This was Penelope Williamson's first romance and while it might not rise to the level of her later ones, I thoroughly enjoyed it and believe it is worthy of your time.
Set in Scotland in 1584, Beloved Rogue is the story of the Scottish-English borderlands where feuds and rivalries went on for hundreds of years. When she is only 14, Alexia Carleton, a high-spirited proud English girl, meets Jamie Maxwell, a Scot whose clan has been the enemy of the Carletons for generations. With one kiss, she is captured by his love forever.
Years later, when she is 19 and betrothed to an English nobleman, Jamie comes to her home, Thirlwell Castle, to rescue one of his brothers. While in the process, he takes her as a hostage, ostensibly to ransom her for his family's sword and gold. He takes her to one of his family's castles and in the weeks that follow, they become lovers and he confesses he loves her. But he can never wed her because she is English and he a Scot and while they share great passion, there is also great mistrust between them. Will he give her back?
I did love this story and particularly the way Williamson brought it all to a close that had me teary eyed. If you’re a Williamson fan, this one is worth your reading even if not as mazing as some of her other ones.
While it's a debut novel, it reflects her attention to detail, a great story with lots of side plots, her wonderful ability to make you feel along with her well-developed characters, and her creation of a lovable hero and heroine as well as endearing secondary characters. The historical setting is accurate as are the place names and geographical features she so well describes.
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