What do you think?
Rate this book
Galloway Trilogy #1
Apprivoisée par un laird - 1
Jenny Easdale est prête à accepter son sort. Elle a accepté d’épouser un homme qu’elle n’aimera jamais — néanmoins, pas avant de filer en douce pour vivre une dernière aventure. Accompagnant une troupe de ménestrels ambulants, elle est rapidement introduite dans un monde de liberté enivrante. Ensuite, beaucoup trop tôt, elle se retrouve en danger — à cause d’une intrigue politique vindicative, ainsi que de l’homme qui est venu pour la ramener chez elle. Engagé à rentrer avec la fiancée imprévisible de son frère, sir Hugh Douglas n’est pas prêt pour la façon dont son esprit vif, son courage et ses yeux rieurs émeuvent son coeur de guerrier. Maintenant, tandis que les joyeux ménestrels jouent les intermédiaires et que la passion provoque des étincelles entre Hugh et Jenny, la conspiration contre l’Écosse grandit… et menace tout ce qu’ils chérissent.
424 pages, Paperback
First published June 10, 2009
24 people are currently reading
681 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Scott
172 books381 followersAmanda Scott, USA Today Bestselling Author and winner of Romance Writers of America’s RITA/Golden Medallion (LORD ABBERLEY'S NEMESIS) and Romantic Times’ Awards for Best Regency Author and Best Sensual Regency (RAVENWOOD'S LADY), Lifetime Achievement (2007) and Best Scottish Historical (BORDER MOONLIGHT, 2008), began writing on a dare from her husband. She has sold every manuscript she has written.
Amanda is a fourth-generation Californian, who was born and raised in Salinas and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Mills College in Oakland. She did graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in British History, before obtaining her Master’s in History from California State University at San Jose. She now lives with her husband and son in northern California.
As a child, Amanda Scott was a model for O’Connor Moffatt in San Francisco (now Macy’s). She was also a Sputnik child, one of those selected after the satellite went up for one of California’s first programs for gifted children. She remained in that program through high school. After graduate school, she taught for the Salinas City School District for three years before marrying her husband, who was then a captain in the Air Force. They lived in Honolulu for a year, then in Papillion, Nebraska, for seven. Their son was born in Nebraska. They have lived in northern California since 1980.
Scott grew up in a family of lawyers, and is descended from a long line of them. Her father was a three-term District Attorney of Monterey County before his death in 1955 at age 36. Her grandfather was City Attorney of Salinas for 36 years after serving two terms as District Attorney, and two of her ancestors were State Supreme Court Justices (one in Missouri, the other the first Supreme Court Justice for the State of Arkansas). One brother, having carried on the Scott tradition in the Monterey County DA’s office, is now a judge. The other is an electrician in Knoxville, TN, and her sister is a teacher in the Sacramento area.
The women of Amanda Scott’s family have been no less successful than the men. Her mother was a child actress known as Baby Lowell, who performed all over the west coast and in Hollywood movies, and then was a dancer with the San Francisco Opera Ballet until her marriage. Her mother’s sister, Loretta Lowell, was also a child actress. She performed in the Our Gang comedies and in several Loretta Young movies before becoming one of the first women in the US Air Force. Scott's paternal grandmother was active in local and State politics and served as president of the California State PTA, and her maternal grandmother was a teacher (and stage mother) before working for Monterey County. The place of women in Scott’s family has always been a strong one. Though they married strong men, the women have, for generations, been well educated and encouraged to succeed at whatever they chose to do.
Amanda Scott’s first book was OMAHA CITY ARCHITECTURE, a coffee-table photo essay on the historical architecture of Omaha, written for Landmarks, Inc. under her married name as a Junior League project. Others took the photos; she did the research and wrote the text on an old Smith-Corona portable electric. She sold her first novel, THE FUGITIVE HEIRESS - likewise written on the battered Smith-Corona in 1980. Since then, she has sold many more books, but since the second one she has used a word processor and computer. Twenty-five of her novels are set in the English Regency period (1810-1820). Others are set in 15th-century England and 14th- through 18th-century Scotland, and three are contemporary romances. Many of her titles are currently available at bookstores and online.
