Set in 1751, this is a post-Culloden
tale from the Highlands, the story of Ranald Kincairn, Laird of Clan Cameron
whose brothers were killed by the English and whose sister they raped. He wants
revenge. His plan is to abduct the virgin bride of the new English “Lord
Lieutenant of the Western Highlands”—the man who raped his sister—and plant
within her a Highlander babe, then send her back. The bride is Enya, a Lowland
Scot from Ayrshire whose family, the Aftons, sided with the English.
Though Ranald tells Enya he intends to
ruin her, it seems it’s just talk as he puts her to work in the clan castle as
a scullery maid, but doesn’t lay a hand on her. As time passes, he is a bit
inconsistent toward her. First he tells her he won’t touch her, but threatens
to give her to his men; then he tells her no one will take her against her
will; finally, he beds her himself. Ranald is a worthy leader of his clan and
respected by all. Of course, Enya falls for him.
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| Original Cover |
There are two other romances tied to
Ranald and Enya’s—Enya’s mother and the man she has loved since she was 15, and
Ranald’s sister and Duncan, a Lowland Scot who came with Enya.
There’s an exciting scene at the end
when the villain shows up to reclaim his bride.
Bonds brings to life the Highlands and
the struggle to survive after the terrible devastation the English brought
about after Culloden as the Highlanders are hunted and the English are
determined to wipe out the clans.
And, should you be curious,
yes, there is a tie in with the author and the name “Afton” which the author
explains in a note before the story.
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