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Border Trilogy II #2
Border Lass
A woman locked in her past and the fierce knight determined to set her free...Amanda Scott returns readers to the fourteenth century Scottish Borders, when men battled sword against sword and the hills echoed with the thunder of a thousand hooves.
Unfit for marriage? Young, fair, yet mistrustful of men, Amalie Murray harbors a secret--one that could keep her single for life. At the coronation of the King of Scots, she overhears the plotting of a terrifying act...and virtually falls into the arms of Sir Garth Napier. Moved by her plight, Garth knows she now desperately needs protection--especially from her own stubbornness. Their unexpected passion and desire make Garth coax the truth out of Amalie, and make him more determined than ever to keep her safe. For though Amalie may be an "inappropriate bride," she's a woman he would gladly die for.
Unfit for marriage? Young, fair, yet mistrustful of men, Amalie Murray harbors a secret--one that could keep her single for life. At the coronation of the King of Scots, she overhears the plotting of a terrifying act...and virtually falls into the arms of Sir Garth Napier. Moved by her plight, Garth knows she now desperately needs protection--especially from her own stubbornness. Their unexpected passion and desire make Garth coax the truth out of Amalie, and make him more determined than ever to keep her safe. For though Amalie may be an "inappropriate bride," she's a woman he would gladly die for.
Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2008
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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.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 15, 2013
This is the 2nd book of the Border Trilogy, and I enjoyed it as much, probably more than the first, because I was more familiar w/the political characters of the period, thanks to the first book. Once again the story line was appealing, and held my attention. I noticed, after reviewing the first book, that several readers gave it a poor review....and I really don't understand why. If you don't like medieval romance or the history of that period, why bother to pick up a book of that sort to read in the first place? I feel that a bad review should be given only if a book of the type you are interested in disappoints you. It's not fair to give a bad review to something you wouldn't like no matter who the author was. I love historical romance, medieval or otherwise, and found the two books I've read so far by Ms. Scott to be both entertaining and interesting. I laughed, cried, and thoroughly enjoyed both books....now on to the third!!
October 31, 2014
It's the coronation of Robert the III of Scotland. Sir Garth Napier, newly minted Lord of Westruther is watching Amalie Murray, one of Princess Isabelle's ladies in waiting.
It's not too creepy. He just can't keep his eyes off her. In a good way. If there is one. Anyhoo, he's intrigued. He "just happens" to follow her into a residence that not many people should be entering and catches her eavesdropping through a door (she heard voices, thought one might be her brother Simon, and the next thing she knows somebody's talking about murder—who wouldn't listen?). Garth snags her away before she hears the whole conversation but she heard enough to be worried. Not that she's gonna tell Garth anything.
Amalie has pretty good reasons not to trust men. Even if they act all trustworthy.
We know all this from previous books. So even though Garth asks very nicely that she tell him what she overheard, she's all
Garth is on a mission. He is allied with Archie "the grim" Douglas, an extremely powerful earl and warden of the marches. Archie wants to find out who killed his son Will. Garth was with Will as he died in Danzig and heard him name his assailant, though he can't seem to find anyone by that name in Scotland. His investigation brings him into Princess Isabelle's service, which, of course, brings him close to Amalie.
Amalie is NOT what he wants in a wife, even tho he can't keep his eyes (or hands) off her (and not in ways I find particularly sexy). After Amalie's past experiences, she wants nothing to do with men or marriage, but she's quite drawn to Garth.
The convoluted politics of the day in Scotland play a huge role in this story, and the issue of women's rights (such as they were) also come into play. The villains here start with Robert, the Earl of Fife, the true power behind the throne of Scotland, which is currently occupied by a quiet, peaceful man who doesn't really want to bother with the politics (in other words, easily taken advantage of). It's one take on history and it does create good drama. The author has some strong opinions about Fife's part in a number of tragedies, as did people back in the day, but she leaves the questions open, just as history does. Basically, if I were certain this guy did what she hints he did, I'd want to dig him up, raise him to life, and kill him again. Just saying.
