In the Highlander's Bed (Cameron Sisters, 5)

Set in Scotland, 1808, the Highland laird Gordon Lachlan has lost much and he is desperate to rally the people to fight back against the English. He knows that if he can obtain the legendary Sword of the MacKenna - it would bring hope to his down-trodden people. In order to retrieve the sword he planned to kidnap Constance Cameron from her remote boarding school knowing that by her family ties to the Duke of Colster, would make him honor bound to exchange her for the sword. Constance Cameron hated England, Scotland and especially the strictures placed upon her by the headmistress of her school who tried to erase all of her American barbarianism and turn Constance into a lady. Constance was determined to run away and return to her beloved Ohio Valley in America, but on her way to freedom she was snatched up by Gordon Lachlan who dragged her deeper into the Highlands. Furious at having her plans thwarted, Constance was anything but the meek and compliant young miss Gordon was expecting did not appear. Instead, she was exactly what Gordon and his clan needed to bring harmony and order to his clan, and a passion long thought gone to this Highlander's bed. *** Cathy Maxwell continues to churn out some very delectable historical romances, and though the kidnapped captive falls in love with her captor theme has been used over and over again, Maxwell's descriptive writing, smart dialogs, and lovely characterizations keep you entertained throughout. Although the plot is common enough, the characters were brought wholly to life. In my opinion, Constance's feisty and adventuresome, roll-with-the-punches attitude really dominated the story, once she became convinced and committed to Gordon's cause. The dialogs were fresh and the chemistry between Gordon and Constance was well done. Gordon quickly saw that he had met his match in stubbornness, leadership and especially passion. There were many humorous moments interspersed within the adventure as well as poignant and emotionally drawn moments surrounding Gordon and Constance as they shared tragic events from their past that helped create a kinship between them. The healing relationship Constance facilitated with Gordon's sister Fiona was extremely well done, as well as helping Grace, another woman of his clan, to build her self esteem. Maxwell reintroduces the sisters who were lead characters from her two previous titles in this series, Miranda Cameron from THE PRICE OF INDISCRETION, and Charlotte Cameron from IN THE BED OF A DUKE along with their spouses and let me say, these are all stand alone reads, although now that you know they are out there, you just might want to pick them up. Maxwell is still at the top of her game in the humorous Regency era historical romance genre, and if not on your auto-buy list yet she should be! Marilyn Rondeau, [...]

Gordon Lachlan has kidnapped Constance Cameron. He intends to ransom her for the Sword of the MacKenna, which he plans on using to free his people from the English. Constance's brother in-law, the Duke of Colster, has the sword. Gordon was not expecting Constance to be an independent and fierce foe though. She holds her own against him. Once back at Gordon's camp, Constance slowly finds herself helping his people rather than fighting with him and them. She makes them a stronger clan. In the process, Gordon begins to see her in a new light. Not only is their love forbidden, but when the ransom is paid, they will be torn apart. In The Highlander's Bed is a very good story. Constance is a bit of a miracle worker though. She makes amazingly fast changes in the clan and turns enemies into allies fast, making things feel a bit rushed. In The Highlander's Bed is an incredibly romantic story of forbidden love as well. Gordon and Constance go from enemies to lovers. It's passionate and heartwarming. I am very eager to read Gordon's sister Fiona's story. Her plight is heartbreaking and yet I sense she is much stronger than she believes herself to be. Nannette reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Gordon Lachlan is a Scottish warrior seeking to avenge his father's death, his sister's ruin and his clansman losing almost everything. He wants justice in the worst way and feels the Sword of the MacKenna is what he needs to rally his men and fight the English. The sword is currently with the Duke of Closter, in order for Gordon to get it back he decides to kidnap the Duke's sister-in-law. He will then send a ransom note to exchange the girl for the sword. Constance Cameron is the youngest of three sisters who came to England from their Ohio Valley home. Her sisters have found love and have been married, now that's all they want for her. She has been residing at a ladies school and has decided she has had enough of the ton and this country, she wants to go home. She plans her escape and as she is sneaking off school grounds, is kidnapped by Gordon and taken to his Highland home. Neither one is what the other expects and they find themselves drawn to each other. As Constance realizes she can't escape, and not for lack of trying, she begins to enjoy the clan and the Scottish open air. She begins to admire her captor. This is the third book in a series and I have enjoyed every one of them, entirely. The Cameron sisters have been a unique group of women set upon the London ton; and each sister added something fresh to the historical romance genre. Constance was by the far the most engaging of the sisters. She is not a docile captive and the banter and battles between her and Gordon and had me enthralled from page one. The ending was in danger of getting a little too cheesy for my tastes, but thankfully it never fully fromaged. ;) I eagerly anticipate Gordon's sister Fiona's story, Seduction of a Highland Mistress, this winter. Enjoy! The Price of Indiscretion In the Bed of a Duke Cherise Everhard, February 2008

In 1808 Highland laird Gordon Lachlan knows the significance of the legendary Sword of the MacKenna and what it means to his clan. To regain the vaunted weapon from the Duke of Colster, he plans to kidnap the Duke's sister by marriage Constance Cameron, who attends Madame Lavaliere's Academy for Young Women to erase some of barbaric American taint. Gordon assumes that Constance's family by marriage will trade the sword for her. Gordon is taken aback that Constance seems unafraid of him and in some ways he feels like her captive especially when she makes it clear that he is a buffoon who has wrecked havoc to return to America. As she keeps trying to escape, an exasperated Gordon finally decides enough, but cannot stop himself from kissing the spirited colonialist. They fall in love while he tries to stay focused and she ponders how to make his plan work. This is a fun captivity romance in which the audience will agree with the hero as to who is the prisoner and who is jailer. The story line combines humor, especially when Constance acts like a termagant and rips off Gordon's skin, with a poignant belief that people got to be free. This is an enjoyable regency romance. Harriet Klausner

I loved this book. I happened to see it at the store last night and bought it. When I found I couldn't sleep I started reading, and couldn't put it down. I even got up this morning and read some before work, during lunch, and on my breaks. I am happy to say I am finished and already devoured the internet for the next book that will link to all the characters! Cathy Maxwell's next book says it comes out winter 2008...while I bet that means in Dec 08! I sure hope its in a few weeks!!!! Love it! A great read!