The Border Lord and the Lady

I have read Bertrice Small since her first book, which I believe was "Blaze" (I could be wrong). Anyway, I always enjoy her writings. I don't think she could write a bad book. The Border Lord series is right up there with the best of them.

This was a wonderful, fast read. It puts you into the world of Scotland and their customs. It was an interesting story and there was a lot of twists and turns. If you like historical fiction, you would like this book and it is also a romance. I think that this is one of the best historical romance books that I have read.

Despite the fact that most women of her station marry for position and alliances, Lady Cicely Bowen has vowed that she'll only marry a man she loves. Her father has even given her leave to accept or deny any suit she chooses - much to her guardian's, Jamie, the King of Scotland, irritation. When Jamie married Cicely's best friend Joan she accompanied them to Scotland but finding an acceptable husband amongst these wild looking men could prove more complicated than she ever imagined. Cicely, for most intents and purposes is a practical lass. It only makes sense that she share much in common with the man she marries so when the laird of Fairlea, Andrew Gordon, begins his courtship of her she believes him to be a good choice. He's cultured, can speak French and recite poetry. There's just no passion between them. His kisses don't make her tingle and he's more overbearing than she likes. His clan members have seen to it that no other man can even get close to Cicely which is why border lord Ian Douglas takes matters into his own hands and risks enraging the king by abducting the lady. He's been in love with Cicely since the day he pledged his fealty to the young king and he's determined to make her his wife. He just never imagined she'd prove to be so stubborn or find it so wildly satisfying to attempt to win her favor. Cicely is horrified by the condition of Glengorm, Ian's ancestral home. It's been sadly neglected and the servant Bethia is a most distasteful woman. Cicely may not intend to be the lady of Glengorm but she's certainly not going to live in filth or allow this servant to speak to her so disrespectfully. With Ian's blessings she sets about making his home habitable - so that it will run properly and he'll be comfortable once she's returned to the Queen's service. Will she really want to leave Ian or Glengorm once the King's men arrive? With her newest release Bertrice Small captures all the violence and wonder of 15th century Scotland. THE BORDER LORD AND THE LADY is a sweet romance tempered with stunning revelations, laughable arguments, beautiful descriptions of the scenery, memorable characters, smoldering love scenes and historical facts that bring this volatile time period to life. As with any Bertrice Small novel there are scenes that make you laugh and others that make you cry but there's always a feeling that `life' plays out the way it's meant to be. I've been a huge Bertrice Small for many years and all of her titles grace my bookshelves but she still manages to surprise me with her carefully constructed plotlines and the depth of her characters. THE BORDER LORD AND THE LADY is the fourth book in the BORDER CHRONICES but each story stands alone. The other titles in this series are: A DANGEROUS LOVE THE BORDER LORD'S BRIDE And THE CAPTIVE HEART Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

I look forward to Bertrice Small's book and this was no disappointment. She has a way of bringing you to a different world.

The Earl of Leighton worries his brilliant teenage second wife Luciana Maria Pietro, whom he married for her money and for giving him sons, will harm his beloved young daughter, Lady Cicely Bowen. To keep her safe he sends her away from her stepmother. Cicely and Lady Joan Beaufort become friends. When Joan and King James I of Scotland marry, Cicely is selected as a lady-in- waiting to the new queen. At the Scottish court, two lairds with opposite demeanors pursue Cicely. Andrew Gordon is a suave aristocrat while Ian Douglas is a border lord. Although she plans to marry Andrew, Ian abducts her. She finds border life complex and harsh while her other suitor declares clan war and the queen demands the return of her lady in waiting. This is an entertaining fifteenth century romance starring strong lead characters and real historical figures especially Joan who was married to James I. The story line provides a deep look at the era when intrigue and clan disputes and hostilities were the norm. Vivid with the real persona enhancing the triangular relationship, Bertrice Small provides a wonderful romance with Stockholm syndrome implications. Harriet Klausner