Customer Reviews

Tamed by a Laird

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

 

 

Ah but I'm English; how could I enjoy a book where the English are the enemy? But I'd have to say, I did enjoy Amanda Scott's book, set in the 14th century Scottish Borders. I may not have been entirely convinced by Jenny Easdale's curious escapade, but I was certainly entranced.

Rushing from an unwelcome betrothal, determined to enjoy her last moments of freedom, Jenny joins the minstrels and is welcomed by a host of fascinating characters. Meanwhile Sir Hugh is sent to bring her home, and ends up disguising himself as a minstrel too. When the two sing together, love blooms. But is Jenny right to fear a plot against her country, or is Sir Hugh right to insist that she go home?

The people, places and attitudes feel well-researched and very real, lending strength to the story. And Jenny is a great character--wise, well-taught, and duty-bound to the workers of Easdale as well as to the rules of the rich. She makes a fitting foil for Sir Hugh, and their stormy relationship unfolds with entertaining twists and turns as the mystery is solved.

I loved the insights into Borders life, and the notes at the back of the book--I even learned where the British "pound sterling" comes from! And I loved the adventure of the tale, like a grown-up version (with bedroom scenes of course) of the stories I read as a child. I shall definitely look out for more in this series.

Synopsis:

Young, wealthy, and orphaned and living in the 1300s, Jenny Easdale is in the unenviable position of being engaged to her guardian's brother-in-law, Reid. While Reid is good looking, he's immature and spoiled. Reid hasn't had experience managing an estate but expects to run Easdale once they're married.

During her betrothal celebration, Jenny yearns for adventure and with little planning, decides to sneak out with her personal servant when Peg visits her cousin among the entertainers. Jenny passes as her maidservant's cousin and takes on the role of a singer to be able to join the troupe. During their travels, Jenny overhears a strange conversation that may prove treasonous.

Meanwhile, when her guardian realizes that Jenny's missing, it's Reid's elder brother, Hugh Douglas, that offers to bring Jenny back. When Hugh finds her, he decides to listen to her pleas and agrees to protect her cover and become part of the traveling troupe himself while searching for the mysterious conspirators. As Jenny and Hugh work together, they gradually become friends. As Hugh realizes that Reid would be a bad match for Jenny - Reid would try to control her without understanding or valuing her strengths. So, what should they do when circumstances offer Hugh and Jenny the chance to be together?

Review:

Amanda Scott has delivered a fun and exciting romance set in medieval Scotland. Jenny Easdale is spirited, generous, and beautiful. Hugh Douglas is a wonderful romantic lead. Together, they make Tamed by a Laird an enjoyable escape - either for the beach or during a rainy day.

In 1374 in Annandale, Scotland, her guardian Lord Dunwythie informs the Baroness of Easdale seventeen year old Janet, called Jennifer, that he will select a husband for her. Outraged as she believes he shouts nonsense that she no rights, except what he grants her, Jennifer decides a stranger would be a better choice; preferably one that does not stay. His selection Reid Douglas is not who the teen wants.

At her betrothal gala, after a drunken Reid pawed her, Jennifer enjoys a show of traveling minstrels and opts for a final fling before she is forced to say I do. Since her maid Peg's brother Bryan is a part of that performing troupe, Jennifer joins them. She surprises everyone with her singing skills and is joined on stage by Sir Hugh Douglas, her betrothed's older brother, who has hidden his identity while roaming with the minstrels. As they fall in love, they must trust each other with the truth while also preventing an odious scheme that will harm Scotland.

Once again, Amanda Scott provides her fans with a super Scottish medieval romance starring two terrific lead characters and a strong support cast who either bring out the essence of the era or the main players. The story line is fast-paced from the moment Dunwythie dispatches Sir Hugh to bring home the runaway Janet; only to fall in love while Reid was sleeping it off.

Harriet Klausner

This is the first Amanda Scott book that I've read - I picked it up on a whim. I like to read a wide variety of books, including some romance at times, but I am not a "Scottish historical romance fan". I have to say, this is one of the worst books I've ever read! The dialog, with Scottish dialects and archaic expressions, was a bother to read. The romance was nonexistent-to-tepid and completely unfulfilling. The best and most interesting parts of the book were the descriptions of traveling minstrels and their performaces, which I gather from the author's notes were based on historical sources. Based on those, and the fact that I was willing to skim to the end to see how it turned out, I'm willing to give this book two stars. But I'd definitely not recommend it to anyone unless you're a die-hard fan of Amanda Scott or the genre!

Tamed by a Laird is a Scottish romance that brings together two strong characters. Jenny is a landowner, who has recently become betrothed to her uncle's doltish brother in-law. Jenny is used to independence, faced with a future of womanly chores and child rearing, she longs for one, last, big adventure. Jenny gets more than she asked for when her walk with a traveling entertainment troupe turns into a mysterious debacle.

Sir Hugh has been sent by his brother in-law to fetch his impulsive brother's soon to be bride, least there be any scandal. He finds Jenny quite quickly but allows her the adventure she craves while he tries to solve the mystery.

I enjoyed the Scottish culture and the time period of this novel. It was before the days of the printing press or other modern novelties, when people traveled by foot or horseback to get anywhere and the hierarchy was of utmost importance. All of the character's spoke with Scottish accents, which was both endearing and confusing at the same time. I wish some more words were included in the glossary in the beginning of the book but it wasn't that bad. One thing I was disappointed but with this novel was the characterization. I found the two main characters to be the same cookie cutter characters in most historical romance novels. Otherwise it was a solid book with adventure and intrigue.

I have read other books by this author and could not put them down. With this book I skipped almost as many pages as I read. I think she was too in depth with minstrel interaction. This book is not a keeper and I could barely finish reading it. Please borrow it from someone or get from the library.