Fabulous!
I really loved this book. This is my second time reading it cover to cover. It's well written, with a dynamic plot, and an amazing cast of characters! Alongside the romance, there is a pervading sub-plot that dominates the story; namely, the unsolved mystery of Fiona's mother's murder, and the identify of the infidel who is plotting Fiona's demise. We first meet Fiona when she's five years old, happily anticipating her father's long awaited arrival. Unfortunately, before he arrives, other men invade her home, kill her mother, and take Fiona away.
Fourteen years later, Fiona is living in a Priory on the Isle of Skye. She has no memory of her past. Alec Macpherson is the newly appointed Laird of the Isle of Skye. He and Fiona first meet under less than auspicious circumstances...her masquerading as a leper of all things. There is an immediate attraction between Alec and Fiona. Alec is drawn to the mysterious beauty, who is neither leper nor nun...as were his first and second beliefs. LOL As the two spend more time together, their attraction develops and strengthens.
The romance between Alec and Fiona is oh so sweet; he's so caring, and tender with her, it was a delight to read. When Fiona is attacked, the trauma from the attack induces her memories to begin to resurface. Shortly after, the identity of Fiona's father is revealed. It then becomes clear that there are those who will go to any lengths to dispense with Fiona. Alec is determined to protect Fiona at any cost, even as he fights against his feelings for her. Fiona feels just as strongly for Alec; however, and refuses to allow him to retreat from her and their budding relationship.
I did have a couple of issues. The first is that there is absolutely no warning between scene changes. I mean, there's no extra space, no page break, nothing! One minute I'm reading a scene where Fiona is thinking XYZ to herself, the next Alec is saying something to her and I'm like..."huh? Where did he come from?" I'd reread the section thinking I'd missed something only to realize, "oh, there's been a scene change." I think this might be more of a problem with the switch of formatting from print to digital rather than anything to do with the author, but it was rather jarring, especially at first. My second issue, which is really a personal thing is that I found myself getting a little irritated at the numerous times we're told that Fiona is a beauty or Alec is handsome. It got to the point where I was like "enough already! I get it, she's beautiful! Ugh." Funny, but I don't remember being that irritated the first time I read this book. Maybe I'm just getting old and cranky. LOL
Anyway, those two little issues aside, this was an almost perfect read for me! The story is both engaging and compelling read. I enjoyed it and would highly recommend it to anyone who likes a healthy dose of intrigue with their romance. BTW, this is not a clean romance. Happy reading!