Glynis MacNeal was once married to a very handsome Highlander. An unfortunate incident with a dirk and a piece of her philandering husband's anatomy has made her the talk of the clans, and nullified their nuptials in the eyes of Highland law. Returning home in shame, however, is the least of her worries, especially when her father is seizing the opportunity to ally her and their clan in yet another marriage. Thankfully the subject of her father's sights is also the only man she's ever met who disdains marriage as much as she. But that doesn't make her immune to Alex's devilish charms.
Alex's world is about to be turned arse over elbow. And as much as the defiant Glynis detests the idea of being shackled to yet another scoundrel, her plight as a newly unwed chieftain's daughter quickly moves her from the "undesirable" column to the "you'll do as you're told and like it". When desperation becomes par for the course between Alex and Glynis, it's hard to say which will win out – the abject desire to touch, the unspoken prerequisite to not want to care, or that pesky necessity to merely stay alive?
Margaret Mallory has gifted readers with yet another winning addition to the RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS series. THE SINNER is every bit as engrossing, entertaining, and as scrumptious as its predecessor, THE GUARDIAN. And that is saying a lot!
The electricity between Alex and Glynis absolutely sizzles off the page. Their interactions, which totally resonate with Alex and Glynis's characters, are infused with so much sexual innuendo and tension, that reading satisfaction is not just a destination at the end of their story, it's at every stage of their adventure together. I absolutely loved the "should I or shouldn't I" inner angst that overtakes both Glynis and Alex. But even better than that is when they throw caution to the wind and then re-torture themselves all over again. Life is fraught with insecurities, as Glynis swiftly learns, especially with an angelic-looking sinner like Alex, who has much to atone for. But none can deny that there's real good in him, as well as honor and respect. The journey to their happy-ever-after is as far from a fairytale ending as you can get, but that doesn't make their coupling any less gratifying.
Other things that Ms. Mallory thoroughly excels at – accentuating the camaraderie between Alex, Ian, Duncan, and Connor. If there's anything that grips me as a reader, it's the unbending loyalty and acceptance that comes with those who fight alongside one another. It's the stuff of legend, like the Knights of the Round Table, and arouses pride even today among men in uniform. This merry band of Highlanders, comprised of such distinct personalities, is temptation incarnate. I am not only addicted to this series, but despite there being two more books waiting in the wings, I am already dreading the series' eventual end.
Margaret Mallory has left me in fingernail-biting anticipation for what's to come and earned 5 Blue Ribbons for an amazing adventure!
