Cullen Duffie, a Highland warrior and charming rogue, is the new chief of Clan MacDonald. Determined to prove he’s not his father, Cullen works to secure his clan against the English. When a woman washes onto Islay’s shores, Cullen protects her from his uncles’ schemes.
Waking up not knowing who she is or where she comes from, Madeleine is at the mercy of the man who found her. Unable to speak from the swelling around her throat from a rope tether, she learns as much as she can about the new world around her and the powerful, sword-wielding Highlander who has sworn to protect her.
Through dreams and flashes of her past, Madeleine begins to rebuild her memories. But the more she recalls about the horror she escaped, the more she realizes the jeopardy she is bringing to Islay, Clan MacDonald and the Highlander who has captured her heart.
I am Heather McCollum, writer of 16th and 17th century Scottish romance full of adventure and intrigue, sprinkled with humor, history, and spice. Brawny Highlanders and feisty heroines are my favorite characters!
I am also a mom of three kids, dog-mom of one rescued geriatric golden retriever, and wife of one 6 foot 4 inch Highlander. When I’m not trying to help my kids make it through the day, baking things I see on The Great British Baking Show, or writing, I’m usually educating women on ovarian cancer (I’m a nine-year survivor).
I love kilted heroes, chai lattes, and eating buttered air-popped popcorn for dinner on Friday nights (my dog loves this one too).
If you’re interested in my new releases, fun historical tidbits, sales, and giveaways, sign up for my newsletter!
Crazy and Convoluted, This Was a Scottish Soap Opera
This book was a mixed bag of instalove with a long convoluted melodramatic plot including ridiculous backstories, problematic virginity fixation, amnesia, rapey pirates and ow drama. The narration was good but the rest was pretty silly. If you like soapy, ott stories set in Scotland with a brawny hero, this works. It was entertaining in its own way, just make sure your brain is turned firmly to off mode.
Read several times! Almost as good as book 1. The French heiress wash up shore. The H takes care of her. She has amnesia which usually is a deal breaker, but this book pulls it off. Soon bad man are trying to find her and someone in the castle wants her dead. This is titling, fun Scottish adventure!
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine. Hero has been a bit of a rogue in his early days before he had responsibilities. Ex drama in form of wanna be village woman. Heroine has amnesia.
Spoiler.
Heroine was previously trained to be the king's mistress. She is still a virgin before her encounters with the Hero but has had training, no details.
HEA.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
ARC Review 3.5 stars It's been ages since I've read a book featuring Highlanders and I broke my fast with winner. The Rogue of Islay Isle features a reluctant chief who is made leader of his clan over his two uncles by his grandfather. Though he is more than capable, he is also deferential to their feelings and does his best to accommodate them with unexpected costs.
Onto his shore washes up a mysterious woman who, at first, is mute and has amnesia. As she recovers, she discovers some unusual skills that do not seem to belong to her character. Her memory slowly returns and her background puts the clan in great danger from the British.
I enjoyed this book on many levels. I was fascinated by the political intrigue that surrounds the fragile relationship between the Scots and England at this time. The additional tension with France adds a layer of tension to the mystery of this woman, "Rose".
My favorite part of this story, however, is "Rose". Despite her memory loss, the physical trauma she suffers when found, and the bewildering circumstances she finds herself in, she is a trooper. She maintains her sharp wit and strong character. When she starts to remember her own identity, she makes no apologies for her background. I can totally understand why Cullan Duffie is attracted to her. It makes sense. Cullen is as fierce and stubborn as any Highlander and his commitment to protecting her makes me want to sigh.
I read this book out of series order, but I am pleased that I have another Highlander book to look forward to reading.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This ended up being a pleasant book to read and I finished it in one day. It wasn't too long either. This is book 2 in the series and works great as a standalone. The main H/h from book 1 does make an appearance during Christmas.
I like both main characters. The heroine is strong, intelligent, and doesn't back down from most things. The hero is honorable and protective of her. Yes, he's attracted to her and I like that he chooses to wait to sleep with her until she regains her memory. I really like how the author slowly reveals clues to Rose/Madeleine's real identity as she regains her memory. I started having "a-ha!" moments and "That's why she's knowledgeable about this or that topic." These were the two things that kept me reading/listening through the night. :)
Like most highlander/medieval romances, there is a woman determined to be the hero's wife and mistress of the clan. The hero is not interested, but he could have done more to stop her from persistently pursuing him.
I'll be reading book 1 next and might have to reread books 3 and 4 to see if I'll enjoy them the second time around.
Reading a Heather McCollum book always makes my heart happy and this one was no exception. I love being swept away to the Highlands:) As usual, I opened my maps and found all the areas mentioned in the story, it just makes everything so real to me. How I'd love to visit all these Highland Isles but for now I'll live voraciously through this author's stories:)
With the tensions between the Scots, the English and the French, Cullen and Rose's story is one filled with danger, hope and passion. When Cullen finds Rose washed ashore on his island, it's to discover that she is French and has no memory of who she is. Cullen must now decide how to protect her without sacrificing his clan. As her memory starts to come back and evil men search for her, Rose finds herself in a battle for her life.
Oh, and Cullen's two uncles? How I wish I could have strangled them both! lol All in all, this was a riveting story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Une romance historique sympathique, mais pas transcendante... La relation entre les héros m'a quelque peu laissé de marbre. Si j'ai aimé le mystère entourant Rose, j'ai trouvé la découverte de son identité assez tirée par les cheveux. Rose est un personnage que j'ai aimé et qui a du charisme. Quant à Cullen, s'il est attirant, il reste plutôt banal et moins charismatique que Rose. De plus, j'aurais aimé que le récit soit plus développé, moins superficiel.
Quelques moments forts toutefois qui font que cette lecture était plaisante, mais avec un goût de trop peu... C'est dommage, j'en attendais plus...
Cullen’s career up until becoming laird seemed to be loving the lasses, and I’m not talking with his heart, folks. At least that is what is often implied here. It seemed all the clan’s lovely ladies were lining up outside his bedroom door hoping to audition for a chance to be considered for the role of the next Mrs. Laid of the castle.
With a deceased father that left behind a gambling and not so stellar legacy, Cullen already feels like he couldn’t do anything right. His overly critical, jealous uncles constantly have their eyes and ears on full alert, judging his every move, just waiting for him to make a mistake large enough to be ousted as head of the clan. But no trouble they could dish out comes close to the havoc and unexpected tenderness unleashed on his heart by a mysterious bonny lass that washes up on his shores.
Rose (aka Madeleine) is bearing bruises and barely breathing when Cullen comes across her. Neck rope burns and amnesia lead everyone to speculate whether she will ultimately be friend or foe. Upon regaining her voice, her first word leads many to fear the latter. Yeah, her accent definitely gives her away. When her past and the monsters she was running from come to claim her, Cullen must face down a formidable enemy to keep his “Helen of Troy” like lady love safe.
The writing flowed and kept me fully engaged. However, Rose’s bizarre circumstances and what was intended to be her future occupation did not quite set well with me. It just all felt rather disturbing. I personally wish it had been something different.
Having read and absolutely loved the first book, The Beast of Aros Castle, I was glad to see cameo appearances of that main couple. They did come across as mere bystanders though and didn’t overly factor into this storyline.
The next book’s details have not been released yet, so, my fellow Scottish romance book loving friends, I don’t know what the author has in store for us next. I am looking forward to it, however. I do definitely enjoy this author’s writing style.
Title: The Rogue of Islay Isle, Series: Highland Isles (Book 2), Author: Heather McCullom, Pages: 238, stand-alone but part of a series, very graphic/steamy scenes, former manho hero, amnesia heroine who has a strange/abusive past, several references to hero’s womanizing past, jealous OW, no love triangle, no cheating, brings trouble to their door, disturbing threats of rape/abuse, HEA.
Book 2 - The Rogue of Islay Isle, (Cullen and Madeleine), Pages: 238, 5/15/17
(I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review which was distributed via NetGalley. No compensation was provided to me, nor do I have any affiliation with the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site Reviewed by Rinou Review Copy from the Publisher
Second volume in the Highland Isles series, The Rogue of Islay Isle presents Cullen, who became chief of his clan after his grandfather’s death, when he saves a young woman washed up on the beach after a storm; She wakes up totally amnesiac.
Cullen is a likeable hero carrying an heavy burden: his uncles are mad at him for becoming chief instead of one of them, and they waste no opportunity to remind him he must act for the good of the clan, that his father was far from perfect, and that he’s like him (reproach visibly unfounded). I found him extremely patient with them, I’d have told them to get lost really sooner. He’s very close to his cousins and his mother, and nice with everyone. He refuses to yield to the attraction he feels for the heroine as long as she has not recover her memories, and he’s ready to protect her even while not knowing who she is and how she arrived there.
In spite of memory loss and her wounds, Madeleine, nicknamed Rose for most of the novel, is a strong heroine who refuses to feel sorry for herself. When she begins to remember she’s afraid to bring troubles to the clan but she doesn’t hide, and when troubles arise she faces them smartly. However she has a nasty tendency to jump to conclusion concerning Cullen and several times he has to explain that her conclusions are not the reality.
The secondary characters don’t sit on the sidelines, and I especially liked the bond between the hero and his cousins. However the strangers are a bit of a caricature, French as English people are all self-serving, lecherous, and in general to avoid.
What’s more I found the story in its whole cute but with a little unrealistic side. Some discussions especially left me bewildered, I was thinking “did he really say that in front of everyone?”
All in all I had a pleasant reading time, and I’ll try this author again if I have the opportunity.
Cull becomes Laird when his grandfather appoints him over his 2 Uncles. Thereafter his life becomes a travesty of his uncles lecturing him over his every action and all the unmarried lassies trying to ensnare him hoping to become the laird’s wife.
During a storm Cull sees a ship being tossed in the waves & finds a beautiful woman washed up on the shore. Unable to speak due to an injury & having no recollection of who she is; Rose, as Cull names her is obviously well bred and a lady.
Unlike the previous book which was filled with heart and the warmth of relationships & which I really enjoyed, this story wasn’t much more than lust and attraction between Rose and Cull. There wasn’t much depth to their relationship. It goes very rapidly from attraction to sex & I was indifferent to both the characters.
Cullen est gentil et patient, et dieu sait que sa patience est mise à rude épreuve avec ses oncles. J’ai aussi adoré sa complicité avec ses cousins. Madeleine est forte et refuse de s’apitoyer sur sort, mais elle a tendance à tirer des conclusions hâtives pour lesquelles Cullen a du mal à lui faire entendre raison. L’histoire est mignonne mais par moments je suis restée perplexe devant certains dialogues. Avis complet https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cullen is nice and patient, and God knows his patience is sorely tested with his uncles. I also loved his bond with his cousins. Madeline is strong and refuses to feel sorry for herself, but she tends to jump to conclusions and Cullen has a hard time getting her to listen to reason. The story is cute but at time I was bewildered by some dialogs.
Une romance intéressante et attachante qui montre la rencontre entre une naufragée amnésique sur des terres écossaises, entre menaces anglaises et française. Le héros, Cullen, est un jeune laird nouvellement nommé et qui doit faire ses preuves face à son clan. Mais il n'en reste pas moins un homme d'honneur. Quant à Rose, femme pleine de mystère mais dotée d'une grande force de caractère, s'avère être une personne inattendue. Quand sa véritable identité est révélée, ainsi que son passé, on ne peut que souffrir pour elle. Leur amour prend le temps de s'installer même si les épreuves se dressent entre eux. On y retrouve avec plaisir les protagonistes du 1er tome. Belle lecture
Book Review For: The Rogue of Islay Isle by Heather McCollum 'The Rogue of Islay Isle' by Heather McCollum is Book Two in the "Highland Isles" series. This is the story of Cullen Duffie and Madeleine. I have read the previous book but this is easily a standalone book. Cullen is the new chief of Clan MacDonald, after his Grandfather appoints him with the title before his death. Cullen's Uncle and his people are watching him to see if he is like his father. Cullen is trying to prove he isn't his father and doesn't have his bad ways. Yes, Cullen was free with the ladies and now that has stopped but the ladies are looking to be his wife now. Cullen has been trying to gain peace and allies with neighbor clans. Also there are issue with not keeping spies or breaking any laws that could land them in trouble. But when Madeleine is found on the beach by Cullen, Cullen takes her to his home. Cullen's Uncle starts to question who she is and if his choices won't be hurting the Clan. Madeleine had a rope around her neck which has left her badly bruised and unable to talk for a while. Also she has lost some of her memory. So when she does start to speak it is with a French accent which means she could be a spy. This was another exciting book by Ms. McCollum! "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...https://www.tumblr.com/blog/romancebo...
I really want to start out by saying that this cover is absolutely 5 stars on its very own, and I wish that it was a blanket so that I could curl up with this drool worthiness, as I can't stop looking at it. Now that I got that out of my system, on with my thoughts, and opinions! Cullen Duffie is a Highland Warrior, charming rogue, and the new chief of Clan McDonald. And he's bound and determined to prove he's not his father, so he must start with securing his clan against the English. Things take a weird turn when a female washes onto Islay's shores, and now Cullen must keep her safe against his uncles plots. Madeleine wakes up not knowing who she is, or where she come from, and is unable to speak due to throat issues, so she's at the mercy of the Highlander who rescued her. As her memories start to surface, she's realizing that she's bringing serious danger to Clan McDonald. So the hero and heroine are completely awesome, as I became attached to them quickly. Cullen may carry a heavy weight, but his protective instincts made him totally drool worthy (not to mention the whole kilt thing), in my opinion. Madeleine is a female to look up to, as no matter what she's going through, she never fell into self pity. It's been a long while since I read anything about a yummy Scot, but this story reminded me why I was so obsessed with them for years. Especially since I fell in love with Heather McCollum, and her very talented writing style that instantly transported me to Islay Isle, where I never wanted to leave! My obsession has been renewed, so I cannot wait to read more by this awesome author, (and Ms. McCollum, please think about blankets of this hot as hell cover, so I have it to cuddle everyday with)! Anyway, I'll cut to the chase and just HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND this fantastic story!
Book 2 was not a disappointment! This story is about Cullen, Tor's (from The Beast of Aro Castle book 1) friend and ally. He is the new Clan Chief of the MacDonalds and is constantly being challenged by his two uncles. During an intense storm one night, he sees a ship and knows there might be trouble. Going to the beach, he comes across a lass who has a rope tied around her neck. She is richly dressed and hiding a dark secret! When she awakes she can not remember who she is or can she speak! Cullen names her Rose and welcomes her into his home! He vows to protect her no matter the circumstance relating to her past (with a noose around her neck what trouble could it bring, right?). Rose starts healing and when she is able to speak she does so in French. Well with England at war with France and those two pesky English Captains, Taylor and Thompson (also from book 1) always lurking around, Cullen has to come up with some story to explain her existance here. Cullen along with his two snarky sidekicks Errol and Broc do just that! As the story progresses, Rose's personality along with Cullen's charm the sparks fly and there is no mistaking the two were meant to be together. So when the French captain of the ship Rose was on comes a calling and reveals who and what she is, can Rose take charge of her true destiny and will Cullen still love and trust her. We get to read more about Tor, Ava and Grace, who are as always a ton of fun! Even those two pesky English Captains end up helping to save the day. This was a fun and intriguing read with twists and turns and a lot of love in between! Heather's characters are always fun, sweet, brave and sexy! You can never go wrong with one of her books. I can't wait for the third book!
This was an awesome Highlander romance that I had the pleasure of reading!Cullen is the new chief of Clan MacDonald, and he's working hard to be a good laird and protect his clan.But when a beautiful woman washes up on his shores, he decides to protect her , even though he doesn't know who she is. When she wakes up, they find out that she has amnesia and can't remember who she is.So he calls her Rose.They grow closer over a period of time, as she heals from both physical and mental injuries.But, when her memories start slowly coming back,they might have to make a decision on what to do, as she might bring danger to his clan.The English and French are at war, and the precarious position that Rose/Madeleine is in might put everything that Cullen has worked hard to build into jeopardy! But will they listen to their hearts or the danger that beats around them?
Both the main characters were well fleshed out and quite likable without being unbearable.Rose wasn't a damsel in distress despite her situation.I loved how strong she was, even after everything that she went through.Cullen was the perfect match for her, and the attraction between them was well done in a believable manner.Though this is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone, and I read this one without reading the first.Now that I've finished reading The Rogue Of Islay Isle, my interest has been piqued!So, I'll definitely be reading The Beast Of Aros Castle next! Cant wait to see where the author will take this series!
5 Stars!! What a great book!! I enjoyed this story!! If I could, I'd give it MORE stars!(I loved it that much!) I was very entertained by this story-I couldn't put it down!! Now I want a Cullen Duffie of my very own! (I'll have to go travel the Highlands soon!! Ha!) I didn't read the first book in the series but the books in this series are all standalone & I had no trouble understanding this one! I loved how I kept getting surprises! Whatever I thought was coming was always wrong!!(when that happens, you know it's a great book!!) I love how strong Rose is! I can't stand when the heroine is weak!! Rose definitely was not weak!! I absolutely loved the ending too!! There wasn't a single part in this book that I didn't love-I enjoyed all of it! This was my first Heather McCollum book & it won't be my last! She is a great writer! I'll have to go back and read the first book now & I can't wait to read the future books too! I highly recommend this book-especially if you love historical Scottish romance!! You will not be disappointed!! *I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!*
Laird Cullen finds a woman, battered, and washed up along his shore. He takes her in, knowing nothing about her, as she can't speak, or recall her past. Given the name of Rose, she begins to heal and her voice returns, along with the knowledge that she an enemy. By now feelings have developed between Rose and Cullen, and he refuses to send her away. Gradually though, Rose's memory returns and they realize just how dire her situation is, especially when King's men come looking for her.
This was a really good story. The plot was unique, and Heather McCollum's great writing skills made it difficult to put the book down. I didn't experience any slow parts, in fact, everything moved at a steady pace.
Cullen makes a great hero, and Rose a good heroine. She's bold and full of grit. The secondary characters are likeable, too. Overall, this is a satisfying read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read and review The Rogue of Islay Isle by Heather McCollum.
Cullen Duffie is the new Highland warrior and chief of Clan MacDonald. A charming rogue, working hard to prove to the clan that he is not his father, by working to secure his lands from the English. When a woman washes onto Islay's shores, Cullen protects her from his uncles' schemes. Waking up not knowing who she is or where she comes from, Cullen has given her the name of Rose, for the rosed on her gown. Unable to speak from the swelling around her throat from a rope tether, Rose learns as much as she can about the new world around her and the powerful, sword-wielding Highland who has sworn to protect her. Rose slowly begins to rebuild her past, however, the more she remembers, the more Rose realizes the jeopardy that will be brought to the Clan MacDonald and the Highlander who has captured her heart/
Best in the Series It has been several months and about 50 books since I read this one and I still remember it! I loved Madeline! Her backstory was very intriguing, and her character was strong and determined. I loved how she won over Cullen’s grumpy uncles. Cullen was the typical Highland hero who is struggling with making the right decisions for himself, his clan, and Madeline. This was a fluffy, romantic, and quick read. I have read everything published by Heather McCollum and there isn’t a book of hers I didn’t like. I highly recommend her books and especially this series. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-5/5 Steaminess-3/5 Explicitness-3/5
What a good story! Second in the series and I am loving it. Cullen was a reluctant laird but determined to do his best to keep his clan safe. His love for family and clan was so strong, though he was quick to anger at times. Rose crashed into his life, testing all his plans, protection, and loyalty. She was a wonderfully straightforward woman and a wee bit sneaky. I loved this couple, and I highly recommend this story. The narration by Tim Campbell made the story come to life inside my car.
Cullen and Rose were a delight to read. The twists in the story held this reader captive to the antics and challenges faced by the characters. The Rogue Of Islay Isle by Heather McCollum was just as enjoyable reading as the first book (The Beast Of Aros Castle) in the Highland Isles series was. Review copy received from Entangled Publishing via Netgalley
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. Enjoyed the story of Cullen and Rose and how they came to love each other. The intrigue from when Rose washed ashore, after escaping a French ship, to when she escaped a second time was a good read. I enjoyed the story.
