New Review: Kate Robbins’ BOUND TO THE HIGHLANDER – Intriguing Tale from the time of King James of Scotland

First in the Highland Chiefs series, set in the Highlands of Scotland in 1430, this is the story of Aileana Chattan and James MacIntosh, clan chief and baron. When her beloved uncle Iain dies, leaving Aileana alone, she knows she must wed for her small clan’s survival. She assumes it will be her cousin, Sir Gawain, but soon she learns her uncle made a secret contract before he died to betroth her to the MacIntosh of Moy Hall, a known womanizer and a supporter of the king disfavored by Aileana’s family. Thus neither Aileana nor James want the marriage her father envisioned.

The writing is delightful and the story held my interest and moved along at a good pace (though I was a bit surprised at how quickly Aileana and James fell in love). There is a fair amount of action in this story as the clans clash and Aileana is abducted. And an unexpected twist about three quarters through the book will surprise you.

Robbins put me deep into Scotland’s past when some clans lined up to support King James and some did not. I particularly liked the mood of the times she set and the history she wove into the tale. It’s nice to see a new author not shying from real history in her Highland romance. I recommend it!

The Highland Chiefs series (not all are yet published):

BOUND TO THE HIGHLANDER
PROMISED TO THE HIGHLANDER
ENEMY OF THE HIGHLANDER
PRISONER OF THE HIGHLANDER