The Rebel of Clan Kincaid (Highland Warrior)

by Lily Blackwood

[stacey_is_sassy]

Oh my, she does learn fast…

This review is a little spoilerish if you haven't read the first in the series, so please proceed with caution.

Holy Shamoly…we’re hitting the homestretch. This year has gone so fast and I can’t believe we’re nearly at Christmas. Reading has unfortunately taken a backburner to real life stuff. Bloody kids, you’d think they were the centre of my universe or something? Luckily, this weekend I managed to set aside some quality reading time and managed to tuck myself in bed with a Highlander.

The Rebel of Clan Kincaid is the second in the Highland Warrior series and I have to say that I’m a fan. More than likely it’s because of the HOT covers, manly men and courageous heroines. I will admit though that a few words in the description made me clap my hands and bounce in my seat. See, I’m a sucker for the words – Highlander, destiny, conquer, castles and clans. If you then add rivals, treachery, lecherous and rebellion…well, I’m SOLD!!

The Prologue starts with Magnus Alwyn finding out that his whole life was a lie. To find out that his sworn enemy is actually his brother was a shock to Magnus but it all kind of made sense. He never felt like he fit in and was always treated like the illegitimate child he was lead to believe. To find out that he had a family and that his “father” was actually responsible for the senseless murder of his parents is shocking to him.

Magnus never had an opportunity to take advantage of his “father”, the Laird Alwyn, as Alwyn always treated him as a nobody. Alwyn’s son Hugh dislikes Magnus and goes out of his way to make him miserable. Unfortunately for poor Hugh, Magnus is the better man and everyone knows it. Magnus was determined to make something of himself and worked hard to be a warrior and defender of his clan. It’s only as he finds out the truth about his family that his priorities change. The person he once honoured and defended was now the person he wants to see face justice.

Tara has been living with the nuns for five years when her world is turned upside down. Her parents had died and she had been separated from her only sister. Their appointed guardian the powerful Earl of Buchan, is the King’s youngest son. He placed Tara with the nuns and Arabel, the older sister, was presented at court. Tara, being young and very inexperienced, dreamed of having the same opportunity as Arabel to go to court. When she finally comes face to face with Buchan she is informed that there will be no presentation at court as she is to marry…her sister’s betrothed.

Tara is devastated to hear about her sister's death and Buchan couldn’t tell her any more of the how and why she died. With no choice, she is bundled into a carriage and faces an uncertain future. Her journey is cold and uncomfortable and before she arrives at her destination they are overrun by brigands. She is running for her life when she is attacked and threatened with a sword. Luckily, just when she thought she was going to die, a man attacks her attacker.

It’s pitch black and neither of them can see each other but they end up having a conversation that ends with a little flirting. Tara is thinking that things weren’t looking so bad after all. Magnus realises that this woman could change everything.

The story then goes on filled with murder, mystery and intrigue. Tara has questions she needs to be answered in regards to her sister. Magnus needs to find a way to protect Tara from Hugh, and have his own questions answered. Why and how was the Alwyn involved with his parent’s death? Will it take a battle between the Alwyn and Kincaid clan's to see justice served?

The love story between Tara and Magnus is fast and intense. Their immediate attraction turns to lust and it’s not long before they are bumping uglies. Now, to me, this part seemed a wee bit too modern. Tara has been living with nuns for 5 years since she was fifteen. She seemed to know A LOT and wasn’t scared or hesitant AT ALL. Oh well, it was steamy, it was good, can’t complain too much.

I enjoyed The Rebel of Clan Kincaid. It kept my attention from start to finish and I enjoyed watching Tara and Magnus grow and learn to trust each other. I will definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future.

Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.