Customer Reviews

Border Lass

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Border Lass by Amanda Scott

Amalie Murray has vowed time and time again that she will not wed. Her brother Simon seems adamant that she should, and he has seemed to have found the man for her. But Amalie, a maiden to Princess Isabel has discovered the right to refuse marriage even though she is still not of age. On Coronation Day at Scone Abby, Amalie meets Sir Garth Napier he infuriates her to no end, but she finds solace in him and a companion in which she can speak freely. She still plans to not to marry, especially that Harald Boyd her family has pretty much thrust upon her, but now she is beginning to feel very different in the presence of her knight. When he catches her listening in on a private conversation possibly about murder, he must find out all that she knows.

Sir Garth Napier is on a mission to discover the truth about who killed James and Will, he has an idea that Fife, the Governor had his hands in the muck. He has recently been appointed to join Princess Isabel's security staff, and finds himself growing quite fond of the saucy lady Amalie. He first met her after striking down her brother Simon after he was chastising Amalie in public. Then, he catches her listening in on a private conversation possibly about murder, he makes it a point to find get her to open up and tell him the secret. Also not in the mindset to wed, he can't help taking the pleasure of the lady's kiss. And as you know, a single kiss always leads to more...

Will her strong willed and stubborn family force her into a marriage that she does not want? Can she stop these feelings for the man sent to protect the Princess? Or does she really want to quell those feelings? She must also learn that not even her brothers can be trusted.

Border Lass by Amanda Scott is a phenomenal Historical Scottish Romance. The reader connects with the characters and is in a way brought into the story experiencing it first hand. I loved the detail, the blossoming love, and the stubbornness of the hero and heroine. Amanda Scott has been a favorite of mine to read for a while, and as she continues to produce her historical romances, they get better and better each time. 5 Hearts

I was very pleased with this second book in the Border Trilogy by Amanda Scott. What make this a unique read is the reader knows the story is set in Scotland without the oppressive Scots dialect that seems to be the norm with many Scottish romance. Ms Scott relies on placing her characters in actual Scottish history and has her characters act as those of the period. She clearly knows the history and the character of the Borders. She helps those who have read the first book find that Amilea gets a hero deserving of her grace and honor. Garth Napier is one such hero, but he is not a brash hero but a gentle Border hero who knows his worth. Their budding relationship is set to a backdrop of intrigue and greed, but neither loses their honor or integrity. She also dispels a romance myth. Women of the medieval period, at least in Scotland, had the ability to refuse a marriage, whereby carving out her own destiny, if still limiting. Nicely done.

I found that I liked this one better than first because there were no story lines not finished. Though she left a few unique nuggets that provides reader a look into the character of a most interesting secondary character. Sybilla appears to have her own story in the last book in the trilogy with a hero this reader is anxious to see Ms Scott pull from the dark side. Though we got glimpses of his changing character in this book, Simon is still of questionable hero material.

This is a good solid romance that tells a story with charm allowing the reader to escape for a few hours with yummy Scottish Border Lords and heroines who show real Scottish character. Amanda Scott never disappoints with books that are historically well researched but never forgets she is writing romance. Those who want a steamy romance might be disappointed, but is it sex the reader wants or a good romantic tale?

I could barely get through the first 100 pages. The story was disjointed and confusing. The author introduces too many characters that are not necessary to know about. I also thought the romance was really boring. I'm not going to bother finishing. Not worth my time.

Border Wedding and Border Lass are part of a series by Amanda Scott focusing on the stories of families that lived on the border of England and Scotland in the late 1300s.

In Border Wedding, we meet Sir Walter Scott (yes, based on the real person) as he is about to hang for being caught trying to retrieve his stolen cattle. However, he is presented a choice: marry the thief's oldest daughter, Lady Margaret Murray, or hang. With little choice, a hasty wedding takes place.

Wat takes Margaret home with him, barely knowing her and not entirely willing to find out. Despite his resistance (and hers) they still begin to realize that each is not what they expected. But as the politics of the land become more and more pressing, their marriage causes them both to be pawns in the battle for the Kingship of the land.

