Derryth MacLaren, a Laird’s daughter who has been living with her half sister and sister’s brother, a Laird himself is being escorted stealthily in the guise of a peasant back to the MacLaren stronghold for safety after the King’s men has been sighted fearing yet another invasion from the cruel King’s son “the Wolf”. Within hours of their journey however, men from the very army they are escaping ambushes them and in the melee, Derryth is almost raped and saved in the nick of time by the army’s commander. Coated in dirt from the ordeal, Cull doesn’t realize that the urchin he rescues is a lovely young woman until later when he forcibly has her bathe (Derryth knows the value of her odoriferous disguise). Even before then, he makes it clear to all that she is under his protection.

Cull has no memory of his family, “saved”/purchased by The Wolf from a slaver ship as a boy & then trained as a fighter, Cull is a formidable warrior and commander but best of all, honourable, fair and compassionate. His discipline is deeply ingrained but he finds himself not being able to fight his attraction to Derryth (and yes, that was hopefully romantic!).

I have to admit to liking hostage stories! Derryth and Cull are a wonderful couple. This was amazingly well written and the connection and romance between Derryth and Cull absolutely riveting. I loved the way the author managed their hostage/captor, enemies to lovers relationship. Fantastic story and fantastic writing. I could not put the book down once I started. This is a new author to me, after reading this book, I’m definitely checking out her backlist & looking out for her future books.
Highly recommended.

I quite enjoyed this book ...I rate it a solid 4-1/2 stars! The story had all the elements needed in a good romance novel …,I loved the interaction of the main characters,... the romance was hot and steamy... nice humor ... and a bit of suspense to tie it all together. I enjoyed Ms Blackwood's style of writing …there was a nice flow to her words. I would definitely look for more of her work in the future.

I would like to thank Ms. Blackwood, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in return for an unbiased review of her novel

I received this novel from net galley and the publisher for an honest review. Thank you!!
This novel was a good read. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Derryth MacClaren has been sent away to protect her fro the Wolf, who has a vendetta against the Kincaid clan. While traveling, she and her companions are captured by Cull, who fights for the Scottish king and has no memory of his past. Derryth is claimed by Cull, who desires her yet wants to keep her safe. He believes her to be a peasant, and Derryth does not correct him. She keeps her identity a secret. Derryth does not want to care for Cull, but she sees kindness beneath the exterior. Cull wants to have something belonging to him, since he has no memory of who he is or where he came from. Derryth's arrival has him thinking about where he truly stands. Neither can deny the feelings they have for the other. Derryth discovers a tattoo on Cull and believes it is the mark of the Kincaid clan. However, there are those who conspire to keep them apart. When the truth is revealed, where will it place Derryth and Cull?

this is not a review of the book. I was given this book without asking and I am not interested in reading it. Upon contacting the publisher, I was told to just do what I am doing now so it does not interfere with m feedback ratio.
Sorry and thank you
I gave 5 stars because it requires a star rating and I am sure it's a great book. I didn't want to click 1 star just cause.
If I catch up on my reading list, maybe eventually I will return to read this and write an actual review for it. But at the moment, I do not have an interest.