Amanda is a fourth-generation Californian, who was born and raised in Salinas and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in history from Mills College in Oakland. She did graduate work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, specializing in British History, before obtaining her Master’s in History from California State University at San Jose. She now lives with her husband and son in northern California.
As a child, Amanda Scott was a model for O’Connor Moffatt in San Francisco (now Macy’s). She was also a Sputnik child, one of those selected after the satellite went up for one of California’s first programs for gifted children. She remained in that program through high school. After graduate school, she taught for the Salinas City School District for three years before marrying her husband, who was then a captain in the Air Force. They lived in Honolulu for a year, then in Papillion, Nebraska, for seven. Their son was born in Nebraska. They have lived in northern California since 1980.
Scott grew up in a family of lawyers, and is descended from a long line of them. Her father was a three-term District Attorney of Monterey County before his death in 1955 at age 36. Her grandfather was City Attorney of Salinas for 36 years after serving two terms as District Attorney, and two of her ancestors were State Supreme Court Justices (one in Missouri, the other the first Supreme Court Justice for the State of Arkansas). One brother, having carried on the Scott tradition in the Monterey County DA’s office, is now a judge. The other is an electrician in Knoxville, TN, and her sister is a teacher in the Sacramento area.
The women of Amanda Scott’s family have been no less successful than the men. Her mother was a child actress known as Baby Lowell, who performed all over the west coast and in Hollywood movies, and then was a dancer with the San Francisco Opera Ballet until her marriage. Her mother’s sister, Loretta Lowell, was also a child actress. She performed in the Our Gang comedies and in several Loretta Young movies before becoming one of the first women in the US Air Force. Scott's paternal grandmother was active in local and State politics and served as president of the California State PTA, and her maternal grandmother was a teacher (and stage mother) before working for Monterey County. The place of women in Scott’s family has always been a strong one. Though they married strong men, the women have, for generations, been well educated and encouraged to succeed at whatever they chose to do.
Amanda Scott’s first book was OMAHA CITY ARCHITECTURE, a coffee-table photo essay on the historical architecture of Omaha, written for Landmarks, Inc. under her married name as a Junior League project. Others took the photos; she did the research and wrote the text on an old Smith-Corona portable electric. She sold her first novel, THE FUGITIVE HEIRESS - likewise written on the battered Smith-Corona in 1980. Since then, she has sold many more books, but since the second one she has used a word processor and computer. Twenty-five of her novels are set in the English Regency period (1810-1820). Others are set in 15th-century England and 14th- through 18th-century Scotland, and three are contemporary romances. Many of her titles are currently available at bookstores and online.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 24, 2013
I have read from this author before and just fell in love with her books. I will admit that I had a hard time getting into this one until the end....it almost became a chore. I usually wouldn't have kept up with it so far...but the plot was decent, and I just had to see how it turned out. Even though toward the end I started to really enjoy the story, I found myself skimming almost through the majority of the book...which is a shame. Also I think the strong accents in the book, didn't exactly help any, it takes a while to get used to. Since they are very overly strong, it can be really hard to understand, so it takes a lot longer to read. However I did like the characters, but overall it didn't stand out to me as much as her other books. I think I had high expectations so I got really disappointed. Even though there were a few things that I enjoyed, it didn't sing to me, so I was frustrated quite a lot since it never takes me three days to get a book read. Hopefully the next one that I read of hers will be better.
Favorite Quote
"Don't try again to tell me my business. I--"
Grabbing her by the upper arms, he gave her a shake that broke off her reply, making her eyes widen and her lips part in shock.
They looked invitingly soft and rosy.
He had intended to tell her just what he though of her behavior. Instead, without another thought, he pulled her close and kissed her hard.
Favorite Quote
"Don't try again to tell me my business. I--"
Grabbing her by the upper arms, he gave her a shake that broke off her reply, making her eyes widen and her lips part in shock.
