A HIGHLAND DUCHESS

Karen Ranney

Avon Books

ISBN: 978-0-06-177184-2

Historical Romance

August 2010

Emma, the Duchess of Herridge and well-known “Ice Queen” of the ton, suffered a horrific marriage.  When her husband was murdered, she believed herself to be free.  But now her Uncle wishes to wed her to another wastrel, and Emma’s choices are limited.

Ian McNair, the Earl of Buchane, was not a thief or kidnapper by trade.  He was a scientist, determined to discover the mysteries of bacteria.  But when a mirror was discovered to be in the Duchess’s possession, Ian was determined to retrieve the object at any cost.  He was just surprised that the cost included his unplanned kidnapping of the Duchess of Herridge.

Fate seemed to throw these two unusual people together, but also strives to keep them apart.  With Emma’s eventual marriage, and Ian’s betrothal, will the passion between them cause them to lose all honour?  And with Emma’s late husband’s murderer still on the loose, is Emma the next target?

This was a great story!  Dark and dismal in some aspects, radiant and hopeful in others; this novel had a wide range of evoked emotions.  The struggles of Emma are fabulously described, and the serious and dependable nature of Ian makes him an unusual but lovable hero.  A truly wonderful story!

Review by Rista Tompkins

Rating: 4