Highland Fire

Highland Fire starts off with a story about two twins who are orphaned and separated at birth. Each of these twins is plagued with dreams or "visions" of the other twin. Highland fire is about Edana MacLean whose adoptive parents die, her mother of "wasting disease" and her father is murdered; is left in a world full of deception, lies, and danger. During this time where the Scottish clans are fighting with England, a highway man called the Phoenix is plaguing Scotland's landowners. Edana has a few run-ins with him and loses her heart to him. Edana vows to never love another even as her brother George forces her to marry Bram Chrisholm, a man she does not know or trust, she has no idea where his true loyalty lies or what side he is on. Bram fancies himself in love with Adana and always has, but Adana thinks that Bram is besotted with the dreadful and evil Katherine. There are a lot of twists and turns and action. This was the first ever Joyce Carlow book I have read and I loved it! It took me only a few hours to read, I have Highland Flame ordered and is on its way. I hope it is as good as this one was. The characters are funny, caring, loved, and well-developed. It was an excellent read and I was happy to find a new author to enjoy.

I truly enjoyed this book, but I honestly believe I would have found it a world more confusing had I not read the sequel first. Although both of the sisters lead seperate lives for the majority of their stories respectively, Aileen's book is much simpler and takes time to explain things whereas Edna's story is very fast paced on the political endevours and is quick to lose the reader. I would still reccommend both, but out of order if you can.

Description from back of the book: As the Scottish clans prepare to battle England for sovereignty, two flame-haired Highland beauties-born twins, orphaned and separated at birth- are haunted by the eerie vision of a sister who seems more dream than reality. In Highland Fire, we follow the story of one of these sisters, a spirited lass who seeks her destiny in a world of treachery and passion... Though her relatives forced her into an arranged marriage with Bram Chisholm, Edana MacLean vowed never to love her betrothed, no matter how handsome he might be. Her heart had already been stolen by a darkly seductive highwayman - the infamous Phoenix - who offered the irresistible challenge of certain danger and searing desire. Bram's stubborn bride refused to declare her love for him - claiming she preferred a masked brigand. Yet when he took her in his arms, the fiery beauty returned his burning stolen kisses, unaware that he alone knew the Phoenix's secrets. Now, as Scotland gathered its forces to make a stand against British might, Bram would be cast in the deepest dungeon - driven to escape by the memory of feverish nights with his Highland lass, and the promise to possess her very soul... * I didn't think that I would enjoy this book because I'm not big on Scottish romances but I loved this book. I couldn't put it down for anything. I could've done without all the history but there wasn't too much that made it dull. There is so much going on in this book; you aren't just following the 2 main characters but several different people. There was plenty of romance & a lot of mystery & adventure. This is the first in a 2 book series. Don't pass up this book. Highly recommended.