They looked invitingly soft and rosy.
He had intended to tell her just what he though of her behavior. Instead, without another thought, he pulled her close and kissed her hard.
December 13, 2014
The language really annoyed me and I couldn't be bothered finishing it.
June 22, 2017
"Jenny Easdale is ready to accept her fate. She's agreed to marry a man she will never love -- yet not before slipping away for one last adventure. Following a traveling minstrel troupe, she's whisked into a world of intoxicating freedom. Then, all too soon, she find herself in danger -- from a vengeful political plot and from the man who has come to take her home.
"Dutybound to return with his brother's wayward bride, Sir Hugh Douglas is not prepared for how her quick wit, courage, and laughing eyes touch his warrior heart. Now, as the merry minstrels play matchmaker and passion sparks between Hugh and Jenny, the conspiracy against Scotland builds ... and threatens all they hold dear."
~~back cover
Normally I don't read "bodice rippers." Just not my genre. But there I was, stuck in a rehab with nothing to do but watch ghastly tv or read. And I'd read everything I brought with me. So I toddled off to the rehab's library, where the pickings were slim indeed, but this book was one of the least objectionable. And it had the definite assets of being long (391 pages), and of being about Scotland.
Imagine my surprise when I actually liked the book! Nice characterizations -- not your ordinary "
Captured & mauled by a Pirate But I fell in Love Anyway" sort of people, or plot. I enjoyed it, and can recommend it for a good escape read.
"Dutybound to return with his brother's wayward bride, Sir Hugh Douglas is not prepared for how her quick wit, courage, and laughing eyes touch his warrior heart. Now, as the merry minstrels play matchmaker and passion sparks between Hugh and Jenny, the conspiracy against Scotland builds ... and threatens all they hold dear."
~~back cover
Normally I don't read "bodice rippers." Just not my genre. But there I was, stuck in a rehab with nothing to do but watch ghastly tv or read. And I'd read everything I brought with me. So I toddled off to the rehab's library, where the pickings were slim indeed, but this book was one of the least objectionable. And it had the definite assets of being long (391 pages), and of being about Scotland.
Imagine my surprise when I actually liked the book! Nice characterizations -- not your ordinary "
Captured & mauled by a Pirate But I fell in Love Anyway" sort of people, or plot. I enjoyed it, and can recommend it for a good escape read.
March 14, 2018
Not sure if I have read any other book by this author but just read thru coz it was freely available at a book store. It took me a while to get into the story especially coz of the slang that is employed in this Scottish romance. A bit of intrigue spiced up the romance and was an enjoyable fare on the whole.
June 8, 2020
This was a fun read! I enjoyed the minstrel troupe—a very run-away-with-the-circus vibe—and Hugh & Jenny being undercover.
I was a little disappointed that a murder plot was hinted at but it turned out to be something much less exciting.
The romance was nice, although Hugh was a bit too heavy handed and “I’m smarter and wiser than you” towards Jenny. I guess he was since she was young and sheltered, but I didn’t like that arrogance of his.
Reid was a jerk, and I’m glad Hugh stood up for Jenny about the betrothal contracts, will, and legal stuff. Phaeline is sooo manipulative I can’t stand her. Gladly, most of the story happened away from her and Reid!
I was a little disappointed that a murder plot was hinted at but it turned out to be something much less exciting.
The romance was nice, although Hugh was a bit too heavy handed and “I’m smarter and wiser than you” towards Jenny. I guess he was since she was young and sheltered, but I didn’t like that arrogance of his.
Reid was a jerk, and I’m glad Hugh stood up for Jenny about the betrothal contracts, will, and legal stuff. Phaeline is sooo manipulative I can’t stand her. Gladly, most of the story happened away from her and Reid!
May 29, 2023
I did enjoy this, despite the pacing being fairly slow. Getting used to the dialect used slows it down even more, although that eases as the story moves along. Jenny and Hugh are fairly interesting characters, but the minstrel troupe really brightens the story.
Nicely done.
Nicely done.
