Chieftain by Command (Chieftain Series #2) by Frances Housden
Historical Romance
Released September 1, 2014
Escape Publishing

Reviewed by Sheena

Favorite Quote:  “In two days, I and my mercenaries leave for France.  Know this, when I return, I shall expect you to be as I left you-intact.  I’ll tolerate no man’s bastard in MY hall.  On my oath, Kathryn, any sons you bear under this roof and in that bed will be MINE.”

“Inexperienced I might be…yet I’m thinking that even for the mighty Gavyn Farquhar, it would take a miracle to get me with child from such a distance.”

Blurb:  Gavyn Farquhar’s marriage is forged with a double-edged blade. Along with the Comlyn clan’s lands, a reward from the King, he is blessed with an unwilling bride, Kathryn Comlyn, and an ancient fort with few defenses that desperately needs to be fortified before it can act as a sufficient buffer between Scotland and the Norsemen on its northern borders.

Two years married and Kathryn is still a virgin. A resentful virgin, certain that, like her father before her, she is perfectly capable of leading the Comlyn clan. In her usurper husband’s absence, she meets the clan’s needs, advising and ruling as well as any man.

Record scratch….two years wedded but yet to be bedded!?  My historical romance spidey senses were tingling!  I found myself drawn to this tale due to: 1. HOT cover (serious, best male hot bod cover I’ve seen in a while) 2. I found the premise was quite interesting.  Young, prideful bride brutally rebuffs her warrior, ruffian of a husband on their wedding night.  He goes off to pillage with his not-so-merry band of mercenaries to raise funds and two years go by before they lay eyes upon one another again.  Sweet!  Cue the bagpipes and iron the kilts!  I freakin love a good tale of a highland warrior and his bonnie lass that he no doubt tumbles onto hay well and often!

It kills me to say that Chieftain by Command kind of misses the mark.  I could tell it was heading for the bull’s eye but veered left of really nailing it.  There were parts of this story that were good.  I mean damn good.  But I found myself bogged down with recapping that slowed the book down.  I would be right in the grip of a scene and a choppy transition to another point of view or scene or random background  info-dumping would completely kill the vibe.  It kind of bums me the hell out because this book could have really been epic, but instead it fizzles when it really should have sizzled!  There were some amazing subplots and Gavyn was a very well-developed hero.  Can I break here for a moment and go on a mini rant about how too often I am finding these amazingly well written heroes and then the heroine is some cookie cutter shrew or distressed damsel with as much depth as a piece of cardboard?  Seriously, it’s kind of starting to piss me off.  I challenge these talented authors to put as much care and effort into developing your heroines as you do creating these fantastic male leads!  *deep calming breaths*

Gavyn is a historical romance aficionado’s wet dream.  He is boorish and brawny and unapologetic, leads with his sword and is clever to boot! Oh- and he has long dark hair and likens himself to the raven that adorns his banner.  *bats eyelashes*

Ahem!  Having won Kathryn’s hand in marriage, he bristles at her prickly nature and hastily leaves her bed before bothering to consummate their union.  This all fine by Kathryn as she is forward thinking and believes she herself could lead her clan far better than her outsider husband.  This bedroom standoff was a certain highlight of the novel.

 “That was the instant he understood that he dared not let her know the depths of his desire, or tell her too often that he regarded her as a vision of loveliness.  Aye, he would take her, make her groan with need and want, but he would ware against speaking sweet tributes in her ear.”

Kathryn let out a scream as Gavyn parted her legs and fitted his face between them…she was hot, tight and he was determined not to do damage.  He began to rock, holding her by the hips, opening her wide…

When Gavin returns rich from his spoils he finds his little wife is not the girl he left untouched but a woman who dares challenge him.  Kathryn has been busy settling disputes among the clans-folk in his absence, and with the lovable and genteel hand maiden, Lhilidh, by her side she plots her own plan to bring her reclaimed husband to heel.  Lovely, young maiden Lhilidh, as close as  a sister to Kathryn, has a subplot that changes the lives of everyone.  In retrospect dear Lhilidh was the true heroine of the story!

Though it felt a little clunky in places, one area that was especially exciting to read was the resolution.  The author did not skimp on emotional turmoil and action for the climax.  People died, some survived to live a fate worse than death and I absolutely adored the HEA.

This is the second book of a series, however, it can absolutely stand alone.  I sincerely wish that more time was taken to develop this story because the areas that absolutely shine just did not get enough exposure, and too much time was spent with boring passages regarding what was probably supposed to be clan politics/intrigue- but did more to bore me.  I’m talking eyes glazed over and  bored.  I do find myself curious to see what direction the author Frances Housden will go in for a part 3.  If you like this genre you could certainly do worse than Chieftain by Command.  I would cautiously recommend it, for the banter between Gavin and Kathryn was executed well and the subplots that worked, were quite compelling.

 Grade: C

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