Most of the plot this book is the characters arguing about which direction to go. I was bored throughout and skimmed through the latter half. ( )

I reviewed this book for my blog at www.bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.com

Amanda Scott is yet again one of the authors that’s ‘new to me’ even though she’s been around for a while.

This is the first of her books that I’ve read, and a second book of her ‘Scottish Knights’ Trilogy in which men of Brotherhood of St. Andrews find their HEA’s. They met at St. Andrews while studying under Bishop Traill, the chief bishop of Scotland. To avoid clan fights among the young and hot-headed students, he made them all use nicknames and forbade discussions of family, clans and home territories.

The first book HIGHLAND MASTER was Sir Finlagh Cameron’s story and his nickname was Lion who’s known for his ability with the sword; HIGHLAND HERO is Sir Ivor Mackintosh’s story and he’s known as Hawk with expertise in archery; Captain Jake Maxwell was nicknamed Sea Wolf, for his skills in sailing and his story will be coming out in April of 2012 in HIGHLAND LOVER.

Reading the second one without the benefits of the first, I can vouch that the author has done an excellent job of making it as a standalone.

The year is 1402 and Scotland’s King Robert III knows and clearly recognizes his weakness when it comes to his younger brother, the Duke of Albany. In his frail state, he knows that his promise to his dying wife to protect their youngest son must be kept, and that Albany can never be allowed to be near James. He fears that Albany, now third in the line of succession, after David, Governor of the Realm, and seven-year-old James, is too ambitious and greedy, therefore might do away with his sons.

To carry out this Robert needs the best of the best for the job and gets Hawk to accept the task of secretly escorting seven-year old Jamie to the now old Bishop Traill of St. Andrews, where he knows the boy will not come to any harm.

Lady Marsi Drummond Cargill is a cousin of the late Queen and as such, she is under the protection of the King. She also knows King’s weakness to buckle under Albany’s wishes, and upon hearing that Albany i on his way to Turnberry Castle with plans for her to marry a man she knows wants only her substantial dowry, she decides to take the matter into her own hands. Albany will need to catch her before he can marry her off to one of his devious allies.

Finding out from Hetty, Henrietta Childs who’s been taking care of Jamie, that they’re getting ready to leave for parts unknown, she immediately grabs the opportunity to ‘disappear’ while blending in with the entourage. She believes that no one will recognize her as a lady’s maid. Not so easy if you grew up giving orders and not following them, which she finds out along the way.

I found this story extremely engaging and heartwarming. Both hero and heroine were strong characters, yet vulnerable in their own way. The secondary characters of Hetty and Will were great addition to the story.

The journey for them all is a revelation and each character will come out of it richer for the experience, but before that happens there are road blocks and treacherous enemies to overcome.

In the midst of all the danger Hawk and Marsi will find that love can bring the best out of them and one misspoken word will bind them together for a lifetime.

Ms. Scott brings history and fiction together so seamlessly, and her prose will transport you back in time while the plot will keep you in suspense until the end. I liked this story and highly recommend it for its romance, history and entertainment!

Melanie

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review* ( )

Highland Hero gives us a likable hero in Hawk. One of the bravest and most skilled warriors of his generation. Hawk is deeply loyal to his King and agrees to hide the young prince to protect him from the the King's younger brother, the Duke of Albany. As Hawk risks everything to protect the young prince, his attraction to the mysterious Marsi adds just enough humor to the story.

Highland Hero delivers politics, intrigue, and romance. With Hawk and his circle of Scottish warriors Amanda Scott begins a new series of exciting romance.

ISBN-10: 0446574309 - Mass Market Paperback $7.99
Publisher: Forever; Original edition (October 1, 2011), 400 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher. ( )

HIGHLAND HERO by Amanda Scott is an exciting historical romance set in 1402 Scotland. It is book #2 in the “Scottish Knights” series,but can be read as a stand alone. See “Highland Master’. This is the story of Lady Marsi Cargill and Sir Ivor “Hawk” Mackintosh.Lady Marsi disguises herself as her young cousin’s maid to escape an arranged betrothal. Sir Ivor is one of the King’s loyal Knight’s he summoned to guard and protect his young son. Together Lady Marsi and “Hawk” must protect England,the King’s young son, and their new found love. This story has love,passion,danger,secrets, survivial,friendships,highlanders,intrigue,romance,sweet sensuality,enemies,healing and desire. A must read for any historical,romance,and anyone who enjoys the Scottish highlanders. “Highland Hero” is a powerful story of loyalty and love that will capture your heart from the first page to the last. A not to miss Scottish story. Received for review from the publisher. Details can be found at Forever,an imprint of Grand Central Publishing and My Book Addiction Reviews. ( )