Lana and the Laird

Lana is the youngest of the three sisters, and she is not as bold or aggressive as Hannah or Susanna. They protect her and her ‘fanciful’ notions, for Lana speaks with spirits, and is often wholeheartedly resolved in what they have told or shown her. For years she has dreamed of her fated love, a braw and fierce Scotsman, devoted to her. Imagine her surprise when this man from her dreams is in front of her, dressed as an English Lord, hardheadedly determined to continue the clearances and rebuilt his family castle.

Lachlan Sinclair, Duke of Cathness was living in London until the ghost of his father entreated him to return and rebuild the castle before it’s too late. Lachlan is convinced (aided by some despicable family members) that his line is cursed to die before their 30th birthday – and he must do two things to save himself. First find and reassemble the MacAlpin Cross and find the treasure – all while restoring Cathness castle to its former grandeur. With repeated hauntings, and rumors of an uprising amongst his lairds he heads to meet with Dunnet to discuss the issue.

From the earlier books you will have a sense of Alexander and Hannah, and the honor with which Alexander seeks to live his life. Faced with the dandy duke, he’s not willing to agree to the clearances, and hopes to show Lachlan just where he is wrong. Prodded by his despicable cousin Dougal, he’s stalwart in his decisions, thinking they are right. Until Lana – she makes him wish for more: for himself, for his life and even for his people. It was hard to love him right off, he had lost so much of his sparkle being focused on the curse and his very English upbringing, and the interactions with Alexander start to awaken his long-buried sense of honor and his problem solving nature. With Lana ‘pish-poshing’ his curse, and telling him she thought his mother wanted him to think things through, she was entirely the breath of fresh air he needed. And the boost to get in touch with his long-dormant Scots roots.

And while the connection between the two of them is wonderful, when they head up to Lana’s home because of more threats to her father and the estate, the story heats up nicely. From the stolen kisses to much, much more, Lana leads Lachlan on a journey of discovery: finding the pieces of the cross, his Scottish roots and his true desire. Secondary characters all add to the story in ways that are unexpected and often hilarious, and Isobel, at just six is the proud owner of a new sword (courtesy of Lachlan) and a terror with her bow and arrow. Most decidedly a scene stealer, it is through Isobel that Lachlan realizes just HOW desperately he needs Lana and the other members of the family in his life – for support, love, happiness and above all, entertainment.

This book brings the series to an end, and while it will read alone quite nicely, the gradual development of the plot as a whole, as well as opportunities to see each character grow and change throughout the series is not to be missed. I love York’s style for historical romances, and these characters are never quite wholly what one would expect, yet when you finish, you realize they never could have been any other way.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

What a good book! I love the characters Lachlan and Lana and the secondary characters make the books so much fun. There's tense suspense and plot twists and great sexual chemistry. This series is full of strong women who will do anything to protect their families and the alpha Scots that love them. And wee Isobel who is seriously hilarious and scary brave and determined.