This was an awesome Highlander romance that I had the pleasure of reading!Cullen is the new chief of Clan MacDonald, and he's working hard to be a good laird and protect his clan.But when a beautiful woman washes up on his shores, he decides to protect her , even though he doesn't know who she is. When she wakes up, they find out that she has amnesia and can't remember who she is.So he calls her Rose.They grow closer over a period of time, as she heals from both physical and mental injuries.But, when her memories start slowly coming back,they might have to make a decision on what to do, as she might bring danger to his clan.The English and French are at war, and the precarious position that Rose/Madeleine is in might put everything that Cullen has worked hard to build into jeopardy! But will they listen to their hearts or the danger that beats around them?
Both the main characters were well fleshed out and quite likable without being unbearable.Rose wasn't a damsel in distress despite her situation.I loved how strong she was, even after everything that she went through.Cullen was the perfect match for her, and the attraction between them was well done in a believable manner.Though this is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone, and I read this one without reading the first.Now that I've finished reading The Rogue Of Islay Isle, my interest has been piqued!So, I'll definitely be reading The Beast Of Aros Castle next! Cant wait to see where the author will take this series!
Merged review:
This was an awesome Highlander romance that I had the pleasure of reading!Cullen is the new chief of Clan MacDonald, and he's working hard to be a good laird and protect his clan.But when a beautiful woman washes up on his shores, he decides to protect her , even though he doesn't know who she is. When she wakes up, they find out that she has amnesia and can't remember who she is.So he calls her Rose.They grow closer over a period of time, as she heals from both physical and mental injuries.But, when her memories start slowly coming back,they might have to make a decision on what to do, as she might bring danger to his clan.The English and French are at war, and the precarious position that Rose/Madeleine is in might put everything that Cullen has worked hard to build into jeopardy! But will they listen to their hearts or the danger that beats around them?
Both the main characters were well fleshed out and quite likable without being unbearable.Rose wasn't a damsel in distress despite her situation.I loved how strong she was, even after everything that she went through.Cullen was the perfect match for her, and the attraction between them was well done in a believable manner.Though this is book two in the series, it can be read as a standalone, and I read this one without reading the first.Now that I've finished reading The Rogue Of Islay Isle, my interest has been piqued!So, I'll definitely be reading The Beast Of Aros Castle next! Cant wait to see where the author will take this series!
Après avoir eu un coup de cœur pour le tome 1 de Passions en Ecosse, j'ai réussi à trouver ce tome 2 en occasion et pour vraiment pas cher...
Ce tome se concentre sur le personnage de Cullen, le meilleur ami de Tor Maclean, connu pour être un vrai Don Juan auprès des femmes il fût un temps mais qui aujourd'hui se retrouve à la tête du Clan MacDonald et du personnage de "Rose", une jeune femme qui s'est échouée sur les plages du Clan, blessée, incapable de parler et amnésique.
Pendant ce temps, alors même que Cullen prend ses marques en tant que chef de Clan, ses propres oncles lui mettent des bâtons dans les roues et il se doit de protéger cette femme qui semble être en danger aussi bien des griffes de sa famille que ce celles des Anglais.
J'ai aimé cette romance, même si je n'ai pas eu le coup de cœur du tome 1. En effet, j'ai trouvé beaucoup de répétition par rapport aux oncles notamment et surtout j'ai détesté Béatrice dès les premières pages. Néanmoins, j'ai aimé pouvoir découvrir le passé de "Rose" qui s'est avéré bien plus sombre et effrayant que ce que j'aurai imaginé. Mais quoi qu'il en soit, selon moi ce couple était parfait l'un pour l'autre. L'amour a transparu pour l'un comme pour l'autre dès les premières lignes.
I really loved this book! The romance part was so-so, but everything else was just perfect! the characters were awesome and we finally have a book with a really strong, feisty (and not an immature brat) heroine! Loved how the author made me fell like I was there, in XVI century Scotland. The heroine crashes (literally) in a Scottish isle, not knowing who she is. She is French in the middle of a political tension between Scotland, England and France. Despite better judgement, the new (and young) laid of the clan decides to shelter her. This book has warmth, political tension, a bit of intrigue and the romance. I loved how the steamy scenes were so romantic - even though not detailed and few (2) they were kinda hot. I just felt that the romance ended up not being all upfront within the plot and thus I did not really feel its development. It was good. Just not very good.