Arnette Lamb (1947–1998)

If you like horn-dog heroes, this is the book for you. I don't know why a man, who has bedded everything in a skirt, is so attractive to a heroine. When the American heroine arrives, he is "scolding" the maid in the kitchen (actually she is all over him and he is turning her down, but it is clear there has been a physical relationship between the two), and the children tell of him often "scolding the maids". The hero, a hunky Scottish duke, has four daughters around the same age from four different mothers (one turns out to not actually be his, but it could have been). Clearly that implies a carelessness and not just virility. The virginal heroine does not give in immediately to his charms, but it still goes too fast for me, given his character. On the plus side, this is one of the few historicals that has a hero using protection, because he learned his lesson in the past? Aside from that, there is an engaging story here, just not enough for me. 3/5 stars… (more)

I groaned in exasperation starting this book - it began cheesy with sex right off the bat, silly descriptive phrases, and ridiculous passion. I'm happy to say it turned a bit funny a few pages in though, and from then on redeemed itself.

Sex is here but not dominating and the story is actually a very intriguing one for a romance. I got the false impression that plot would take too much of a backseat to cheaply injected intimacy but thankfully this isn't the case. I'm sure that people who had read the story of the parent's would get their past relationship more, but it was easy for me too as a first-timer to pick up on how much they cared about each other and the author's ease with making the relationship believable.

It's quite unique and while more action could have happened in the center areas to buffer it up, I loved Cameron as the main character. He was refreshing and fun and one reason the book works so well. Having a likeable hero is the main secret for having the romance work well, I think. Virginia was a likeable heroine. I loved the parents and the family.

It was actually a heartfelt, feel good story that doesn't have to try to be one, it just is without the phony feeling. The ending was especially funny. The blend of humor with action and strong personalities that work make this one a recommendable old-school romance. The book was amped up further being so curious on what big secret she could have been hiding for so long. Secrets and intrigue are good for any genre.… (more)

A woman of rare valor - at the wedding ceremony of her sister Sarah, Agnes MacKenzie leapt in the path of a speeding arrow, saving Edward Napier's life. For Agnes, it was a matter of instinct and training - all Scotland knew her fame as a bodyguard. Few knew the heartache that spurred her perilous course.

A man of science - and mystery. Despite the towering rage of her father, Lachian, duke of Ross, Edward Napier used his medical skills to tend Agnes's wounds. Owing her his life, the widower granted her request to accompany him and his children to Glasgow. But he had no intention of allowing this beautiful, foolhardy woman to search out his unknown assassin.… (more)