Can two sworn enemies run from a fate that was thrust upon them…or surrender to each other? Lachlan Douglas’ hatred for the Ruthvens was born when he was a lad of seven, the day that clan murdered his mother and father. They took everything from him without mercy, leaving him with nothing but a heart of stone. Now, one of King James VI’s mightiest warriors, Lachlan wreaks havoc on enemies of the … on enemies of the Scottish crown. When the Ruthvens stir up trouble for the king and the Douglas clan once more, Lachlan faces his greatest opponent yet—a bold, beautiful lass who wants to see him dead at any cost.
When Elizabeth Ruthven finds herself at the royal court to be used as a peace offering between the Ruthven and Douglas clans, she has no interest in marrying her enemy. Elizabeth is determined to continue the family feud, but she isn’t prepared for the brawny, brooding warrior who invades her life—and her heart. He is an infuriating, irresistible opponent with a curious touch, a smoldering kiss, and a reluctant smile that begins to shine on her alone.
As Elizabeth tries to sort out her feeling for her enemy, danger and treachery loom when her clansmen accuse Lachlan of sorcery. In a time when witches are hunted with fanatical zeal, Elizabeth must choose between forgiveness and love, or a chance at revenge at the end of the hangman’s noose.
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Scotland 1592 An arranged marriage by decree of the King, Elizabeth Ruthvan could only feel sadness and fear. The man she was to marry was none other than Lachland Douglas, one of her clans sworn enemies. The King thought to bring a truce between their waring clans?
This story was so enjoyable with the author’s words that brought the characters alive and this period in history that was very stressful. They were killing people they thought were witches or warlochs and it was truly scary. With the feud between their families having began many years past, she was determined to not put it aside and try to be happy.
Lachlan was one of the King’s strongest warriors, but his life had been changed since his parents were murdered by the Ruthvens. But there was no way not to feel for him and Elizabeth, but how could she resist the handsome, brooding warrior who was determined to make her want him.
Their journey is anything but easy. Filled with strong emotions, betrayal, trust issues and a romance that sparks off the pages.. Loved this book and I highly recommend!
Laird Lachlan Douglas and the rest of his clan have hated the Ruthven clan since they murdered his parents and left him with nothing but a hardened heart. Now he’s one of King James VI’s top warriors and lives for battle. But when the Ruthvens stir up trouble once more for his clan and King James, the king comes up with his own solution to end the ongoing feud: Lachlan will marry the Ruthven laird’s daughter, Elizabeth.
Unfortunately, Elizabeth is less than willing to marry her enemy and would rather see him dead. She’s unprepared to have her every view of her clan and her sheltered notions of the world around her challenged by a surprisingly gentle warrior. While Elizabeth is still trying to decide how she feels about Lachlan after coming to know him better, one of her clansmen accuses him of being a warlock. In the ensuing chaos it seems Lachlan’s vaunted status as an earl and a king’s man won’t be enough to save him. With betrayal all around them, Elizabeth must decide if she will try to save the new husband she is growing to care for or let her clan’s revenge come at the hands of a fanatical and disloyal king.
I did not like Elizabeth at first but she did grow on me, and much quicker than the heroine in the previous book. I think Lachlan was a great man who deserved better from everyone he was loyal to, especially the treacherous king. It’s sickening to think that this sort of fanaticism was a real thing in this time period. So with that in mind, this story has much more focus on the historical setting, action, betrayal, etc., than it does on the actual romance, though there were some good steamy scenes as well. I still didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book in the series, but I did like it more than the second installment and it’s a solid addition to the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elizabeth Ruthven is being forced by the King to marry her clan’s most hated enemy to try and create peace. She would rather die than give herself to such a monster.
Lachlan Douglas is one of the King’s bodyguards and as a reward he has been given lands and a title. The only problem is the family of the bride that comes with it.
This is a difficult time in the kingdom when the witch hunters are powerful and anyone can accuse a neighbour just to get rid of them.
Our characters have a dangerous and trouble filled journey ahead. Trust is nowhere to be found, and friends are few and far between.
A very exciting adventure that is part of a series but can be read on it’s own.