Summary

Akira Ayres, a poor healer while out searching for any wounded after a battle near her home, stumbles across a wounded Scot, that pleads for her help to not only save his life but keep his identity unknown to the "red coats" searching for any traitors. Akira, is a kind hearted woman and couldn't resist helping this man even if it means traveling across the lands of Scotland away from her mother and sisters who need her, to keep this man safe. A man that makes her feel like the most beautiful woman inside and out. A man that awakens feelings of desire that she has never even imagined. Geordie knew that it was a mistake fighting in a war he believed in to bring back the rightful heir to the throne of Scotland once again, but by doing so he put not only himself but his children and their future in jeopardy and he must make it back home with no suspicion tied to his name. He can't ever marry again, but for the first time in his life he wishes he could give Akira his name and protection....but there is more at risk because he might lose more if he doesn't win over her heart for his to keep....
The Hero

Gordon, "Geordie" has always been loyal to his country but has had to tread carefully all of his life. Geordie may have power and wealth and a title that is highly respected, but he has lost favor with Queen Anne. But Geordie will do anything for his children, despite the fact that their mother demanded a divorce so she could enter the nunnery in France. There was so much to love about this hero. First off, he makes the best highlander especially when you take in account the era this story takes place. He is titled, but he does have to tread very very carefully, because it could be taken from him in a heartbeat. I loved how loyal to his cause he is, especially to those he is over. But we also see his faults too, and see some changes in him especially when he is faced with the aspect of falling in love for the first time.
The Heroine

Akira is devoted to taking care of her mother and her younger sisters. Akira comes from gypsy heritage, and even though her mother insists they let go of the old ways if they want to survive, we see some hints of it in her character. Akira learns the healing arts from her family, and her healing is what keeps the family afloat but just barely. Akira was a truly wonderful heroine. She is so kind and caring, and is concerned for others above herself and I just loved her nature comes out. And the way she does inspire and motivate others. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body but she also stands up for her values too. We see some personal growth in her character as well.
Plot and Story Line

Oh man, what a story!!! I have only had the opportunity to read this author a couple of times, but each time I have picked her up I amazed by how wonderful of an author she truly is and she makes highlander romances burst alive in so many ways. In many ways, The Highland Duke brings about so many emotions and feels I honestly didn't know what I was feeling most of the time. And boy can she write some sizzling chemistry that doesn't overshadow the actual emotional intimacy of growth this couple shares with each other. But what really makes Amy Jarecki stand out is the historical elements. Now, this may not be an aspect for everyone. But I just love it when an author knows her history and knows the culture and take the time to do the proper research needed for a book and it shows in this one. The story sets off with our hero being shot in the thigh and our heroine a 'healer' coming to save his life and not just in one way. Yes, she proves the physical healing but she also helps protect him from those that hunt him. So from the very beginning, we have some levels of intensity and intrigue. The brogue used in the story is well balanced, and easy to follow along and doesn't overwhelm the reader. I just became swept away with this story pretty quickly. Like within two paragraphs I was fully ingrained in the story and didn't want to let go of it. The romance was simply beautiful. The chemistry builds so perfectly. From the beginning they have a strong connection to each other. And man some of the kisses and more sensual scenes were written so well, "curl your toes" type of scenes that kept you reaching for more.


These two have a long road ahead of them before reaching their happy ever after though. There is the issue of our hero not able to marry unless he gets permission from the Queen who would do anything to see him unhappy. Our heroine really struggles with this. Because she loves him but doesn't want to be seen as his "mistress" even if it would mean her family not living in a hovel or barely making it by to survive. She has an inner battle she fights within herself. But our hero....Geordie is so wonderful especially when he realizes that he will fight for her heart. I love how he is willing to prove to her he is worthy of her love, and loved the way he wins the hearts of her family too. It does get pretty dramatic and intense toward the end though, and man the ending was heart stopping and pulls at your emotions in a very meaningful way.
The Cover

What a gorgeous and breathtaking cover....I love the colors and the pretty castle in the backdrop but I love the pose of the male model here. And I love his celtic like tats, and his HAIR.... I love his hair hehe
Overall View

The Highland Duke is a heart stopping and sensually intriguing romance that takes you on a adventure of a lifetime....back to the wilds and dangers of georgian era Scotland. A tale that weaves its way through to your heart and mind and soul....A love story that tugs at your heartstrings! BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL!!!

Thanks Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and netgalley for this ARC.

