Highland Lord (Zebra Historical Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

HIGHLAND LORD begins eight years later when the bastard son of Munro arrives demanding acknowledgement. The son of a Norsewoman, Tor Henneson prepares to fight, to argue, and to overwhelm his father with his rage and resentment for the man he believes to have abandoned himself and his mother. Rather than questioning his son's claims, Munro immediately ascertains the truth of his son's words and accepts him as his son. Tor demands coin so that he might return to his mother's lands. Munro promises a rightful share of his wealth when Tor proves himself worthy to a Forret.

In the weeks that follow, Tor finds himself torn between his old heritage and this new one. He also finds himself quickly falling under the spell of the beautiful Anne. But Viking half-breeds aren't ordinarily allowed to marry daughters of kings, legitimate or not. But dark trechery once more brews in the highlands, threatening to lay waste to its lands and people in a bitter plot of revenge.

A richly textured novel, HIGHLAND LORD blends the strengths and the power of HIGHLAND LADY with a new generation. While strongly influenced by her guardians, Anne has her own independent ways. She doesn't wear the man's garb that Elen favors, yet she speaks her mind and maintains her independence admirably. Tor's initial anger and resentment mellows into a powerful yet loving character that will delight romance lovers. His newfound loyalties, his sense of responsibility toward his younger brothers, and his growing love and respect for his new family lends him a fascinating depth. Yet Tor also falls into the typical male approach to love, not recognizing a woman's desire for romantic displays of affection. After all, Vikings rule their women, and Viking women would never disagree with their mates.

The secondary plot will delight fans with the struggles of comparing a long-term relationship with the impetuous powers of a new love. Elen is still a fierce warrior woman who cares little for clean floors, yet is tempered by her passionate nature, wearing men's clothes and loving her husband deeply. She struggles with the changes that eight years make in a marriage, missing the passion of those first loving days; she struggles with the conflicts of duty and love that drain one's energy before going to bed at night. Her husband reveals the weaknesses many men fall into when in a comfortable relationship, neglecting to remind the woman of his heart that she is still the center of his world. Yet together, Elen and Monro give the novel a solid foundation for the fiery desires and independent thinking of young Anne and Tor. A wonderfully told tale of memorable characters, HIGHLAND LORD comes very highly recommended.

I also liked the secondary characters of Tor's brothers and would like to read a book about Finn in the future.