Reviewer: Tracy Highland Wolf by Hannah Howell
Series: Murray Family #15
Also in this series: Highland Groom, Highland Devil (Murray Family #22), Highland Guard
Publisher: Zebra
Publication Date: October 30, 2018
Format: eBook
Source: NetGalley
Point-of-View: Third
Genres: Historical Romance
Pages: 352
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Series Rating:
Annora MacKay senses a disturbing evil in Dunncraig Keep, the estate acquired by her cousin, a cruel and ruthless man. Only her affection for the tiny girl he claims is his daughter stops her from fleeing. Then a mysterious woodcarver arrives at the castle, and she cannot stop thinking--or longing--for him . . .
James Drummond, once a laird, now an outcast, wants what was stolen from him--his good name, his lands, and his child. His disguise for getting into Dunncraig is step one of his plan, but the enticing raven-haired woman who cares for his daughter is an unwelcome surprise. For he has come seeking justice, not love . . .
Laird James Drummond was accused of murdering his wife three years ago. He’s been on the run since then and he’s decided that enough is enough. He needs to get into his keep and find out what really happened. The man who took his keep from him is Donnell McKay and he’s evil. His cousin, Annora MacKay, is there to take care of Donnell’s child, but she has a feeling that all is not right in what her cousin says about the child being his.
James disguises himself as a black-haired Frenchman who does woodworking. He wants to do such a good job that Donnell will invite him to stay in the keep and that way James will be able to be near his daughter and find out the info he needs. He didn’t plan on falling for Annora, but he does. James has to eventually come clean to Annora about who he is, and when he does, she agrees to help him bring Donnell down.
I really liked this book when I read it back in 2014. This re-read was not quite as enchanting. In fact, I thought it was just ok. There were so many times that I rolled my eyes about things, it got a little old.
First James’s disguise was ridiculous. How did he ever think this was a good idea? He was only gone for three years – even with a black wig, how would no one recognize him? I find that hard to believe. Then there’s how easy he got into the castle. Look, I understand that Donnell was completely full of himself and absolutely sure that he could take all comers, but he knew the new woodworker for about a minute and a half and invited him in. Annora’s “ability” was another issue. I seriously had to go back to figure out when they’d mentioned it. It was so very small and not at all like the rest of the Murray clan’s abilities. I thought it was just a stretch.
The daughter was cute and I liked her a lot but that couldn’t hold the story for me. I wasn’t engaged in the book, or the romance and I struggled to finish it. The story dragged and I couldn’t find the my happy place while reading. I know everyone is different, so you should probably read this one for yourself. Like I said, I really liked it the first time around so you might too.
Rating: 2 out of 5
Murray Family
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