An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands

Historical Romance

"The first in a new historical series set in the Highlands of Scotland, from Lynsay Sands, the New York Times bestselling author of the Argeneau vampire series and countless historical romances.

Annabel was about to take the veil to become a nun when her mother suddenly arrives at the Abbey to take her home… so that she can marry the Scottish laird who is betrothed to her runaway sister! She knows nothing about being a wife, nothing about how to run a household, and definitely nothing about the marriage bed!

But from the moment Ross MacKay sets eyes on Annabel, he is taken with his shy sweet bride… and the fact that she's blessed with lush curves only makes him utter his own prayers of thanks. But when an enemy endangers her life, he'll move the Highlands themselves to save her. For though Annabel's not the bride he planned for, she's the only woman he desires."

I really enjoyed An English Bride in Scotland.  Ross MacKay and Annabel Withram are both great characters.  Ross is prepared to refuse his English bride but takes one look at Annabel and goes through with the wedding.  Annabel was supposed to become a nun but like Maria in the Sound of Music she just does not suit.  Unlike Maria she does not have a kind Mother Superior.  She is wearing a hair shirt and has whip marks on her back when we first meet her.  Leaving the convent and becoming a wife is the best thing for her.

It is fun to see how she and Ross get along with one another.  Annabel is frightened of the marriage bed and manages to put off the consummation of the marriage.   Look for how Ross manages to get around the church’s rule that there should be no bedding on Wednesday.  It is a great scene.  Even though Annabel is worried that she will not know how to run Ross’s home she does all the right things by just being herself. 

This is a very well written and plotted book.  There is danger, romance, tension and a lot of fun on the journey to the HEA.  I loved how the side characters added to the story.  This is the first in a new series and I am looking forward to the next books.

Avon published An English Bride in Scotland by Lynsay Sands in 2013.