Book Review: Captured by the Pirate Laird by Amy Jarecki

Captured by the Pirate Laird is the first book in Highland Force series by Amy Jarecki. In this historical romance Lady Anne is married by proxy to a baron old enough to be her grandfather, and with a reputation that has her more than a little nervous about her future. She boards a ship to go meet new husband, only to be awoken by cannon fire as pirates attack the ship. Laird Calum MacLeod has a reason for plundering the ship, but no idea that Lady Anne will be part of the take. With no other choice, he takes Anne to his crumbling keep on the isle of Raasay and sends a letter of ransom to her husband. Against all logic, and the odds, Anne and MacLeod come to understand each other and the plights they face. Will they risk everything to be together, or follow the path of duty which just might destroy them both.

Captured by the Pirate Laird is a historical romance with a lot going on. Lady Anne is facing a common dilemma of the day, a marriage brokered by two old men with no concern of her desires of happiness. Calum is facing another common plight, trying to eek out a happy life for his people with very few resources, in a rough terrain, and turbulent time. Pirating is his last resort to get enough food and supplies for his people, since the animosity between the English and Scottish and making survival near impossible. Scottish laird Calum and the English Lady Anne each come to the story with strong minds, hearts, and understanding. So many things could go wrong, and some do, keeping the story exciting and moving quickly.  There are some twists and turns and fantastic characters. I am interested to see where the larger story arch of the series goes from here.

If you enjoy historical romance set in 16th century Scotland, or are just a sucker for a man in a kilt, then I would highly recommend Captured by the Pirate Laird. The story is rich in detail and the characters are very well fleshed out. I am intrigued to see who gets romanced in the next book. There was a teaser in the back of this book, but I skipped it so that I would not get excited for the next book and then just have to wait for it.