Her Highland Rogue

Love and Forgiveness are interwoven in this fabulous tale from Leanne Burroughs, award-winning author of Highland Wishes In an effort to bind Scotland to England, Edward Longshanks, England's ruthless king, has marriages arranged between British sovereigns to Scotland's own. Short of money and a desire not to have their land overrun by England, Scotland's noble men and women have no recourse but to accept the forced conjugations. One such marriage contract is arranged by the fathers of Duncan MacThomas and Catherine Gillingham. Duncan is appalled that his father who abandoned him at a young age to be foster-raised, a common practice among Scottish lairds, would stoop to such an arrangement. Nevertheless, fulfilling his father's contract with the English Gillingham, he marries Catherine, but walks away from her at the altar immediately after the ceremony is completed. Not before noting, however, her beauty before he made his exit. Abandoned by his father, abandoned by his first wife, he swears loyalty only to himself and his clan and will not risk abandonment by loving again. On the trip back to Scotland, he discovers he actually likes his new wife and an emotional bonding forges during the physical coupling he teaches her. Catherine, none too happy about the arranged marriage herself, leaves her comfortable English surroundings to move to Duncan's rustic Highland home. A gentle soul, raised to perform to the best of her abilities, no matter the circumstances, she wins the hearts of all those in Duncan's fiefdom, except the one she most learns to care about. Her husband, Her devastatingly handsome Highland Rogue. Upon arriving in Scotland, Duncan's personal devils assail him and the thing he fears most he commits. Catherine becomes pregnant and he rides off abandoning her when she needs him the most. Pregnant, hurt and confused she returns to her parents' home in England. An unknown enemy nearly takes her life and Duncan barely arrives in time to save her. She returns to the Scottish clanspeople who have come to love her, only now she has her own scars that need healing in addition to help heal those of her husband. Mrs. Burroughs has penned a poignant story rich with historical conflict, emotional trauma, unforgettable, lovable characters, and lessons on endurance. The detail given to Scottish history is captured in Mrs. Burroughs picturesque prose. In reading her book, I felt like the little boy who said `I'd rather read than see a movie. I see so much more.'

I love Leanne Burroughs writing. It is so real and invokes such realistic characters and transports the reader back in time. I love that the story is so full of twists and details and yet so easy to follow. She is one of my new favorite authors!

I read both Highland Wishes and Her Highland Rogue this past rainy weekend. I hate reading books that are related so far apart, so I was delighted to do both at the same time. I am amazed at the growth of Burroughs from her debut book to her second novel. Her craft is so much stronger, promising a star on the rise. I await more historical sagas from this talented writer.

Ms. Burroughs characters capture your heart from beginning to end. Her writing is pure and emotional. Reading this book made Scotland come alive for me. This book is a keeper on my shelf. I look forward to many more books by this wonderful author.

If you haven't read her first book Highland Wishes you defenitely need to. The book captures you and sends you back in time to Scotland from the first page. This book is no different. From the very first page you are back in Scotland during the 1300's. Scotland is still fighting for its independence. The main characters in this story are no different. From the very first meeting between Catherine and Duncan you can feel the chemistry. The author develops these character with love and humor. You want to laugh and cry with them. There are even times you wish you could grab them through the book and shake them. She makes you love them and feel like you are there with them. This is the second book she has written and as wonderful as her first. This book is a must read for any fan of historical fiction. All I can say is when is her next one coming out?