#historicalromance #romance #scotland
Book Blurb
A warrior haunted by his cursed past. A healer princess forbidden to love by her goddess. A political marriage that could shatter everything they cherish…
Pledged to protect dark secrets that could destroy his family’s honor, Ross MacIntosh cannot afford to lose his heart. Sent by his king into Pictland, he knows his duty. To report back on any signs of treachery. He might not trust his king but as a warrior his fealty is absolute, and his path is clear. But when he’s attacked and left for dead, he awakes to discover his healer is the intriguing Pictish princess, Orabel, and his carefully planned future unravels.
After enduring an arranged marriage to a brutal Northumbrian warlord, Orabel wants nothing more to do with politics. Now, she will follow her true destiny and pledge her life to her beloved goddess. But when fate thrusts Scots warrior Ross MacIntosh into her life, her conviction falters. How can she feel anything but contempt for a man whose king is responsible for the death of her royal father?
Compelled to wed to prevent bloodshed blighting their land, trust is a fragile illusion. But with a vengeful goddess demanding restitution, Ross will need more than Orabel’s healing skills to mend the rift that threatens to tear her from his arms forever.
My Review – 5 stars
Forbidden romance, secrets, political intrigue and magic!
Her Outcast Scot is Christina Phillips’ latest instalment in the Highland Warrior Chronicles, featuring Ross McIntosh, a warrior Scot and Orabel, a Pictish princess and healer. The read is a captivating one, expertly weaving together a tale of forbidden romance, secrets, politics, and the magic of the old religion.
I was intrigued by both romantic leads, both of whom have their own inner demons to contend with. I particularly applauded Orabel’s compassion and inner strength and Ross’ sense of honour and duty. Although neither have any desire to marry, circumstances and politics conspire to bind them together. The arranged marriage trope, especially between individuals from warring factions, is one of my favourite and this book executes it so well. I enjoyed how despite viewing each other as enemies Ross and Orabel were attracted to each other from the off, an attraction which soon develops into many a passionate scene….
Ross has secrets he wishes to protect, secrets which have clearly scarred him deeply. I enjoyed how these secrets and their impact on his relationship with Orabel and others close to him were revealed as the plot progresses.
As for Orabel, having escaped an arranged marriage, she has no desire to tie herself to another man. Instead, she wishes to devote herself to her goddess and to help others through her healing. I loved how she embraces her healing craft and how her skills are augmented by the powers bestowed on her by her goddess Bride. The scenes where Orabel carries out her healing and others where she communes with her goddess are particularly memorable.
As the wife of a Scot, whose people have rejected the old religion, will Orabel be permitted to practise her skills of healing bestowed upon her by Bride? When secrets are revealed and trust is shattered, what future does their relationship have? Not only that but what exactly is the message Bride is impressing upon Orabel? Will she succeed in understanding this and thwarting the teachery that threatens peace and security of those she loves before it is too late?
Although the book can be read as a standalone, to fully immerse yourself in the world and the characters I recommend reading the earlier books in the series, starting with Her Savage Scot (click on the title for my review}.
Recommended for lovers of passionate and compelling historical romance!
Reviewed by Tina Williams
Please note, a copy of this book was given to me by the author and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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