Border Lass follows the story of Margaret's sister, Amalie. After a heartbreaking experience in her youth, Amalie is set on never marrying. Instead, she has devoted her service to the beloved widow of the Douglas, Princess Isabel. Equally unwilling to wed, but still intrigued by Amalie is Sir Garth Napier. When he finds her eavesdropping at a door with potentially dire consequences, they enter into an even deeper political quagmire than her sister did. But as they deal with the upcoming power struggle, they continue to need each other as much as they attempt to deny their growing feelings for each other.

Amanda Scott knows her history. Both Border Wedding and Border Lass are very detailed on all the politics and conspiracies that took place in Scotland at the time. In fact, in the first book in particular, the details overwhelm the story. The first book also had two traits I don't care for: dialogue written with the dialect and accent of time, which makes it difficult to read; and a relationship that did not make me root for them. Wat is portrayed as a hard man, with very little regard for his wife, even once he realizes he loves her.

However, I did enjoy Border Lass quite a bit more, in part because most of my problems with the first one were not present. The characters were much more fun and enjoyable. The relationship was fun to watch and the resolution was satisfying. In fact, I enjoyed Border Lass enough to look forward to the next book, Border Moonlight, due January 5, 2009.

Niki Lee

Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

'Border Lass' was a bit of an odd read because its pacing was rather variable. The narrative dragged throughout the book until the last fifth when it really picked up and lots of things happened. The story is full of political intrigue, family dynasties and travel by horseback but it is also a story of two people getting to know each other, learning each others' natures and realising that they suit.

Amalie Murray is a young noblewomen in service to the Princess Isabel. However she knows that her brother, at the behest of Thomas Fife, Governer of the Realm, wants her to marry a particular knight, despite the fact Amalie says she doesn't want to marry. She finds a champion in Sir Garth Napier, a knight who is also attached to Isabel's household, and finds herself verbally sparring with him at times. Sir Garth is trying to get to the bottom of the deaths of two men and knows that Amalie has overheard something. However events move on and Amalie may no longer be mistress of her own life - and Sir Garth may have to change some of his priorities in order to keep her safe.

Sir Garth and Amalie were pleasant enough characters, if someone one-dimensional. There were an awful lot of other characters in this story, though, and it did get a little confusing at times. The historical setting was interesting, at a time when border raids took place regularly and clans vied for power and to make alliances with other clans, but overall the dragging pacing of much of the book meant that it wasn't entirely satisfying.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

Those who have read Scott's Border Wedding already know Amalie, the main character in this book. Secrets from her past lead her to the conclusion that she never wants to marry, even though her family is pushing her to do so. For now she is working in Princess Isabel's employ and quite content with where she is.

Once Garth, a knight of the realm, comes into the picture, she doesn't change her mind. Though there is a strong attraction, she still doesn't want to marry and will do all in her power to keep her freedom.

Political rivalry sets the backstage for this romance. A new king has just been crowned, but not everyone is happy with the choice. One person in particular feels he was slighted and will do everything in his power to take over the entire kingdom. Murder, mayhem, and mystery ensue.

I actually enjoyed this book once I was able to get through the first few chapters. I haven't read the first book, Border Wedding, and that may be part of the problem. This book stands on its own, but the beginning of the book has several redundancies and too much description. Like any series of books, the trick is to make the book readable by itself, yet still make it flow with the other books. I feel like Ms. Scott had some trouble with this, and in her attempt made the beginning of the book stilted and difficult to enjoy.

Thankfully, once I was able to actually get into the storyline and find out who the characters were and what they were up to, I couldn't put it down. The actual story almost completely made up for the difficult first few chapters.

I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series, to be released January 2009. From the preview that I've read in the back of Border Lass, it seems to jump straight into the story and hold you there.

Armchair Interviews says: Like most series, it is to the reader's advantage to read the books in order for clarity and full enjoyment.

Amalie Murray has vowed to never marry despite the simple fact that as a young noblewoman it's expected of her. She's serving as one of the princess Isabel Stewart's ladies and sincerely hopes that Isabel can protect her from her any plans her family has of forcing her into a marriage - like they did her sister. She has deep-seated secrets that she fears have ruined any chance she has for a decent match.

With the demise of his father Sir Garth Napier assumes his title as a baron and he's been asked to seek info regarding the death of Isabel's first husband, James, second Earl of Douglas. He's unexplainably attracted to the young woman whom he's positive has overheard a conversation between dangerous men. He's got his ideals of how the woman he chooses to marry should behave and Amalie is far too opinionated and disobedient for him.

