Treasured (Secrets of the Loch, #1)

by Candace Camp

[Angie]

Hidden treasure! Family secrets! And a marriage of convenience! Oh my! Treasured was such a fun read! Jack Kensington won an estate in a game of cards. He plans on selling it after he travels to the Highlands to check out his new property. He certainly doesn't expect to find Isobel living there with her elderly aunt. It turns out that Isobel's brother is an irresponsible jerk with no concern whatsoever for their well being. But Isobel is not about to let her family home be sold off, and convinces Jack that a marriage between them would be most beneficial.

Treasured was a delight! I immediately adored both Jack and Isobel. He's no gentleman, but he's also no cad. He intended to sell off the castle, take the money, and return to London, but upon realizing that this is someone's home, plans changed. Isobel is no simpering flower. She's been running the household for years and has the respect and admiration of everyone who lives and works there. She's not going to let their livelihoods be taken away, even if that means she must enter a loveless marriage with a stranger. Of course, where love is missing, lust is certainly abundant! And love grows eventually.

There's also a family mystery at the center of Treasured. It's believed that Isobel's grandfather had hidden a treasure somewhere on the property, but he disappeared one day and it became just a family tale. But while Isobel is cleaning out rooms and the attic, she stumbles upon clues that might suggest that her aunt's stories about her father are true. Then Jack keeps getting into all kinds of accidents, almost as if someone wants him dead. From there the two start exploring the property in hopes of finding the treasure and what really happened to Isobel's grandfather all those years ago.

Treasured was just really great! I love family secrets and this is a good one! There's so much that Isobel and Elizabeth don't know about their home and family, and it all comes out! I do wish that the treasure hunt had taken up more of the plot, but I still enjoyed what was included. I also loved how Isobel and Jack eventually fall in love despite their unusual meeting and rushed wedding.

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.