Highland Master [Mass Market Paperback]

Highland Master by Amanda Scott
Historical Romance - Jan 25th, 2011
4 stars

Amanda Scott's latest, Highland Master, is a wild Scottish historical that captures the treacherous politics of the times and sweeps you back to the past.

In this story, Sir Finlagh Cameron swore to his father that he would avenge his death and seek vengeance against the Clan Chattan's war leader. Years later, Fin has been shot down by an arrow and is saved the impetuous and spirited Lady Catriona. But Fin soon find out her father is the person he was sworn to kill. As an envoy to the Duke of Rothesay, Fin must sort through his feelings for the man he has vowed to kill, try to concentrate on his mission, and tackle his growing desire for Catriona.

Fin didn't have as much angst as I thought he would. The conflict between his vow, his growing respect for Catriona's father, and his love for Catriona resolves naturally and there are no dramatic scenes of vengeance. Fin is a mature warrior who quickly realizes that he had to let go of his past and move forward, which is very refreshing. This is a nice change from heroes who are hot and cold to the heroine (who is innocent) or blustering to compensate for their pain and anger. He seems to realize quickly that his love for Catriona overrides all other vows. Cat is young and headstrong. The best part of the story is how it feels like the highlands. But this is not a light or quick read as politics and intrigue add complexity to the story. The romance between the main characters is rather slow moving but realistic. Readers who like to savor their romance and enjoy main characters who respect each other will enjoy this book.

Politics, intrigue, and a mature hero make for a satisfying Scottish read.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Although I've seen her name on the shelves at my local bookstore, this was actually my first Amanda Scott read. I've been in a highlander state of mind and with a title like "Highland Master" I couldn't resist ;) In the afterward, Ms. Scott tells us the book was based on an actual Scottish legend!

Catriona Mackintosh is a young highland lady, smart and spunky and full of life. She's wandering through the forest one morning and comes across an injured stranger. She comes to his aid and brings him to her home to recover more fully. As it turns out, he is traveling to see her grandfather, The Mackintosh, who happens to be visiting her family's home.

Sir Finlagh Cameron, Fin of the Battles, is a man of honor. As the sole survivor of a bloody Clan battle, he made a vow to his dying father for vengence. He's been sent by the future King of Scotland on an errand, and it just so happens the man he seeks vengence upon is the son of The Mackintosh and Catriona's father.

Highland Master was an agreeable read - I'm going to be honest and say I didn't get all the political maneuverings that were going on in the book, some of it I ended up skimming over. The character-driven part of the story, however, was riveting! Catriona's free spirit and Fin's more conservative one were at odds with each other despite their attraction; oh, Fin spent so much time with his jaw clenched! He was a bit bossy for my taste, but for that time period I suppose that wasn't unusual. Highland Master also had a mysterious friendship between supposed enemies, a scorned suitor, a Duke who spent most of his time being led around by his penis, and a threat to the castle; all of which combined to make a pleasurable read. I will certainly be checking out Ms. Scott's backlist.

The story opens on a battlefield in Perth, Scotland in 1396. The battle is between the Mackintoshes (Clan Chattan) and the Camerons. Clan Chattan is the victor as only one Cameron is left alive. This survivor, Fin, swears an oath to his dying father, the clan leader, for vengeance against Clan Chattan. One of Clan Chattan's members approached him at this point and they recognized each other and realized they could not fight, so he motioned for Fin to go for the river so he would survive. It wasn't until later that Fin realized that he had sworn an oath going into battle to not pursue vengeance and the one to his father contradicted that.

We find Fin almost 5 years later on the banks of a river in the Highlands, bleeding from a gash to his head. He is discovered by Catriona Mackintosh and her wolf dog protector, Boreas. Fin is in the Highlands on orders from Davy Stewart (Rothesay) - current governer of the Realm and heir to the Scottish throne. He is to convince the Mackintosh to host a meeting between Rothesay and the Lord of the Isles and the Lord of the North. Rothesay hopes to win their favor so that he can retain their votes to keep the governorship and not have it revert back to his uncle, Albany. Albany was not a good ruler of the people, but only wanted to rule for power and wealth. Rothesay was good for the people, but was also a womanizer and would chase anything in a skirt - married or otherwise. At the back of Fin's mind was also the oath of vengeance he had sworn to his father, to kill the leader of Clan Chattan. He knew if he came on this journey for Rothesay, he may have the opportunity to fulfill his oath.

Turns out that Catriona is the granddaughter of the Mackintosh and daughter of the man Fin has sworn to kill. As she and Fin grow closer, he doesn't know what path he is going to take. Catriona is a very strong woman and does not like being told what to do. She appreciates Fin in that he allows her to voice her opinion and seems to really listen to her, and not dismiss her like her brothers and father. Unfortunately, when Rothesay and the two Lords arrive, this gets her and Fin into some hot water.

I really enjoyed this book. It had not only a strong hero in Fin, but also a strong heroine in Catriona. She spoke her mind and acted on her convictions, regardless of what it might cost her. Their relationship developed gradually and wasn't the "see the girl - bed the girl - ok, now let's get to know her" story. The more time they spent together the more I wanted to see them end up together. They were just a really good fit. There were a lot of different conflicts that kept the story line moving - what would Fin do about his oath - how would Catriona deal with Rothesay - what would all the leaders decide to do - how does Fin react upon meeting Cat's brothers and father. I definitely recommend this read.

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