Meanwhile, Amalie's family is busy planning her wedding—which she wants no part of. In Scotland, a woman can legally refuse to marry—that's if she's lucky enough to have a priest overseeing her wedding who'll care if she says no, and friends who are able to keep a determined parent or guardian from beating or starving her into submission. Amalie has the good fortune of having powerful allies, but her opponents are even more so.
The finale worked well for me—the manipulation of the various laws of the day and the worrisome fallout(S—there were a number) made for a great read. I almost never give 5-star ratings, but this could have gotten one if I'd felt more connected to Amalie's perspective, her past betrayals, her fear, her anger, her burgeoning attraction, trust and affection for the hero, and the confidence he helped her develop along the way. I'll give it a solid 4, because it's still damned good, but I'm a bit bummed because with just a little more emotional contact with the heroine, it could have hit my all-time favorites list.
It's not too creepy. He just can't keep his eyes off her. In a good way. If there is one. Anyhoo, he's intrigued. He "just happens" to follow her into a residence that not many people should be entering and catches her eavesdropping through a door (she heard voices, thought one might be her brother Simon, and the next thing she knows somebody's talking about murder—who wouldn't listen?). Garth snags her away before she hears the whole conversation but she heard enough to be worried. Not that she's gonna tell Garth anything.
Amalie has pretty good reasons not to trust men. Even if they act all trustworthy.
We know all this from previous books. So even though Garth asks very nicely that she tell him what she overheard, she's all
Garth is on a mission. He is allied with Archie "the grim" Douglas, an extremely powerful earl and warden of the marches. Archie wants to find out who killed his son Will. Garth was with Will as he died in Danzig and heard him name his assailant, though he can't seem to find anyone by that name in Scotland. His investigation brings him into Princess Isabelle's service, which, of course, brings him close to Amalie.
Amalie is NOT what he wants in a wife, even tho he can't keep his eyes (or hands) off her (and not in ways I find particularly sexy). After Amalie's past experiences, she wants nothing to do with men or marriage, but she's quite drawn to Garth.
The convoluted politics of the day in Scotland play a huge role in this story, and the issue of women's rights (such as they were) also come into play. The villains here start with Robert, the Earl of Fife, the true power behind the throne of Scotland, which is currently occupied by a quiet, peaceful man who doesn't really want to bother with the politics (in other words, easily taken advantage of). It's one take on history and it does create good drama. The author has some strong opinions about Fife's part in a number of tragedies, as did people back in the day, but she leaves the questions open, just as history does. Basically, if I were certain this guy did what she hints he did, I'd want to dig him up, raise him to life, and kill him again. Just saying.
Meanwhile, Amalie's family is busy planning her wedding—which she wants no part of. In Scotland, a woman can legally refuse to marry—that's if she's lucky enough to have a priest overseeing her wedding who'll care if she says no, and friends who are able to keep a determined parent or guardian from beating or starving her into submission. Amalie has the good fortune of having powerful allies, but her opponents are even more so.
The finale worked well for me—the manipulation of the various laws of the day and the worrisome fallout(S—there were a number) made for a great read. I almost never give 5-star ratings, but this could have gotten one if I'd felt more connected to Amalie's perspective, her past betrayals, her fear, her anger, her burgeoning attraction, trust and affection for the hero, and the confidence he helped her develop along the way. I'll give it a solid 4, because it's still damned good, but I'm a bit bummed because with just a little more emotional contact with the heroine, it could have hit my all-time favorites list.
August 24, 2008
The year is 1390 in Scotland.
