A tidy mystery unfolds as heroine Catriona, a gypsy performer, meets a wealth of possible suspects and tries to determine who done it. Hayden MacGowan, a.k.a. the Hawk, is effective as the young King James' loyal guard, hero and would-be-foil to Cat. She digs him, but can't tell him what's up. He grooves on her, but deems her too young and vibrant for a world worn highlander such as himself.
Written in an easy and impeccably confident style, HIGHLAND HAWK successfully interweaves the romance, the external plot, and the relationships between Cat, Hawk and the twelve-year-old king. Cat is especially delightful, comfortable with her exotic allure, and fun to watch whether she's flying through the air or snooping in guests' rooms looking for clues. Hawk may be too fatherly a hero for some, but his years give him a laid back rather than gung-ho attitude. He suits Cat, though, much to his dismay.
Ms. Greiman balances exposition, dialogue and backstory effortlessly throughout, a key to maintaining the forward momentum of the plot. The many characters are introduced at a pace that enables us to keep track, and each has a distinct personality. Both hero and heroine share equally in the outcome, an essential element in a satisfying romance.
Humor, intelligence and warm relationship between Cat and Hawk, make this a must read, not only for sixteen century Scotland or Highlander aficionados, but all lovers of historical romance.