Highland Promise

August 21, 2017
McLayne (the Sizzling, Sexy Santa Barbara series) takes readers to 15th-century Scotland in this captivating series launch, her first historical romance. In an effort to unite five Highland clans, Gregor MacLeod fostered a son from each. One of those foster sons, Darach MacKenzie, is now a respected MacKenzie laird when he rescues Caitlin MacInnes from the clutches of the Frasers. Caitlin claims not to remember her last name when Darach takes her back to his castle. Though Darach has no desire to marry after having been betrayed by a lover, he cannot remain unaffected by the beautiful Caitlin, who charms both his clan members and his animals. The attraction between Darach and Caitlin is enhanced by the harsh beauty of the Scottish Highlands. When his enemies appear at his doorstep demanding Caitlin’s return, Darach knows he can’t give her up. McLayne has created a novel rich with romance and imbued with realism, made complete by a host of multidimensional characters and the promise of future series installments. Agent: Kevan Lyon, Marsal Lyon Literary.

September 1, 2017
When a Scottish laird rescues a woman from a rival clan in 1452, the pair's connection is immediate. But the secrets she carries could lead to war sooner than anyone expected.Darach MacKenzie is a good laird. Fostered at a young age to a wise laird from another clan, he learned how to take care of his people and his land. He's determined not to take a wife, though, thanks to having been betrayed in his youth, a betrayal that led to many deaths. But when he rescues Caitlin MacInnes, who's unconscious and bound to a horse, from the rival Fraser clan, he begins to question that decision. Caitlin is young, innocent, and impulsive, and Darach vows to let no one hurt her as long as he is able. Caitlin herself immediately bonds with her savior as the combination of injury and infatuation makes it impossible for the two to be separated--except when Caitlin is playing Disney princess with the animals of the forest. Unfortunately, scorned lovers, family secrets, and tribal warfare make it hard to keep promises in a world where a lack of the correct information can lead to death. In the first of five books of the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, McLayne (The D'amici Mistake, 2016, etc.) introduces readers to a world of castles and clan warfare, setting up the other four heroes for their own stories in the process. While compelling, the book is a frustrating combination of historical detail and creative license. Perhaps as a reminder that the setting is the Scottish Highlands, overwrought Scots vernacular is used in dialogue ("I doona rightly know") even though it's been indicated that everyone is speaking in Gaelic, not English. And yet, the story still lacks a sense of place that might have added to the compelling love story and warfare. An entertaining yet frustrating introduction to an extended family of lovelorn Highlanders.

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 15, 2017
Darach MacKenzie is one of the most powerful lairds in the Highlands. As one of the foster sons of the great Gregor MacLeod, his words carry certain authority. After he was betrayed by his bride-to-be, he made a vow to never fall for the wiles of a woman again, and he means it. Caitlin aims to change his mind. Darach and his men saved Caitlin from the wretched Laird Fraser as she was being abducted. Her innocence and godliness make her the instant friend of Darach's men, but he remains skeptical. Don't all women have ulterior motives? But as Darach learns more about what led to Caitlin's predicament, his urge to protect her overcomes his desire to remain apart. Though Caitlin's naivete can border on stupidity at times, it's her curiosity and earnestness that eventually erode Darach's hard heart. With her American debut, McLayne begins the Sons of Gregor MacLeod series, which promises more adventure, passion, and hot Scots.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)