He built impenetrable walls around his heart.... THe built impenetrable walls around his heart.... The Black Death showed no mercy when it took Rowan Graham's beautiful, young wife. With his clan nearly decimated, his heart torn to shreds, he is left to raise his newborn daughter alone. Rowan tries to keep the promises he made to Kate on her deathbed, save for one: He is unable to give his heart to another. She has built walls around her own... Lady Arline is forced into yet another arranged marriage -- loveless and lonely. Behind Garrick Blackthorn's good looks lies a cruel, vindictive man. She wants nothing more than her marriage to end so that she might gain the freedom she has longed for. Fate will bring those walls tumbling down.... Just before her marriage comes to a bitter and ugly end, her cruel husband kidnaps a sweet, innocent child. Arline does not realize the child belongs to a man from her past, a man who has haunted her dreams for more than seven years, until the night he comes to rescue his daughter. Rowan Graham is surprised to learn that his enemy's wife is a woman he met but for a few short moments seven years earlier when dark times had fallen across Scotland. The same woman who had helped insure the freedom of his foster father and brother has been risking her life to care for his daughter. Fate brings them together...but others are determined to pull them apart.
USA Today Bestselling Author, storyteller and cheeky wench, SUZAN TISDALE lives in the Midwest with her verra handsome carpenter husband. All but one of her children have left the nest. Her pets consist of dust bunnies and a dozen poodle-sized, backyard-dwelling groundhogs – all of which run as free and unrestrained as the voices in her head. And she doesn’t own a single pair of yoga pants, much to the shock and horror of her fellow authors. She prefers to write in her pajamas. Suzan writes Scottish historical romance/fiction, with honorable and perfectly imperfect heroes and strong, feisty heroines. And bad guys she kills off in delightfully wicked ways. She published her first novel, Laiden’s Daughter, in December, 2011, as a gift for her mother. That one book started a journey which has led to more than twenty published titles. To date, she has sold more than 750,000 copies of her books around the world. They have been translated into Italian, French, German, and Spanish. You will find her books in digital, paperback, and audiobook formats.
This story started in 1350, & went forward 4 years, but felt too slow in places.
This featured Graham clan chief, (Scotsman) Rowan. And (Irish) Lady Arline who cared for & helped rescue his 4 yr old daughter Lily. I'll refer to the couple as R+A.
I felt the trust and love grow between R+A. However these issues prevented total enjoyment of the story: (1) Arline came across as too: meek & apologetic & cried too often. She had spurts of assertiveness. (2) Arline had 3 arranged marriages, whereby her father used her as a political pawn. Believable? (3) Why wasn't Rowan straight forward in telling a certain woman when/ why to leave his castle? (4) Story had too many baddies. However a few of H's men appeared to have ambiguous loyalty, which added to the story. (5) Story had too much violence or threat of violence. Yes it may be era-appropriate, but I don't have to condone it. (6) Rowan took too long to discover who ordered Lily's abduction!!! Not his #1 priority after he retrieved her? (7) R+A did not question falsehoods supposedly said RE each other, in order to separate them. This happened before the midway point.
Rowan's Lady is the first book in the duo series of Clan Graham. I was first introduced to Rowan in "Frederick's Queen" which was my first book to read from this author and we see this pair after they find their HEA, and I just fell hard for them both. And of course we have the delightful narration that Brad Wills always tends to delivers for us. And he did a superb job in telling this beautiful love tale.
This wonderful love story, starts with out hero, Rowan. The black death has been sweeping through the country, and it has swept through his clan killing more than 30 of his people including his wife. They have a baby daughter, and he makes a promise to her as she is dying, that he will open his heart to another one day. Now it is four years later, and Rowan hasn't been able to forget his wife and the love he had for her until he meets a strong willed woman full of courage. Lady Arline, has entered another arranged marriage. This is her third arranged marriage and she still has a hope that it could be a love match one day. But on her wedding day, she learns the true nature of her husband. Who only wants a year, and then will anul their marriage so he can marry another. So for the past year, Arline has been kept locked in her room, with only herself for company. But then when her husband kidnaps a young child for ransom, she risks her life to go below and protect the child. Her husband informs her that she will take care of the child until her father gives him the ransom. And soon Arline falls in love with this precious four year old, who is precocious and endearing. She plans very carefully, because she knows that as soon her her marriage is anulled in less than two weeks, that her life will be at risk from her husband who is cruel. But on the night that her marriage is anulled, her husband beats her horribly when she tries to see to the care of the child, Lilly, and as she is sent to her room to pack her things, she runs into three highlanders, one of them....Lilly's father...Rowan. What shocks them all is that they know each other. Years previous we learn that Arline saved the lives of two of their closest friends who had been framed for treason and turned in her own stepson and grandson who were the real traitors. We also get a hint of the Shadow walkers who were a secret team that followed the orders of Robert the Bruce. Which was an interesting twist for sure.
As Rowan, Arline and Lily and the men with them travel back to Rowan's keep and home, it gives Rowan and Arline a chance to reconnect slowly. Arline is finally free to live her life and free her sisters of their father who has only used her as a pawn all of her life. But when she gets an invitation to live at Rowan's home for a time and work as Lily's governess, she leaps at the opportunity, not wanting to say goodbye to either Rowan or Lily. But when they return, there comes into the story a complication of a jealous woman, Beatrice. Beatrice, wants Rowan for herself, so she gets the servants to help her and deceived both Rowan and Arline in an effort to drive a wedge between them. But they both learn the truth when Arline confronts Rowan about his "treatment" when it was really Beatrice. Arline at this moment, only wants to leave. She doesn't feel wanted or needed but Rowan is falling in love with Arline and wants a chance to win her heart.
I found this book to be a whirlwind of emotion in only the way that Suzan Tisdale can write a story. I was swept away by this story, especially upon meeting Lily. I know not everyone likes seeing children in romance, but I do like it especially when they are written well into the story. I did find this book to be heartbreaking at times. Especially with seeing how Arline's father has used her for his own purposes and using the love and affection she holds for her sisters against her. We also get some true villains in the story that add some intensity to the plot. The romance is sweet and warm and very light in the steam. Most books I have found from this author are, but I love them. I loved seeing the focus being the emotional intimacy and there is still some great sexual tension but the actual "love scenes" are hot or steamy at all...super light just as a warning for those that prefer more steam in their romances.
I found this to be another delightful romance that Tisdale has written, and I couldn't put this one down, its a romance that is packed with emotion, great variety in characters, a perfect narration, and a love story that sweeps you off your feet!!! PURE DELIGHT!
This book wasn’t terrible, but I found my thoughts wandering during most of it. I appreciated a non-manho H who had been celibate for four years. Love it. I didn’t like the h as much though. She cried a lot and was too gullible. The drama caused by be wannabe OW was also annoying and the lack of urgency to figure out who the real culprit was was a bit strange. The h also did some tstl things that made me want to DNF. And the widower vibe reminded me of why I avoid deceased spouse books. Too depressing and angsty.
All in all, this book was ok. The historical details, including the dialect, was just ok. I’d probably really enjoy a historical fiction book on this period of Scottish history. It’s really fascinating. Unfortunately, this book is not it. If you love Julie Garwood, you might enjoy this author's work. As it is, I don't enjoy Julie Garwood's books, so it's not a surprise that this author probably isn't for me.
I love Rowan. I loved the fact that he was so manly and wasn't afraid about anyone knowing how much he had loved his first wife. Historical Scottish romances have always been my favorite and this is right at the top of the list.
Rowan’s Lady The Clan Graham series Suzan Tisdale Kindle, Oct 2013 292 pages Historical Romance KU for Kindle app ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The is our unlucky-in-love Lady Arline, who has dreamt of Rowan for 7 years. The background colors of yellows and reds with a touch of purples set off the portrait picture very well and make it romantic and regal all at the same time. It is definitely eye-catching.
