Highland Scandal involves "the rake" , Jack Haines, who is on the run from the Prince of Wales for allegedly having an affair with the Princess. A highland lord offers him shelter and protection if he handfasts or marries the lord's niece. When he meets Lizzy Beal, he is surprised by the fact that she is beautiful until she speaks and reveals that she is a women with intelligence and not afraid to use it. Lizzie has plans of a marriage of her own making and not involving Jack.

I loved how the fireworks flew between Lizzy and Jack. It was definitely moving how they went from loathing to just lusting after each other to really falling in love with each other. I also enjoyed the side story of Lizzy's sister Charlotte overcoming her obstacles. There was also a true plot in that Lizzy and Charlotte's uncle is trying to keep Lizzy from marrying because of the land they live on.

I can recommend this story because the plot flowed smoothly along and nicely intertwined with the few romantic scenes. The characters are believable and it is easy to become lost in the actual story of the book. I can safely say that this is enjoyable candy without being too sickly sweet. Those who are not particular followers of romance could find enjoyment in this story, so it gets my big thumbs up ( )

I have decided to keep reading romance novels to escape into a better and more pleasant world than waht exists right now in this country. I have just finished Highland Scandal by Julia London. The book, set in Scotland in 1807, is the story of Jack, Earl of Lambourne who is being chased by bounty hunters set upon him by the Prince of Wales. Jack is being wrongly accused of adultery with the Princess of Wales.
In order to avoid the bounty hunters he agrees to a handfast marriage with Lizzie Beal. Lizzie is being forced into this marriage against her will by her uncle. All she wants to do is to save her property, take care of her crippled sister and be left alone.
I found this story to have a fast moving plot and well developed characters. Even some of the secondary characters such as Newton, one of the uncle’s men set to guard Lizzie and Jack, were very well developed. Scotland is one of my very favorite settings so this story had instant appeal for me. I like the geography of the country but I really like the loyalty of clan members to each other. Of course a handsome hero only adds to the attraction!
There is an element of mystery as the reader tries, along with Jack, to discover why the uncle insists on this handfast marriage. There is also some humor which I think adds to a story’s attraction. I loved the scene where Jack, who is considered a rake of the first degree, is up on the roof trying to patch it. This is surely not like a rake’s behavior and the dialog was very good in this scene as it is throughout the book.
Julia Long is a very good author and I am looking forward to the next book in the series which will be A Courtesan’s Scandal. This book is due out in November of 2009.
I gave Highland Scandal 4 ½ stars. ( )