About the Book:

An untamed man as immovable as a Highland mountain… 

Fergus Mackinnon, autocratic Laird of Achnasheen, likes to be in charge. When he was little more than a lad, he became master of his Scottish estate, and he’s learned to rely on his unfailing judgment. So has everyone else in his corner of the world. He sees no reason for his bride—when he finds her—to be any different.

A headstrong woman from the warm and passionate south… 

Marina Lucchetti knows all about fighting her way through a wall of masculine arrogance. In her native Florence, she’s become a successful artist, no easy feat for a woman. Now a commission to paint a series of Highland scenes promises to spread her fame far and wide. When a carriage accident strands her at Achnasheen for a few weeks, it’s a mixed blessing. The magnificent landscape offers everything her artistic soul could desire. If only she can resist the impulse to smash her easel across the laird’s obstinate head.

When two fiery souls come together, a conflagration flares. 

Marina is Fergus’s worst nightmare—a woman who defies a man’s guidance. Fergus challenges everything Marina believes about a woman’s right to choose her path. No two people could be less suited. But when irresistible passion enters the equation, good sense soon jumps into the loch.

Will the desire between Fergus and Marina blaze hot, then fade to ashes? Or will the imperious laird and his willful lass discover that their differences aren’t insurmountable after all, but the spice that will flavor a lifetime of happiness?

Click on title below for direct Amazon buy link:                                                The Laird’s Willful Lass (The Likely Lairds Book 1)

My Review:                     

Marina Lucchetti is a talented Italian artist who is touring Scotland, intending to paint some of the beautiful landscapes to fulfill a commission.  The coach she and her father are traveling in suffers a devastating accident due to their reckless driver.  Fergus Mackinnon, who witnessed the incident, manages to pull Marina and her father from the coach before it plunges into the water.  Marina’s father suffers a badly broken leg, which leaves him unable to travel for awhile.  Fergus offers them the hospitality of his home for as long as they would like.  He’s actually glad for the company, as visitors are scarce.

Fergus is Laird of Achnasheen, and chief of his clan.  He came into that responsibility at the tender age of nine, so he’s used to responsibility and taking charge.  The females he knows bow to his will and judgment, so Marina is a bit of an eye opener for him.  Marina had to battle her way to be accepted as a female artist in a male dominated world.  She’s lived a circumspect life, travels with her father, and has an unblemished reputation.  She concludes that there will never be a place for romance in her life as long as she’s dedicated to pursuing her art.

As Fergus acts as Marina’s guide while her father recovers, he becomes more attracted to the opinionated and modern lady.  He erroneously assumes that her self assurance and independence also indicates sexual experience, so he blatantly requests to become her lover. Though Marina is tempted, she won’t take any chances on damaging her reputation as a serious artist.  Everyday they are alone with each other in the beautiful Scottish countryside, and Marina decides to finally give in, and they begin a passionate and affectionate affair.  When the time draws closer for Marina to return to Italy, Fergus realizes he’s in love and doesn’t want their relationship to end.

My favorite aspect of THE LAIRD’S WILLFUL LASS is that the whole story is basically Marina and Fergus spending time with each other and falling in love.  There is no outside interference, just two strong willed people who will have to make compromises if they are to have a future.  I also really appreciate that neither of them was too stubborn to listen to the other’s opinion, or to reevaluate their own thoughts on the way they feel things should be.  I love the sacrifice Fergus was willing to make, and I love Marina’s response even more.  THE LAIRD’S WILLFUL LASS is a romantic and satisfying read with plenty of steam and heart.   ~Rose