The story is one that is typical of medieval romances. The young woman has been wed off a number of times for political reasons with absolutely no choice in any of the husbands. One was old enough to be her great grandfather and was very fond of her. The next one was cruel and hateful and wanted nothing to do with her. Blackthorn wanted someone else, so he made a bargain for a year to get himself an annulment and kept it. But it didn’t stop his brutality or hatred of Lady Arline in other ways. And it didn’t stop his marauding around the countryside killing or kidnapping his neighbors for his own reasons. Or their young children.
Enter our hero, Rowan Graham, Laird of Clan Graham, widower, father of the young girl Garrick Blackthorn has taken. The same plague that took his beloved young wife also took many of his clan. But Rowan calls upon the seven clans to aide him in saving his daughter from Blackthorn’s hands. But it’s Lady Arline’s hands that have been caring for and protecting the small child at the cost of her own safety.
In the hall of the clan safe and treated with respect, an attachment grows between Lady Arline and Laird Rowan. But he’s the head of his clan and needs to establish his daughter’s position in the clan by having more children and rebuilding the clan. And she’s a twice-married woman with no children to show for it. The clan would never allow it.
I recommend this lovely romance of this brutal age and horrible time for women.
This review is from: Rowan's Lady (The Clan Graham Series) (Kindle Edition) I have been reading books from this author since she was a debut author starting with Laiden's Daughter, then have followed each book that followed Findley's Lass, Wee Willie's Woman, and Mc Kenna's Honor which were all under Clan MacDougal and have loved each and everyone very much some I have read more then once. Something I rarely do but Ms. Tisdale's books are that good. Now is the start of a new series which. I alway find exciting new characters, settings, stories etc. As Rowan's Lady is the first in the series Clan Graham but you can actually read any of Ms. Tisdale's book's alone as well. I have loved every single book this multi talented author has written but I have to sat Rowan's Lady is my favorite so far truly a masterpiece in her collection of books in my opinion.
Rowan's Lady starts off four years in the past as Black Death (plague) has hit Clan Graham hard loosing a good majority of the Clan the hero of this book Laird Rowan Graham is beyond grief when his wife Kate through an arranged marriage succumbs to Black Death as many of his clan members. Even though theirs was an arranged marriage they fell deeply in love and profoundly with each other. Rowan is completely broken and devastated by death which leaves him with their three month old daughter Lily the only light in his life. Kate made Rowan make two deathbed promises 1. Lily would always know about Kate and how much she loved Lily which if course Rowan would honor gladly. The second promise was the tough one that he would open his heart and love another woman. He of course told her yes but he knew he could never as only Kate was the love of his life. Maybe on forty it fifty years he thought.
The heroine of this book is Lady Arline who is about to get married for the third time to the handsome Laird Garrick Blackthorn she was hopeful since he was young and virile as her past husbands all arranged by her cold father are dead and she still is pure as well. All Arline wants is someone to love her and have a family with. Shortly after her marriage she finds out her husband loves another and plans to annul the marriage after a year. Also he keeps her as a prisoner and beats and starves her for reasons he is just evil but you need to read the book to find out the why and how. Also Garrick blames Rowan's for his mothers death and kidnaps his four year old daughter. Arline is prisoner with 4 year old Lily who is so scared. Arline takes beatings meant for Lily knowing it would kill the child during their captivity both become attached as a Mother and Daughter.. Lily knows her Dad is going to rescue them from the bad man as she calls him. Of course she is right. If you think that is how the story ends not at all more like when it begins. The attraction between Rowan and Arline is adorable both keeping it to themselves thinking the other can't be feeling the same. Plus Arline had met him previously briefly with a bit of a crush. There is an evil woman named Beatrice and a traitor that is a guest at Castle Graham with the help of a few others who wants to get rid of Arline and Lily as well. Poor Arline life is not easy and it seems whenever happiness is in her grasp some evil force hangs over her head.
This book is like three or four stories in one yet all are connected it really keeps you hanging on to the edge of your highlander's kilt! Every time I thought the book was coming to a climax another major catastrophe would happen and I would gasp and my heart would skip a beat. I actually love when that happens not knowing what to expect when reading a really wonderful books too. The secondary good guy character are wonderful hopefully will get their own books in the future too. I loved that Lily couldn't pronounce her R's very well as a mother I could relate and remember those days very clearly.
