Rumors Among the Heather by Amanda Balfour
Publisher: Vinspire
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (250 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 5 stars
Reviewed by SnapdragonCan love survive lies and secrecy?
Juliana Hastings is heart broken by her father’s death, which has left her destitute. To make matters worse she is jilted by her fiancé. She takes a position as a governess to Matthew MacDonald’s nephew in Scotland. Love is the last thing on her mind, but her heart has other plans.And Matthew doesn’t make things easier with his growing attraction to her.
Matthew’s actions have made him a fugitive once the Jacobite Rebellion ends. He turns to the only one he knows he can trust for help—Juliana. But when he is captured, he thinks she has betrayed him. Once free, he’s determined to find the woman he loves and make her suffer for her actions.
Dramatic settings completely overshadowed by even more dramatic people characterize this gripping historical romance slash action novel. Baron Bonnliegh, Matthew, marches through the city streets and laughs easily into the face of danger. He’s more than equal to any threat, or so it seems.
Our heroine is no shrinking violet either. Juliana proves her courage just in setting off into a whole new life, when her own life drastically changes, rather beyond her control. She sets off to make the most of her one opportunity – and predictably, bumps straight into this incredibly confident Baron. There is a moment there that we see coming. ‘Ah ha – another predictable tale,’ we wonder..for barely the space of a sentence, for few things go as we might foresee.
Like so many a governess, Julianna becomes admirably fond of her charge, wicked Scottish Island home notwithstanding. Her attraction to Matthew is also undeniable – yet his own circumstances might suddenly be a little ‘beyond his control.’ Even more surprising is who he chooses to blame. Warnings come to him – veiled perhaps (like, ‘Your luck is bound to change!’ while gambling) but he never worries.
Matthew is a man of action as well as conviction. He might be a tiny a bit lacking in sympathy (we readers won’t feel frustrated with his leap to a certain conclusion only once…) but he is a towering figure and you will lose your heart to him immediately. Julianna is equally likable, just for her attitude.
I originally assigned this brilliant and fast paced read a 5. Great, gripping, fast… and I forget to write the review. 2 weeks later I find I still have recall of the story – of the characters especially – and don’t mind picking it up for a second look at all! That rates somewhere higher than a 5, I am sure – Do put this on your reading list.