It is time to crown the new king of Scots. Amalie Murray was just going about her business when she overhears some men plotting to over throw the new king. Someone is very desperate to rule, Scotland and he will do anything to gain control even if it means taking anyone who stands in his way down. When Sir Garth Napier catches Amalie eavesdropping at the door, he briskly takes Amalie away. Garth demands to know what Amalie was doing spying. Amalie tells Garth that she was not spying but instead had heard some voices plotting and stopped to listen because one of the voices sounded familiar. Know that Amalie could be in trouble that would require his protection; Garth decides to keep a close eye on Amalie. Fortunately for Garth it won’t be hard as he is captivated by the lovely Amalie.
I adored Amalie. She was friendly but also had a strong will about her. Sir Garth Napier is very handsome, warm, and all-around great guy. The story within Border Lass was a great one. It had deceit, adventure as well as romance. Amanda Scott talks about her love for Scottish history and it shows in this book. Ms. Scott really did her research. As I was reading Border Lass I could instantly picture myself there with Amalie and Garth. Amanda Scott is true royalty when it comes to fourteenth century Scottish historical romance novels. So the next time I am in the mood to read a really wonderful Scottish novel I know I won’t have to look any farther then Amanda Scott.
It is time to crown the new king of Scots. Amalie Murray was just going about her business when she overhears some men plotting to over throw the new king. Someone is very desperate to rule, Scotland and he will do anything to gain control even if it means taking anyone who stands in his way down. When Sir Garth Napier catches Amalie eavesdropping at the door, he briskly takes Amalie away. Garth demands to know what Amalie was doing spying. Amalie tells Garth that she was not spying but instead had heard some voices plotting and stopped to listen because one of the voices sounded familiar. Know that Amalie could be in trouble that would require his protection; Garth decides to keep a close eye on Amalie. Fortunately for Garth it won’t be hard as he is captivated by the lovely Amalie.
I adored Amalie. She was friendly but also had a strong will about her. Sir Garth Napier is very handsome, warm, and all-around great guy. The story within Border Lass was a great one. It had deceit, adventure as well as romance. Amanda Scott talks about her love for Scottish history and it shows in this book. Ms. Scott really did her research. As I was reading Border Lass I could instantly picture myself there with Amalie and Garth. Amanda Scott is true royalty when it comes to fourteenth century Scottish historical romance novels. So the next time I am in the mood to read a really wonderful Scottish novel I know I won’t have to look any farther then Amanda Scott.
April 21, 2014
Boring. Nothing much happened.
September 22, 2010
This was a nice change for me. I don't typically read Scottish historical romance novels or novels set in medieval times but I fell in like with this story. This novel depicts 14th century Scottish politics and the inner workings of titled Scottish families. This novel was not only about romance but political shenanigans and the race for power in Medieval Scotland. The hero and the heroine fell in love slowly but surely, there was no ravishing going on and it made their romance sweeter. I really liked this story and will be reading the next installment in this Border series very soon. I only have one objection, I don't find a man spanking a grown woman as sweet or funny. If I'm going to read a book about Medieval Times, I don't want to see women being beaten.
December 7, 2010
If you like stories of historical scotland with a bit of romance thrown in, this book will appeal to you. Out herione finds herself caught up into intrigue when she overhears plotting at the Scottish court. A young knight, Garth helps her and finds he cars for her and must convince her to marry, even though she does not want to. Being forced to marry a man she dislikes, throws her into Garth's arms and they escape her father and brother's choice and hides out with a Princess friend. Enjoyable read.
July 2, 2013
Book 2 in the Border Trilogy was better than book 1. I would give it 2 and a half stars if possible because so much of it is historical data. It continues with Amalie's story which was so disturbing in book 1. The politics of fighting for land and power in the border region of Scotland is a great portion of the book, but there is a romance too. Sir Garth is charged with serving Isabel the widow of James and meets one of her ladies Amalie who has vowed never to trust a man nor marry. There friendship and attraction along with the wise and daring Lady Sibylla make this a better read.
March 16, 2016
Nice fun book with a spunky and likable heroine and a dynamic hero. Enough real history of the time to be interesting and never for minute did you think anything really bad would happen to Amelie or Garth. I have read too many grim historical novels of late this is a nice change.
