The Laird's Willful Lass (The Lairds Most Likely, #1)

by Anna Campbell

[stacey_is_sassy]

I am an observer, not the heroine...I am an observer, not the heroine...

I tell myself frequently that I must learn to be an observer when it comes to reading. I have a habit of slipping myself into the role of the heroine. Whether it be as a damsel in distress, ruler of the world, seductress, mad scientist, fierce executive, content housewife or even an artist, I become that person. BUT the problem is I am not all those things in real life and sometimes I just don’t get the part I’m supposed to play.

I can’t be unemotional while playing the fierce executive. There would be words and maybe some yelling if I was expected to *Do as I’m told* without any input. I’d feel like a goose if I attempted to be a seductress. An artist…HA HA HA!! I’m also not the type of person who puts her career ahead of love or family. My independence wouldn’t be my burden when I need help. My own happiness wouldn’t be sacrificed to make a point for women’s rights.

So, playing Marina was a little tricky for me. She’s fiercely independent, puts her career ahead of everything, a seductress without trying and an accomplished artist. All of those things are hard for me to play…THEN…SHE’S OK WITH BEING A MISTRESS!!!

Oh boy, my eye was twitching, arms were crossed and I was squirming with uncomfortableness. It’s just something I struggle with in historical romance. Now, sex before marriage in a contemporary…bah…hardly a consideration. Sex before marriage in a historical romance…I’m swooning like a scandalised matron.

The thing is though, it wasn’t an insult to Marina. Even though Fergus (we’ll get to him soon) is doing it for his own pleasure, he’s actually giving her an opportunity to get what she desires without consequences. Her career and reputation will not be ruined by having an affair away from prying eyes.

OH…ENLIGHTENMENT!! Not every woman wants to put a ring on it (nodding my head with this knowledge FINALLY sinking in).

Now Fergus…I really liked Fergus and his bossy ways but I have to admit that his offer of pleasuring Marina left a bad taste in my mouth. Oh his, *mo chridhe* this and *mo leannan* that, you’d think he’d have cottoned on a little earlier that it wasn’t just about the sexy times. Bloody knuckleheads, the both of them. I knew it was more than lust from almost the beginning.

Full credit goes to Anna Campbell for giving us a hero that can step out of his comfort zone, doesn’t give up at the first hurdle and isn’t afraid of putting his heart on the line. Fergus was definitely a hero I came to admire and love by the end.

OK, the storyline was good, the sexy times were HOT and the characters were original and engaging. If I could find fault with anything, it would be that their love story was it. Sure, her career and concerns for her career were interesting but I almost missed that it lacked drama. SHOCK HORROR!! There wasn’t any outside force trying to steal the fair maiden, they weren’t embroiled in a whiskey rebellion and lives weren’t really in danger. Sure, there was a couple of scenes where Marina’s life was at risk BUT Fergus was there.

HE’S A SCOTTISH LAIRD WITH MUSCLES AND STUFF!!

Of course, he’s going to save the fair maiden. Maybe I'm not supposed to have as much faith in Scottish Lairds or something? It’s just that I haven’t met (read) one yet that doesn’t have herculean strength and force of will.

Anyways, Anna Campbell has again delighted my senses with a captivating highland historical romance. Sure, my eye twitched, but once I put on my glasses and started observing instead of playing, it all came good. I can’t wait for more in the series.