Amalie enjoys her friendship with Isabel but more importantly it provides the escape she needs to get away from her family who've been so overbearing. Sir Garth intercedes on her behalf when Amalie's brother Simon attempts to force her to obey him. Later when Amalie goes looking for a moment of solitude, she inadvertently ends up overhearing a portion of a conversation between two dangerous men. Sir Garth catches her in the act and physically removes her from the door before she's discovered by either of the speakers. Sir Garth vows to find out exactly what Amalie overheard but she's not about to trust him with such information. She's learned the hard way that men cannot be trusted and she believes that he's loyal to Fife, which makes him untrustworthy. Sir Garth, with Isabel's blessing, sets out to prove that he can be trusted and claims to have never told a lie. Times are troubled and a member of the royal family is determined to rule Scotland. Amalie's future may just depend on Sir Garth's dedication to protecting her but how will he feel when he learns about the secret that brought about her vow to never marry?

I developed a special fondness for Amalie after reading about her in the first book in this series, BORDER WEDDING. Amalie's a bold, brave character who really stands out throughout this story. Sir Garth is honorable, honest and trustworthy. He's exactly the sort of man Amalie needs especially since he refuses to give up on her. Amanda Scott does a brilliant job of blending this romantic story with the troubling times in Scottish history so that readers can feel like they're actually directly affected by the outcome of each scene.

I'm now anxiously waiting for Amalie's little sister Sibylla's story in BORDER MOONLIGHT coming in January 2009. There's some scary plotting which involves her brought up near the end of the book and she's such a happy little girl that I need to know just how her situation is going to turn out.

Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)

The year is 1390 in Scotland.

It is time to crown the new king of Scots. Amalie Murray was just going about her business when she overhears some men plotting to over throw the new king. Someone is very desperate to rule, Scotland and he will do anything to gain control even if it means taking anyone who stands in his way down. When Sir Garth Napier catches Amalie eavesdropping at the door, he briskly takes Amalie away. Garth demands to know what Amalie was doing spying. Amalie tells Garth that she was not spying but instead had heard some voices plotting and stopped to listen because one of the voices sounded familiar. Know that Amalie could be in trouble that would require his protection; Garth decides to keep a close eye on Amalie. Fortunately for Garth it won't be hard as he is captivated by the lovely Amalie.

I adored Amalie. She was friendly but also had a strong will about her. Sir Garth Napier is very handsome, warm, and all-around great guy. The story within Border Lass was a great one. It had deceit, adventure as well as romance. Amanda Scott talks about her love for Scottish history and it shows in this book. Ms. Scott really did her research. As I was reading Border Lass I could instantly picture myself there with Amalie and Garth. Amanda Scott is true royalty when it comes to fourteenth century Scottish historical romance novels. So the next time I am in the mood to read a really wonderful Scottish novel I know I won't have to look any farther then Amanda Scott.

In 1389 at pre-wedding festivities celebrated by about a thousand revelers at Dunfermline Abbey in Scotland, Amalie Murray senses Sir Garth Napier watching her. She assumes he wants her, but though attracted to him she vows to never wed as marriage is servitude for a woman.

In 1390 on Cornonation Day to annoint John Stewart as High King, Garth becomes concerned with Amalie's safety as he believes she overheard seditious discussions to assassinate the new monarch. Garth is working undercover to expose and capture all the conspirators. He grabs Amalie and kisses her with a passion like he has never tasted before; she melts deeper into his arms. He claims her as his wife over her objections and rationalizes his actions as keeping her safe; however his heart knows otherwise as does hers.

The sequel to BORDER WEDDING is an excellent fourteenth century Scottish romance starring two strong individuals. The support cast includes real personna which enhances the sense of time and place, a trademark of an Amanda Scott historical. The romance and the investigation subplots cleverly intertwine together so that the audience obtains another terrific tale from one of the best Scottish historical romance authors writing today.

Harriet Klausner

If your looking for a scottish love story, this is not it. You are so bogged down in history of the book, that it is hard to even get into the story. From someone who loves romance books, you would be better off reading one of your shelf keepers instead of this.