Yay! It's finally Laird Knox MacKenzie's story!!! I have been intrigued with Knox since he was introduced in "Highlander Taken." As laird of the vastly, prodigious, and wealthy Kinloch Keep, he is a master of his universe with a steady, intense authority, and influence among other leaders in the highlands. Laird Knox is appealing because he is the ultimate, brooding, eligible bachelor that any lass would love to get her hands on. His heart has been broken by the loss of his wife, as she and his son died in childbirth.
The laird is playfully referred to as the "laird of laird's" by Amelia Taylor the beautiful, voluptuous, and intelligent woman who captured Knox's attention at first sight. Amelia and her 9-year old "brother" Hamish find themselves in a fortress of protection from the trouble they fled in Edinburgh. Yet, despite Knox's evident and immediate attraction for Amelia (and she for him), he can't help but feel suspicious that she withholds more than the truth of her story from him. The conflict of maintaining his princely manner while uncovering Amelia's secrets becomes the lure that reopens his heart and releases his past wounds. And for Amelia, a gorgeous, strong, independent woman…well, she's met her match in this breathtaking man. She finally learns to release the weight of her choking responsibility, and realizes that she needs his help, and Knox is more than capable to be her hero.
In this story there are secrets to uncover, trust to be gained, an injustice to address, a sister to save, a sinister gaming lord to best, and an unfolding love to get lost in. I adored the crackling, hot chemistry between Knox and Amelia. The love scenes are some of the most beautiful, tender you will read/listen to….very intimate, very passionate (sometimes playful and sometimes intense). I also loved how romantic Knox was as Amelia's lover.
The epilogue was just amazing. As a gift, Miller allows us into the lives of the other MackEnzie brothers and the ladies who have captured their heart. Oh, I just loved the epilogue!!! And, there was a surprise that will surely lead into a 4th book!!! Yay! (BTW, Audible---please put the first book on audio…I'm dying to listen it!!).
Narrator: I really missed the texture, and beautiful voice of Gemma Johansson as she narrated the previous book. Even though Carolyn Bonnyman has a lovely, crisp voice, I had to get used to her breathing and pace. She was good though.
Wishlist: I have been waiting for the release of this book, and because I adore the MacKenzie's, and really like the author, this is why I did not give up on this book, because I nearly did. The internal monologue of the heroine, as the story is told through her POV, was excessive and in need of heavy editing. Many times, it felt as though the characters stayed motionless as she got lost in her thoughts. I couldn't help but feel like Amelia was a little ADD because of her long, extensive day dreams as she contemplated a stream of thoughts during her moments with Knox, and others. I'm hoping this problem will be caught by the 4th book. So, I'm really looking forward to Christy and Blake's story!!!--It has to be swoon-worthy!!!