Highland Obligation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

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Description:
Isobel MacLean fears she can’t protect those she loves. Due to a violent attack in her past, she’ll do anything to keep them safe–except marry the infuriating Grant MacDonald, heir to the MacDonald laird. She wants justice for her family, not a damn husband. Unfortunately, we don’t always get what we want…

Review:

I read the synopsis for Highland Obligation and agreed to do a review, but truth be told, I was committed for the Highlands alone.  The setting and Scots burr are enough for this reader!  Lori Ann Bailey was just the icing on the cake. 😉  Having read the previous book from the wonderful Highland Pride series, I knew its conclusion would end triumphantly.  You will not be disappointed!

Grant is furious with Isobel, his new wife.  Not only was he forced to marry her she wasn’t in love with the idea, either, buddy, but his friend is dead because of her intrusion (an accusation he’s yet to discuss with the poor lass).  Compound the death of his first wife, though that’s hardly Isobel’s fault, Isobel is a wanted woman for her illicit activities — there’s literally a bounty on her head for battlefield exploits!  The final blow?  His heart won’t stop pounding every time he’s near her!  It truly is a heady obligation in the Highland:  How can Grant not fall in love? 🙂

Tensions are understandably high, but the more Grant and Isobel interact, the more their inner thoughts betray indifference towards each other.  Grant is rankled by Isobel’s notoriety, her prowess coveted among Scottish Royalists, but Grant wants Isobel to leave her past behind; to let him take care of her…as is his duty.  Ouch.  You can imagine how well that was received, but it’s that crackling energy that kept me interested in their dynamic.  How do two alphas attain balance?

“He tossed all night, one minute wanting Isobel, the next wanting to heave her into the sea.  How was he to survive this marriage with his sanity intact?”

But just when things were beginning to align on a personal level, none more surprised than Isobel and Grant, opportunistic, vengeful sources seek out the newlyweds, and there’s only so much evasion before confrontation is inevitable.  Does “Till death do us part” include vanquishing your partner’s enemies?  How much time to decide before it’s considered uncouth?  A test of loyalty to be sure!

Isobel and Grant are protecting each other in such a surreptitious, indirect way, the other is feeling neglected, adopting a might-as-well-fend-for-myself mentality.  If only these two realized it’s not stubbornness or spite — love is stronger than pride.  They just can’t admit it!  Hope they’re not too late to put it all out there.

We are treated to quite a pair in Highland Obligation.  Grant and Isobel’s tumultuous journey is fraught with insecurity and longing and we get to explore both perspectives.  When two people are obviously meant for each other, I can’t imagine having it any other way.  Congratulations, Ms. Bailey!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher