Review
Elspeth Carmichael once scorned the love of Lucais Sutherland and refused to marry him. Instead, she married another man, a man who treated her cruelly. For four years she endured the abuse of Raebert Munro until her life was at stake and she was forced to fight for it. Widowed now, she returns to her parents' home, carrying with her the scars of abuse. When she discovers she may own some land, she insists on seeing it, not realizing that the land she crosses is Sutherland land-- and Lucais is the laird. Lucais has not forgotten how Elspeth hurt him so badly. When he captures her and her men on his land, his first instinct is that she is spying for his enemies, the Munros. He doesn't trust Elspeth, but he still loves her and knows he cannot let his guard down. Yet, the woman who broke his heart seems different somehow-- afraid of him. Could it be that she regrets marrying Raebert? His heart aches for what might have been, but his first loyalty is to his clan. Elspeth keeps Raebert's death a secret, fearing Lucais would use it against her and force her to marry him. Lucais is kind to her and she wonders if he may be different from the tough warrior he has become. Her mind tells her all men are the same- vicious and cruel to women. But her heart tells her that even though she once hurt Lucais badly he would never harm her. When the Munros threaten to steal sacred Sutherland treasures and kidnap Elspeth, Lucais offers her a haven-- as his wife. Faced with returning with her father-in-law who will kill her if he finds out how his son died, Elspeth accepts Lucais' proposal-- making it clear that she will remain with him only as long as necessary. She cannot let her feelings for Lucais make her forget the humilation and pain she suffered from her last husband. Slowly, Lucais and Elspeth learn to share their love-- but not their trust. If they can put aside their mistrust and deal with their past mistakes they will have a happy future together. But each must be willing to open their heart to the other-- and Elspeth knows Lucais will not be the first one to risk rejection this time.Suzanne Barclay captures the spirit of the Scottish Highlands! The second book of The Lion Trilogy proves to be just as delightfully entertaining as the first! Expertly weaving Scottish history, fierce battles and fascinating characters, Suzanne Barclay invites us into a world we don't want to leave! Exhilirating! A breath of fresh (Scottish) air from a most talented author!Kristina Wright -- Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times
