press, $7.99, 10/4/16)—the first book in her brand new No Ordinary Hero series, will be sure to sweep readers off their feet and have them swooning.
Scotland, 1812: He’s ferocious and rugged to the bone, an English soldier more at home on the battlefield than in any Society drawing room. And when Major Gabriel Forrester learns that he’s inherited the massive Scottish Highlands title and estate of a distant relation, the last thing he wants to do is give up the intensity of the battlefield for the too-soft indulgences of noble life.
But Gabriel Forrester does not shirk his responsibilities, and when he meets striking, raven-eyed lass Fiona Blackstock, his new circumstances abruptly become more intriguing.
Like any good Highlander, Fiona despises the English—and the new Duke of Lattimer is no exception. Firstly, he is far too attractive for Fiona’s peace of mind. Secondly, his right to “her” castle is a travesty, since it’s been clan Maxwell property for ages. As the two enter a heated battle of wills, an unexpected passion blazes into a love as fierce as the Highlands themselves. Is Fiona strong enough to resist her enemy’s advances—or is Gabriel actually her hero in disguise?
If you haven’t already, then as bestselling author Lisa Kleypas said, “It’s time to fall in love with Suzanne Enoch.”
HERO IN THE HIGHLANDS By Suzanne Enoch Price: $7.99 Publication Date: 10/4/16 ISBN: 978-1-250-0954-1
Excerpt:
“Ye arenae pleasant.” With that she turned on her heel to march up the gravel path between the cottages.
He followed her. “Very well. ‘Pleasant’ is the wrong word. But tell me, Miss Blackstock, have you thought about our kiss? Did you dream about it? I did.”
“If I’d done such a thing, which I didnae, I’d call it a nightmare. Nae a dream.”
“I might believe you,” he returned, not bothering to hide his grin, “if you hadn’t brought me trousers last night.”
“And how is that, precisely?” “Me being unable to dress and leave the bedchamber would have benefited you, according to the nonsense you’ve been spitting in my direction. You did something counter to your own best interest, and in favor of mine.”
“I gave ye the clothes before ye kissed me, if ye’ll recall.”
“I recall every moment. Do you?”
“What do ye—”
“I jumped into the mud to save your life. In return, you sent me into a bog,” Gabriel stated. “And I only came up here in the first place because you threatened murder. I have two other estates with stewards whose letters and accounts seemed perfectly reasonable. I let them be.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “I told ye that ye’d have yer figures.”
Most of the women of his acquaintance were camp followers— the occasional officer’s wife, but mainly washerwomen, seamstresses, and the lightskirts who made a living off frightened young lads away from home and facing death. She was nothing like any of them. Every time he set eyes on her he recalled how she’d looked with her muddy muslin clinging to her curves, and he could taste her mouth again.
“You have me interested in different figures,” he returned. “You’re a conundrum.”
“Because I brought ye trousers and I tried to kill ye in a bog? Ye’re a madman.”
Now that amused him. “I don’t mean to insult you, but people far more skilled than you have attempted to murder me, and in far more lethal ways.”
“Aye? What ways?” This time a twinkle danced in her black eyes.
Almost before his mind could grasp the fact that she’d just jested with him, Gabriel stepped forward, nudging her back against the rough cottage wall directly behind her, and held her there with his forearm across her chest. He took her mouth, warm and soft and tasting of tea. And this time he was certain she kissed him back. “You seem more lethal already,” he murmured, teasing at her lips again, then stepping back before she could shove him away. Strategy.
Copyright © 2016 by Suzanne Enoch and reprinted by permission of St. Martin’s Paperbacks.
Author’s Bio:
Suzanne Enoch grew up in Southern California, where she still balances her love for the Regency romances of Georgette Heyer and classic romantic comedies with her obsession for anything Star Wars. Given her love of food and comfy chairs, she may in fact be a Hobbit. She has written more than 35 romance novels, including traditional Regencies, Historical Romance, and contemporary Romantic Suspense. When she isn't working on her next book she is trying to learn to cook, and wishes she had an English accent. She is the bestselling author of The Scandalous Brides series, The Scandalous Highlanders series, and One Hot Scot.
Learn more about Suzanne Enoch and her works here:
http://www.suzanneenoch.com/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
https://twitter.com/suzieenoch
What I like about the story:
The Hero to Instant Heir and from Steward to Soon-to-be Duchess! The first meet-up of Gabriel the Beast of Bucasso and Fiona the Steward of the Castle was adorable. Gab is not your typical duke because he was a soldier who fought fiercely in the battleground and he would do anything to make Lattimer a great place for his people. Don’t underestimate Fiona because she is stubborn, headstrong and nothing would stop her to get what should be intended to her.
Highlands, Sabotage and Secret Revenge... Every Regency Romance has a very interesting plot and twists and I was glad that this story brought something intriguing. I’m actually a fan of highlands and Scotland as a setting. I had a great time reading about several sabotages coming from the inside of the Mac Kittrick Castle and outside of it. I never guessed about the revenge of one particular character, not until nearly the end.
Quotes:
From Gabriel
“Not kissed. Kiss. Present tense. Will kiss again. Future tense.”
“I’m going to be after you. It’s a powerful attraction; seeing something other than death. You’re powerful, Fiona Blackstock. And kissing isn’t enough.”
“Knowing what could go wrong is one thing; dwelling on it is counterproductive.”
How it ends:
The Scots accepted the Englishman and the culprits had been caught.
Verdict:
At the beginning of the story, I knew that I would fall in love with Gabriel. He was the kind of man that you wanted to get married with or without title. Fiona is one of a kind lady that really caught Gab’s attention. I enjoyed their heated arguments that always ended with hot moments.
Purchase:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hero-Highlands-No-Ordinary-Novel/dp/1250095417/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474489408&sr=1-1&keywords=9781250095411
Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hero-in-the-highlands-suzanne-enoch/1123132932?ean=9781250095411
Macmillan: http://us.macmillan.com/herointhehighlands/suzanneenoch
Perk’s rating: 4/5
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to be part of this blog tour!