Captured by a Laird by Margaret Mallory is a story that you must read if you are obsessed with anything Scottish that involves men in kilts, castles, and conflicted love. Oh, and the occasional Clan issue or two.
Alison Douglas of the Douglas Clan has just lost her husband who was the Laird of the Blackadders and is finally free to choose a man she loves rather than one she’s been bartered or exchanged for. At the tender age of 13 she was betrothed to an Ogre who’s favorite sport included embarrassment, ridicule and daily unwanted wifely obligations. Seen only as a means to an end she spent a decade with a man that didn’t appreciate her and was anything but nice.
Finally, Alison can now express her needs and wants without fear of being punished. Unfortunately she discovers that the men of Blackadder Castle have little to no respect for her. After a ceremonious burning of her bed in the Castle courtyard for the Clan to see there is now even more concern and whispers around the castle.
Nothing is more important to Laird David Hume of Wedderburn than revenge and retribution against the beheading of his father and uncle. It is David’s intention to capture Blackadder Castle as Alison vows never to be treated like a possession by any man ever again. To his surprise he discovers a youthful, vibrant woman who is making him think lustful and wanton things which are not on his agenda. While he’s anything but trustworthy she can’t deny the obvious. A stubborn, gorgeous and vengeful man has just pushed his way into her life and he will stop at nothing to protect what is his. One should be wary not to cross him as he is not afraid to make an example out of those who commit crimes against him. After all he does have a Beastly reputation to live up to.
Desperate times call for desperate measures and while seeking help from her brother who also happens to not have her best interests in mind she unknowingly puts herself into the hands of the Devil himself. It is difficult to comprehend that her family is anything but loyal or safe and this sets her on a journey for justice and revenge. Will the Douglas Clan finally rise up and defend her giving her the help she so desperately needs? Or, will this new “Beast” of a Laird be the savior she has yet to realize she might need?
Perhaps her stubbornness and inability to trust will help her avoid ruination again or perhaps her salvation? Unfortunately she has a determination that sometimes gets the best of her as she is fearful of succumbing to a fate worse than death. So, she sets out to make things right and protect those she loves.
Only when David makes a decision that ultimately proves she’s nothing more than property does Alison insist that he’s only thinking of himself. What she doesn’t see is that there is so much more to his decision if she would just allow herself to trust. With everyone out for themselves trust becomes paramount as no one is safe and a sealed letter is just that, sealed. No one knows for sure if the contents are real or forged.
Once again Margaret Mallory has written a must read book filled with spies, deceit, battles and conquests that will leave you counting down the days until her next book with tales from the Douglas Clan. This book sizzles and will warm you up on a cold night almost as much as a toasty fire! Oh, and the cover *gasp* !! It’s enough to make your heart leap and your mind race wishing you were in 1517 with the Laird David Hume himself! If you love Scottish Highlanders check out her other books too! They will surely satisfy that craving and more. Slainte mhath (Cheers!)!!!
BIO:
Margaret abandoned her career as a lawyer to become a romance novelist when she realized she’d rather have thrilling adventures with handsome alpha warriors than write briefs and memos. She has won numerous honors for the books in her two previous series, THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS and ALL THE KING’S MEN, including RT Book Reviews‘ Best Scotland-Set Historical Romance Award, a RITA© nomination, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and two Maggies. CAPTURED BY A LAIRD is the 1st book in her new Scottish historical series, THE DOUGLAS LEGACY.
Margaret lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Now that her children are off on their own adventures, she spends most of her time writing, but she also loves to read, watch movies, hike, and travel. Readers can find information on Margaret’s books, photos of Scotland, historical tidbits, and links to Margaret on Facebook and Twitter on her website, www.MargaretMallory.com.