March 29, 2025
I was a bit apprehensive going into this one, I read my review of book 2, and the title scared me a little since this book was published a while ago, but I enjoyed it, and I can't wait to continue on!
June 13, 2017
Great plot, but it took me a little more than a week to read it.
April 20, 2021
Skipped over half the book.
June 11, 2025
Good
This was a good book. It had adventure and romance. Strong characters and intrigue too. A well written book. Enjoy
This was a good book. It had adventure and romance. Strong characters and intrigue too. A well written book. Enjoy
January 9, 2026
I wasn’t sure what to expect of this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Easy to read with an engaging storyline and characters.
March 11, 2023
The ending did me in kind of like it till then
January 7, 2010
Amanda Scott's Historical Romances are almost always a nice change of pace for me. There is a good deal of emphasis on the historical part of the equation and the romance is often told more realistically than many romances. Tamed by a Laird is set in medieval Scotland. The politics weren't as prominent as some of Scott's previous books, but there is still some at times confusing intrigue involving jewelry theft.
Jenny is the recently orphaned 17 year old heroine who finds herself betrothed to Reed, an immature, quick tempered man she neither likes or respects. With her marriage only weeks away, she decides to take off on an adventure and joins a group of minstrels. Reed's older, more discreet brother Hugh is sent by Jenny's guardian to retrieve her. Realizing that Jenny is likely to be defended by the minstrels who have accepted her as one of them and not wanting to create scandal, Hugh also joins the troupe. Jenny is strong willed and determined to enjoy what she feels is her last chance for freedom. For all Hugh's stern demeanor and attempts to reason with her, Jenny flatly refuses to return home with him.
At times I felt myself wondering at Jenny's boldness in her culture where women were so subjugated. Also, she repeatedly took unnecessary and at times foolish risks. Then again, she was only 17 and was also a Baroness who had been raised by her father to assume running her estates at an even younger age. In that sense her willful, impulsive behavior seemed to fit in with who she was. Hugh is likewise strong willed and makes every effort to be stern and intimidating with Jenny. But unlike his bullying brother, Hugh in good command of his temper and actions. He also has an adventurous, daring side to him that becomes apparent as the story progresses. On top of that, he is falling in love with Jenny despite her betrothal to his brother.
Hugh and Jenny were a good match for each other and the troupe of minstrels conspires to push them together in a less than believeable plot devolopement. It was enjoyable to watch the two fall in love, and work out their relationship. At the end of the book, I could see them having a very lively life together. While they repeatedly butted heads, they each had such an underlying respect and affection for the other, that they were well on their way to forging a true partnership together. I enjoyed reading about their adventures and getting to know them.
Jenny is the recently orphaned 17 year old heroine who finds herself betrothed to Reed, an immature, quick tempered man she neither likes or respects. With her marriage only weeks away, she decides to take off on an adventure and joins a group of minstrels. Reed's older, more discreet brother Hugh is sent by Jenny's guardian to retrieve her. Realizing that Jenny is likely to be defended by the minstrels who have accepted her as one of them and not wanting to create scandal, Hugh also joins the troupe. Jenny is strong willed and determined to enjoy what she feels is her last chance for freedom. For all Hugh's stern demeanor and attempts to reason with her, Jenny flatly refuses to return home with him.
At times I felt myself wondering at Jenny's boldness in her culture where women were so subjugated. Also, she repeatedly took unnecessary and at times foolish risks. Then again, she was only 17 and was also a Baroness who had been raised by her father to assume running her estates at an even younger age. In that sense her willful, impulsive behavior seemed to fit in with who she was. Hugh is likewise strong willed and makes every effort to be stern and intimidating with Jenny. But unlike his bullying brother, Hugh in good command of his temper and actions. He also has an adventurous, daring side to him that becomes apparent as the story progresses. On top of that, he is falling in love with Jenny despite her betrothal to his brother.
Hugh and Jenny were a good match for each other and the troupe of minstrels conspires to push them together in a less than believeable plot devolopement. It was enjoyable to watch the two fall in love, and work out their relationship. At the end of the book, I could see them having a very lively life together. While they repeatedly butted heads, they each had such an underlying respect and affection for the other, that they were well on their way to forging a true partnership together. I enjoyed reading about their adventures and getting to know them.
