Highland Salvation by Lori Ann Bailey – a Review

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Description:
Finlay Cameron, the bastard son of an English earl and a Scottish mother, weds stunning, outgoing Blair Macnab to ensure her clan’s loyalty to King Charles. She’s everything he’s ever wanted in a wife, but he suspects she may be plotting his murder.

Always considered to be nothing more than a pretty face, Blair Macnab yearns to prove her worth. She refuses to be used as a pawn for political gain, but when confronted by a blackmailer, her only option is to marry the brawny Finlay Cameron.

In Finlay’s arms, she feels safe for the first time ever. Until she learns that her blackmailer is hot on her trail and her secrets could soon be exposed…

Each book in the Highland Pride series is STANDALONE:
* Highland Deception
* Highland Redemption
* Highland Temptation
* Highland Salvation

Review:

Can genuine happiness be achieved even though you may have fibbed to get there in the first place? Surprisingly, BOTH of our heroes aren’t being 100% forthcoming, so let’s call it a draw, shall we? Highland Salvation by Lori-Ann Bailey is book 4 in her Highland Pride series. I’m not usually one to go out of order, but Finlay and Blair were strong characters and the book was easy enough to follow. The secondary cast was full of charming characters — do read from the very beginning for optimum joy!

 England and Scotland are in political and religious turmoil, feuding over the rule of King Charles. Finlay Cameron and Blair McNab are devout subjects, but Blair’s father’s loyalty is rumored to “bend with the favorable winds”. When Blair and Finlay wed hastily, their nuptials are naturally met with trepidation.

   “…it was the prudent decision for his clan, country, and king. She was a Royalist, and it would be a good match for the Camerons and King Charles if their union could keep the McNabs from joining the Covenanters.”

Not exactly swoon-worthy, but let’s put a pin on that for now. Aside from the sudden marriage, trouble abounds. A blackmailer is in pursuit of Blair, but she’s hesitant to lean on her new husband out of paranoia, or the very real fear of being sent away. En route to England (the king must be apprised of escalating threats), events meant to impede their purpose intensify, casting a suspicious light on Blair. She IS the only newcomer. So much for the honeymoon phase! ;D

Unconventional as it might have been, Finlay was determined to court Blair, inspired to make her a satisfied partner. Not to shame Finlay, but his desire to win over Blair was just precious. As a warrior, he’s not supposed to wonder (fret!) if a woman is interested, but this lass was special and Finlay’s anxiety to please her was a palpable, endearing sentiment. Finlay is pure of heart and Blair appreciated that from early on, but she couldn’t burden him with her secret so soon. So yes, they were both uneasy; is he enough for Blair, is her past going to ruin their future? Hardly uncommon for such an auspicious beginning, lol, but instead of allaying their fears or concerns with each other, aka good ‘ol communication, assumptions began to undermine/negate the progress they were making. Trust is earned, a back-and-forth is expected, but niggling doubts resurfacing at 86% into the book and they’re not on the same page yet?!

You know how you have to accept premises/plots, and just “go with it”, otherwise you can’t enjoy it? ME. Honest communication wasn’t just elusive, we’re talking elephant-in-the-room kind of oversight. Our H/H were intimate several times, no complaints here, but they never discussed a serious issue that hounded them both — that we the readers knew! It started to wear on me, to be honest, because they were face-palm moments; moments too incredulous not to discuss.

I like how Highland Salvation played out, a wee too rushed at the end, but I cried out for heart-to-hearts — speak your truths! Blair and Finlay may have settled for each other initially, one out of protection and the other to flee a blackmailer, but they defied the odds and became each other’s saving grace.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Publisher