A sacred vow and complications!

The Highland Guardian (Lords of the Highlands #3)     
by Amy Jarecki    

When Scotsman Reid MacKenzie, Earl of Seaforth promises a dying companion to become guardian of his child, Reid's thinking a young lass who could be placed in Boarding school. Imagine his shock when then lass transmorphs into a young, attractive Sassenach woman of marriageable age. Reid's fall back plan is to marry her off quickly so that he can continue down the path his responsibilities lead.

When  a devastated Audrey Kennet learns of his plans for her, she decides she has plans of her own. Not so easy! Especially as the air fairly crackles between Reid and herself. 

On the sidelines, yet significant, the players are an English officer who revels in torment and cruelty and an illegitimate, somewhat deranged cousin of Audrey's who is eyeing off her inheritance. 

When these two join forces both Audrey and Reid are in danger. 

Threats from outside of Jacobite involvements and thwarted plans play a part. 

Audrey and Reid's mutual attraction escalates. Yet it cannot be. Reid has other plans!

I enjoyed both these characters. Reid for his somewhat distracted championship of Audrey and Audrey for the quiet determination she exhibits. Both are strong characters but together they just don't quite have 'it'. Reid really annoyed me occasionally, although to give him his due he was a man of his word to the nth degree.

A NetGalley ARC

*** 1/2