January 30, 2010
This book took place in Scotland during the 1300s.Jenny an impulsive young girl who wants adventure and be herself is stuck with a family who cage her in. She is used to the freedom her father gives her, but after his death all was lost for her. Her guardian now was her father's brother-in-law who believed a young girls place in society is behind a man. Later Jenny is forced to agree to marry a man who is after her money. Jenny wishes for one last adventure before being tied to her irresponsible and spoiled betrothed. She runs off with a group of minstrel and becomes part of their group.
Hugh is Reid’s brother and the complete opposite of Reid. Hugh is a well known warrior is lured into helping find Jenny. Hugh ends up finding Jenny with the minstrel group, however he isn't able to force her to come back to her guardian. So he plays the part of singer and joins them as well so that he is able to stay near Jenny all the time. One thing lead to another and Hugh and Jenny end up married. Hugh who was previously married, but lost his wife, promised he would never marry again. However now he seems to be married to a girl who doesn't obey a word he tells her.
In the mix is a plot to attack the most powerful lord in Scotland among the minstrels. Now it is up to Jenny and Hugh to warn the lord. However Jenny seems keep stumbling into trouble and getting into Hugh's way. Hugh is attracted to Jenny and Jenny to him, however what about Reid? The question is should Jenny and Hugh stay husband and wife? Will Hugh be able to accept Jenny after what happened to him in the past? Don’t forget the threat to the lord. Will they able to warn him in time and figure out what is going on with the minstrels?
This is an excellent read and a very adventurous on too. Although this novel maybe on fictional characters it does have many factual information. There is no fault with this book except for the fact that the author uses a Scottish accent and the old way of talking so it is hard to understand at times.
Hugh is Reid’s brother and the complete opposite of Reid. Hugh is a well known warrior is lured into helping find Jenny. Hugh ends up finding Jenny with the minstrel group, however he isn't able to force her to come back to her guardian. So he plays the part of singer and joins them as well so that he is able to stay near Jenny all the time. One thing lead to another and Hugh and Jenny end up married. Hugh who was previously married, but lost his wife, promised he would never marry again. However now he seems to be married to a girl who doesn't obey a word he tells her.
In the mix is a plot to attack the most powerful lord in Scotland among the minstrels. Now it is up to Jenny and Hugh to warn the lord. However Jenny seems keep stumbling into trouble and getting into Hugh's way. Hugh is attracted to Jenny and Jenny to him, however what about Reid? The question is should Jenny and Hugh stay husband and wife? Will Hugh be able to accept Jenny after what happened to him in the past? Don’t forget the threat to the lord. Will they able to warn him in time and figure out what is going on with the minstrels?
This is an excellent read and a very adventurous on too. Although this novel maybe on fictional characters it does have many factual information. There is no fault with this book except for the fact that the author uses a Scottish accent and the old way of talking so it is hard to understand at times.
August 23, 2009
I really loved this book. Tamed by a Laird was my introduction to Amanda Scott, and she didn’t disappoint. Unlike most Scottish romances that I’ve read, this one is very Scottish in speech. Sometimes I had to slow down and sound everything out in my head so I could make sure I understood what the characters were saying. It was almost like reading another language, which was neat. But that had nothing to do with how it was written, so I don’t mean to push you away with talk of how I couldn’t understand what I was reading.
I loved how the heroine Jenny was both naive and strong at the same time. It made her a much more realistic character, and also lent to some of the tension between her and the hero Hugh. Hugh constantly tries to tell Jenny not to be so naive about anything, that danger can lurk around any corner. And in the case of the situation(s) the characters find themselves in, he was absolutely right. I was very satisfied with Tamed by a Laird throughout.
