"fine Highlander historical romance"

In 1473, Highlander Laird Sigimor Cameron and five of his closest supporters rush to England because his friend Lord Peter Gerard needs help. Sigimor would do anything for Peter who once saved his life. However, by the time they arrive, they learn that Peter is dead and his cousin Harold is in charge of Drumwich Castle. Harold incarcerates the six Highlanders.

Peter's sister, Jolene drugs the ale of the guards so she can visit the prisoners and negotiate a deal. Jolene believes that Harold poisoned her sibling and his two loyalist men, but has no proof. She fears for the safety of her three years old nephew Reynard, the heir to Drumwich. Jolene frees the highlanders who take her and Reynard with them as they flee with Harold in hot pursuit. As Jolene and Sigimor fall in love, she is pulled in two directions between her desire for her Highlander and being the only mother that Reynard has had since his biological mom died in childbirth; whereas Sigimor belongs in Scotland, Reynard belongs on English lands.

Hannah Howell's latest Highlander historical romance is an intriguing tale made complex by the choice that Jolene must make if, that is, they survive long enough for her to choose. Sigimor is a typical hunk constantly taking the honorable high road. Though Harold is out of the Scottish fifteenth century villain handbook, HIGHLAND CONQUEROR is a fine tale due to the valiant heroine who must opt between the two males in her life, leaving one behind.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted March 5, 2005

Summary

Arriving too late to save Lord Peter Gerard, Highlander Sigimor Cameron decides the best way he can now repay the debt he owes the Englishman is by rescuing Peter's sister and his young son, Reynard. Of course, Lady Jolene Gerard just happens to be holding the keys to the dungeon in which Sigimor and five of his clansmen sit awaiting execution. In exchange for helping her and Reynard escape the murderous Harold, who poisoned Peter and is trying to gain control of Peter's land and heir, Jolene agrees to release Sigimor and his men. The group sets off for Sigimor's estate in Scotland, but once Sigimor discovers that Harold is hot on their trail, he must convince Jolene that the only way he can protect her is if she marries him. Readers who like their heroes bold and brash, their heroines resourceful and clever, and their romances filled with danger and adventure will find much to enjoy in Howell's latest Highland historical romance.