If you love you beautiful Scottish setting, a sexy kilted highlander and a bit of history, adventur, mayhem, and love story then this is definitely book for you! This book was a joy and pleasure to read as always I look forward to Suzan Tisdale's next wonderful book she releases as I loved them all! I definitely recommend Rowan's Lady by Suzan Tisdale I loved it!!!
I highly suggest reading McKenna's Honor before reading Rowan's Lady since a good portion of Arline's story is begun there. If you don't you'll feel a bit lost but not terribly so.
Arline is an interesting woman. She was raised by the tenets of a woman who was rather prudish. This does not detract from Arline's intrinsic thoughtfulness, her loving nature, and an intractable need to "do the right thing".
Rowan Graham is clan chief who has been working hard raising his four year old daughter, and keeping his clan together as they all recover from the devastation of Black Plague.
Rowan's daughter, Lily, is the first to encounter Arline, and it is a good thing she does. One can only guess that after the child was deftly liberated from her home, her father's side, and kidnapped, what could happen to her. Arline, who has studiously stayed out of her current husband's way since their wedding, suffers a grievous beating in order to keep Lily out of the hands of cruel men.
Before Rowan realises it he not only rescues his daughter from Arline's terrible husband but he rescues Arline as well. He falls "nearly" in love with Arline as he watches the young woman take care of his daughter during the return to the Graham castle Ait na Siochan (I spelled that terribly). Still grieving the loss of his wife to the Black Plague Rowan tries to ignore his heart but Arline, by just being herself, has already captured it.
Arline suffers from rather low self-esteem but there is a fire, and a courage in her that endears her to all around her but most especially Rowan.
Rowan and Arline's romance is not an easy one, a lot of mud, rain, snow, and blood stand in the way, but once their love is declared neither is willing to let it go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Suzan has become one of my new favorite authors since I bought my Kindle. I can’t wait to read the next book and eagerly anticipate her newest endeavor. Rowan’s Lady is part of a series but a great standalone book. If you are like me you find a book you like and it’s not the first of a series so you have to go back and read the rest. Do it. It is worth it. I truly enjoy the men and women in her stories and it’s all the characters- not just the ones in the lead of the story. They love deeply and protect the ones they love. Rowan and Arline meet in McKenna’s Honor briefly but she remembers him and his smile thereafter. Arline’s father is a greedy man and keeps marrying her off. Rowan loses his first love Kate but gains a beautiful daughter ( I can’t wait for her story! I hope Suzan writes one for her. Tomboy of my heart!). They all deserve happiness. A wonderful book to escape into!
The Clan MacDougall Series 1. Laiden’s Daughter 2. Findley’s Lass 3. Wee William’s Woman 4. McKenna’s Honor Graham Clan 5. Rowan’s Lady
Liked the story, liked Arline (even though she was immature sometimes), really liked Rowan. Again, Tisdale managed to create the perfect non-jerk alpha male. Also, there were some very funny moments especially regarding Rowan's cute baby daughter (Lily AKA Willy).
Simply put....I loved this book! Once I started reading it, I could barely put it down until I finished it, it kept my interest right through!! Absolutely loved Lily, the hero's little girl, what a darling poppet!! Rowan and Arline's story is one filled with so much emotion, my heart just went out to them. There are so many twists and turns right until the end....very well written!! Definitely would recommend this book.
4.5 stars I really enjoyed this. It was very reminiscent of Julie Garwood. Some of the plot was a little silly but thoroughly enjoyable. Very glad to find this author and I will definitely read more of hers.
The Black Death showed no mercy to Rowan Graham when it decimated his clan and took his young wife Kate. Leaving Rowan to raise his newborn daughter alone and rebuild his clan. Rowan tries to keep all the promises that he made to Kate on her deathbed. All but one. Rowan is unable to give his heart to another. lady Arline is forced into yet another arranged marriage, lonely and unloved. Behind Garrick blackthorn's good looks lies a cruel, vindictive man. Arline wants nothing more than for her marriage to end so that she might gain the freedom that she has longed for. Just before her marriage comes to a bitter and ugly end, her cruel husband kidnaps a sweet innocent child. Arline does not realize the child belongs to a man from her past, a man who has haunted her dreams for more than seven years until the night he comes to rescue his daughter. Rowan is surprised to learn that his enemy's wife is a woman he met seven years earlier when dark times had fallen across Scotland, she saved the lives of his foster father and brother, also Arline has been risking her life to care and save his daughter. fates bring them together, but others are determined to pull them apart. Will Rowan be able to open his heart to the woman his daughter has come to love as a mother?
In Rowan’s Lady, the first in her Clan Graham Series, Suzan Tisdale has created the poignant story of two lost souls. Rowan Graham’s wife, Kate, died four years ago in the Black Death that decimated Europe and Scotland. Although theirs was an arranged marriage, Rowan fell deeply in love with Kate. On her deathbed she makes him promise he will marry again, but he is unable to do so. He throws himself into raising their young daughter and rebuilding his clan.
Lady Arline has been married twice, and both were arranged by her father, a dastardly man who uses her as a pawn for his own gain. For various reasons, neither marriage was consummated, and she is therefore convinced she is unlovable and unappealing to men in general. She longs for the love of a man, for family, and a home but does not see it as a part of her future.
When Rowan’s young daughter is kidnapped by Garrick Blackthorne, Arline’s husband, Rowan and Arline’s lives become intertwined, and the lost souls must come to terms with their own fears and failings in order to find happiness with each other.
For those of you following my reviews, you know I have written several on Tisdale’s books. This is, so far, my favorite. I had trouble putting it down from the moment I started. The characters of Rowan and Arline are well-drawn. Their internal and external goals are clearly defined, and their character growth is subtle yet clear. They are both greatly changed by the end of the book. Arline’s character arc is particularly well done. I finished the book and only then realized how much stronger she had become as a person. And Rowan, like all of Tisdale’s men, is a hero to die for. She has a knack for making her men strong yet gentle, flawed yet nearly perfect. I also loved the interaction between Rowan and Arline as well, particularly the comic scenes which were appropriately placed and gave a spark of authenticity to their relationship.
The plotting is well-done, tight, and keeps you guessing at every turn. Tisdale gives just enough details for the setting that you feel like you are there, but not so much it takes away from the story. The dastardly actions of several individuals creates a suspenseful arc that keeps you turning the page. Her description of the Black Death was particularly well-done. And it was nice to see some of the characters from the previous books – Wee William, Findley, and the others.
Again, I know some of my readers like very clean romance. While Rowan's Lady is not as racy as some of Tisdale's other works, there is a clear character arc with Lady Arline as she comes to terms with some incorrect information about men and women, and as she comes to understand herself as a woman. Tisdale treats the subject with dignity and grace, and there is nothing in the book that is immoral in any way, but if you are offended by mention of even passionate kissing this may not be the book for you.
Otherwise, Rowan's Lady is truly a wonderful story that will take you to the Highlands of Scotland. Even if you don’t read Scottish books, this is one that will enchant you!
I’m in love with Rowan! Poor Arline is forced into marriages with a man old enough to be her grandfather and the other is brutal. I loved Lily and the way she had her “da” wrapped around her little finger and captured Arline’s heart. And Lady Beatrice...don’t get me started on her! You really need to read this book!
Suzan Tisdale is an amazing author who weaves stories that will have you laughing, crying, sitting on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. The intrigue, mystery and romance contained in her pages will keep you up well past your normal bedtime as you can’t stop reading!
We have a “new” series from Suzan with the Clan Graham. Why is new in quotes you ask? Well, we actually met Rowan in the Clan MacDougall series. So, while this is his clan we’re now reading about, he’s not really new to us. We’ve met him before.
And like the Clan MacDougall, Clan Graham are proud and honorable highland warriors.
Rowan has lost his wife. The woman he loved. He lost her to the black death, the plague. He’s been left with a wee bairn to raise and two promises to keep. Promises to Kate, his wife. Promises made on her deathbed. Now, Rowan is an honorable man, but will he be able to keep both promises?
Arline has had a hard life. She’s been married before, yet she’s never felt love. Not the kind of love a man feels for his wife. Her dad is a jerk and uses her for his own gain. She’s alone in the world. But now, she has a purpose. It may be a temporary one, but it’s still a purpose.
I loved Rowan and Arline. I think this one is now my favorite of Suzan Tisdale’s stories.
Rowan is one of those men you hope you meet for your spouse. He’s handsome, fierce when he needs to be, soft and tender when called for, and always a gentleman. He tries to do the right thing, but makes mistakes. He’s strong enough to realize when he’s wrong and he’s not afraid to say I’m sorry.
Arline is the perfect heroine for Rowan. She’s strong willed, fierce when called to be, clever, and willing to learn from her mistakes. She doesn’t always act rationally but she does realize when she’s wrong and face it.
This story pulled at my hearstrings and made me feel like I was falling in love again! I laughed, I cried, I sat on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen. We got to see some of our old friends from Clan MacDougall. I loved seeing them again. We also meet some new people that will hopefully be in future stories.
I’m excited about getting more from Clan Graham and can’t wait to read them.
I received a coy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts: This was the first book I’ve read of Suzan Tisdale and it won’t be my last. The second of the series, Frederick’s Queen, is also available.
She has a bard’s talent effortlessly beguiling the reader through its telling. The novel was long, engagingly so, enabling me to really get to know each of the characters’ flaws, strengths and conflicting circumstances.
Lady Arline’s plight was one that women world-wide would never care to find themselves in. She was a lady who felt she must do the right thing. Many of her years were met doing the right thing, but perhaps life doesn’t allow us to see what is entailed with doing the right thing and then we also might ask, right for whom. Plenty of story to ponder this thought.
Lady Arline was a strong woman, having a heart of gold. She suffered much at the hands of Laird Blackthorn, her husband. She didn’t worry about her own physical well-being, when her honor and doing the right thing made her step forward to save a young child from almost certain death, death brought on by the cruelty of her husband.
Eventually, Lady Arline realizes she’s a pawn in a man’s world where few, if any, are concerned about her needs. She suffered much to arrive to this point. This woman is made of grand stuff. I am sure you will fall in love with the hero of the story, Rowan Graham, who loves his daughter, Lily, more than life, living a chastise life since his wife’s death some four year’s previous. You will feel his struggle as he begins to overcome his loneliness while struggling with the guilt of not being faithful to his lovely departed wife, Kate.
This story also points out vividly we shouldn’t assume we know something when we truly don’t know the detail of events. Society is quick to ridicule, stereotype and whenever possible, grind unfortunates into dust.
No more need be said, read the book and if you get the chance to hear it in audiobook, Brad Wills does the narration and his production work is superb.
I recommend this book. If you want to read Rowan’s Lady with some other amazing authors, there are a couple of bundles out where Ms. Tisdale’s Rowan’s Lady is included. As of this post, Amazon has the Lairds, Lords & Lovers: 10 full-length novels from the Queens of Medieval Romance for $1.99 and Border Brotherhood: Medieval Heroes of England and Scotland only $.99!
Rowan's Lady review Omg, I must say, that this turned out better than the last. Wow. I LOVED this book. With each new book Suzan puts out, it gets even more passionate and more heartfelt. I mean highlanders who are tough alpha male specimens who have a sweet nature. Rowan, a single dad who loves his daughter like nothing else was sweet. Arline is on a horrible situation with having arrange marriage to arrange marriage. With the last one being almost deadly. But when the dastardly Blackthorn kidnaps Lily, Rowan's daughter, she's willing to do what it takes to protect the girl. Later on, they are both rescued and Arline finds herself in Rowan's keep. I mean they both have little obstacles to overcome but love triumphs like always! Rowan mourns a bit over his wife's passing 4 years ago and is not understanding why he's having these thoughts for Arline but he knows Kate, his deceased, would want him to move on. To live. Arline has never known a true love before. Their story made me laugh, cry, get angry (bad guys and wicked women grr), and it made me believe all over again that no matter what happens, when two people find love, to never stop believing. Hope is alive and well. Suzan, I want more!!!! Rowan is my book husband- I love reading about Highlanders. Scots, or Irishmen. I love reading about these men. They are so fiercely loyal to their people and their women.
