Early Book Review: The Highlander's Dangerous Temptation by Terri Brisbin

The Highlander's Dangerous Temptation is the seventh book in The MacLeries series by Terri Brisbin. It is schedule for release on October 22 2013. I have only read one book in the series, and do not think that newcomers will be lost. Laird Athdar MacCallum is a highlander that has faced a series of tragedies. The people he cares for most seem to die, or be injured, ever since a childhood incident that he does not remember. Isobel Ruriksdottir… is an innocent beauty that cares for Athdar despite the fact that her father dislikes him for reasons that she does not know. With a little help for the other ladies Isobel manages to spend some extra time with Athdar, which brings them closer together and allows friendship and more to bloom, but also exposes them to danger.

The Highlander's Dangerous Temptation is a historical romance set in the highlands, which is always a good start as far as I am concerned. Athdar is a wounded hero, suffering from something along the lines of PTSD with no recollection of a tragedy that has effect many in his clan and was covered up by his father. As those around him die or face other dangers Athdar has vowed never to marry again, and to stay as isolated as he can. Isobel is a sweet young woman with her heart set on the one man she knows her father would disapprove of, however she sees a vulnerability in Athdar and wants to help him. Little do either of them know, that the misfortunes surrounding Athdar is not part of a curse. Instead these are deliberate actions meant to cause Athdar as much pain as others felt.

I have to admit that I found Isobel to be both sweet and occasionally sassy, which I liked. I connected much less with Athdar, who vowed to no more relationships, but seemed fairly easily swayed. I do greatly enjoy the plotting by the side characters to get everyone a happy ever after, and assume that this group of well-meaning match makers is a common thread in the series. My only real complaint is that by halfway through the book (if not before) I knew who the perpetrator was and was fairly certain of their motivations. However, I did like the occasional interjections on the part of the plotter, and thought the foreshadowing by their commentary did add something to the overall story.

I recommend The Highlander's Dangerous Temptation to readers that like a solid historical romance, highlanders finding love, and a mystery in the background. I found the mystery to be the weakest link, so those in search of a nail biter might be a little disappointed, but I still enjoyed the journey. It was not the best of the genre, but worth a visit to the library or purchase from fans of the author or series.