I always enjoy what author Eliza Knight writes, particularly, when she writes these wonderful series with their settings in the Highlands. This is the fourth book in the series -- an emotional read and real page-turner with a strong heroine, gentle warrior husband and evil lurking to make a rocky situation extremely dangerous.

Chief Brody Keith is a sensitive and compassionate man. He, above all else, is a warrior with a strength many warriors do not possess. His heart is equally strong when it comes to doing the right thing. By helping William Wallace retake Dunnottar Castle, the king had promised it to him.

The castle is taken and with it the widow of the man who had captured it from the Scottish in the first place, Englishman Baron de Ros. I wouldn’t feel too sorry for the widow, for de Ros is known for his treacherous ways. She hardly bats an eye when the Scots come to take back the castle. You feel her relief, but her new situation could be even more precarious.

Lady Guinevere is strong and puts up a braver front then she actually feels. Women doing those times didn’t have much choice when castles are taken. They are considered spoils of war. But Brody didn’t want her or her four ladies in waiting to suffer from the hands of the Scots. He had had enough of the treachery to the innocent. He is still suffering from what had transpired when his family was attacked. He marries Guinevere, but gives her a choice. He tells her, in no uncertain terms, what would happen to her and her women if he did not. Although Guinevere is grateful, she is also not willing to give Brody everything, notably, her trust.

Guinevere thinks the Scots are savages and Brody thinks the English are. Before Guinevere agrees to marry him, she asks that no love-making be done for three months. Brody agrees, although reluctantly. He hopes she can see he keeps promises and honors his word, thereby earn her trust. She’s relieved he's put him off, hoping to find a way to escape the keep while he is busy elsewhere. As they get to know each other, they both find more than they seek.

The story is about the desire for freedom. The Scots wish to be free of the English. Guinevere wishes to be free of a controlling man. Brody wishes to be free from the guilt of not saving his family. Lady Guinevere, relieved her dictator of a husband is dead, doesn’t want a repeat performance. What she finds is this in Brody:
He was kind and funny. Handsome and strong. Honorable. Desirable. Guinevere swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.

Guinevere and Brody both have romantic spirits and all would be well in time. But forces within the castle and those from without put wedges between the couple. Beware, there lies a snake in the grass!

Guinevere, even though English, acts kindly to the Scottish children of the village warm by mending and making blankets from old plaids. But will her own personal goodwill keep her safe from the Scots?
Brody can’t be at the castle all the time to protect his keep and lands around, including his woman. He’s a warrior who is about the king’s business. Guinevere is left very vulnerable, and therein, danger comes knocking.

If you like your romances in the highlands of Scotland, with suspense, strong heroines, courageous heroes AND a fast-pace plot, you'll find it here in Stolen by a Laird.