What an awesome book. I have read all of Suzan Tisdale’s books but this is my absolute favorite one. After 4 years Rowan still mourns the death of his wife and is left to raise their daughter Lily by himself. Lady Arline’s father has once again arranged a marriage for her. Her hopes that this marriage might turn out to be one that will grow into a mutual love, are quickly destroyed by her new, possibly deadly, husband. Lord Blackthorn wants nothing to do with her and doesn't plan to stay married to her for long. When he kidnaps Lily, she's willing to do what it takes to protect the girl. On the night she plans to escape with Lily however things turn for the worse when her marriage ends and she is cast out into the night to fend for herself. Luckily help is there. Rowan has come for his daughter and also decides to take Lady Arline back with him to his home. They still have a long way to go as there are still people plotting against them to reach their own goals, but love will conquer all. The story has lots of twists and turns and when you think a happy end is near something new happens. I loved the characters. Lady Arline who holds strong to her beliefs to always do what is right. Little Lily. She is so adorable. And who couldn't love our highlander Rowan. Another great book and I am looking forward to the next book.
I absolutely loved this book!! And now I must read all of Ms. Tisdale's books! :)
Arline has had a rough life. At only 24 years old, her father married her off three times for his benefit, the third time being to Garrick Blackthorn - a man as cruel as the devil himself. When she discovers that he kidnapped his enemy's daughter she will do what ever it takes to keep the little girl safe. In spite of her situation, she is so pure of heart, she only thinks to do what is right.
Rowan had the perfect life, a loving wife and angelic little girl, but the Black Death took his wife instead of him and he keeps that guilt in his heart for a long time despite his wife's dying wish: to open his heart to another woman one day. When he gets his daughter back and learns about Arline and how she took care of Lily and the connection Lily now shares with her, he offers her his protection within his clan. As he starts to realize just how much Lily relies on Arline, he begins to grow attached to her too. They change each other and learn from each other.
One of my favorite parts was the very end where Arline finally confronts her father in person. It's priceless and so telling of how she has changed. It was a moment I stood up to applaud her when she finally took control of her life. Of course, Rowan was right there beside her, silently providing support.
After the death of his wife from the Black Death, Rowan Graham swore that he would let no woman into his heart again save his little daughter Lilly. Lady Arline, meanwhile, is forced into an unwanted marriage with Garrick Blackthorn who informed her that it would be in name only until their period of handfasting was over and he could annul it for he loved another. Cruel and heartless, Garrick kept Lady Arline locked in her chambers without contact with outside world and with little food and no heat. Then one night, she heard a baby crying and discovered little Lilly being held captive in her husband's home. Determined to protect her, Arline finds a way to escape the same night that Rowan shows up to rescue Lilly. Forced to take Arline with him in order to protect both Lilly and her and they ride for Graham lands. It seems that Rowan owes Arline a debt of gratitude for years before she also saved some of his relatives from hanging for a crime they didn't commit as well. Once back home, Arline and Lilly must recover from the abuse inflicted by Garrick but then Arline slowly wins Rowan over. Garrick, however, is not to be denied his revenge. When all is said and done, Rowan will have to defend his true love and his lands.
I really liked the storyline, but there were a lot of inconsistencies.
Overall, it was a quick read, and I did like the characters. I did think that there was really no chemistry between Rowan and Arline though. It didn't come off the pages for me at all. But I do like the time period, and I hope to see more of the characters again!