After finishing the book, although I felt all the loose ends were tied up and everything was resolved, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something. When I read the author’s note to the reader at the end of the book, I read that Tamed by a Laird is the first book in a new trilogy. I’m happy that I get to spend more time with these characters. The next book is Seduced by a Rogue, with its release date to be January 2010. Also by reading the author’s note, I realized just how much effort was put into researching all the places and characters mentioned in the book. And believe me, it certainly seems to be pretty extensive.
I could not put this book down!!
I loved how the heroine Jenny was both naive and strong at the same time. It made her a much more realistic character, and also lent to some of the tension between her and the hero Hugh. Hugh constantly tries to tell Jenny not to be so naive about anything, that danger can lurk around any corner. And in the case of the situation(s) the characters find themselves in, he was absolutely right. I was very satisfied with Tamed by a Laird throughout.
After finishing the book, although I felt all the loose ends were tied up and everything was resolved, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was missing something. When I read the author’s note to the reader at the end of the book, I read that Tamed by a Laird is the first book in a new trilogy. I’m happy that I get to spend more time with these characters. The next book is Seduced by a Rogue, with its release date to be January 2010. Also by reading the author’s note, I realized just how much effort was put into researching all the places and characters mentioned in the book. And believe me, it certainly seems to be pretty extensive.
I could not put this book down!!
August 28, 2009
Synopsis:
Young, wealthy, and orphaned and living in the 1300s, Jenny Easdale is in the unenviable position of being engaged to her guardian's brother-in-law, Reid. While Reid is good looking, he's immature and spoiled. Reid hasn't had experience managing an estate but expects to run Easdale once they're married.
During her betrothal celebration, Jenny yearns for adventure and with little planning, decides to sneak out with her personal servant when Peg visits her cousin among the entertainers. Jenny passes as her maidservant's cousin and takes on the role of a singer to be able to join the troupe. During their travels, Jenny overhears a strange conversation that may prove treasonous.
Meanwhile, when her guardian realizes that Jenny's missing, it's Reid's elder brother, Hugh Douglas, that offers to bring Jenny back. When Hugh finds her, he decides to listen to her pleas and agrees to protect her cover and become part of the traveling troupe himself while searching for the mysterious conspirators. As Jenny and Hugh work together, they gradually become friends. As Hugh realizes that Reid would be a bad match for Jenny - Reid would try to control her without understanding or valuing her strengths. So, what should they do when circumstances offer Hugh and Jenny the chance to be together?
Review:
Amanda Scott has delivered a fun and exciting romance set in medieval Scotland. Jenny Easdale is spirited, generous, and beautiful. Hugh Douglas is a wonderful romantic lead. Together, they make Tamed by a Laird an enjoyable escape - either for the beach or during a rainy day.
Young, wealthy, and orphaned and living in the 1300s, Jenny Easdale is in the unenviable position of being engaged to her guardian's brother-in-law, Reid. While Reid is good looking, he's immature and spoiled. Reid hasn't had experience managing an estate but expects to run Easdale once they're married.
During her betrothal celebration, Jenny yearns for adventure and with little planning, decides to sneak out with her personal servant when Peg visits her cousin among the entertainers. Jenny passes as her maidservant's cousin and takes on the role of a singer to be able to join the troupe. During their travels, Jenny overhears a strange conversation that may prove treasonous.
Meanwhile, when her guardian realizes that Jenny's missing, it's Reid's elder brother, Hugh Douglas, that offers to bring Jenny back. When Hugh finds her, he decides to listen to her pleas and agrees to protect her cover and become part of the traveling troupe himself while searching for the mysterious conspirators. As Jenny and Hugh work together, they gradually become friends. As Hugh realizes that Reid would be a bad match for Jenny - Reid would try to control her without understanding or valuing her strengths. So, what should they do when circumstances offer Hugh and Jenny the chance to be together?
Review:
Amanda Scott has delivered a fun and exciting romance set in medieval Scotland. Jenny Easdale is spirited, generous, and beautiful. Hugh Douglas is a wonderful romantic lead. Together, they make Tamed by a Laird an enjoyable escape - either for the beach or during a rainy day.
