Series: The Clan Sinclair Legacy, #3
Traits & Tropes: age gap (older hero); external conflict/suspense
Publication Date: 08.02.22
Genre/Setting: Historical; Medieval; Dunbeath, Scotland
Heat Level: 7.5
Rating: 5 stars!
It’s been three years since Magnus Mackenzie visited Dunbeath Castle to visit the Sinclairs, with whom he fostered, and his older half-sister, Siusan, who is their lady. He’s just narrowly managed to avoid a marriage that would have made him miserable and needs some time away from his role within his own clan to get over that trauma. He’s certainly not expecting his reaction when the beautiful woman he encounters outside the gates turns out to be Lady Saoirse Sinclair all grown up.
Saoirse had a fondness for Magnus when she was younger, enjoying his kindness and jovial nature. But the man who has just arrived for a visit stirs totally new feelings in her now that she’s older. Her family remain skeptical because of the age difference between them, causing them to be less than supportive of the couple’s growing feelings for one another. But when Magnus’ life is threatened by an illness Saoirse can’t identify, she calls on all her skills as a healer to save the man she loves and ensure they have a chance at the future they’ve planned.
I loved this book so much! It is rare for me lately, mostly since I’m always behind on arcs, to not want to put a book down simply because I’m enjoying the story, but that was very much the case here. I needed to know what happened next and didn’t want to stop reading. Magnus and Saoirse were perfect together and I loved that the conflict of the story was not between them but derived from other characters and circumstances. These two fought so hard to be together and it was impossible not to root for them. I found Saoirse’s introvert tendencies to be extremely relatable, as well as her inner backbone. She handled situations much the way I tend to, and I think that also helped draw me into the story and made me even more invested. Saoirse is what an independent heroine should be. She could clearly hold her own and take care of herself when necessary, but she also had no problems leaning on her husband when she needed him. She didn’t hesitate to stand up for herself and her relationship when her parents doubted their true feelings because of the age gap between them, and she was defensive of her man as well. Magnus’ backstory was so emotional and so well-handled, and I think so needed because this sort of thing just doesn’t get much attention (I won’t say more for fear of spoilers). These two seemed to have a true partnership, even if their relationship was forged relatively quickly, and I loved seeing them working together as a real team and presenting a united front to overcome all the challenges they faced. This is the sort of romance I most enjoy reading. It had plenty of steam, some suspense to keep my attention, main characters I loved, a supporting cast/family that was equally endearing, and an ending that gave me the warm fuzzies of satisfaction. In short, all the elements that are typically catnip for me. I can’t wait for the next story in this series now.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5014996057
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1454129126
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