THE SCOTTISH COMPANION

Author: Karen Ranney ISBN: 0061252379 10/2007 HISTORICAL Publisher: AVON
Time Period: Victorian Scotland, 1850's

Haunted by the mysterious deaths of his two brothers, Grant Roberson, 10th Earl of Straithern, fears for his life. Determined to produce an heir before it's too late, Grant has promised to wed a woman he has never met. But instead of being enticed by his bride-to-be, Grant can't fight his attraction to the understated beauty and wit of her paid companion. Gillian Cameron long ago learned the danger of falling in love. Now, as the companion to a spoiled bluestocking, she has learned to keep a firm hold on her emotions. But, from the moment she meets him, she is powerless to resist the alluring and handsome earl. Fighting their attraction, Gillian and Grant must band together to stop an unknown enemy from striking. Will the threat of danger be enough to make them realize their true feelings?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Though I know she does not like to file things away with ratings, groupings, categories, and the like, Karen Ranney will just have to deal with the fact that she is in a class by herself.

Karen's many novels encompass so many of the things I look for in a well-told romance. They are passionate, articulate, intriguing, and boast of plots that no one can duplicate, due to the fact that her style is so original. She adds elements of invention, early medicinal and herbal practices, and dialogue that I suspect mimics conversations in the past better than most historical romance. There is an aloofness about her work that serves to draw you in, while the characters and difference from run-of-the-mill stories keep you there. THE SCOTTISH COMPANION is a perfect example of all of these things.

So, despite the dreaded rating system I know Karen Ranney would prefer not to have to participate in, THE SCOTTISH COMPANION is a Top Pick because it flows effortlessly, tugs at the heartstrings, and is in a word... classy.

Shannon Johnson