The Devil’s Highlander by Veronica Wolff (1st in the Clan McAlpin series)
Historical Romance
August 3, 2010
Paperback, 352 Pages
Berkley

Reviewed by Tori

Marjorie and Cormac have loved each other since they were children.

When a childhood dare goes horribly wrong and results in Cormac’s brother Aidan being kidnapped, Marjorie and Cormac go their separate ways both consumed by shame and guilt. Marjorie now needs Cormac’s help. A young child she cares for has disappeared and she fears the boy has suffered the same fate as Aidan. Though 20 years have passed since they last laid eyes on each other, the passion between them still blazes out of control.

As Cormac and Marjorie set out to find the boy they must also come to terms with what happened to them so many years ago. And decide if redemption is possible.

The Devil’s Highlander is a passionate and poignant tale of love and redemption. Well written with a smooth flowing storyline, we are transported back in time to the Scottish Highlands. The story’s back ground revolves around an old practice similar to pressing. Boys thought to be beggars were often taken (kidnapped) and transported to plantations to work as slave labor. Though it was argued that they were better off in the healthier environment it was still kidnapping and forced slavery.When Cormac’s brother is mistaken for a a beggar, he is kidnapped and transported to the islands. Cormac and Marjorie loved each other even as children; but the guilt and shame over what happened to Aidan causes them to go their separate ways. Marjorie now volunteers at an orphanage. When one of her charges is taken she runs to the one man she knows can help her-Cormac. But Cormac is damaged. Back from the war, his heart is filled with nothing but shame and disgust for himself. Marjorie bullies him into helping and they soon find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy that reaches farther then they could ever imagine.

Marjorie and Cormac are strong protagonists who are atoning for imagined sins. Both of them have kept up with what the other is doing but neither would approach each other. The chemistry between them leaps off the pages. I really liked that Marjorie doesn’t play the coy virgin with Cormac. She loves him as much now as she did then and decides she will have all of him this time. She teases and taunts him-anything to break the hard shell of despair surrounding him. She is outspoken, demanding, and a joy to watch. Cormac is more subdued Marjorie. He tries so hard to be what he feels is honorable towards her but his passion and love for her is overwhelming him. He doesn’t want to hurt her, but he cannot give her up this time. Watching Cormac struggle between what he wants and what he feels he deserves is riveting,. When he finally realizes  that he does deserve her and their love I felt my heart twinge at the joy and peace he feels.

It was a little slow at times while Marjorie and Cormac attempt to reconcile. I also expected the maid and physician to play a bigger part with the ending after the build up they received throughout the book.The mystery and redirection is quite good though and makes for an interesting fast read. Especially with the added historical references. I was intrigued and pleased by the ending and the surprises Ms.Wolff adds. All in all everything wraps up nicely with no awkwardness in the conclusion of both story lines.

A very nice and entertaining historical romance dealing with my favorite subject-Scottish men is kilts. :) I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Rating: 3.5/5

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