Saturday, September 5, 2015

How to Marry a Royal Highlander

How to Marry a Royal Highlander 
by Vanessa Kelly  
  • Print Length: 352 pages
  • Publisher: Zebra (June 30, 2015)
  • Publication Date: June 30, 2015
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00ONTR5ZC

Illegitimate yet thoroughly irresistible, the Renegade Royals are leaving behind their careers as daring spies for the greatest adventure of all…

At sixteen, Alasdair Gilbride, heir to a Scottish earldom, fled the Highlands and an arranged betrothal. Ten years later, Alasdair must travel home to face his responsibilities. It’s a task that would be much easier without the distracting presence of the most enticing woman he’s ever met…

After one escapade too many, Eden Whitney has been snubbed by the ton. The solution: rusticating in the Scottish wilderness, miles from all temptation. Except, of course, for brawny, charming Alasdair. The man is so exasperating she’d likely kill him before they reach the border—if someone else weren’t trying to do just that. Now Eden and Alasdair are plunging into a scandalous affair with his life and her reputation at stake—and their hearts already irreparably lost…

I was quite surprised to see all the 4 and 5 star ratings for this book, because for me it was just okay. Although the characters had backstory and weren't too hard to get to know, I expected to fall in love with them, but I didn't. 

Edie is a high-spirited and strong willed heroine who asks a lot of questions. I liked her much more in the beginning of the book than I did later on. I think, in my opinion, her reactions to things weren't authentic enough to feel real. 

Alec is very intriguing, and I thoroughly enjoyed his sense of humor. He doesn't take very much too seriously, and engages well with the other characters.

Alec's grandfather cracked me up. He's a stubborn old Scotsman who stayed in character, and adhered to the intended time period of the book. 

Edie's mother is a strong minded woman who isn't afraid to go after what she wants. I liked especially the fact that she continually protects her daughter no matter if she agrees with her or not, and although very direct, sharp tongued, she could debate skillfully with anyone and win.

The beginning of the book, for at least the first few chapters was very well written, but then after that it became a bore. It took me a long time to read this book because it wasn't pulling me in. 

Around chapter nine, it finally got my attention, but then the same chapter ended suddenly, leaving me feeling like I missed something and needed to skim back through the pages. 

Most of the transitions in the book are rough and leave the reader feeling unsatisfied. This was a surprise, because the author can write extremely well if it weren't for this. Her dialogue between the characters is perfect, and even humorous. It flowed nicely until it didn't. If I were to describe it, I would say that it felt like the book had two different authors. I also want to state that the beginning of the book felt very historical, but later it felt too modern. 

As for plot, very predictable. For having the hero of the story a spy, I think the plot should have been more thought out. 

The ending of the book was very sudden, and not impressive. Although it was a happy ending, it left me feeling blah. 

This book was given as a copy to review by NetGalley, my review is written with honesty and without any ties to the author herself. I did not receive any monetary gain from doing so.