I know Amanda Scott has written many books this is the first I have read, will try another soon to see if this style is in other books as well.
I know Amanda Scott has written many books this is the first I have read, will try another soon to see if this style is in other books as well.
September 14, 2008
An interesting read. Fans of Scottish historials will certainly enjoy this one.
March 5, 2016
Too much Scottish history and not enough else. Characters were unbelievable for the most part -- it had incest, murder in huge amounts, family issues, and even some love. Not one of my favorites.
December 24, 2009
pretty good. loved it.
January 25, 2011
Not Bad
Read
June 30, 2011It was the green dress that caught my interest and start reading this book
August 22, 2018
Boring boring boring. And the raping case was treated in a awful way.
March 10, 2021
Low steam factor, but a Very Historical historical romance for those looking for unrealistically clean lost-in-the-chivalrous-past books.
September 2, 2024
This historical story was a really slow build up to the romance. Life is intense in Scotland in the 1400s. People are being killed, Fife is amassing power and strong knights are needed on the border with England. Amalie is content to serve with her princess but her family plans to marry her off to a boarish knight with ties to Fife. Sir Garth Napier is back to find out who killed his friend and liege Will Douglass and his only lead brings him to Princess Isabel and Amalie.
July 2, 2019
I do like this book. The story is very interesting and appealing. It includes an interesting look at the political history during the fourth teen century in the Scottish Borders. Of course, there is the romance between Sir Garth Napier and Amalie Murray as he tries to protect her from danger. I enjoyed this book so much that I just had had to keep reading it in on and on until done!
March 9, 2025
I enjoyed reading this story of Amalie and Garth, although as with the previous book in the series, the dialect and medieval dialog slowed things down. Garth is a remarkably "modern" man in dealing with Amalie's trauma, but it doesn't feel out of place. The intrigue between Fife and the other Border lords lends an interesting 'flavor' to the story.
Well done.
Well done.
June 8, 2020
Enjoyed the romance with Garth, the murder mystery subplot, and the royal intrigues.
Isabel is a great character, so I’m glad we got to see more of her.
Seeing Amalie grow up and come into her own was nice after the first book. Garth was a good guy, except he spanked her because she exasperated him?? I just tried to ignore that part, since it didn’t fit his characterization.
The tension was very real and built up over Amalie avoiding her family, the forced marriage, and Isabel’s tenuous situation. And Amalie’s long journey to trust Garth was well written and characterized.
Isabel is a great character, so I’m glad we got to see more of her.
Seeing Amalie grow up and come into her own was nice after the first book. Garth was a good guy, except he spanked her because she exasperated him?? I just tried to ignore that part, since it didn’t fit his characterization.
The tension was very real and built up over Amalie avoiding her family, the forced marriage, and Isabel’s tenuous situation. And Amalie’s long journey to trust Garth was well written and characterized.
May 19, 2021
Just like the first book, this was much more historical romance than spice. I did still enjoy the book and again learning about Scottish history, but I wish there was a little more romance. I read this while on vacation and still found it quite enjoyable!
February 12, 2025
I think I’ve figured out a lot of Amanda Scott’s formula. The settings are always idyllic plus the Scottish history can be interesting but some of her book plots drag and this is one of them.
Nothing much happened and the story just dragged on.
Nothing much happened and the story just dragged on.
Read
October 20, 2021Just meh.
January 13, 2024
Amelia is upset with her family and refused to marry the man they thought. Instead she married Garth and together they found guilt with Boyd, whose parents wanted her to marry.
March 8, 2025
Just okay.
Want to read
March 18, 2025Fall pile
January 1, 2017
I liked...
The continuation of the stories for these characters. The book had a little too many names. The plot was a little convoluted but I barely put it down. I'm going to read more by this author.
The continuation of the stories for these characters. The book had a little too many names. The plot was a little convoluted but I barely put it down. I'm going to read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews