Series: Highland Spies #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Published by: Sourcebooks Casablanca on September 2, 2014
Format: eARC
Pages: 320
Source: NetGalley
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This Highland Laird won't bow to the Crown
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do—he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.
But this lady spy might make him...
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.
If she doesn't betray him first
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
My first Victoria Roberts’ historical romance novel, but it definitely won’t be my last…Ruairi and Ravenna had me hooked from the first page to the last!
MY HIGHLAND SPY is a story filled with intrigue, adventure, a sweet romance and my favorite…highlanders! Ravenna Walsingham is not your average English lady, she works with her uncle as an accomplished spy for the Crown and her latest assignment has brought her to the home of Laird Ruairi Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, a suspected threat to the Crown. Posing as a governess to Laird Sutherland’s son Torquil, Ravenna plans to uncover any conspiracy but soon realizes the only danger lurking is the possibility losing herself to the handsome and charming Highland laird and compromising her assignment.
Everyone that reads my reviews knows my favorite kind of heroine is a strong, independent one with a smart mouth and Ravenna fits this description perfectly. This type of leading lady isn’t so prevalent in historical romance so I knew Ms. Robert’s story would be a real page turner. Ravenna is a smart, kind and determined woman who is extremely protective of her family and loyal to those she cares for, despite being a spy for the King. She has some preconceived prejudices against highlanders so it was great to see her guarded interactions with everyone when she arrives at Ruairi’s home. I really enjoyed her character and love how organically she fit into Ruairi’s world, as if she were always meant to be there. Ravenna held her ground with the smexy alpha and it was a great surprise to see a real heroine in this book, not a damsel in distress, which is common in this genre.
If there’s an alpha hero I can’t resist it’s a highlander and Laird Ruairi Sutherland is as swoon worthy as they come! Territorial alpha males are welcomed but not mandatory in my books and Ruairi is a real fresh breath of air in this story. Like Ravenna, he’s devoted to protecting his family (son) and clan, Ruairi is a great leader who doesn’t mind sacrificing himself for the greater good. His determination to keep his son by his side after his wife’s untimely death and not send him off to the English, tugged at my heart strings. He isn’t the usual brooding male, he has a great sense of humor and his flirty banter with Ravenna are some of the most enjoyable moments in MY HIGHLAND SPY. The romance between Ruairi and Ravenna develops over time, even with their intense chemistry which made it all worthwhile..there was no drama between them. I was relieved to learn that Ravenna is an experienced woman and not a virgin which means these two could heat up the pages without a proposal or marriage, it was great to see two grown adults give into their passion with no expectations. These two are perfectly matched despite their cultural differences and bring out the best in each other. I couldn’t get enough of them!
Another character I must mention in this review is Ruairi’s best friend and right hand man, Fagan. He stole the show from Ruairi a few times with his wit and charm. His friendship with Ruairi is really sweet and I hope that Ms. Robert’s considers him as a possible love match for Ravenna’s younger sister Grace. The small glimpse of the interaction between them left me wanting their story!
MY HIGHLAND SPY was a fantastic introduction to Victoria Robert’s captivating romance and larger than life characters. There’s enough adventure and tension to keep you intrigued, with a steady pace that doesn’t feel too rushed and allows you to really connect with the characters. New and old readers of historical romance are sure to find this a delightful reading experience. I mean, who doesn’t love a sexy Highlander who speaks Gaelic and wears a kilt, right? 😉
Books in the Series:
I really like the cover and can’t wait to read this book. Thanks for the review 🙂
It’s been awhile since I read a historical romance, and even longer for a Scottish one-but I used to read them all the time, and I have to admit to being intrigued by this one! Sounds really good and I may have to try it! Thanks for the great review!
I added this to my TBR when you were reading it, of course I checked to see if it was going to published audio, but no luck. The good things is that I checked for Author aduibooks, and I noticed that she also wrote, Temptation in a Kilt, which I bought a while back, but I haven’t gotten a chance to listen, but you can be sure I’ll move it up the list. In the meanwhile I’ll wait for this to be audio, and I hope is soon 🙂
Great review Lori!!
This would be a great listen Loupe! Hope it’s available for you soon 🙂
That cover actually almost made me growl in pleasure, Lori! I love yummy alpha highlanders! And if there’s mystery and romance, too, I’m totally sold! And it sounds even better because the heroine is strong, too. I need to get my hands on My Highland Spy. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yeah, I can’t enough of that cover! I hope you enjoy it Lexxie 🙂
Lori, this sounds yummy and it’s been ages since I swooned over a highlander. I think I need to add this to my birthday wish list..fall sounds like the perfect time to lose myself in this little romance!
I think you won’t be disappointed, Ruairi and his friends are definitely yummy! 😉
that cover is drool worthy! Great review Lori…love that she’s the spy 😀
I think you’d enjoy this one Sharonda, they’re a fun couple! 🙂