New Review: Collette Cameron’s HIGHLANDER’S HOPE – A Regency With a Highland Twist!

This was Cameron’s first novel and it sets the stage for a new series. It begins in London in 1817, as Yvette Stapleton wakes in a ship’s cabin from another nightmare about Edgar, a man who had previously abducted—and tried to rape her. It is Edgar she was fleeing as she sailed from Boston to London. Once the ship docks, she tries to reach her solicitor’s office where she can obtain funds from her inheritance, but she runs into rogues she suspects are working for Edgar. Coming to her rescue is Ewan McTavish, Viscount Sethwick, a Scots laird.

Unbeknownst to Yvette, Ewan (who we learn later met Yvette two years earlier) is on a mission as a spy for the Prince Regent to find Edgar, a traitor. To protect her, Ewan decides to take her to Scotland where safety lies with his clan. To allow them to travel together, he talks her into pretending to be his wife, never telling her their simple declaration that they are man and wife will suffice in Scotland to see them wed in truth.

The story is full of interesting twists and turns with clever dialog and wonderful characters. The first part takes place in London with all characters save Ewan being British; the second part takes place in Scotland with all characters being Scots save the heroine. In the beginning some of the Englishmen were described rather vaguely so I was having trouble picturing them (and keeping them straight) but once in Scotland, the word pictures made vivid all that was happening. Clearly Cameron is a good storyteller and the Scots are endearing and charming. You will have to wait until the epilogue to learn the details of the treachery Ewan was investigating, but the truth is finally revealed.

A wonderful first novel!