5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
3.5 stars for this Scottish tale, great hero but it took a while to really understand the heroine, July 26, 2010
This review is from: Claimed By a Scottish Lord (Mass Market Paperback)
Set in Scotland during the mid 18th century, Melody Thomas provides an interesting time and place for her latest novel, Claimed by A Scottish Lord. Usually titles like this hint at an earlier time period and truthfully several times I forgot the setting. This book almost feels like a medieval romance. I enjoyed portions of this novel immensely; especially the final third of the novel but the first two thirds were not as entertaining, mostly because I never really understood the heroine's actions and view point.
Since Rose was three years old she has lived a quiet life at the abbey, tending villagers with her herbs and conducting experiments in science, plus searching for Arthurian artifacts. Her world abruptly changes when the new Lord Ruark Kerr Lord Roxburghe returns after several years at sea. Ruark has a history and friendship with Father Tucker at the abbey so he meets Rose quickly after his return. Rose forms an instant like and dislike with this man.
Ruark is not overly pleased to be back in Scotland, he has only returned to free his half brother from Lord Hereford, an Englishman who despises Ruark. They have a past which also involves Rose.
Ruark realizes that Rose could be a valuable asset in his negotiations to free his brother so he kidnaps her. Rose almost kills herself in escaping; she is saved by Ruark, who is enchanted with the tall statuesque beauty. Ruark's point of view is very well written, the reader knows exactly how he feels about Rose. He has many of the pieces to the missing puzzle of Rose's life and he certainly has all the pieces of Lord Hereford's past deeds. I liked Ruark, he is honorable and patient. He is self sacrificing and loyal, traits I admire in a hero.
Rose is harder to fathom. I felt as if this story, at least the first half or so, detailed Ruark's thoughts nicely but Rose's were focused more on other things rather than the hero. When she does think of the hero it is mostly in a fearful or distrustful way. I did not feel that she really liked him until the latter half of the novel, yet she desired him greatly. I was uncertain as to why she wanted him, as she viewed him as arrogant.
The last third of this novel though has a different feel mostly because Rose's inner thoughts are filled with her feelings for the hero. Here she is contemplative, less judgmental and more open open-minded. Her softer side showed in almost all of her actions as did her loyalty. I admired her courage but she was also vulnerable too. .
Overall this novel has plenty of action and the hero is a delight but the heroine's feelings toward the hero were a bit murky whereas his were well thought out and insightful, however the last portion of this novel really does thrust the heroine in a much better light and she becomes just as likable as her hero, 3.5 stars.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
warm Georgian Era romance, July 1, 2010
This review is from: Claimed By a Scottish Lord (Mass Market Paperback)
Twenty years old Rose Lancaster has lived her life inside the cloistered Hope Abbey. She has also dreamed much of her life of escaping from her gilded cage to see the world outside the cloisters and to meet her father. She finds an ancient ring that brings her new hope.
Thus in 1755 towering Rose is in a Scottish village when she learns of the return of Ruark Kerr Lord Roxburghe, who was away for over a decade. The Black Dragon as he is known has come home to claim his rightful position and ransom his brother from the English Lord Hereford. He seeks an edge when he negotiates with the tough border warden and knows he needs a chip; Hereford's missing (for years) daughter, Lady Roselyn. Ruark meets Rose because her height makes her stand out in a crowd. He believes she is Roselyn so abducts her to trade her for his brother. As they fall in love while he escorts her to Hereford, each will scrutinize their desire vs their family allegiance
This is a warm Georgian Era romance with a wee touch of Arthurian fantasy. The lead couple is a wonderful pairing of beloved enemies while her father is his and his clan's biggest adversary. Fast-paced throughout, fans will enjoy this straightforward by the book eighteenth century borders romance as the captor wonders just who is the captive.
Harriet Klausner
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Claimed By a Scottish Lord, June 8, 2011
This review is from: Claimed By a Scottish Lord (Mass Market Paperback)
Although Ruark Kerr and Rose Lancaster have just met, their lives are deeply entwined. Ruark has recently returned home after being at sea for the last thirteen years to set his brother Jamie free from imprisonment. Lord Herford, the warden who has imprisoned Jamie, is an old foe of Ruark's family and, as it turns out, Rose's father. Ruark takes Rose hostage intending to exchange her for his brother's freedom, but the more time they spend together, the more Ruark and Rose like each other. Fighting their attraction becomes impossible. If Ruark uses Rose to free his brother, he'll lose the woman he's come to love.
Rose is no docile captive in Claimed by a Scottish Lord, but she recognizes the futility of resisting her fate. Her attraction to Ruark adds to her acquiescence. Rose is graceful and dignified. She's passionate and strong. These traits, along with her beauty, are what draw Rurak to her. Ruark is a warrior, yet he is compassionate as well. He is in a seemingly impossible position. Does he free his brother or keep the woman he loves? The attraction between Rose and Ruark simmers with sensuality like magic in the air around them. Their desire for each other is tangible and their emotions easy to read. Claimed by a Scottish Lord is an enchanting and timeless tale where a perfect love is found in the depths insurmountable odds.
Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed
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