September 20, 2009
Tamed by a Laird is a Scottish romance that brings together two strong characters. Jenny is a landowner, who has recently become betrothed to her uncle's doltish brother in-law. Jenny is used to independence, faced with a future of womanly chores and child rearing, she longs for one, last, big adventure. Jenny gets more than she asked for when her walk with a traveling entertainment troupe turns into a mysterious debacle.
Sir Hugh has been sent by his brother in-law to fetch his impulsive brother's soon to be bride, least there be any scandal. He finds Jenny quite quickly but allows her the adventure she craves while he tries to solve the mystery.
I enjoyed the Scottish culture and the time period of this novel. It was before the days of the printing press or other modern novelties, when people traveled by foot or horseback to get anywhere and the hierarchy was of utmost importance. All of the character's spoke with Scottish accents, which was both endearing and confusing at the same time. I wish some more words were included in the glossary in the beginning of the book but it wasn't that bad. One thing I was disappointed but with this novel was the characterization. I found the two main characters to be the same cookie cutter characters in most historical romance novels. Otherwise it was a solid book with adventure and intrigue.
Sir Hugh has been sent by his brother in-law to fetch his impulsive brother's soon to be bride, least there be any scandal. He finds Jenny quite quickly but allows her the adventure she craves while he tries to solve the mystery.
I enjoyed the Scottish culture and the time period of this novel. It was before the days of the printing press or other modern novelties, when people traveled by foot or horseback to get anywhere and the hierarchy was of utmost importance. All of the character's spoke with Scottish accents, which was both endearing and confusing at the same time. I wish some more words were included in the glossary in the beginning of the book but it wasn't that bad. One thing I was disappointed but with this novel was the characterization. I found the two main characters to be the same cookie cutter characters in most historical romance novels. Otherwise it was a solid book with adventure and intrigue.
November 11, 2009
Ah but I’m English; how could I enjoy a book where the English are the enemy? But I’d have to say, I did enjoy Amanda Scott’s book, set in the 14th century Scottish Borders. I may not have been entirely convinced by Jenny Easdale’s curious escapade, but I was certainly entranced.
Rushing from an unwelcome betrothal, determined to enjoy her last moments of freedom, Jenny joins the minstrels and is welcomed by a host of fascinating characters. Meanwhile Sir Hugh is sent to bring her home, and ends up disguising himself as a minstrel too. When the two sing together, love blooms. But is Jenny right to fear a plot against her country, or is Sir Hugh right to insist that she go home?
The people, places and attitudes feel well-researched and very real, lending strength to the story. And Jenny is a great character—wise, well-taught, and duty-bound to the workers of Easdale as well as to the rules of the rich. She makes a fitting foil for Sir Hugh, and their stormy relationship unfolds with entertaining twists and turns as the mystery is solved.
I loved the insights into Borders life, and the notes at the back of the book—I even learned where the British “pound sterling” comes from! And I loved the adventure of the tale, like a grown-up version (with bedroom scenes of course) of the stories I read as a child. I shall definitely look out for more in this series.
Rushing from an unwelcome betrothal, determined to enjoy her last moments of freedom, Jenny joins the minstrels and is welcomed by a host of fascinating characters. Meanwhile Sir Hugh is sent to bring her home, and ends up disguising himself as a minstrel too. When the two sing together, love blooms. But is Jenny right to fear a plot against her country, or is Sir Hugh right to insist that she go home?
The people, places and attitudes feel well-researched and very real, lending strength to the story. And Jenny is a great character—wise, well-taught, and duty-bound to the workers of Easdale as well as to the rules of the rich. She makes a fitting foil for Sir Hugh, and their stormy relationship unfolds with entertaining twists and turns as the mystery is solved.
I loved the insights into Borders life, and the notes at the back of the book—I even learned where the British “pound sterling” comes from! And I loved the adventure of the tale, like a grown-up version (with bedroom scenes of course) of the stories I read as a child. I shall definitely look out for more in this series.
August 24, 2013
I actually found this while I was looking for a different book (a different genre altogether if I'm honest) but thought what the hell, why not!
