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Set in 14th-century southern Scotland, this langorous series opener features a plucky heroine and an obstinate but caring leading man. Lady Jenny Easdale sneaks away with a group of traveling minstrels to have a final adventure before her wedding. When her betrothed's brother, Sir Hugh Douglas, catches up to her, they discover a plot involving stolen jewelry as well as a passion for each other that cannot be ignored. Hugh's efforts to control the headstrong Jenny are amusing, though at times her naïveté is more annoying than charming. Scott (Border Moonlight) creates a lovely, complex cast of secondary characters and has a deft touch with thorny period language, but when the jewelry theft conspiracy is resolved as quickly as Jenny's robe is removed, it's hard to justify the long buildup. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.When Jenny Easdale, a young orphaned noblewoman, escapes from her own betrothal party to enjoy one last taste of freedom before she is forced to marry her guardian's feckless, spoiled younger brother, she and her maid join a troupe of traveling minstrels as they leave town. But Jenny is in for a wee bit more adventure than she'd planned when she inadvertently learns of a plot to assassinate a powerful laird. She and Sir Hugh Douglas, her intended's widowed elder brother, who has been sent to find her, make plans to warn the man, never thinking that they will find a totally unexpected love along the way. VERDICT Noted for her exceptionally well-written and well-researched Scottish historicals, Scott breathes vivid, colorful life into 14th-century Scotland with strong, well-motivated characters, a passionate love story, and enough political intrigue to keep the action lively in the first in a projected series. Scott (Border Moonlight) lives in Folsom, CA.
Ah but I'm English; how could I enjoy a book where the English are the enemy? But I'd have to say, I did enjoy Amanda Scott's book, set in the 14th century Scottish Borders. I may not have been entirely convinced by Jenny Easdale's curious escapade, but I was certainly entranced.
Rushing from an unwelcome betrothal, determined to enjoy her last moments of freedom, Jenny joins the minstrels and is welcomed by a host of fascinating characters. Meanwhile Sir Hugh is sent to bring her home, and ends up disguising himself as a minstrel too. When the two sing together, love blooms. But is Jenny right to fear a plot against her country, or is Sir Hugh right to insist that she go home?
The people, places and attitudes feel well-researched and very real, lending strength to the story. And Jenny is a great character-wise, well-taught, and duty-bound to the workers of Easdale as well as to the rules of the rich. She makes a fitting foil for Sir Hugh, and their stormy relationship unfolds with entertaining twists and turns as the mystery is solved.
I loved the insights into Borders life, and the notes at the back of the book-I even learned where the British "pound sterling" comes from! And I loved the adventure of the tale, like a grown-up version (with bedroom scenes of course) of the stories I read as a child. I shall definitely look out for more in this series.
Erin-MacMeegan
Posted October 4, 2009
Excellent tale with very interesting characters.
This was an imaginitive story and I really liked the historical background presented.
I loved the book and will put it with my keepers to read again and again.
Synopsis:
Young, wealthy, and orphaned and living in the 1300s, Jenny Easdale is in the unenviable position of being engaged to her guardian's brother-in-law, Reid. While Reid is good looking, he's immature and spoiled. Reid hasn't had experience managing an estate but expects to run Easdale once they're married.
During her betrothal celebration, Jenny yearns for adventure and with little planning, decides to sneak out with her personal servant when Peg visits her cousin among the entertainers. Jenny passes as her maidservant's cousin and takes on the role of a singer to be able to join the troupe. During their travels, Jenny overhears a strange conversation that may prove treasonous.
Meanwhile, when her guardian realizes that Jenny's missing, it's Reid's elder brother, Hugh Douglas, that offers to bring Jenny back. When Hugh finds her, he decides to listen to her pleas and agrees to protect her cover and become part of the traveling troupe himself while searching for the mysterious conspirators. As Jenny and Hugh work together, they gradually become friends. As Hugh realizes that Reid would be a bad match for Jenny - Reid would try to control her without understanding or valuing her strengths. So, what should they do when circumstances offer Hugh and Jenny the chance to be together?
Review:
Amanda Scott has delivered a fun and exciting romance set in medieval Scotland. Jenny Easdale is spirited, generous, and beautiful. Hugh Douglas is a wonderful romantic lead. Together, they make Tamed by a Laird an enjoyable escape - either for the beach or during a rainy day.
BookwormBW
Posted August 22, 2009
I Also Recommend:
Tamed by A Laird was a smart entertaining read. I enjoyed both the female and male lead characters as well as the historical tidbits that were included. Amanda Scott always delivers an intelligent and thoroughly enjoyable read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.In 1374 in Annandale, Scotland, her guardian Lord Dunwythie informs the Baroness of Easdale seventeen year old Janet, called Jennifer, that he will select a husband for her. Outraged as she believes he shouts nonsense that she no rights, except what he grants her, Jennifer decides a stranger would be a better choice; preferably one that does not stay. His selection Reid Douglas is not who the teen wants.
At her betrothal gala, after a drunken Reid pawed her, Jennifer enjoys a show of traveling minstrels and opts for a final fling before she is forced to say I do. Since her maid Peg's brother Bryan is a part of that performing troupe, Jennifer joins them. She surprises everyone with her singing skills and is joined on stage by Sir Hugh Douglas, her betrothed's older brother, who has hidden his identity while roaming with the minstrels. As they fall in love, they must trust each other with the truth while also preventing an odious scheme that will harm Scotland.
Once again, Amanda Scott provides her fans with a super Scottish medieval romance starring two terrific lead characters and a strong support cast who either bring out the essence of the era or the main players. The story line is fast-paced from the moment Dunwythie dispatches Sir Hugh to bring home the runaway Janet; only to fall in love while Reid was sleeping it off.
Harriet Klausner
ReviewYourBook.com
Posted May 1, 2009
Tamed by a Laird is a must-read. dg, and she did not disappoint me with Tamed by a Laird. Hugo and Jenny are a perfect match.The book is full of fun and witty dialogue with lots of interesting side characters. Ms Scott knows how to make her characters believable. Her descriptions drew me into the story and kept me turning the pages. I can always tell how much I am enjoying a book when I catch myself holding my breath or chuckling as I read. I did plenty of both as I read this book. I recommend this book for fans of romance who appreciate a little light-hearted drama mixed with just the right amount of chemistry.
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