The Judge (Highland Heroes #3)

by Maeve Greyson

Blurb:

When her father betrothed her to a duke, Isobel didn’t worry because Alasdair swore he’d save her. But he didn’t. Then word came her true love had succumbed to the plague. So, she married, and life became a living hell. Now she’s on the run to protect her son from his sadistic father and she discovers Alasdair alive and well, and begging for the chance to keep the promise he made so long ago.

Thanks to his MacCoinnich cousins; Alasdair Cameron is now the successful solicitor of two powerful Highland clans. A respected Scottish gentleman, his comfortable estate in Edinburgh has all a man could ever want. Except one thing. Life is cold and empty without his Isobel. He’s loved her since the two of them were children. But her father gave her to another, and Alasdair arrived too late to save her from the altar. He’s resigned himself to a life alone until his brother Ian talks him into a visit to Château Delatate, Edinburgh’s elite and secretive gentleman’s club, and the beguiling hostess answering the door is none other than his precious Isobel.

Duchess Isobel Cuthbarten never forgot her dear Alasdair’s oath: I’ll never let another take ye. Words of hope until she was told Alasdair was dead. The precious promise burned like salt in an open wound every time her abusive husband forced himself upon her. Now she’s escaped with her son, determined to make a new life. Out of money by the time she reaches Edinburgh, she secures employment as a hostess at Château Delatate. Thanks to the mercy and kindness of the big-hearted madam; Isobel doesn’t have to receive men. As hostess, she makes them feel comfortable in the smoking room until their lady for the evening becomes available. The job provides a roof, food, and a bit of money to set aside. With any luck, she can soon save enough to escape to the Highlands where her son will be safe from discovery. But then Alasdair walks through the door.

Themes: Historical, Scottish

Rating: 4.5 stars

Heat Rating:

Review:

The fantastic MacCoinnich Clan is back with the story of Alasdair and the woman that has always held his heart, even when he thought she was long beyond his reach. I fell into this series purely by chance when I found the first story and have loved these heroes every moment and this latest book is even better than some of the others. Alasdair Cameron is the Clan solicitor and has made a nice life for himself in Edinburgh despite the love of his life being lost to him year earlier. So he is stunned when his cousin informs him that she is suddenly working in a renowned brothel not 2 miles away from his home. Determined to prove his cousin wrong Alasdair arrives of the steps of the brothel and finds that Isobel truly is there, but she wants nothing to do with him and tries to send him away. Isobel can’t believe that Alasdair is alive and wants nothing to do with the man that left her to the hell and torment of her marriage to the Duke of Cuthbarten. She mad her escape form the abusive bastard to save the life of her son, her aunt, and herself, but she knows her time is almost up if she doesn’t get away from Edinburgh. Alasdair refuses to be pushed away again and when he forces Isobel to see him and tell him her story, there is no way he will allow her to go on the run—at least not without him and his protection. They have a second chance for their love and a life together, if they can stop the black Duke after them and truly find a way to defeat him without it costing them their lives of their freedom. This story was seriously a wild ride, with kidnappings, jail breaks, and so much more. Isobel was a sensational heroine willing to do almost anything to protect those she loves, including kill or die in their stead, but in the end her wit and fortitude won the day for everyone. She was brutally honest, sweet once Alasdair broke down her walls, and forgiving after he shared the story of his life. She lived a hard few years in her marriage, but at the core of her she never changed from the sweet and loving girl that Alasdair always loved, and I enjoyed seeing her find a way back to that peace. Alasdair is obviously and intelligent guy, being such a successful solicitor and business man, but to me the best thing about him was the way he stepped up for those in need of protecting and showed his heart and offered his shelter. There were definitely some moments f his story were is sobbed for his pain, but his stretch his undeniable and the love that he had for Isobel made him the kind of man that was undefeatable. The passion between these two was more of a slow simmer in the beginning, due to Isobel’s trauma and the misunderstandings of their pasts, but once they got past those little hang-ups, the connection and heat between them burned hot and bright. I am dying to find out which of the MacCoinnich Clan falls next and seeing the drama and madness that is sure to ensue with their love story. Another masterpiece of history romance that will keep you guessing until the very end, truly magical.