There were simply too many characters and names for this book to be enjoyable. While I do love an empowered young woman, Gilly's story simply took a bit too long to get going. I read to about the 30% mark and then skimmed the remaining 70% and thought the competition amongst suitors was entirely unnecessary. Based on this novel, I would not read others by the same author.

Gillian MacLeod is the quiet, shy, overlooked sister in a Scottish Laird’s family of twelve daughters until one night she asserts her need for adventure by kissing a disinherited English earl (John Erly) at a masquerade ball. Months go by and Gilly is betrothed to marry a man old enough to be her father to secure a safe future for her, but the problem is she has not forgotten the earlier kiss with John Erly. When Erly is chosen to not only provide escort to her upcoming nuptials but give her away during the ceremony, the two must confront what happened between them and discover a path forward. Excitement ensues when the traveling wedding party is set upon by a group of highwaymen who are known in the area for raping and pillaging and the shocking discovery of Gilly overtaking five of the men alone was phenomenal. She becomes a local legend. Her love for John Erly forces her to call off the wedding and return home to her father, who incidentally strongly dislikes Englishmen, while awaiting John to decide their future. This story is an adventure from the very first page and the development of Gilly from a quiet, docile woman into a fierce force to be reckoned with makes this instantly a favorite of mine. I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for adventure, passion, love, and Scottish kilts; for you will certainly not be disappointed by this romantic tale.

Let me preface this by saying, This was my first experience with this author. I have not read the rest of this series. But I will now!

This is a charming fairy tale story of an unlikely romance between a highland lass and an English outcast. The story was fast paced and fun. I cheered for Gilly when she overcame her overwhelming passiveness. I loved how quick witted she is.

The hero was lovely. English John was brave and strong and honorable.

I am very intrigued by The MacLeod. 9 Wives and 12 Daughters!? That is a story I want to know! I guess I need to do some back reading!

This book is a great, light read. I enjoyed it, and I'm sure you will too!

This novel was a nice read. The author brings love between two people who hide who they truly are. Gillian MacLeod is a quiet and rather shy woman and people usually speak for her. She does not like that, but allows it until she sees John Erly. John was disowned by his father, who blames him for the death of his brother. His brother's death torments John, but he has found ways to make himself successful. Gillian kisses John at a masquerade and he has never forgotten that kiss. Several months later when he sees Gillian again, he knows it is her. However, people have been trying to sway Gillian away from John, but she cannot help how she feels. She is betrothed to a man much older than her, whom she does not love, but everyone tells her it is a good match. However, Gillian decides she needs to voice her own opinions and she begins to, it part due to John. John does not feel he is good enough for Gillian. He escorts to her wedding and they encounter adventures along the way, which changes everything. Gillian makes a choice about her betrothal and this is only part of the story, for there are others in contention when they hear tales of Gillian. Will John be the man who steps up to claim her heart or will someone else claim Gillian?