"Burroughs second book is a heart-stealer"

Leanne Burroughs' book Highland Wishes was a wonderful book. Her first, it was full of heart and so much love - of storytelling, history, of Scotland. She did the amazing Hat Trick of winning the 2004 Laurie for Historical Romance. Since Highland Wishes, from a small press, won over all those big named writers from the NYC power-publishers this says readers have found Burroughs and taken her to their hearts. In her second book, Her Highland Rogue - you will be amazed at the growth of Burroughs talent. Her craft continues to mature, making this story so emotional, so moving.

It's the sequel to Highland Wishes. Set in 1304, while Scotland is still struggling to keep their independence, Edward Longshanks, the most ruthless king ever to sit on the English throne hopes to binds Scottish nobles through lands and marriages. The latter comes to plague Duncan Mac Thomas. A troubled man, a scarred man in many ways, the handsome Highlander finds his laird and father has betrothed him to a rich English woman, with Edward's blessings. Only, Duncan is a man not to be ruled. Despite his father's decree he accepts the marriage simply because he knows it will help protect his clan from Longshanks and give them the much-needed coin to see Clan MacThomas survives these troubled times. He may be forced to accept his English bride, but it doesn't mean he has to play husband to the lass. He plans to wed, bed her to solidify the marriage, and then leave her in the care of his clanspeople. Only, the arrogant Highlander comes to cropper with this English beauty now his lady wife.

Catherine Gillingham was raised to obey her lord father. However, she is shocked to find her father pledged her in marriage to a Scotsman. Unsure of this new man she now must call lord and husband, she doesn't let it bend her gentle spirit. She is a quite woman, a woman trained to be proper in all things. Underneath is a strength Duncan little expected, but soon comes to admire. In a marriage neither wanted, they suddenly find themselves falling in love.

Edward hopes to control this Scots noble through the marriage, but no one bribes Duncan MacThomas. When the call to save Stirling Castle comes, Duncan rises to the Scottish Banner, and along with Grant Drummond (hero from Highland Wishes), they rush to save the castle from Edward's war machines, nearly giving their lives to the cause.

Through the turbulent times, Duncan and Catherine learn to hold tight to each other, and fight the coming storm that threatens to destroy them both.

Burroughs has a true love of Scotland (and being a Scot I think I'm a good judge of this). She writes with amazing detail of the period and country. Only, it's through these two amazing characters she brings to life where she really hits her stride. Catherine is a gentle soul, yet there is such strength and determination in her. She is a heart- stealer. Duncan is pure Alpha male - arrogant, handsome, sexy, but a fully realized man with scars from the past. Duncan will leave the readers wanting their own Highland Rogue!

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted June 26, 2005

Summary

In 1304, amidst Scotland's continuing war for independence, two wounded souls are forced on a journey neither want resulting in tragedy and disaster. ** Battle-hardened, untrusting and son of a Scottish chieftain, Duncan MacThomas wants only to see his country free from English rule. Honor-bound to ensure his clan's financial future, Duncan reluctantly travels to England to wed a woman he doesn't want. Fostered and mistreated at a young age, Duncan is a wounded soul. He has no wish to open himself to any woman. Despite that, he finds his new bride hard to dismiss from his mind and his heart. ** Wealthy and pampered, Catherine Gillingham is dismayed when her king decrees she must wed a Scotsman, the sort of man all of London despises. Unsure what to expect, she is determined to face her fate with resolve and dignity. Despite her new husband's initial cold manner, she finds herself entranced by her Highland rogue. **If the king believes he can keep the Scottish rebels under his thumb in exchange for a rich bride, he is doomed to see his plans thwarted. Although forced to marry, Duncan has no intention of staying with Catherine after he weds, beds, and takes her to his home. He doesn't count on falling in love with the woman he swore to ignore. (By the author of award winning, Highland Wishes.)