I received this book for free from St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hero in the Highlands by Suzanne EnochAlso in this series: My One True Highlander, A Devil in Scotland
Series: No Ordinary Hero, #1
Published by St. Martin's Paperbacks on October 4th 2016
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era, Scottish Highlands
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
ISBN: 1250095417
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?
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.
That is too bad that the heroine was to angsty and all that. I hate it when I can’t connect with a character.
I have only read one by her, but I did like that one
She does a good job most of the time, I especially love her older books. But lately she can be a hit or miss for me.
Bummer. Hopefully her next release will be more consistent with what we’ve come to expect from her work.
When there’s too much angst, it stops getting cute and just gets frustrating! Then it almost feels too weird when the characters fall in love…..
I have had issues with Enoch’s recent releases as well. I’m sorry this one didn’t work out for you.
Oh yay for someone that agrees with me. I did like her scottish series she finished last year, but her regency series before that I couldn’t get through. But her older books were so fabulous and easy to fall in love with. Hope her writing becomes more dependable soon.
I know what you mean! I’m little more than half way through and Fiona isn’t really doing it for me. I enjoyed Enoch’s last Scottish series, but there’s some of her other ones that I can’t seem to get through. Sigh. Hopefully the rest of this series will be awesome and we’ll both love it!
oh yay!!! I feel the same way about her books. Her latest regency series I just couldn’t get into at all!! But I loved her scottish series she did recently. I do wish she was more consistent though in her books. I am hoping future books in this series are better.