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No Ordinary Hero #1
Hero in the Highlands
WILD AT HEART
Scotland, 1812: He’s ferocious and rugged to the bone, an English soldier more at home on the battlefield than in any Society drawing room. And when Major Gabriel Forrester learns that he’s inherited the massive Scottish Highlands title and estate of a distant relation, the last thing he wants to do is give up the intensity of the battlefield for the too-soft indulgences of noble life. But Gabriel Forrester does not shirk his responsibilities, and when he meets striking, raven-eyed lass Fiona Blackstock, his new circumstances abruptly become more intriguing.
Like any good Highlander, Fiona despises the English—and the new Duke of Lattimer is no exception. Firstly, he is far too attractive for Fiona’s peace of mind. Secondly, his right to “her” castle is a travesty, since it’s been clan Maxwell property for ages. As the two enter a heated battle of wills, an unexpected passion blazes into a love as fierce as the Highlands themselves. Is Fiona strong enough to resist her enemy’s advances—or is Gabriel actually her hero in disguise?
Scotland, 1812: He’s ferocious and rugged to the bone, an English soldier more at home on the battlefield than in any Society drawing room. And when Major Gabriel Forrester learns that he’s inherited the massive Scottish Highlands title and estate of a distant relation, the last thing he wants to do is give up the intensity of the battlefield for the too-soft indulgences of noble life. But Gabriel Forrester does not shirk his responsibilities, and when he meets striking, raven-eyed lass Fiona Blackstock, his new circumstances abruptly become more intriguing.
Like any good Highlander, Fiona despises the English—and the new Duke of Lattimer is no exception. Firstly, he is far too attractive for Fiona’s peace of mind. Secondly, his right to “her” castle is a travesty, since it’s been clan Maxwell property for ages. As the two enter a heated battle of wills, an unexpected passion blazes into a love as fierce as the Highlands themselves. Is Fiona strong enough to resist her enemy’s advances—or is Gabriel actually her hero in disguise?
370 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
About the author
Suzanne Enoch
100 books2,566 followersSuzanne was born in Southern California sometime in the latter half of the 20th century. In the way that some people are born knowing they want to be astronauts or cellists, Suzanne always knew she wanted to be a writer. Early dreams of becoming a zoologist and writing true stories about her adventures in Africa were crushed, however, after she viewed a television special about the world’s most poisonous snakes; she did NOT want to write about how she’d been bitten and lost a limb to a cobra. Thankfully at the same time the movie “Star Wars” premiered, and she realized that she could make up adventures and write about them, and not be eaten by deadly predators while doing research.
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
She dabbled in romantic fantasy writing for a year or two after graduating with a degree in English from the University of California, Irvine, until her affection for traditional Regency romances led her to write one for fun. After several encouraging rejections from publishers, she snared the interest of the world’s best and most patient literary agent, who advised her to revise the manuscript. This ultimately led to the publication of her first book, The Black Duke’s Prize, from Avon Books in the Spring of 1995. A second Regency, Angel’s Devil, followed that Fall.
When Avon folded its traditional Regency line, Suzanne was encouraged to try her hand at historical romance. As she remained keenly interested in England’s Regency period, she decided to attempt another manuscript set in that time. Lady Rogue hit the shelves in March of 1997. She wrote a total of 29 books for Avon, including two anthologies and a five-part contemporary series which received a pair of starred reviews from Publishers Weekly. One of those books, Twice the Temptation, was named one of the five best romances of the year by PW in 2007.
In 2002 her well-known love of all things “Star Wars” led to an invitation to appear on the E! channel in the television special “Star Wars: The Force Is Back”, where she discussed the romance in the movie series and ended up with more air time than George Lucas.
In 2010 Suzanne left Avon Books for St. Martin’s Press, where she continues to pen historical romance novels. Her 31st book, Taming an Impossible Rogue, is set to arrive in March 2012.
Suzanne is known for her humorous characters, sexy bad boys, and whip-sharp, witty dialogue. She currently resides in Placentia, California with several hundred guppies and various other tropical fish, and handful of very loud, spinach-loving finches. And her collection of action figures and statues from “Star Wars”, “Lord of the Rings”, “X-Men”, and “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Everybody needs some inspiration, after all.
www.facebook.com/SuzanneEnoch
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November 25, 2019
Should you follow blindly when your clan turns their back on you?
***3.5 Stars***
I enjoyed reading Hero in the Highlands. I’ll admit that at times I was crossing my arms and shaking my head, but mostly I was sucked into the story. I have been a Suzanne Enoch fan for years and when the opportunity popped up to read this story, I jumped at it. I’m a sucker for a highland romance. The fact that the hero is a Sassenach did not turn me off at all.
I was intrigued by the initial introduction to Major Gabriel Forrester seeing him in action on the battlefield. Gabriel is not afraid to run into danger and does not hide behind his officers. He is straightforward, brave and extremely intelligent when it comes to reading how a battle will play out. Gabriel is called to meet with his superior, Wellington where he is informed that he has just been named the new Duke of Lattimer. This was a complete surprise to Gabriel and not wholly welcomed. He returns to England and accepts the title and responsibilities with the hope to go back to the battlefield soon.
Fiona Blackstock is a very busy woman. She’s the Lattimer’s steward and has been since her brother's disappearance. Fiona can seem brash, blunt and bratty but her heart is in the right place. Her main focus is seeing that her people are looked after. If it means that Lattimer Castle has 100 servants, then so be it. If only the blasted curse didn’t make her job more difficult. With sheep missing and too many “accidents” to call them “accidents”, she seems to be fighting an uphill battle. Well, things seem to be going from bad to worse when they finally find a lost relative to the late Duke of Lattimer. The fact that he’s a redcoat and doesn’t plan to stay, makes it frustrating for Fiona that she’s very attracted to him.
From the minute Gabriel meets Fiona he’s fascinated with her and is determined to have her in his bed. Fiona isn’t as keen to jump into bed with the Sassenach and a wee, merry chase entails.
I’ll be honest, Fiona’s character was a little hard to take at times. Her sassy and bratty behaviour did not make her a likeable heroine. While I admired Gabriel, he did come across as a lust-filled fool with what he was willing to put up with to get under Fiona’s skirts. As the story progressed we get to know the characters better and understand why they acted the way they did.
I struggled with Fiona being an experienced heroine. Knowing this is probably going to sound strange, I actually enjoy historical romances because of the heroine's naivety and inexperience. Seeing the heroine learn and experiment with the hero as her teacher gives historical romance a very different feel than other genres approach to being a virgin. It comes across a little too modern when the heroine is led to the bedroom and she brags of her previous experience.
In the end, the story left me with a smile on my face. I definitely wasn’t happy the whole way through, but there were more good times than bad. I really liked Gabriel and his assistant Adam. Fiona and her clan grew on me, but I did not like her uncle at all. Seeing Gabriel and Fiona’s romance bloom was an absolute pleasure and I loved that we got a sneak peek into his mind to see his feelings grow.
Hero in the Highlands is the first in this series and I am definitely interested in Marjorie's story.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
***3.5 Stars***
I enjoyed reading Hero in the Highlands. I’ll admit that at times I was crossing my arms and shaking my head, but mostly I was sucked into the story. I have been a Suzanne Enoch fan for years and when the opportunity popped up to read this story, I jumped at it. I’m a sucker for a highland romance. The fact that the hero is a Sassenach did not turn me off at all.
I was intrigued by the initial introduction to Major Gabriel Forrester seeing him in action on the battlefield. Gabriel is not afraid to run into danger and does not hide behind his officers. He is straightforward, brave and extremely intelligent when it comes to reading how a battle will play out. Gabriel is called to meet with his superior, Wellington where he is informed that he has just been named the new Duke of Lattimer. This was a complete surprise to Gabriel and not wholly welcomed. He returns to England and accepts the title and responsibilities with the hope to go back to the battlefield soon.
Fiona Blackstock is a very busy woman. She’s the Lattimer’s steward and has been since her brother's disappearance. Fiona can seem brash, blunt and bratty but her heart is in the right place. Her main focus is seeing that her people are looked after. If it means that Lattimer Castle has 100 servants, then so be it. If only the blasted curse didn’t make her job more difficult. With sheep missing and too many “accidents” to call them “accidents”, she seems to be fighting an uphill battle. Well, things seem to be going from bad to worse when they finally find a lost relative to the late Duke of Lattimer. The fact that he’s a redcoat and doesn’t plan to stay, makes it frustrating for Fiona that she’s very attracted to him.
From the minute Gabriel meets Fiona he’s fascinated with her and is determined to have her in his bed. Fiona isn’t as keen to jump into bed with the Sassenach and a wee, merry chase entails.
I’ll be honest, Fiona’s character was a little hard to take at times. Her sassy and bratty behaviour did not make her a likeable heroine. While I admired Gabriel, he did come across as a lust-filled fool with what he was willing to put up with to get under Fiona’s skirts. As the story progressed we get to know the characters better and understand why they acted the way they did.
I struggled with Fiona being an experienced heroine. Knowing this is probably going to sound strange, I actually enjoy historical romances because of the heroine's naivety and inexperience. Seeing the heroine learn and experiment with the hero as her teacher gives historical romance a very different feel than other genres approach to being a virgin. It comes across a little too modern when the heroine is led to the bedroom and she brags of her previous experience.
In the end, the story left me with a smile on my face. I definitely wasn’t happy the whole way through, but there were more good times than bad. I really liked Gabriel and his assistant Adam. Fiona and her clan grew on me, but I did not like her uncle at all. Seeing Gabriel and Fiona’s romance bloom was an absolute pleasure and I loved that we got a sneak peek into his mind to see his feelings grow.
