One Man's Love
Grade : B-

Up until halfway through this book, I thought I had a Desert Isle Keeper on my hands. The characters were engaging, the plot intriguing. Then one of my most hated plot devices entered: the hero creates for himself a new identity through the use of a partial mask, even though the heroine has already seen him up close and personal.

Alec Landers, also known as Ian MacRae, is the product of a mixed marriage. His father is English and his mother is a Scot. He spends summer at Gilmuir in Scotland with his mother's clan, the MacRaes, and has a grand time. The summer of his 11th year, he kisses his friend, Leitis MacRae, and she smacks him soundly. Shortly after that memorable event, his life falls to pieces. His mother is killed by another Scottish clan while she is out riding. Alec turns his back on everything Scottish and returns to England. He joins the military, fights against the Scots, and becomes known as the Butcher of Inverness. None of his English superiors know of his heritage and he has the Duke of Cumberland's favor. After the failed uprising, he is sent to Gilmuir to insure the Scots are put in their proper place, namely under the English boot heel.

Leitis MacRae has watched the decimation of her clan, the death of her family and friends, and the destruction of the ancestral MacRae keep. She certainly has no love for the English, and the current commanding officer at Gilmuir, Sedgewick, is a particularly nasty piece of work. Sedgewick's goal is to burn and starve the Scots into submission. Alec arrives in time to witness Sedgewick's handiwork and is not pleased. Alec recognizes Leitis immediately, although in her eyes, he is just another English swine.

Alec contrives to have Leitis placed in his care. He is much more than the cold soldier he appears to be, although Leitis cannot get over the fact that he is the "Butcher." Alec does not dare reveal that he was once Ian MacRae, even if she were to believe him, and so masquerades as Raven when not being the English Alec.

The characters came alive off the pages, and the suffering, frustration and despair of the Scottish people is readily apparent. Alec is a deep man, and undergoes an interesting shift in his life by returning to Gilmuir. His struggle to accept both sides of his identity draws the reader in, as does his interaction with Leitis.

Leitis is a strong capable woman, and full of Scots pride - perhaps a bit too much. Because of this, it appears that she is easily duped by a man wearing a mask, even though they have spent some time together. Heroines who are literally blinded by their stubborn pride don't get much sympathy from this reviewer. How many tall, brown eyed men with great lips are walking around in her vicinity anyway? Why can't she recognize his voice? There was no mention that he was trying to disguise it when speaking to her (either as Alec or Raven). Those half masks must really do quite a number on a woman's other senses, huh?

Had the author chosen any other plot device to draw these characters together, this book would probably be sitting on my keeper shelf. I did enjoy spending time with the characters, especially Alec. In spite of the unbelievable plot twist, I recommend this book, with reservations.

Reviewed by Liz Zink
Grade : B-

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date : May 9, 2001

Publication Date: 2001

Review Tags: 

Recent Comments …

Liz Zink

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
What's your opinion?x
()
x