I love Suzan Tisdale's books and this one did not disappoint. It's not everyday that I start to cry in the first chapter of a book but this one did that to me as well as the second chapter. I love Rowan and Arline to me they were the perfect fit for each other. Both strong honorable people who did what they thought was right and honorable over everything else and didn't think of themselves. I do have to say that Lily just might of been my favorite character of this book. I fell in love with her instantly. The book is full of suspense, violence and mystery and I can't wait to read the next book Frederick's Queen. The only reason I didn't give this book a 5* rating is that it slowed in the middle and there were some mistakes that I never noticed in Ms. Tisdale's other books. I highly recommend Suzan Tisdale's books to everyone that enjoyed Scottish historical romance stories you will not regret reading them.
Last year I discovered a book called Laiden's Daughter It moved me to tears, Made me Laugh out loud, Cheered for the vengeance , Happy that out of Misery Laiden found the Love of a Husband Father & Clan. This book Introduced me to not just an amazing Author but a Woman I call friend . Findley's Lass , Wee Williams Woman, & Mckenna's Honer are all truly wonderful books. Rowen's Lady Captured my heart. Rowen & Arline both are protective of their hearts but you can't stop Love. Arline a Pawn in a mans game Rowen a heart broken man. Brought together by a wee lass . There is trials & tribulations disgruntled members of the Clan . Like all of Suzans Books they take you on a journey that you never want to end. If I know Suzan Tidale Like I do the saga will continue.
WOW!! The audiobook narrated by the VERY talented Brad Wills gives an amazing performance of the beautifully written love story by Suzan Tisdale! Tisdale's writing reminds me of Laura Kinsale. I absolutely can't wait for the next book!! Tisdale/Wills is right there with Kinsale/Boulton - a story and narration made in heaven! If you're in the mood for hot, steamy and sex then skip it until you are ready for that journey of love and overcoming adversity. There is so much character development that you will soon get lost in this book. I seldom experience so much emotion with a book but this one.... it will make you laugh and cry.
I would also compare Tisdale to Julie Garwood's writing but absolutely avoid anything narrated by Anne Flosnik.
really liked this one--it may be my new favorite of this series. I really love the way this author portrays her characters--great alpha male leads, strong heroines, exciting villains. It had everything I have come to expect from reading one of Ms. Tisdale's books, including an actual romance, and good action/suspense. What was the factor that made me like this one a little more than the previous one I read was the fact pretty much the whole story centered on the main characters. There were still the mass of secondary characters we have met in the previous stories, but the main focus was definitely on this H and h, and the plot did not go off on tangents with other characters.
From the first time we meet Rowan in Laiden's Daughter until now in his own story, he has just gotten better and better. Like all Scots, fierce warrior and completely loyal. Loved how he reluctantly leaves Kate to provide a better life for his darling daughter.
Lady Arline appears again - you knew from their first meeting that they would meet again in a future book. After being dragged around by her father, she finally gets her feet under her. Loved the scene with her father at the end. Arline deserves her handsome Highlander after all she had been through.
This poor woman, like seriously, who can go through that much and not have a mental breakdown. And what's with the Shadows? That one came as a surprise.
Tisdale is not disappointing me with her novels, but i must say, descriptions of beatings are more vivid then the sex scenes. This isn't a YA for pete's sake, it could have been taken up a notch. The sexual tension leading up to the big moment was better.
Still not understanding why Ms. McGregor behaved the way she did, would have liked that mystery resolved. Bizarre.
Rowan and Arline, You will love them. This book is a great start to the Clan Graham. You have a mystery, action and laughter, rolled into an awesome book. I couldn't put it down. Last night I stayed up till wee hours reading this book and then woke up to finish it off. It was that good. Rowan's Daughter is such a cutie. I wanted one of her for my own. How does she do it, how does she continue to create wonderful books that you cannot resist reading hours on end. Highly recommended.
What a great job Suzan has done again. Rowan's Lady is such a great Highlander story, it full of laughter, mystery, suspense, romance, tears. You will never be disapointed by one of Suzan's books. Highly recommend anyone who hasn't read her books to read them all. Once you read one of her books you will become an avid fan as well.