Hero in the Highlands is the first in this series and I am definitely interested in Marjorie's story.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
October 6, 2016
Hero in the Highlands by Suzanne Enoch is a 2016 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Sadly, this first book in a new series, for Enoch, just isn’t all that memorable.
In 1821 Gabriel Forrester, a war hero known for victories and fearsome leadership on the battlefield receives word his uncle had died, making him the Duke of Lattimer. Although, this is a huge nuisance for him, he insists on taking care of his inherited properties. But, when the repeated request for financial papers go unheeded, Gabriel travels to Scotland to take matters into his own hands.
Here he meets, Fiona Blackstock, who appears to be more or less in charge of things. From here Gabriel and Fiona begin a comical battle of wills. It’s a battle for control and a battle of the sexes, a battle over the growing desire between them, but which one will win the war?
I wanted to like this story because of the time frame, the Scottish setting, and of course because of Enoch’s dependable reputation. However, the witticism felt forced, as did the romance. While there was some secretive intrigue and a mystery involved in the plot, there never seemed to be much going on. The characters were rather bland, I thought, and Gabriel could be a little hard to take at times.
It took me a lot longer to get through this one mainly because I couldn’t muster up enough interest to keep reading it. I admit to having stopped and started a few times, eventually forcing myself to complete it.
While the book isn’t bad, it’s just kind of bland,and unimaginative, with only a moderate amount of chemistry between Gabriel and Fiona. I just wasn’t feeling it with this one.
2 stars
Sadly, this first book in a new series, for Enoch, just isn’t all that memorable.
In 1821 Gabriel Forrester, a war hero known for victories and fearsome leadership on the battlefield receives word his uncle had died, making him the Duke of Lattimer. Although, this is a huge nuisance for him, he insists on taking care of his inherited properties. But, when the repeated request for financial papers go unheeded, Gabriel travels to Scotland to take matters into his own hands.
Here he meets, Fiona Blackstock, who appears to be more or less in charge of things. From here Gabriel and Fiona begin a comical battle of wills. It’s a battle for control and a battle of the sexes, a battle over the growing desire between them, but which one will win the war?
I wanted to like this story because of the time frame, the Scottish setting, and of course because of Enoch’s dependable reputation. However, the witticism felt forced, as did the romance. While there was some secretive intrigue and a mystery involved in the plot, there never seemed to be much going on. The characters were rather bland, I thought, and Gabriel could be a little hard to take at times.
It took me a lot longer to get through this one mainly because I couldn’t muster up enough interest to keep reading it. I admit to having stopped and started a few times, eventually forcing myself to complete it.
While the book isn’t bad, it’s just kind of bland,and unimaginative, with only a moderate amount of chemistry between Gabriel and Fiona. I just wasn’t feeling it with this one.
2 stars
October 22, 2016
~ 2.5 ~ luke warm ~ stars
Loved the storytelling but fell flat in the love department. In the end the story was good and I enjoyed reading it (probably because I have a soft spot for highland romances) but nothing memorable. It was low on drama and the conspiracy/big mystery was interesting and the pace was good - if a bit drawn out at times. The low rating was for lack of romance and chemistry between the main protagonists.
Gabriel and Fiona are both struggling with issues outside their control that will dictate the rest of their lives. At times they're strong, they are capable, and they're smart, which is all good. But their first impressions never really changed. Gabriel sees a pretty girl he'd like in his bed when he sees Fiona and Fiona dislikes him simply because he is English and she hates all things English. Long story short, H was an arrogant but commanding soldier and h was a whiny bratty and unlikable person. Neither one really looks beyond that first impression up until almost the very end. I really just felt that the whole romantic plot line was lukewarm at best between them.
This started as the classic love/hate relationship then morphed into this instant blink and you'd miss it epic love story. But it felt like there was too much going on around them and not enough page time was devoted to really support their whirlwind love story. Problem was it just never really convinced me. This needed to be shown and not told to the reader. I can't pinpoint one moment where I felt these two were anything more than convenient bed partners to each other. Not to mention the ending was a bit unbelievable, sweet, but unlikely for this time period.
Three stars for the entertaining story telling, two stars for the barely there romance.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
Loved the storytelling but fell flat in the love department. In the end the story was good and I enjoyed reading it (probably because I have a soft spot for highland romances) but nothing memorable. It was low on drama and the conspiracy/big mystery was interesting and the pace was good - if a bit drawn out at times. The low rating was for lack of romance and chemistry between the main protagonists.
Gabriel and Fiona are both struggling with issues outside their control that will dictate the rest of their lives. At times they're strong, they are capable, and they're smart, which is all good. But their first impressions never really changed. Gabriel sees a pretty girl he'd like in his bed when he sees Fiona and Fiona dislikes him simply because he is English and she hates all things English. Long story short, H was an arrogant but commanding soldier and h was a whiny bratty and unlikable person. Neither one really looks beyond that first impression up until almost the very end. I really just felt that the whole romantic plot line was lukewarm at best between them.
This started as the classic love/hate relationship then morphed into this instant blink and you'd miss it epic love story. But it felt like there was too much going on around them and not enough page time was devoted to really support their whirlwind love story. Problem was it just never really convinced me. This needed to be shown and not told to the reader. I can't pinpoint one moment where I felt these two were anything more than convenient bed partners to each other. Not to mention the ending was a bit unbelievable, sweet, but unlikely for this time period.
Three stars for the entertaining story telling, two stars for the barely there romance.
*** ARC provided for an honest review ***
September 15, 2016
ARC from Netgalley for honest review.
Rating 2.5 .
Fiona is a strong and capable heroine who cares and maintains a castle after brother went missing/disappeared. We have an opening scene that has the heroine mired in mud trying to rescue a cow. Our hero is passing and believes Fiona needs rescuing. And so the fun and feistiness begins between the two characters.
Our hero Gabriel is just that, a hero who fought in the war against the French. But he's called to return as he's inherited a dukedom. With the dukedom came a castle that needs his attention and care. So that is where Gabriel meets Fiona, knee deep in mud as she's rescuing a cow near Gabriels castle.
Fiona learns that Gabriel is the owner of the castle she cares for she is not too happy and does all she can to send him back home. But Gabriel is determined to stick around and find out all he can about his inheritance. As some mysterious happenings and issues befall the castle the two begin to work together to solve the problems and get answers. And in the process we are given front row seats to some feisty, funny and steamy scenes.
This was written well and pacing was good, with just a handful of areas that did seem to drag a little. I liked the secondary characters. But I did have an issue with the heroine being somewhat overpowering, especially for that time period. Don't get me wrong, I love a heroine who's confident and intelligent, but Fiona was at times too bossy for me. Gabriel was okay, but could in some instances be overbearing.
There seems to be a trend where authors recently are creating heroines that do not seem to fit the time period. What I mean by that is heroines in Historical romances seem almost to "modern" for the time period/era . Feels off to me and not as enjoyable a read, for me anyway.
Rating 2.5 .
Fiona is a strong and capable heroine who cares and maintains a castle after brother went missing/disappeared. We have an opening scene that has the heroine mired in mud trying to rescue a cow. Our hero is passing and believes Fiona needs rescuing. And so the fun and feistiness begins between the two characters.
Our hero Gabriel is just that, a hero who fought in the war against the French. But he's called to return as he's inherited a dukedom. With the dukedom came a castle that needs his attention and care. So that is where Gabriel meets Fiona, knee deep in mud as she's rescuing a cow near Gabriels castle.
Fiona learns that Gabriel is the owner of the castle she cares for she is not too happy and does all she can to send him back home. But Gabriel is determined to stick around and find out all he can about his inheritance. As some mysterious happenings and issues befall the castle the two begin to work together to solve the problems and get answers. And in the process we are given front row seats to some feisty, funny and steamy scenes.
This was written well and pacing was good, with just a handful of areas that did seem to drag a little. I liked the secondary characters. But I did have an issue with the heroine being somewhat overpowering, especially for that time period. Don't get me wrong, I love a heroine who's confident and intelligent, but Fiona was at times too bossy for me. Gabriel was okay, but could in some instances be overbearing.
There seems to be a trend where authors recently are creating heroines that do not seem to fit the time period. What I mean by that is heroines in Historical romances seem almost to "modern" for the time period/era . Feels off to me and not as enjoyable a read, for me anyway.
September 22, 2016
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Major Gabriel Forrester loves having a career in the military, fighting and protecting his men. He is in his element when he is in his uniform fighting for his country. But then he receives the worst type of news, that he has become the last living heir to a dukedom. and is now the Duke of Lattimer. He is frustrated with his new role and all the responsibities and people he is responsible for. But when he hears news that one of his properties in Scotland is in trouble, he heads up north to figure out the problems behind the steward who isn't trustworthy and very vindictive of anything English. When he arrives he is confront by a young woman that is the reasons behind his problems with his property. Fiona Blackstock, hates anything English and the last thing she needs is some war hero of a Duke coming through and ruining all of her plans. Fiona hates Gabriel, but Gabriel is charming and is only intrigued by her fiery spirit. But there is a mystery to be solved of missing sheep and Gabriel with Fiona's help, learns how to help those under his care and win the heart of the woman he desires most...
Plot and Story Line
I really have struggled with Enoch lately, I never know if I will like her books or not, and at first I was really liking this one. But the moment Gabriel and Fiona started bantering with each other, I started to go from liking this story to really getting frustrated with it quite a bit. Fiona was too angsty of a characters and seems to be very selfish at times. I felt that she went to far, but Gabriel was quite patient and understanding and he almost seemed like a saint at times because he rarely got angry with her even when she treats him so horribly at times. I really struggled with the romance that developed between these two. I felt quite bored with it most of the time. The only thing that really kept me interested was the plot, with the mystery of the missing sheep and I did like seeing how Gabriel wins these scots over though. He was a real sweetheart at times and I felt he deserved so much better than a heroine like Fiona. I will say that some of their sensual moments were quite enticing and very well done but I didn't quite feel their chemistry like I wanted to. It happened in moments and bits and I really wished for more consistency in a romance and would have preferred not seeing so much angst in their relationship. I don't mind angsty romances but they need to be done well. Another reason I really struggled with this one, is that it didn't feel like a historical, it had a contemporary feel. It felt quite confusing at times, because there were inconsitensies that shouldn't be found in a historical.
Now don't get me wrong, I have quite a bit of love for this author, and her other highland romances I really enjoyed, but there was something that didn't feel right about this story and it didn't feel like Enoch's style. I did like some other aspects of the story, and I didn't hate it or dislike it; it just didn't fit for a solid historical romance I know Enoch can write. But I can see how this story will appeal to certain readers.
The Cover
Simply gorgeous, I just love the red and a really sexy pose!!! The publishers did a great job with it.
Overall View
Hero In The Highlands is a story that if you are looking for an angst romance....than you should pick this one up. It has moments of sensuality and bantering that is appealing at times.
Summary
Major Gabriel Forrester loves having a career in the military, fighting and protecting his men. He is in his element when he is in his uniform fighting for his country. But then he receives the worst type of news, that he has become the last living heir to a dukedom. and is now the Duke of Lattimer. He is frustrated with his new role and all the responsibities and people he is responsible for. But when he hears news that one of his properties in Scotland is in trouble, he heads up north to figure out the problems behind the steward who isn't trustworthy and very vindictive of anything English. When he arrives he is confront by a young woman that is the reasons behind his problems with his property. Fiona Blackstock, hates anything English and the last thing she needs is some war hero of a Duke coming through and ruining all of her plans. Fiona hates Gabriel, but Gabriel is charming and is only intrigued by her fiery spirit. But there is a mystery to be solved of missing sheep and Gabriel with Fiona's help, learns how to help those under his care and win the heart of the woman he desires most...
Plot and Story Line
I really have struggled with Enoch lately, I never know if I will like her books or not, and at first I was really liking this one. But the moment Gabriel and Fiona started bantering with each other, I started to go from liking this story to really getting frustrated with it quite a bit. Fiona was too angsty of a characters and seems to be very selfish at times. I felt that she went to far, but Gabriel was quite patient and understanding and he almost seemed like a saint at times because he rarely got angry with her even when she treats him so horribly at times. I really struggled with the romance that developed between these two. I felt quite bored with it most of the time. The only thing that really kept me interested was the plot, with the mystery of the missing sheep and I did like seeing how Gabriel wins these scots over though. He was a real sweetheart at times and I felt he deserved so much better than a heroine like Fiona. I will say that some of their sensual moments were quite enticing and very well done but I didn't quite feel their chemistry like I wanted to. It happened in moments and bits and I really wished for more consistency in a romance and would have preferred not seeing so much angst in their relationship. I don't mind angsty romances but they need to be done well. Another reason I really struggled with this one, is that it didn't feel like a historical, it had a contemporary feel. It felt quite confusing at times, because there were inconsitensies that shouldn't be found in a historical.
Now don't get me wrong, I have quite a bit of love for this author, and her other highland romances I really enjoyed, but there was something that didn't feel right about this story and it didn't feel like Enoch's style. I did like some other aspects of the story, and I didn't hate it or dislike it; it just didn't fit for a solid historical romance I know Enoch can write. But I can see how this story will appeal to certain readers.
The Cover
Simply gorgeous, I just love the red and a really sexy pose!!! The publishers did a great job with it.
Overall View
Hero In The Highlands is a story that if you are looking for an angst romance....than you should pick this one up. It has moments of sensuality and bantering that is appealing at times.
March 23, 2017
HERO IN THE HIGHLANDS is the first in a new series by Suzanne Enoch. I love Enoch’s stories and I can’t believe it took me so long to read this one! The No Ordinary Hero series is a bit of a departure from Enoch’s other series because the heroes in this series are a little more gruff. With an emphasis on Highlanders, that’s almost expected but I really fell in love with the hero of this story.
Major Gabriel Forrester is more suited on the battlefield than a ballroom so when he gets pulled out of battle because he has inherited a Scottish Highlands title, he sees it more of an inconvenience than anything else. It isn’t what he has planned for himself. However, things have a way of changing without his will.
I loved Gabriel’s character! He’s a little on the rough side but that’s part of what makes him so appealing to me. I really liked the premise of this story and how the romance kind of happens without the hero and heroine really planning on it. There’s something quite romantic about it, especially when Historical Romance is all about propriety and caring about what others think of them.
This is definitely an enemies to lovers story and while I enjoyed the heroine, Fiona, Gabriel was the one for me that made this book shine. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing what other heroes Enoch writes next!
September 16, 2016
NETGALLEY ARC Received For Honest Review!!
UNLIKABLE HERIONE NEVER WORKS!!
Major Gabriel Forrester has just been informed by Wellington that he has inherited The Lattimore Dukedom from a distant uncle. Who has died leaving no heir. After meeting with all the solicitors paper men as he calls them he goes to check out the ducal seat at Castle Lattimore. Something suspicious is going on there.
Fiona Blackstock has been managing Lattimore and its holding for years in secret. But livestock are missing more and more each year and the holdings aren't making much profit. Someone is stealing. Something is amiss here.
Gabriel goes to Lattimore with his aide Adam Kelgrove to investigate what's going on. He meet Fiona and helps her out of a dangerous situation.
I hated Fiona from the beginning and couldn't understand Gabriel's attraction to her. She was a light skirt spinster who lied and betrayed him at every turn. She was rude and curd. She acted like a 17 year old instead of a experience women of 23. She had prior lovers including the Game Keeper. This is 1812 when women were more modest. Fiona seemed more 21st century then 18th century. She was contentious and wanted Gabriel gone from his own property. It was noting too like about her.
Susanne Enoch the author has been writing HR for many years and she should know that readers need to like the H/H. Gabriel for his part was a honorable decent man before he became a Duke and after he became a Duke. But he must have had low self esteem even though he was a war hero. Why else would he fall in love with a used up shrew acting spinster? There was no love or romance between the H/H just lust. Fiona's character was to modern day for a HR setting. Sorry her entire personality caused me to dislike the story.
Fiona's character would have been better severed if she was much younger naïve, lets say 18 year old and if she wasn't a light skirt free with her favors. If you know what I mean. That would give the reader the excuse for her character.
Read at your own risk!! If you don't mine unlikable heroines and you like lots of Angst this will be an ok story to read. I like to feel happy about the HR characters I read. I like to feel the love and the romance, that is sexy and sensuous. Not just Lust!!
UNLIKABLE HERIONE NEVER WORKS!!
Major Gabriel Forrester has just been informed by Wellington that he has inherited The Lattimore Dukedom from a distant uncle. Who has died leaving no heir. After meeting with all the solicitors paper men as he calls them he goes to check out the ducal seat at Castle Lattimore. Something suspicious is going on there.
Fiona Blackstock has been managing Lattimore and its holding for years in secret. But livestock are missing more and more each year and the holdings aren't making much profit. Someone is stealing. Something is amiss here.
Gabriel goes to Lattimore with his aide Adam Kelgrove to investigate what's going on. He meet Fiona and helps her out of a dangerous situation.
I hated Fiona from the beginning and couldn't understand Gabriel's attraction to her. She was a light skirt spinster who lied and betrayed him at every turn. She was rude and curd. She acted like a 17 year old instead of a experience women of 23. She had prior lovers including the Game Keeper. This is 1812 when women were more modest. Fiona seemed more 21st century then 18th century. She was contentious and wanted Gabriel gone from his own property. It was noting too like about her.
Susanne Enoch the author has been writing HR for many years and she should know that readers need to like the H/H. Gabriel for his part was a honorable decent man before he became a Duke and after he became a Duke. But he must have had low self esteem even though he was a war hero. Why else would he fall in love with a used up shrew acting spinster? There was no love or romance between the H/H just lust. Fiona's character was to modern day for a HR setting. Sorry her entire personality caused me to dislike the story.
Fiona's character would have been better severed if she was much younger naïve, lets say 18 year old and if she wasn't a light skirt free with her favors. If you know what I mean. That would give the reader the excuse for her character.
Read at your own risk!! If you don't mine unlikable heroines and you like lots of Angst this will be an ok story to read. I like to feel happy about the HR characters I read. I like to feel the love and the romance, that is sexy and sensuous. Not just Lust!!
October 2, 2016
Two main reasons why I found this book hard to like:
1. The main characters didn't meet until past 10% of the book. We read about Gabriel in Spain, his sister Marjorie, then finally he got to the Highlands. We are 10% into the story, but the story hasn't really started. I wonder what's the purpose of dragging things out like this? With such a long-winded beginning, you'd think that Gabriel's character is well drawn out and his motives for detesting the title clearly defined. Neither was true. I thought his reasoning for not wanting the title weak and his character fuzzy.
2. The "feisty" heroine. So the main characters finally met each other and Gabriel gallantly saved the heroine from water. From the first sentence the heroine was spitting out pure venom for absolutely no reasons. She hated all things English and it didn't matter there were good people in England, our amoeba-brained heroine concluded that all English were evil and deserved the venom she uttered even if an English man had just saved her life. Now I strongly disliked this heroine. Crazy woman, I thought. Another case of parading stupidity as spirit and pig-headedness as strong will in women.
Enoch's writing and her ability to build a rich scene are the only positive thing I can say about this book. Unfortunately the slow pace and the crazy bitch of a heroine made it impossible for me to like this book.
*This is a review on an ARC of the book provided by the publisher on NetGalley.
1. The main characters didn't meet until past 10% of the book. We read about Gabriel in Spain, his sister Marjorie, then finally he got to the Highlands. We are 10% into the story, but the story hasn't really started. I wonder what's the purpose of dragging things out like this? With such a long-winded beginning, you'd think that Gabriel's character is well drawn out and his motives for detesting the title clearly defined. Neither was true. I thought his reasoning for not wanting the title weak and his character fuzzy.
2. The "feisty" heroine. So the main characters finally met each other and Gabriel gallantly saved the heroine from water. From the first sentence the heroine was spitting out pure venom for absolutely no reasons. She hated all things English and it didn't matter there were good people in England, our amoeba-brained heroine concluded that all English were evil and deserved the venom she uttered even if an English man had just saved her life. Now I strongly disliked this heroine. Crazy woman, I thought. Another case of parading stupidity as spirit and pig-headedness as strong will in women.
Enoch's writing and her ability to build a rich scene are the only positive thing I can say about this book. Unfortunately the slow pace and the crazy bitch of a heroine made it impossible for me to like this book.
*This is a review on an ARC of the book provided by the publisher on NetGalley.
October 12, 2016
Also posted on afterdarkbooklovers.com
-Suzanne Enoch’s historicals are among my favorites. Every once in awhile I need a good historical to remind me of what started me on this romance journey in the first place. The first romance books I ever read were historicals, and even as my tastes have shifted as I’ve gotten older, I need a bit of a throwback to keep things interesting. Ms. Enoch certainly has a talent for setting a scene and I could easily picture the characters and surroundings.
-Good chemistry between Fiona and Gabriel. These two do not spend their time in a ballroom, but instead have lived working for their keep. They’re well matched and the tension between them is displayed well through their banter and builds slowly and dependably, as I would expect.
-Pacing issues. If I have any quibble, it’s that the story is little slow going at first. After that, there were other moments where the story dragged a bit and Fiona’s feistiness rode the line between entertaining and slightly irksome. Also, the one thing that distracted me and took a bit of getting used to is the Scottish brogue. It had been a while since I read a historical, so reading all the ‘ya kens” and “dinnaes” took a bit to get into. Finally, the first part is all setting up Gabriel’s sudden dukedom, which was interesting, but as a result I was more invested in him than in Fiona.
The Bottom Line [3.5 stars]
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to more in this series by Ms. Enoch.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
-Suzanne Enoch’s historicals are among my favorites. Every once in awhile I need a good historical to remind me of what started me on this romance journey in the first place. The first romance books I ever read were historicals, and even as my tastes have shifted as I’ve gotten older, I need a bit of a throwback to keep things interesting. Ms. Enoch certainly has a talent for setting a scene and I could easily picture the characters and surroundings.
-Good chemistry between Fiona and Gabriel. These two do not spend their time in a ballroom, but instead have lived working for their keep. They’re well matched and the tension between them is displayed well through their banter and builds slowly and dependably, as I would expect.
-Pacing issues. If I have any quibble, it’s that the story is little slow going at first. After that, there were other moments where the story dragged a bit and Fiona’s feistiness rode the line between entertaining and slightly irksome. Also, the one thing that distracted me and took a bit of getting used to is the Scottish brogue. It had been a while since I read a historical, so reading all the ‘ya kens” and “dinnaes” took a bit to get into. Finally, the first part is all setting up Gabriel’s sudden dukedom, which was interesting, but as a result I was more invested in him than in Fiona.
The Bottom Line [3.5 stars]
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to more in this series by Ms. Enoch.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
April 2, 2017
'Hero in the Highlands' by Suzanne Enoch is book one in the "No Ordinary Hero' series. This is the story of Gabriel Forrester and Fiona Blackstock.
Gabriel was a Major when he found out he had inherited a distant Uncle's Scottish Highlands title the Duke of Lattimer. Gabriel wasn't excited about it and felt to move forward and settle things fast. Gabriel did feel it would help his sister with a house of her own and being the sister of a Duke does add you up into higher society status. When heading to the Highlands home he runs into Fiona who is stuck in the mud with a cow. He quickly gets her out but finds she is upset that he did so. It seems she was trying to save the cow and now she would have to go back to get it. But that is just the start of them not seeing things the same way. The secondary characters where fun also!
This was just a fun, enjoyable read that I had a hard time putting down. I love Ms. Enoch writing and this book did not disappoint!
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
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Gabriel was a Major when he found out he had inherited a distant Uncle's Scottish Highlands title the Duke of Lattimer. Gabriel wasn't excited about it and felt to move forward and settle things fast. Gabriel did feel it would help his sister with a house of her own and being the sister of a Duke does add you up into higher society status. When heading to the Highlands home he runs into Fiona who is stuck in the mud with a cow. He quickly gets her out but finds she is upset that he did so. It seems she was trying to save the cow and now she would have to go back to get it. But that is just the start of them not seeing things the same way. The secondary characters where fun also!
This was just a fun, enjoyable read that I had a hard time putting down. I love Ms. Enoch writing and this book did not disappoint!
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
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https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
http://booklikes.com/
http://romancebookreviewforyoublog.tu...
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August 17, 2020
Second book from Suzanne Enoch and I'm disappointed again as I could not find myself invested into the story. I think the audiobook narrators have something to do with it but it's not what i'm looking for at the moment.
January 13, 2019
3.5 stars. A rather odd book. It took ages before the leads even met. War movies are my least favorite kind and I had to endure an extended battle play by play, full of famous soldier name-dropping (I had thought authors had finally tired of Wellington) before matters began to progress.
The leads then proceeded to flout propriety to an exceeding degree, given the rather odd set up of a female estate manager, who frankly had living and wealthy enough family members (the uncle) she really should have been residing with rather than alone with a bachelor.
The mystery was engaging and suitably resolved. The tenants were fun characters. His sidekick aide de camp seemed an interesting fellow. I would have liked more resolution on what actually became of her brother. That was dangled teasingly and left hanging with many suspicions activated. Perhaps he has a book in the series if naught has befallen him.
I will say the lead male took ages to declare himself. Frankly I felt he embarrassed her in front of her people with the gossip he allowed to start by using her thusly.
Also it really bothered me the anachronistic "Are you seeing anyone?" question he asked her. And this terminology was used repeatedly, drawing me out of the time period.
I don't mind non-virgins, but the heroine was also a bit aggressively free with her favors for someone with no personal property or way to deal with probable consequences.
But it was, all in, a fast paced generally enjoyable read and I fully believed in their cooperative and supportive coupledom, if not in their romantic one.
The leads then proceeded to flout propriety to an exceeding degree, given the rather odd set up of a female estate manager, who frankly had living and wealthy enough family members (the uncle) she really should have been residing with rather than alone with a bachelor.
The mystery was engaging and suitably resolved. The tenants were fun characters. His sidekick aide de camp seemed an interesting fellow. I would have liked more resolution on what actually became of her brother. That was dangled teasingly and left hanging with many suspicions activated. Perhaps he has a book in the series if naught has befallen him.
I will say the lead male took ages to declare himself. Frankly I felt he embarrassed her in front of her people with the gossip he allowed to start by using her thusly.
Also it really bothered me the anachronistic "Are you seeing anyone?" question he asked her. And this terminology was used repeatedly, drawing me out of the time period.
I don't mind non-virgins, but the heroine was also a bit aggressively free with her favors for someone with no personal property or way to deal with probable consequences.
But it was, all in, a fast paced generally enjoyable read and I fully believed in their cooperative and supportive coupledom, if not in their romantic one.
August 16, 2022
This was my first full novel by Suzanne Enoch (I read a Christmas novella of hers) and it was very good! I’m excited to read the next in this series. Maybe the next one is about Gabriel’s sister?
This was also my first book set in the highlands where the MMC wasn’t the highlander but the FMC was. I loved that! Fiona was such a strong character. I loved Fiona and Gabriel’s meet cute! It was definitely not typical and while the hero wanted to rescue someone neither Fiona nor the cow wanted to be rescued 🤣
This was also my first book set in the highlands where the MMC wasn’t the highlander but the FMC was. I loved that! Fiona was such a strong character. I loved Fiona and Gabriel’s meet cute! It was definitely not typical and while the hero wanted to rescue someone neither Fiona nor the cow wanted to be rescued 🤣
March 30, 2017
Every damned man who had a duke for a father should be obligated to marry and procreate well before he inherited, just to be certain the title had an heir. Otherwise dirt-beneath-their-nails men like him found their own lives ruined for no damned bloody reason but that wealth needed an owner.
I definitely liked HERO IN THE HIGHLANDS more than the sequel which I, silly me, read first (I know I know, shame). I enjoyed Fiona's fiesty "no country for Sassenachs" capableness, Gabriel's straightforward soldier-inherits-a-dukedom-now-wtf-do-I-do, and the meet-cute was hilarious.
"You're a conundrum."
"Because I brought ye trousers and I tried to kill ye in a bog? You're a madman."
As we know (or rather, for those of us who read out of order), Gabriel Forrester is a soldier who has become a military man not only because it's what he's good at but also to support his younger sister after the loss of their parents. Upon discovering he's the sole heir of some twice removed uncle, their fortunes change (literally) and that is what sends him off to the Highlands; one of the properties seems to not be making much profit and his solicitors are having no luck in convincing the steward to send them the ledgers. And thus begins our HERO IN THE HIGHLANDS adventure : full of brash lady-property managers, a curse, the realization one can find a new purpose, and sheep thefts.
A soldier who believed for a moment that he was entitled to something -- safety, luxury, privilege -- was a dead soldier.
I knew some of the results of this book because of where book two picks up, with the second couple, but I still liked seeing how it all went about. I also think I liked the romance better though there is still something.. odd about how Enoch handles intimate scenes. And again, I point out, this is not just the actual intimate scenes but something as simple as kissing. It's hard to explain. But the chemistry and the interactions between these two, vs couple two, were far superior.
"And that's the mouth ye kissed me with?"
"Not kissed. Kiss. Present tense. Will kiss again. Future tense."
While we didn't have the entertainment provided by any younger munchkins running around, we did have a cow named Cow, and while I liked Marjorie's (book two) companion better than Gabriel's aide Adam, I still enjoyed the secondary characters and look forward to seeing what's next in the No Ordinary Hero series.
3.75 "you have me interested in different figures" stars
I definitely liked HERO IN THE HIGHLANDS more than the sequel which I, silly me, read first (I know I know, shame). I enjoyed Fiona's fiesty "no country for Sassenachs" capableness, Gabriel's straightforward soldier-inherits-a-dukedom-now-wtf-do-I-do, and the meet-cute was hilarious.
"You're a conundrum."
"Because I brought ye trousers and I tried to kill ye in a bog? You're a madman."
As we know (or rather, for those of us who read out of order), Gabriel Forrester is a soldier who has become a military man not only because it's what he's good at but also to support his younger sister after the loss of their parents. Upon discovering he's the sole heir of some twice removed uncle, their fortunes change (literally) and that is what sends him off to the Highlands; one of the properties seems to not be making much profit and his solicitors are having no luck in convincing the steward to send them the ledgers. And thus begins our HERO IN THE HIGHLANDS adventure : full of brash lady-property managers, a curse, the realization one can find a new purpose, and sheep thefts.
A soldier who believed for a moment that he was entitled to something -- safety, luxury, privilege -- was a dead soldier.
I knew some of the results of this book because of where book two picks up, with the second couple, but I still liked seeing how it all went about. I also think I liked the romance better though there is still something.. odd about how Enoch handles intimate scenes. And again, I point out, this is not just the actual intimate scenes but something as simple as kissing. It's hard to explain. But the chemistry and the interactions between these two, vs couple two, were far superior.
"And that's the mouth ye kissed me with?"
"Not kissed. Kiss. Present tense. Will kiss again. Future tense."
While we didn't have the entertainment provided by any younger munchkins running around, we did have a cow named Cow, and while I liked Marjorie's (book two) companion better than Gabriel's aide Adam, I still enjoyed the secondary characters and look forward to seeing what's next in the No Ordinary Hero series.
3.75 "you have me interested in different figures" stars
September 14, 2016
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
I really enjoyed this book.
Gabriel is a soldier. He is fighting against the French in Spain when he receives notice that he has inherited a dukedom from an uncle he was not even aware of. Along with the title, he has inherited two English estates and one very large Scottish estate. The steward of the Scottish estate has refused to cooperate with Gabriel's attorney's and he has decided to check out the estate himself and replace the steward.
Gabriel first meets Fiona when he rescues her (and a cow) from a mud hole. Fiona doesn't want to be rescued and is far from grateful to Gabriel, in fact when he asks for directions to the castle, she sends him towards the bog.
Fiona is the steward for the castle, she inherited the position when her brother went missing. She has worked hard for the last 4 years caring for the castle and the clan members, but a series of accidents have left the clan floundering.
Imagine Fiona's surprise when she finds out that the soldier she misdirected is actually the new duke! And imagine Gabriel's surprise at learning the lass that sent him to his potential doom is actually the steward he has come to see.
At first Fiona does all she can to send Gabriel on his way - some of the tactics are laugh out loud funny. But eventually she begins to see what a good man Gabriel is and starts to work with him to get to the bottom of the troubles plaguing the castle.
The story has is it all; light, funny moments, HOT love scenes, betrayal, a bit of a mystery, characters learning to change and a very, very sweet soulmate type love.
I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next book with Gabriel's sister Marjorie.
I really enjoyed this book.
Gabriel is a soldier. He is fighting against the French in Spain when he receives notice that he has inherited a dukedom from an uncle he was not even aware of. Along with the title, he has inherited two English estates and one very large Scottish estate. The steward of the Scottish estate has refused to cooperate with Gabriel's attorney's and he has decided to check out the estate himself and replace the steward.
Gabriel first meets Fiona when he rescues her (and a cow) from a mud hole. Fiona doesn't want to be rescued and is far from grateful to Gabriel, in fact when he asks for directions to the castle, she sends him towards the bog.
Fiona is the steward for the castle, she inherited the position when her brother went missing. She has worked hard for the last 4 years caring for the castle and the clan members, but a series of accidents have left the clan floundering.
Imagine Fiona's surprise when she finds out that the soldier she misdirected is actually the new duke! And imagine Gabriel's surprise at learning the lass that sent him to his potential doom is actually the steward he has come to see.
At first Fiona does all she can to send Gabriel on his way - some of the tactics are laugh out loud funny. But eventually she begins to see what a good man Gabriel is and starts to work with him to get to the bottom of the troubles plaguing the castle.
The story has is it all; light, funny moments, HOT love scenes, betrayal, a bit of a mystery, characters learning to change and a very, very sweet soulmate type love.
I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next book with Gabriel's sister Marjorie.
Read
October 2, 2016note to self: avoid bitchy heroine!
November 28, 2016
Fun, light and charming as per Suzanne Enoch's trademark style - a wonderful, little distraction from the world!
October 4, 2016
3 stars
I wanted to love this one, but sadly I feel lukewarm about Suzanne's latest highland romp (released just today!)
I think the biggest issue was that I couldn't relate to the heroine or the hero.
The hero Gabriel had great promise, from the story, I know he's a great war strategist, smart, and he is caring, humble. But I don't feel he came alive for me.
I fail to understand the motivation for him to choose this life over the life of business. Fiona loved her clan and estate but again I don't really understand why. She didn't have close bonds in the clan (friends or family). There weren't fond memories from her childhood.
Add to that, neither characters had living parents or close family. Fiona has an uncle who she doesn't get along with, little is said of her missing brother, and Gabriel's sister appears in one scene.
Both were also loners with no close friends.
As far as I recall neither had any hobbies either. Their life was defined by their jobs/roles.
Perhaps because of all that, I felt the subplot took over the romance. A lot of story time was focused on the curse of this estate (including tenants perception of it), the things they had to fix on the estate, and the mystery of the missing sheeps. In much of the first half, bickering and these activities preoccupied their conversations as well as time.
The characters needed to have more personal and meaningful conversations, because when they did Enoch's impeccable writing really shone. And I can believe their connection.
In one scene, Fiona asks him about his life as a soldier, it was what I had wanted to see: meaningful, deep conversation. But he gets defensive and starts to leave. Then it's sidetracked by another interruption to their conversation.
Enoch is a highly skilled writer and there are some great moments within the story. Her dialogue can be so on-point. I just wish there were more of those moments here, like when Gabriel and Fiona first meet.
I also would have like to see them have time for fun. I wanted to see them laugh, throw a party (for non political reasons), dance a reel. And I wish there was more teasing. Giving either of the MCs a close friend or family supporting character would have given us someone who could tease our hero and heroine and let Enoch's sharp wit shine.
This one earns a passable grade. Next up in the series is Gabriel's sister and some kind of ruffian. Ruffian seems like it could be fun. And he has 2 brothers too! I will definitely check it out.
Arc review courtesy of publisher.
At A Glance
Love triangle
Descriptive sex with OM/OW
HEA
I wanted to love this one, but sadly I feel lukewarm about Suzanne's latest highland romp (released just today!)
I think the biggest issue was that I couldn't relate to the heroine or the hero.
The hero Gabriel had great promise, from the story, I know he's a great war strategist, smart, and he is caring, humble. But I don't feel he came alive for me.
I fail to understand the motivation for him to choose this life over the life of business. Fiona loved her clan and estate but again I don't really understand why. She didn't have close bonds in the clan (friends or family). There weren't fond memories from her childhood.
Add to that, neither characters had living parents or close family. Fiona has an uncle who she doesn't get along with, little is said of her missing brother, and Gabriel's sister appears in one scene.
Both were also loners with no close friends.
As far as I recall neither had any hobbies either. Their life was defined by their jobs/roles.
Perhaps because of all that, I felt the subplot took over the romance. A lot of story time was focused on the curse of this estate (including tenants perception of it), the things they had to fix on the estate, and the mystery of the missing sheeps. In much of the first half, bickering and these activities preoccupied their conversations as well as time.
The characters needed to have more personal and meaningful conversations, because when they did Enoch's impeccable writing really shone. And I can believe their connection.
In one scene, Fiona asks him about his life as a soldier, it was what I had wanted to see: meaningful, deep conversation. But he gets defensive and starts to leave. Then it's sidetracked by another interruption to their conversation.
Enoch is a highly skilled writer and there are some great moments within the story. Her dialogue can be so on-point. I just wish there were more of those moments here, like when Gabriel and Fiona first meet.
I also would have like to see them have time for fun. I wanted to see them laugh, throw a party (for non political reasons), dance a reel. And I wish there was more teasing. Giving either of the MCs a close friend or family supporting character would have given us someone who could tease our hero and heroine and let Enoch's sharp wit shine.
This one earns a passable grade. Next up in the series is Gabriel's sister and some kind of ruffian. Ruffian seems like it could be fun. And he has 2 brothers too! I will definitely check it out.
Arc review courtesy of publisher.
At A Glance
Love triangle
Descriptive sex with OM/OW
HEA
October 5, 2016
I should mention right up front that historical romance is not my favorite genre but when done exceptionally well as Pennyroyal Green Series (11 Book Series) or Victorian Rebels (3 Book Series) it is a very entertaining reading experience.
Sadly, while this story was not bad, it was a far cry from those series. The romance was done fairly well, the action was random and the ending was seriously anti-climatic.
Our main couple of Gabriel and Fiona were a great couple and their interactions made this book as good as it was, sadly the plot surrounding this romance was described in great detail and little if anything came from it. The most evil people suffered almost nothing, the things that had been done were never brought to any type of justice and the ending just kind of splashed into existence and the next page was THE END.
Bottom Line: If you look at nothing but the slow burn romance between the 2 main players you can give this book a higher rating BUT as I read the whole book and was captured into a story that kept disappointing me, I give it 3 stars. There is a reason I gave those 2 series above 5 Stars for almost every book in the series, they earned it with action, humor, romance and great writing. Sadly those elements were either missing or in short supply in this book. There was a lot of verbiage but much of it went no place. 3 Stars and as always your mileage may vary.
Sadly, while this story was not bad, it was a far cry from those series. The romance was done fairly well, the action was random and the ending was seriously anti-climatic.
Our main couple of Gabriel and Fiona were a great couple and their interactions made this book as good as it was, sadly the plot surrounding this romance was described in great detail and little if anything came from it. The most evil people suffered almost nothing, the things that had been done were never brought to any type of justice and the ending just kind of splashed into existence and the next page was THE END.
Bottom Line: If you look at nothing but the slow burn romance between the 2 main players you can give this book a higher rating BUT as I read the whole book and was captured into a story that kept disappointing me, I give it 3 stars. There is a reason I gave those 2 series above 5 Stars for almost every book in the series, they earned it with action, humor, romance and great writing. Sadly those elements were either missing or in short supply in this book. There was a lot of verbiage but much of it went no place. 3 Stars and as always your mileage may vary.
April 28, 2021
3.5 stars
I thought this might be getting away from all the duke books I’ve been reading, but surprise—secret duke! Well, not a secret for long. This was the first time I read a book by this author, and I liked it quite a bit. Gabriel and Fiona had the kind of straightforward relationship I appreciate in a romance, and I liked the mutual respect that grew between them as they became allies.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the brogue being written out in the dialogue with the Highlanders, and I have no idea if it’s accurately portrayed, but I’m not sure what the alternative would be—maybe a periodic sentence here and there reminding the reader that they’re speaking in a thick accent? I don’t know. Of course, my main point of reference for this setting is the Outlander books, and I can’t remember how Gabaldon did it, and why it didn’t bother me when I read those books. It was distracting at first, but I mostly got used to it, and if I continue with this series—and I would like to read Marjorie’s book—I know there will be more of the same. Maybe doing it on audio would be better, especially with a good reader.
I’m not sure I was wholly convinced by the shift in loyalties that happened over the course of a couple of weeks, but I think the author made a decent case for Gabriel proving himself. The solution was a little tidy, but I don’t know how it could have been realistically developed within one book. There’s something to be said for a story being wrapped up in fewer than 400 pages, and I did think that last scene was very sweet. Judging by the description of the next book, there’s still some fallout ahead.
I got a glimpse of Enoch’s sense of humor in this one, particularly the sarcasm about the number of servants Fiona hired for the castle. I’d love to see more of it, and from some of the titles of her other books, I expect she can be quite funny when she wants to be. I’ll be reading more for sure.
One last thing: that cover. It bothers me so much! Gabriel looks so desperate, and he never came across that way in the book. And there’s something just kind of, I don’t know, obsequious in the posture of the man on the cover. It bothers me every time I look at it. And I don’t think Fiona was ever in a dress like that either. I know authors often have little say in the matter, so I’m not sure who to put on my enemy list for it, but know this, person who designed this cover: you are on my list.
I thought this might be getting away from all the duke books I’ve been reading, but surprise—secret duke! Well, not a secret for long. This was the first time I read a book by this author, and I liked it quite a bit. Gabriel and Fiona had the kind of straightforward relationship I appreciate in a romance, and I liked the mutual respect that grew between them as they became allies.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the brogue being written out in the dialogue with the Highlanders, and I have no idea if it’s accurately portrayed, but I’m not sure what the alternative would be—maybe a periodic sentence here and there reminding the reader that they’re speaking in a thick accent? I don’t know. Of course, my main point of reference for this setting is the Outlander books, and I can’t remember how Gabaldon did it, and why it didn’t bother me when I read those books. It was distracting at first, but I mostly got used to it, and if I continue with this series—and I would like to read Marjorie’s book—I know there will be more of the same. Maybe doing it on audio would be better, especially with a good reader.
I’m not sure I was wholly convinced by the shift in loyalties that happened over the course of a couple of weeks, but I think the author made a decent case for Gabriel proving himself. The solution was a little tidy, but I don’t know how it could have been realistically developed within one book. There’s something to be said for a story being wrapped up in fewer than 400 pages, and I did think that last scene was very sweet. Judging by the description of the next book, there’s still some fallout ahead.
I got a glimpse of Enoch’s sense of humor in this one, particularly the sarcasm about the number of servants Fiona hired for the castle. I’d love to see more of it, and from some of the titles of her other books, I expect she can be quite funny when she wants to be. I’ll be reading more for sure.
One last thing: that cover. It bothers me so much! Gabriel looks so desperate, and he never came across that way in the book. And there’s something just kind of, I don’t know, obsequious in the posture of the man on the cover. It bothers me every time I look at it. And I don’t think Fiona was ever in a dress like that either. I know authors often have little say in the matter, so I’m not sure who to put on my enemy list for it, but know this, person who designed this cover: you are on my list.
March 19, 2018
Finalement, c'est une bonne romance historique. J'ai passé un bon moment, les personnages sont sympathiques et je les ai trouvé mignons ensemble. Pas de grande surprise, un schéma assez convenu, ça se laisse lire :) !
February 12, 2017
NETGALLEY ARC Received For Honest Review!!
UNLIKABLE HERIONE NEVER WORKS!!
Major Gabriel Forrester has just been informed by Wellington that he has inherited The Lattimore Dukedom from a distant uncle. Who has died leaving no heir. After meeting with all the solicitors paper men as he calls them he goes to check out the ducal seat at Castle Lattimore. Something suspicious is going on there.
Fiona Blackstock has been managing Lattimore and its holding for years in secret. But livestock are missing more and more each year and the holdings aren't making much profit. Someone is stealing. Something is amiss here.
Gabriel goes to Lattimore with his aide Adam Kelgrove to investigate what's going on. He meet Fiona and helps her out of a dangerous situation.
I hated Fiona from the beginning and couldn't understand Gabriel's attraction to her. She was a light skirt spinster who lied and betrayed him at every turn. She was rude and curd. She acted like a 17 year old instead of a experience women of 23. She had prior lovers including the Game Keeper. This is 1812 when women were more modest. Fiona seemed more 21st century then 18th century. She was contentious and wanted Gabriel gone from his own property. It was noting too like about her.
Susanne Enoch the author has been writing HR for many years and she should know that readers need to like the H/H. Gabriel for his part was a honorable decent man before he became a Duke and after he became a Duke. But he must have had low self esteem even though he was a war hero. Why else would he fall in love with a used up shrew acting spinster? There was no love or romance between the H/H just lust. Fiona's character was to modern day for a HR setting. Sorry her entire personality caused me to dislike the story.
Fiona's character would have been better severed if she was much younger naïve, lets say 18 year old and if she wasn't a light skirt free with her favors. If you know what I mean. That would give the reader the excuse for her character.
Read at your own risk!! If you don't mine unlikable heroines and you like lots of Angst this will be an ok story to read. I like to feel happy about the HR characters I read. I like to feel the love and the romance, that is sexy and sensuous. Not just Lust!!
17 likes
Reading Progress
September 14, 2016 – Currently Reading
September 16, 2016 – Finished Reading
UNLIKABLE HERIONE NEVER WORKS!!
Major Gabriel Forrester has just been informed by Wellington that he has inherited The Lattimore Dukedom from a distant uncle. Who has died leaving no heir. After meeting with all the solicitors paper men as he calls them he goes to check out the ducal seat at Castle Lattimore. Something suspicious is going on there.
Fiona Blackstock has been managing Lattimore and its holding for years in secret. But livestock are missing more and more each year and the holdings aren't making much profit. Someone is stealing. Something is amiss here.
Gabriel goes to Lattimore with his aide Adam Kelgrove to investigate what's going on. He meet Fiona and helps her out of a dangerous situation.
I hated Fiona from the beginning and couldn't understand Gabriel's attraction to her. She was a light skirt spinster who lied and betrayed him at every turn. She was rude and curd. She acted like a 17 year old instead of a experience women of 23. She had prior lovers including the Game Keeper. This is 1812 when women were more modest. Fiona seemed more 21st century then 18th century. She was contentious and wanted Gabriel gone from his own property. It was noting too like about her.
Susanne Enoch the author has been writing HR for many years and she should know that readers need to like the H/H. Gabriel for his part was a honorable decent man before he became a Duke and after he became a Duke. But he must have had low self esteem even though he was a war hero. Why else would he fall in love with a used up shrew acting spinster? There was no love or romance between the H/H just lust. Fiona's character was to modern day for a HR setting. Sorry her entire personality caused me to dislike the story.
Fiona's character would have been better severed if she was much younger naïve, lets say 18 year old and if she wasn't a light skirt free with her favors. If you know what I mean. That would give the reader the excuse for her character.
Read at your own risk!! If you don't mine unlikable heroines and you like lots of Angst this will be an ok story to read. I like to feel happy about the HR characters I read. I like to feel the love and the romance, that is sexy and sensuous. Not just Lust!!
17 likes
Reading Progress
September 14, 2016 – Currently Reading
September 16, 2016 – Finished Reading
October 6, 2016
Major Gabriel Forrester is a career soldier fighting the French since he was 17. He is a genuine hero who puts himself in harms way to defeat the enemy and saving countless fellow soldiers. He is summoned to meet with Wellington and given the news that he now the Duke of Lattimer. He has no idea how to be a lord, especially a Duke. He travels to London thinking he will just leave the Dukedom in the hands of his solicitor and go back to help defeat Napoleon. Unfortunately the estate that he owns in Scotland is a money pit and he will have to go investigate himself.
When he arrives he discovers that a woman is running the estate. Fiona is up to her neck in trouble. The Duke of Lattimer has arrived and she has to placate him and get him to leave Scotland and go back to being a Soldier. Incidents like 300 missing sheep, flooded fields, problems at the mill all add up to just keeping the estate from failing all together. Fiona and her clansman have no use for a Sassenach until they realize that Gabriel is not leaving until he investigates all the incidents that are happening at his Scottish Castle.
Gabriel is instantly attracted to Fiona and she tries to resist him. The sexual tension is fierce and they are both having trouble keeping their hands to themselves. There is also an ancient curse that is complicating Gabriel's efforts.
Just like all of Suzanne's books I could not put it down. Her writing is entertaining and historically accurate.
There are moments of laughter and also intense emotions and plenty of witty dialouge between the sexes.
I have every book she has ever written and would recommend any and all of her books to readers who have not read Suzanne. This was a wonderful read!!!
When he arrives he discovers that a woman is running the estate. Fiona is up to her neck in trouble. The Duke of Lattimer has arrived and she has to placate him and get him to leave Scotland and go back to being a Soldier. Incidents like 300 missing sheep, flooded fields, problems at the mill all add up to just keeping the estate from failing all together. Fiona and her clansman have no use for a Sassenach until they realize that Gabriel is not leaving until he investigates all the incidents that are happening at his Scottish Castle.
Gabriel is instantly attracted to Fiona and she tries to resist him. The sexual tension is fierce and they are both having trouble keeping their hands to themselves. There is also an ancient curse that is complicating Gabriel's efforts.
Just like all of Suzanne's books I could not put it down. Her writing is entertaining and historically accurate.
There are moments of laughter and also intense emotions and plenty of witty dialouge between the sexes.
I have every book she has ever written and would recommend any and all of her books to readers who have not read Suzanne. This was a wonderful read!!!
November 15, 2016
Reviewed for: Where the NightKind Roam
Im not sure how I feel about this book. It was ok edging towards good towards the end but I never feel in love with either of the characters.
Im still left wondering what exactly happened to the brother?? I wanted to know more here, get a solid conclusion. In sure Fiona would want to know as well as it was left for her she still doesn't know what happened to her brother.
I wanted more back story on the hero. Why did he go into the military? More on his childhood. How could he be related to a duke and not know it.. Thats the kind of thing that families pay attention to esp back then.
What is camp de aide going to do. It sounded like he was going to stay on, maybe, but as what? These are the things I wanted to know but there is no conclusion. Subplot lines just left open.
She was pretty shrewish in the beginning. At first I was like nice a sassy heroine with a backbone and then she was just a shrew arguing to argue. It wasn't until maybe 60% or so that she started calming down and her real personality came out. still with a sharp tongue and a back bone but if she was standing up for something it meant something.
I did start to like the story more towards the end but the beginning and early middle of the book were just ok and I was having a hard time really getting into the characters and story.
*Review copy was provided through NetGalley for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.
Im not sure how I feel about this book. It was ok edging towards good towards the end but I never feel in love with either of the characters.
Im still left wondering what exactly happened to the brother?? I wanted to know more here, get a solid conclusion. In sure Fiona would want to know as well as it was left for her she still doesn't know what happened to her brother.
I wanted more back story on the hero. Why did he go into the military? More on his childhood. How could he be related to a duke and not know it.. Thats the kind of thing that families pay attention to esp back then.
What is camp de aide going to do. It sounded like he was going to stay on, maybe, but as what? These are the things I wanted to know but there is no conclusion. Subplot lines just left open.
She was pretty shrewish in the beginning. At first I was like nice a sassy heroine with a backbone and then she was just a shrew arguing to argue. It wasn't until maybe 60% or so that she started calming down and her real personality came out. still with a sharp tongue and a back bone but if she was standing up for something it meant something.
I did start to like the story more towards the end but the beginning and early middle of the book were just ok and I was having a hard time really getting into the characters and story.
*Review copy was provided through NetGalley for an honest review. No other compensation was provided.
October 5, 2016
... don't underestimate the hero
1821. Major Gabriel Forrester, soldier and hero of battles against Napoleon, suddenly finds himself banished to England by a sympathetic Wellington. Why? Because he's apparently the next in line to a title that encompasses many responsibilities as Gabriel, the new Duke of Lattimer is finding out. That dukedom has Gabriel taking point and forging into the Scottish Highlands to seek answers to issues. When Gabriel's highlander steward deigns not to answer his solicitors' questions, it's time for the 'major' to take charge.
Amongst his first acquaintances is Fiona Blackstock, an intriguing puzzle, and if that's not enough, the curse and history of his Scottish lands is reaching out from the past into the present. Part of the Maxwell clan became tenants and holders on the Lattimer property back in the past, and highlanders don't forget the wrongs around properties that the English crown parcelled out in previous times.
Fiona does all she can to have the Duke quit and return to his English concerns, but she's reckoned without Gabriel's determination, skills and ability to get alongside people. Gabriel is no softly bred lord. Neither did she foresee the attraction that burgeons between them.
A dilemma for more than one concerned party. Can the hero of battles on the continent win the battles his highland property will disclose?
A fascinating clash of wills add spice to this story.
A NetGalley ARC
1821. Major Gabriel Forrester, soldier and hero of battles against Napoleon, suddenly finds himself banished to England by a sympathetic Wellington. Why? Because he's apparently the next in line to a title that encompasses many responsibilities as Gabriel, the new Duke of Lattimer is finding out. That dukedom has Gabriel taking point and forging into the Scottish Highlands to seek answers to issues. When Gabriel's highlander steward deigns not to answer his solicitors' questions, it's time for the 'major' to take charge.
Amongst his first acquaintances is Fiona Blackstock, an intriguing puzzle, and if that's not enough, the curse and history of his Scottish lands is reaching out from the past into the present. Part of the Maxwell clan became tenants and holders on the Lattimer property back in the past, and highlanders don't forget the wrongs around properties that the English crown parcelled out in previous times.
Fiona does all she can to have the Duke quit and return to his English concerns, but she's reckoned without Gabriel's determination, skills and ability to get alongside people. Gabriel is no softly bred lord. Neither did she foresee the attraction that burgeons between them.
A dilemma for more than one concerned party. Can the hero of battles on the continent win the battles his highland property will disclose?
A fascinating clash of wills add spice to this story.
A NetGalley ARC
November 18, 2016
****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review****
Every now and again I try a Highland Romance again - because so many people love them and I think I'm just reading the wrong ones. Kerrigan Byrne's the Highlander encouraged me, so I picked this one up from Netgalley as I've heard good things about Enoch.
But sadly I didn't love this - it was ok and I finished it, but I found the way that the heroine's Scottish accent was written in dialect annoying and jarring (and not quite right) and I didn't really buy into the romance as anything more than physical. There was also a lot of action/conflict packed in towards the back end of the book that either fizzled out or wasn't resolved properly. It also wasn't very clear about the passing of time - some times it seemed to have jumped forward, some times it seemed to be only the next day. Not very satisfying over all - which is a shame.
Every now and again I try a Highland Romance again - because so many people love them and I think I'm just reading the wrong ones. Kerrigan Byrne's the Highlander encouraged me, so I picked this one up from Netgalley as I've heard good things about Enoch.
But sadly I didn't love this - it was ok and I finished it, but I found the way that the heroine's Scottish accent was written in dialect annoying and jarring (and not quite right) and I didn't really buy into the romance as anything more than physical. There was also a lot of action/conflict packed in towards the back end of the book that either fizzled out or wasn't resolved properly. It also wasn't very clear about the passing of time - some times it seemed to have jumped forward, some times it seemed to be only the next day. Not very satisfying over all - which is a shame.
October 17, 2016
I struggled to get through this book. Usually I love this authors books, but this one was difficult. I kept setting it aside. The problem for me was the heroine. She was cantankerous, grouchy and altogether not very nice to the hero. The hero, Gabriel, was at first in lust with Fiona; that I could understand. Then he was in love with her and I couldn’t figure out why. She was totally not likable, she lied to him on many occasions and made him feel unwelcome. That is not the recipe for romance. The side characters were often humorous and well fleshed out. The story was a good one. I do think those who like Scottish romances will like this book. Also those who can set aside some dislike of the heroine.
I received this book free for review from the publisher.
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I received this book free for review from the publisher.
http://ladeetdareads.wordpress.com
November 13, 2016
I really liked Hero in the Highlands and I had a hard time pausing once I started reading. I really enjoyed Gabriel's character, he's a war hero with a fearsome reputation who inherit a dukedom. I found him honorable, powerful, a bit roughish and charming, pretty much how I like my dukes. Fiona herself was not a bad leading lady, but it took awhile for me to warm to her, but once I did, I truly became invested in her. The romance was good, the chemistry between Fiona and Gabriel steamy yet sweet, the plot fairly straightforward but enough to make me keep turning the pages to see how it all got resolved.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
May 2, 2018
I am a fan of Suzanne Enoch and her novels. However, I was torn about how to rate this particular story. I really loved some parts and had a hard time wrapping my hands around others. The romance was perfect for the main characters and the end left me wanting to have more. The story had its fiery moments and some whit in it too. Thought there could have been more to the end...I was wanting a bit more.
Flora McDonald as the narrator was good and at times liked her Scottish brogue. The male voices could have been a bit better but they were not all that bad.
3-Stars
Flora McDonald as the narrator was good and at times liked her Scottish brogue. The male voices could have been a bit better but they were not all that bad.
3-Stars
October 10, 2016
As an avid Scottish historical romance reader, Suzanne Enoch is an author whose name always catches my attention. Though I haven’t had the privilege of reading very many of her books, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ones I have read. It was with those high expectations I decided to read/review book 1, Hero in the Highlands, of her No Ordinary Hero series.
Though I mostly enjoyed this new release, I’m afraid there were enough issues I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t mention them in this review. First of all, I was pretty far into it, folks, and still looking for a hero. Sure, we were told Gabriel was a former highly successful, fierce, battle savy English soldier, whose only fear was failure on the battlefield, but with so much time being spent at the beginning with Gabriel lamenting his loss of soldier status vs. his newly not particularly wanted duke position, he started to come across as quite the hand-wringer. I found myself skimming over parts of it, because, frankly, I got tired of it. With Fiona and everyone in her clan more than willing to give him marching orders to do an about face and retreat the same way he came, I found myself wondering if/when these two would ever become a romantic couple.
Throw on top of that, Gabriel’s increasing out of the blue comments/attempts at flirting with Fiona, it started to feel like border line sexual harassment, especially the way he kept manhandling her and stealing kisses. By 40%, the plot was mainly just everyone bickering about each other behind their backs and being discontent with the current situation. It started to get a little frustrating, people, mainly because I wasn’t seeing progress towards a romantic plot.
Gabriel wanting to get smexy with Fiona then simultaneously talking about firing her as his estate steward as soon as it was convenient for him didn’t sit well with me, either. That’s hardly what this avid true romantic at heart considers hero material. He’s supposed to have her back at all times, not have a hand placed there ready to shove her out the door. Then when finally around 60% they are intimate, he seems to have no qualms about grabbing his clothes and bolting for the door himself, only to become cave man jealous when other men came on to her.
Speaking of Fiona, this non-virgin heroine is certainly no shrinking violet, nor is she completely stupid. Though the hunky castle game keeper obviously considers her fair game, judging by the way he grabbed and kissed her shortly after she met Gabriel, we thankfully aren’t given graphic details regarding their past occasional bed partners only relationship. It doesn’t take long for Fiona’s attention and interest to be solely centered on Gabriel, even though she hopes he’ll be leaving soon, so she won’t have to quit her self-appointed 24/7 job as her slacker, missing brother’s replacement at the castle.
With a growing list of cameo sub-characters appearances and their opinions popping up all over, I started to feel this storyline was getting too crowded. Please keep in mind I’ve got some jealousy issues of my own. I’m all about the main couple’s romance and constantly being interrupted is usually a turn-off for me.
With some relatively predictable drama, the story wraps up rather conveniently without even a final face to face showdown with the actual mastermind of the conflict that was staged in an effort to try and convince Gabriel to leave. Instead, the duped to do the bad guy’s dirty work took the brunt of the blame.
What did I like about this particular book? Well, I’m a big fan of sassy, tells it like it is, strong heroines. For the most part, Fiona didn’t disappoint. I also found myself chuckling aloud at the circumstances the main couple first met. Her witty, snarky comebacks in response to Gabriel thinking he was saving her were hilarious. There is a lot of Scottish brogue, too, which to me always gives this genre an authentic feel. Meaning, it didn’t come across as too prim and proper. I did like the fact Gabriel decided to choose the right path and truly wanted to help people/make a difference. After his indecisiveness was finally settled, you had the feeling his talk of firing Fiona was likely not going to happen.
If you enjoy an English vs Scottish, enemies to lovers romance featuring a strong, feisty heroine who seems smart enough to know when to push the limits and when to back off, you might want to consider this book. Though Gabriel’s actions I mentioned earlier had me raising my eyebrow a time or two, I did find him overall to be a good guy who just needed to work through his indecisiveness. Here’s to hoping my review was helpful in some way to help you decide if this one’s for you, my fellow romance book loving friends.
Title: Hero in the Highlands, Series: No Ordinary Hero (Book 1), Author: Suzanne Enoch, Pages: 384, Pub. Date: 10/4/16, stand-alone but first book of a series, some VERY graphic lusty/steamy scenes, references to past battle violence, enemies to lovers romance, English vs Scottish theme.
(This review is based on free ARC provided via NetGalley exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was given/made to the reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
Though I mostly enjoyed this new release, I’m afraid there were enough issues I feel I would be remiss if I didn’t mention them in this review. First of all, I was pretty far into it, folks, and still looking for a hero. Sure, we were told Gabriel was a former highly successful, fierce, battle savy English soldier, whose only fear was failure on the battlefield, but with so much time being spent at the beginning with Gabriel lamenting his loss of soldier status vs. his newly not particularly wanted duke position, he started to come across as quite the hand-wringer. I found myself skimming over parts of it, because, frankly, I got tired of it. With Fiona and everyone in her clan more than willing to give him marching orders to do an about face and retreat the same way he came, I found myself wondering if/when these two would ever become a romantic couple.
Throw on top of that, Gabriel’s increasing out of the blue comments/attempts at flirting with Fiona, it started to feel like border line sexual harassment, especially the way he kept manhandling her and stealing kisses. By 40%, the plot was mainly just everyone bickering about each other behind their backs and being discontent with the current situation. It started to get a little frustrating, people, mainly because I wasn’t seeing progress towards a romantic plot.
Gabriel wanting to get smexy with Fiona then simultaneously talking about firing her as his estate steward as soon as it was convenient for him didn’t sit well with me, either. That’s hardly what this avid true romantic at heart considers hero material. He’s supposed to have her back at all times, not have a hand placed there ready to shove her out the door. Then when finally around 60% they are intimate, he seems to have no qualms about grabbing his clothes and bolting for the door himself, only to become cave man jealous when other men came on to her.
Speaking of Fiona, this non-virgin heroine is certainly no shrinking violet, nor is she completely stupid. Though the hunky castle game keeper obviously considers her fair game, judging by the way he grabbed and kissed her shortly after she met Gabriel, we thankfully aren’t given graphic details regarding their past occasional bed partners only relationship. It doesn’t take long for Fiona’s attention and interest to be solely centered on Gabriel, even though she hopes he’ll be leaving soon, so she won’t have to quit her self-appointed 24/7 job as her slacker, missing brother’s replacement at the castle.
With a growing list of cameo sub-characters appearances and their opinions popping up all over, I started to feel this storyline was getting too crowded. Please keep in mind I’ve got some jealousy issues of my own. I’m all about the main couple’s romance and constantly being interrupted is usually a turn-off for me.
With some relatively predictable drama, the story wraps up rather conveniently without even a final face to face showdown with the actual mastermind of the conflict that was staged in an effort to try and convince Gabriel to leave. Instead, the duped to do the bad guy’s dirty work took the brunt of the blame.
What did I like about this particular book? Well, I’m a big fan of sassy, tells it like it is, strong heroines. For the most part, Fiona didn’t disappoint. I also found myself chuckling aloud at the circumstances the main couple first met. Her witty, snarky comebacks in response to Gabriel thinking he was saving her were hilarious. There is a lot of Scottish brogue, too, which to me always gives this genre an authentic feel. Meaning, it didn’t come across as too prim and proper. I did like the fact Gabriel decided to choose the right path and truly wanted to help people/make a difference. After his indecisiveness was finally settled, you had the feeling his talk of firing Fiona was likely not going to happen.
If you enjoy an English vs Scottish, enemies to lovers romance featuring a strong, feisty heroine who seems smart enough to know when to push the limits and when to back off, you might want to consider this book. Though Gabriel’s actions I mentioned earlier had me raising my eyebrow a time or two, I did find him overall to be a good guy who just needed to work through his indecisiveness. Here’s to hoping my review was helpful in some way to help you decide if this one’s for you, my fellow romance book loving friends.
Title: Hero in the Highlands, Series: No Ordinary Hero (Book 1), Author: Suzanne Enoch, Pages: 384, Pub. Date: 10/4/16, stand-alone but first book of a series, some VERY graphic lusty/steamy scenes, references to past battle violence, enemies to lovers romance, English vs Scottish theme.
(This review is based on free ARC provided via NetGalley exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion. No compensation was given/made to the reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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