Book Blurb:
Kittie always hoped she'd marry for love. But her father had other plans...
It is 1794, and Scotland is in turmoil. Almost fifty years after the battle of Culloden and subsequent decimation of the clans, new landowners are mercilessly clearing their tenants to make way for more lucrative sheep.
Married off to a debaucherous Duke twice her age and thrust into the wilds of Scotland, Kittie enjoys a comfortable though passionless life. Yet she's a valuable pawn in a dangerous game of power and greed.
Abruptly torn from her home by a band of Highlanders determined to preserve their way of life at all costs, Kittie must navigate desolate captivity while struggling against a growing attraction towards her enigmatic captor, Moehill. Passionate, handsome, and tender, he's nothing like the Scotsmen her husband always warned her about. But she's a bargaining chip in a game she hardly understands and falling for him would be a very bad idea...
He'll stop at nothing to protect his clan. She'll stop at nothing to escape.
As passions ignite and her husband's arrogance casts a dark shadow over negotiations, Kittie must weave the treacherous paths of loyalty, betrayal, and forbidden attraction – but at what cost?
A captivating work of historical fiction that will keep you riveted until the very last page.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/GVk5
Author Bio:
Lisa lives on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia, with her husband, two children, and dog Bonnie.
Sheep Are Simply Less Trouble Than Scotsmen is her first novel.
She has already completed the next exciting book in the series, set in 1795 Scotland, which will be published in 2024.
Editorial Review:
Sheep Are Simply Less Trouble Than Scotsmen by Lisa Brookhouse is a sweeping historical fiction novel laced with romance and action that will delight fans of Scottish history, historical fiction, and historical romance. Set in the late 1700s, Kittie’s father has arranged a marriage for her with a Duke twice her age dashing her hopes of every marrying for love. When she is unexpectedly kidnapped from her home by a group of wild Highlanders, Kittie must figure out how to escape them while at the same time finding herself wildly attracted to one of her captors, Moehill. As their relationship develops, Kittie realizes that she is an invaluable bargaining chip for the Highlanders as they try to work things out with the upper class, such as her husband of the area. Kittie’s story will draw you in and you will find yourself unable to look away as she navigates a precarious situation and tries to quell her feelings for Moehill.
“She descended the massive sweep of stairs to the first floor with her head held high, hand on the rail, trailed by the pleasantly rounded curve of white cotton and silk. She looked stunning - she knew. And if her husband wanted ornamental, well, then that was what he would get.”
The author writes in a way that weaves humor and wit throughout the story. This makes the characters, particularly Kittie, easy to relate to. The writing style is also incredibly easy to follow and understand. With plenty of dialogue and action happening in the story, the pacing feels relatively quick and overall, it feels like a quick read.
“KIttie was delightfully surprised by the sheep stew, and how much she was enjoying it. Thought she was much more surprised to find her rough company likewise. She swallowed each mouthful of the hearty tup, boiled into succulent bliss in its heavy sauce, with newfound gratitude for the man sitting across from her. After all, she reminded herself, he risked flogging, transportation, branding of the hand, or even hanging for it.”
The author seems to have complete adequate research but then used her historical knowledge to create an entertaining story. While the story is not specifically focused on particular historical events, she peppers the information throughout the story in such a way that it adds to the setting and enhances the story that she is telling. The author seems to be incredibly knowledgeable about Scottish culture and history based on how the seamlessly incorporates those historical elements into her story. It is one of the true highlights of the book.
“Over a meal of freshly caught trout, dressed with a tasty butter sauce, no less, and all wash down with large quantities of smuggled whisky, Kittie and Samuel had locked horns in heated debate over the differences between men and women. She had been outwitted by him - much to her own disgust - and deeply bruised by the fact. In the harsh face of overwhelming defeat, Kittie had subsequently corralled herself into a conversational corner. Feeling the burdened fate of the fairer sex upon her shoulders, and taunted by several alcohol-fueled chauvinistic comments by Samuel, she had adamantly declared that she could make it to the top of the nearest mountain, and then spent the next few minutes seething under a barrage of boisterous laughter.”
The likely intended audience for Sheep Are Simply Less Trouble Than Scotsmen are those who enjoy more traditional historical fiction. It is well written and full of history so historical fiction fans should find it to be an enjoyable read. The blossoming romance between Kittie and Moehill ceratianly adds a touch of romantic elements to the story so those who enjoy romances, particularly historical romances, will like Sheep Are Simply Less Trouble Than Scotsmen. Another group of readers who might have an interest in this book are those who enjoy Scottish history. Set following the Battle of Culloden, the story takes place in an era of Scottish history that has been a focus of several historical fiction novels over the past several years. Readers who enjoyed those books will also find Sheep Are Simply Less Trouble Than Scotsmen to be delightful.
“Kittie was drawn to him and she crossed the room, desperate for the comfort of touch to prove to herself that he was real, afraid that he might suddenly vanish from her life as quickly as he had arrived. Reaching out slowly, she touched the knee at her hip. He didn’t flinch, but inhaled sharp as her hand moved slowly upward, following the wide, hard muscle of his thigh, with its soft hairs tickling her palm.”
Sheep Are Simply Less Trouble Than Scotsmen might not be suitable for younger readers. The romantic and sexual elements are a big part of the book so anyone who does not enjoy those elements might choose to skip this particular novel. There are som graphic loves scenes but they are written tastefully.
“Kittie nodded and breathed. It wasn’t too late - well, not yet. Passionate and tender, she admired Moehill, the gentle pendulum swing of his kilt in time with his determined stride, his eyes focused forward, thoughtful mind lost in his wake - on her.”
Overall, the Sheep Are Simply Less Trouble Than Scotsmen earns a four out of five rating. It is a great story and well written. Lots of historical elements are incorporated throughout that plot but are not necessarily the focus of the plot. The inclusion of a graphic romance will be a boon for some readers while others will prefer to skip this book because of the romance elements.
*****
“Sheep Are Simply Less Troublesome Than Scotsmen” by Lisa Brookhouse receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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