Tamed by a Laird

Amanda Scott
Forever (2009)
ISBN 9780446541374
Reviewed by Victoria Gonzalez for Reader Views (9/09)

 

This book is a perfect example of why Amanda Scott is a bestselling author.  The book begins with a map and a short list of definitions and pronunciations of some of the words you read throughout the story.  The rest of the words (and some of the words included in the list) can be easily determined by context.  The premise is that Jenny Easdale, a baroness, is required to marry a man she does not love because her family wants to ensure she is taken care of, married well, and wealthy.  Jenny decides that her future husband is disgusting and does not want to marry him at all.  She slips away with one of her maidservants to join a group of traveling minstrels.  She wants adventure, and she gets it. 

Her family does not want a scandal so they send the brother of Jenny Easdale’s future husband to retrieve Jenny quietly; however, her future husband’s brother is attractive and kind, much unlike his brother.  This introduces another plot twist, in addition to one about stolen jewels and intrigue.  Overall, this is a great book and the history of Scotland is a great addition to the storyline.  I thought the dedication was funny; Scott writes “To Bonnie Jenn, who is not – and could not be – tamed by anyone.”  You can identify with a lot of the characters, a naïve but brave heroine, a grumpy but kind man, and an overbearing family.  It is a very fun read.

I think anyone would enjoy this book, especially if you like romance and history.  It has a touching ending.  It would make a perfect book for anyone who just wants a feel-good book.  Amanda Scott is a good writer; the characters are all well developed, the plot flows well, and she makes it fun to read about some history.  (Some of the characters are based on real people, and the basic plot has occurred, but the names involved and the rest of the story is fiction).  The dialogue between the characters is fun because she uses Scottish colloquialisms and you feel like you have traveled to Scotland and are meeting the people yourself.  “Tamed by a Laird” is just such a great book, and Amanda Scott is an excellent author that I want to read more of and suggest you do the same!

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