Historical
The Laird Who Loved Me
By Pamela Denise
Feb 4, 2010 - 2:02:56 PM

Alexander MacLean, eldest of the McLeans, makes no secret to enjoying the company of women, but doesn’t wish to be tied down. While in London for the season, he meets the beautiful and intriguing Caitlyn Hurst. Alexander can’t resist the lure the young miss brings so he sets out on a game of flirtation with her. Their brief touches and daring banter fast loses appeal when Caitlyn tries to trap him into marriage. The stunt she pulls causes his brother to have to wed her sister, causing him great embarrassment throughout the ton.

Caitlyn Hurst was attracted to the charismatic Alexander Maclean the moment she laid eyes on him. The delight she felt when the striking laird seemed to return her interest was irresistible and soon she found herself caught in flirtatious match. Caitlyn’s heart isn’t the only thing Alexander stirs. When he make some boastful words that he’d never marry her she let’s her temper get the better of her, resulting in her twin sister having to marry Alexander’s brother, Hugh. Needless to say, her outburst caused quite a bit of talk in society, leaving her to live in seclusion.  

Ever since that fateful disaster in London, Alexander has been dreaming of the day when he can exact revenge on Caitlyn.  When the Duchess of Roxburge proclaims she will be hosting a house party, Alexander sees this as the perfect opportunity and arranges for Caitlyn to be invited.  After her arrival, Caitlyn soon learns Alexander arranged for her attendance so that he could cause her humiliation. Determined to settle differences between him, she boldly confronts him, proposing a battle of wits. The victor will be the one who successfully completes the set of tasks the other has chosen. The stakes for both are high and neither intends to walk away defeated. However, Caityln and Alexander are knocked off guard by the feelings that are brought to surface  during the time they spend together trying to complete their wager and soon their hearts are at much at risk as their pride.

THE LAIRD WHO LOVED ME is an enjoyable conclusion to Karen Hawkin’s MACLEAN CURSE series. Though this is quite good as a stand alone, it is best enjoyed after reading the previous books in the series to get a better understanding of the MacClean background and for additional knowledge on the hero and heroine. I give kudos to Ms. Hawkins for pulling off the age difference between Alexander and Caitlyn. The two seemed to match each other well in wit and temperament. The humor highlighted especially throughout their little wager and the passionate encounters brought out by their confrontations were well written.  This is a delightful historical romance that is sure to bring smiles to all who read.