While enjoying the tricks that Elfking, his sister Aimil's
horse, could do, Leith Mengue feels a sense of urgency to
get home. Despite the brave front the lovely Aimil put on
her face about her upcoming marriage to Rory Fergueson,
Leith knows of the man's foul reputation and could not
figure why his father was so adamant for that fate.
Before they could reach home, a raiding party led by Artair
MacGuin bursts into the quiet glade. Fighting as best they
could, they were woefully outnumbered by the strong men and
are soon taken hostage. As they approach the strong keep
of the MacGuin fortress, Aimil is frightened at the
thought of being held captive, but glad that she had on
boy's clothes and could pass as Leith's brother.
Tossed in the dungeons and then neglected by Artair as he
besots himself with whiskey and women, Leith grew deadly
ill from his injuries. Aimil is furious at their
unhonourable treatment, but no one dares do anything till
the Black Parlan, the Laird of the MacGuins returns.
Despite her innocence, Aimil knows what fate awaits female
captives in the Highlands and when the opportunity presents
itself, she makes a dangerous escape by scaling down the
side of the keep and whistling for Elfking so she could
land on his back. Despite her valiant efforts and near
success at escaping, Aimil realizes that Elfking was
stumbling due to a stone in his hoof. Dismounting, she
awaits her fate rather than cripple her beloved horse. But
now that the Black Parlan, having realized the lad was a
lass as the wind had whipped out her long hair and saw the
power of the white stallion, he is determined to have them
both.
Raised to believe that the Black Parlan ate babies for
breakfast, Aimil is fearful of him but has already
determined that he seemed far more caring than his
reputation. Besides, how could her fate be any worse
being married to Rory? So, when he offers her a wager
between her horse or her virtue, what other choice could
she make?
Hannah Howell is golden at spinning Highland tales and with
her strong writer's instincts of timing and suspense has
crafted a marvelous Highland tale set in 1500 that is sure
to delight and keep you captive turning the pages. The
plot lines and character development are very strong and
some interesting games unfold, especially between the two
Lairds with Aimil's father hidden motives getting a
surprising result. The interplay between Aimil and Parlan
is also a delight as they play off each other like a well-
matched fencing match with sparkling wit and repartee.
This is one Highland adventure you don't want to miss!
New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell
breathes life into the enchanting beauty of the Scottish
Highlands in this epic romance between a strong-willed
captor and the striking young woman he both confines and
protects...
The windswept Scottish Highlands hold
great beauty, but also great danger. So when Aimil Mengue is
abducted by a feuding clan, she is right to fear for her
life-and her virtue. For Aimil's keeper is the infamous
warrior Parlan MacGuin. Aimil sets out to hate him, but
Parlan is more honorable-and infinitely more alluring-than
expected. Though betrothed to another, Aimil cannot deny her
startling desire for the man who holds her
captive...
Parlan MacGuin knows well his reputation as
a fierce warrior; he uses it to claim land and lovers. But
beautiful Aimil is a different type of conquest. Now Parlan
feels an unfamiliar longing for the woman he keeps at ransom
as their forbidden passion threatens to spark an unstoppable
blood feud-or forever fill their hearts.
Includes an
Excerpt of Hannah Howell's Upcoming Highland
Romance. Highland Sinner!