Took me a little to get into it. The speech was very much Scottish brogue, but once I got into the swing of it then the story went by quite well! This book revolves around a girl called Jennie, she also has 2 cousins (who are half sisters to each other) and this is number one in the trilogy of the 3 woman.
The story was well told and the Hero was a your typical historical romance rogue/Lord but I never seem to mind when I am reading this sort of book
Good book - 4/5
Took me a little to get into it. The speech was very much Scottish brogue, but once I got into the swing of it then the story went by quite well! This book revolves around a girl called Jennie, she also has 2 cousins (who are half sisters to each other) and this is number one in the trilogy of the 3 woman.
The story was well told and the Hero was a your typical historical romance rogue/Lord but I never seem to mind when I am reading this sort of book
Good book - 4/5
September 15, 2013
A Scottish lass longing for one last adventure before she marries the fool she's betrothed to, convinces her lady's maid to help her sneak off with a traveling minstrel troupe. Her betrothed's older, wiser, and less emotionally-available brother is tasked with tracking her down and bringing her back before scandal or danger erupts. Of course, scandal and danger erupt, but in less than predictable - & still entertaining - ways. The mostly reasonable characters (there were a few places where I rolled my eyes, by not too many) and the author's ability to pepper humor throughout the story all recommend this book.
July 31, 2009
From its start with a map and a note to the reader, to end with another note to the reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I enjoyed this view into the past. I loved the sweetness and intelligence of Jenny. The determination and cleverness of Hugh. The crassness of Reid. The canniness of The Joculator. All the members of the troupe and Archie the Grim. What a great cast of characters!
If you want a good read, I highly recommend this book...but keep your dictionary handy for some of the arcane words and do enjoy the dialect. I sure did!
I enjoyed this view into the past. I loved the sweetness and intelligence of Jenny. The determination and cleverness of Hugh. The crassness of Reid. The canniness of The Joculator. All the members of the troupe and Archie the Grim. What a great cast of characters!
If you want a good read, I highly recommend this book...but keep your dictionary handy for some of the arcane words and do enjoy the dialect. I sure did!
January 23, 2010
Right after I started this book I came down with a cold and I was so grateful to have a good book to read. This book helped me recover so much faster. As always Amanda Scott has done an excellent job of transporting us to 1374 Scotland. In no time you're on board the band wagon beating a tambourine hoping Jenny Easdale and Sir Hugh Douglas get together. I also liked the secondary character Fiona and look forward to reading her story.
February 3, 2010
I liked how the main characters were fictional but many of the side characters were in fact real. It really drew me into medieval Scotland. The language was really authentic in that I had to reread many conversations to understand what was being said. I'm looking forward to continuing the series as the next book, Seduced by a Rogue has already been released.
January 3, 2022
2.5 rating. Wasn’t really that great. The language was too thick and at times hard to keep up with. The romance wasn’t too bad but was barely present throughout the story. It was quite hard to even finish the book tbh - so, yeah. If you like an accurate portrayal of Scottish historical romance give it a try, it just wasn’t really my thing.
March 5, 2016
Amanda Scott's Scottish novels are always great, and this is no exception. Feisty, adorable heroine, and handsome sexy hero. Lots of interesting stuff about minstrels and Scottish history. If you like the genre, don't miss this one. It's #1 of a trilogy.
November 7, 2014
Jenny is supposed to marry but decided she needs an adventure before she weds so she runs away to travels with a minstral group. Hugh, her betrothed's brother is sent to being her home. He has just arrived at the minstral camp...
July 18, 2009
The only reason I picked up this book was because I met the author. I wasn't thrilled with the story or the book itself, but it was okay. It had potential.
August 7, 2009
A quick read, but the subplot about stealing jewelry was rather pointless.
October 11, 2009
I finished reading it so it must have had some redeeming value but I'm not sure what it was.
October 4, 2009
Scott has done a good job on the history of the period and the dialect is very well done. I also liked that it didn't feel like a twenty-first century heroine was dropped into the fourteenth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews