Her Highland Rogue
Violetta Rand     

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Wild Highland Guardian
Book: 1
Heat Level: Sensual

In a breathtaking short novel that’s perfect for readers of Maya Banks and Monica McCarty, Violetta Rand introduces a wild clan of Scottish warriors who fight for honor—and live for passion.
 
Errol MacRae’s days of gallivanting across the Highlands are nearing an end. His father’s health has taken a turn for the worse, and rumors are swirling that the crown intends to transfer ancient lands into the hands of the MacKenzies, the clan the MacRaes are sworn to defend. Errol expects to lead his men into battle soon. So he isn’t pleased when his father instead sends him to retrieve a beautiful flame-haired lass who has fled into the mountains.
 
Orphaned as a young girl, Aileana vividly remembers how the MacRaes rescued her and welcomed her into their clan. For ten years, she has served them loyally—until the night she’s nearly despoiled by one of the laird’s captains. Aileana risks her life and her reputation to seek refuge in the snowcapped peaks of the Five Sisters, the one place that has always felt like home. But after the strong-armed, strong-willed Errol tracks her down in a blizzard, she finds herself tempted to risk something even more dangerous: her heart.


I did not connect to Errol or Ailieana. I couldn’t buy into the romance that suddenly blossomed between them. She lived with his family for years and he never made a play or showed signs of finding her romantically suitable. Then one trip to the mountain and he wants her.  I need a bit more convincing.

Ailieana is hurt and vulnerable throughout the entire book. In my opinion, there is little growth to her. She doesn’t question anything that happens to her. She doesn’t want to find out who her family is. She cries and has mental anguish but there is little action.

You kind of knew the story of Sgur and Ailieana. I don’t know why Ailieana didn’t ask questions. Sgur drops clues all the way but she still is clueless. I’m still trying to figure out Sgur’s rationale for her behavior since she was content on acting out when she made her grand return. 

The story had promise to be good but there are too many elements that didn’t gel together to make it great.  I think the plot could have used some more work.  It is a short story that moves at a good pace which makes it tolerable but the execution was off.

~ Samantha