New Review: Vonda Sinclair’s MY FIERCE HIGHLANDER – Hatfields & McCoys in the Highlands

Set in 1618 somewhere in the Highlands of Scotland, this is the story of Gwyneth Carswell, an English woman sent to live with a distant cousin (Laird MacIrwin) in the Highlands for the shame she brought to her family. There she has raised her son, who is now five. Married to a man not of her choosing and then widowed, she is surrounded by clan violence. When a clash of the MacIrwins and their enemies, the MacGraths, leave the MacGrath laird wounded, she takes him in at great risk saving his life. Her cousin, the MacIrwin, finds out she has aided the enemy and, even though he knows she is a healer, he seeks to kill her. So, she flees to the MacGraths.

Alasdair, laird of the MacGraths wants only peace and an end to the 200-year-old. For good reason, he does not trust the MacIrwins and now, as a matter of honor, he must shelter the woman who has saved his life.

This is s story of lovers caught between warring clans and a bit of a mystery about Gwyneth’s son, Rory. Alasdair is a worthy hero who wants the best for his people. In the end, Gwyneth must overcome her disdain for the violence of life in the Highlands if she is to have a future there. There are many love scenes as Gwyneth and Alaisdair give in to their strong attraction. The first half is slower than the last but there’s an exciting finish.