Series: Highland Heather Romancing A Scot #3
Publication Date: 11/25/20 (First published 12/2/15)
Number of Pages: 257

This is a lovely read and I can’t imagine how I managed to miss it the first time around. I cannot compare the two editions since I didn’t read the first one, but I understand the author has added a prologue and tweaked the story a bit to give it more depth and further develop the characters. The story is the same – just enhanced. It is well-written with lovely characters, a tight plot, and an endearing epilogue.

While in Scotland to visit a friend, Lucan, the Duke of Harcourt, assists in rescuing a beautiful young gypsy woman, Tasara Faas, and her siblings. This brave young woman had assisted Isobel, his friend’s sister, escape the same captivity – now they were returning the favor by invading the Blackhall's home and rescuing them. Lucan is immediately entranced by the woman – especially when she pulls a knife on him thinking he might be there to harm her and/or her siblings. Then – she socks him in the eye – OMGoodness – what an introduction.

Upon his return to England, Lucan discovers his mother has been gravely ill. He adores his mother and will do anything to keep her calm and happy – and to hopefully recover at least a little. That “anything” includes promising her he’ll marry by Christmas. He’s not ready to marry, but he’ll leg-shackle himself if it will help with his mother. His thoughts keep trailing back to that dark-haired, lavender eyed gypsy he helped rescue. Now, there was a woman he could happily marry – too bad a Duke cannot marry a gypsy.

After her rescue, Tasara had some shocking discoveries of her own – and it upended her entire life. She learns that she is NOT a gypsy, she is actually Alexandra (Alexa), Baroness of Atterberry. Her gypsy family found her, injured, wandering in the woods near where they were camped and took her in. She was only about 3 years old, but they knew she was of the aristocracy from the way she was dressed and spoke. Given the circumstances in which she was found, they knew she needed to be protected, so they raised her as their own. Until – matters happened which made it impossible to continue. Now, she has been banned from her Gypsy tribe and is in London with a new family. She knows her ‘new’ aunt and uncle love her and have spent years looking for her - but – she longs for Scotland and her simple life. As soon as she gets her inheritance, she’ll head back to Scotland.

When Lucan walked into a ballroom – in his search for a bride – and sees Tasara across the room – that is it for him. Right then and there, he knows he’s found his bride. Now, he just has to convince her of that. I absolutely adored Lucan and his steadfast determination to woo and win her. He never falters – and never takes no for an answer. He’s the most gallant, honorable, sweet, caring, and protective hero you could ask for.

There is, of course, a mystery and some villains thrown into the mix before these two can get to their HEA, but it is a delight to watch Lucan do whatever he has to do in order to protect Alexa. I could really feel their connection and had no doubt they’d come to love each other. I adored most of the secondary characters as well – all except the villains, of course. Alexa’s aunt, uncle, and cousins were delightful. Then, there is an unexpected hero toward the end, and I loved that as well.

I can definitely recommend this book – and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )