Just as they almost made it through the treacherous waters off the coast of England, they were attacked by The Royal Buckingham, one of Her Majesty's ships. Not wanting to draw attention to his trip to Queen Anne, Captain Reid MacKenzie had little time to reflect on the insanity of his actions. They were under attack, but it didn't help! His good friend Nicholas Kennet is mortally shot. Kennet begs Reid to be the guardian of his daughter Audrey and to protect her.

Being an honorable man, Reid agrees and will keep his commitment; yet, in his mind, he plans on getting someone to care for her so he can quickly make his way to Scotland.

As they say, best laid plans do not always work out, especially for this highland Jacobite! He quickly realizes little Audrey is not a child, nor one who can be easily fobbed off. As he gets to know Audrey better, he begins to peel away from his overriding goal of getting her married and realizes that he is in serious danger of losing his heart to her. Will fate and the actions of others permit them to be together?

Set in 1711 England, Amy Jarecki instantly pulls you right into the dramatic situation facing Captain MacKenzie. She has created a captivating Scottish warrior romance that is sure to please historical romance fans who will appreciate her sense of the time, historical accuracy, and vivid scenes. Jarecki's characters are realistic in their motivations and instincts, even if their decisions, actions, and reactions are not always the best. THE HIGHLAND GUARDIAN is the third book in her awesome Lords of the Highlands series and also reads well as a standalone historical romance.

The highly talented Jarecki has written a very witty and suspenseful novel that is sure to please her fans and readers new to her with her strong character development and historical sense of the time. Captain Reid MacKenzie is a hero worthy of the name and one can't help but fall in delight with him as he struggles with his heart and his desire to fulfill his good friend's dying request.

For her part, the almost 20-year-old Audrey Kennet is a delightful character who can be fiercely independent, yet shy and more nervous than a wallflower as she tends to feel clumsy or out of place at balls or large gatherings. The dialogue between them is rapier sharp and Audrey cleverly outsmarts Reid by pretending she knows more than she does. Yet, soon this Sassenach lass learns more than she expects from her "Guardian" as his kind ways helps her to blossom with new self-confidence.

If you can't resist a kilted hero on the cover, I am sure you will appreciate this one for meeting your reading desire! I personally just loved THE HIGHLAND GUARDIAN and I just had to read into the wee hours of the morning, rather than put it down, so I could find out how it ends! So, get a glass of wine, a comfy spot, and settle in to enjoy this terrific read!