Unexpected loyalty, love, and fierce fighting in this awesome romance. You will have a new fav author after reading this.

FINAL DECISION: An action packed adventure combined with a romance where the hero is a jerk for most of the story, but redeems himself by the end. I especially loved the heroine who is strong but sweet and genuine.

THE STORY: Akira Ayes, a healer from a Gypsy family finds an injured Scot after a battle with English troops during the Jacobite Rebellion. Akira can't bear to leave the Highlander to fend for himself and ends up embroiled in his danger. Geordie aka George Gordon aka Duke of Gordon keeps his identity a secret from Akira. He needs to make his way home to hide his participation in the battle because otherwise his life and lands would be forfeit. As the two travel together fleeing the English, Geordie finds he likes how Akira treats him as a man -- not as a duke.

OPINION: I found this book to be a rousing adventure story as Akira and Geordie race across Scotland evading the English. That portion of the book was excellent. Geordie and Akira argue, work together, find commonality and care for one another as they race through the countryside. The book had an exciting beginning and didn't leave off until the two reached Georgie's home.

For me, the book slowed down a bit when that happened and I think the book lost a bit of focus. As the two fall in love but have to confront the impossibility of them marrying, I thought the book meandered a bit and I was not as interested in the ending of the book as I was in the beginning. Ultimately, however, I thought that the story overall was a success.

Akira is a wonderful character. She has been treated poorly by many people because of her Gypsy heritage. (In the book Gypsies are called Tinkers and are thought of as mere thieves and beggars, reflecting the prejudices of the time). Despite the discrimination and intense poverty she has faced, Akira is a healer. A kind and generous woman. A woman willing to risk herself to save a stranger's life. She has a progression in this book. Akira begins with fixed ideas of sexual morality, but finds herself having to think about what is important in her life as she and Geordie fall in love but are unable to marry. She is also a woman who can make a duke appreciate being a man.

Geordie is a man who has two sides...the distant duke and the man he finds himself being with Akira. Akira challenges Geordie's assumptions about his world and about his obligations in it. Akira demands that Geordie consider the common folk and he realizes that she is right and he is ashamed of his prior self-absorption. In order to be with Akira, Geordie must change himself and prove himself worthy of her. I like that he is willing to acknowledge his mistakes.

This is a good start to the new series and I look forward to the next book.

WORTH MENTIONING: Some parts of this book had vague echoes to OUTLANDER but perhaps that is only because I have been reading those book recently.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE HIGHLAND DUKE is the first book in the Lords of the Highlands series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to provide a review. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

akira ayres is a dedicated healer, even if most her patients are ready to toss her off the british isles due to her gypsy heritage, she has a duty to uphold. after a jacobite uprising, akira is helping the wounded when she comes across an injured jacobite with a musket ball buried in his leg.

with the local lord in the redcoat's pockets, helping this man could have devastating consequences for akira and her family, but she does not hesitate. even when he refuses to tell her his name. geordie, the duke of gordon, isn't sharing his identity for akira's own safety. he's worried she'll be in greater danger if she ends up being questioned by the redcoats. and he needs her to stay safe, if only to repay her for her assistance in escaping the battlefield. it would have been disastrous for his family if he had been caught.

from the battlefield, geordie and akira travel across scotland to geordie's main seat. and the close quarters they are forced to keep heightens the sexual tension but also allows them to reach an unexpected emotional intimacy. akira is an innocent, but geordie should know better than to trifle with akira's affections. he's been married before, and has endured a humiliating and rare divorce. even if he were interested in remarrying, the petitioning he must do with the church and the royal court would make any approvals a difficult proposition. it would be one thing if he falls in love with a woman who is his social equal and could provide some political capital, but a gypsy with uncertain parentage and no money to her name is not likely to be viewed as a future duchess with any favor.

so it seems hopeless, that's a pretty tight corner geordie and akira are in. and the fact that they must navigate these relationship concerns while being chased and captured and released and re-captured by redcoats and their scottish allies make for an action-packed third act. but true love can overcome all things. and the gypsies have their own ways and traditions that might make it possible for geordie and akira to attain their heart's content. sometimes the thorniest problems are solved with the simplest solutions.

A definite buy book. As much as I totally enjoyed the book, I had a few problems with it also. The problems first. The duke and his lack of loyalty could be a weakness for me. I would of wanted him a wee bit stronger if he was going to play both sides! As for the heroine, A healer that is so light of character was a little difficult to swallow.
HOWEVER;!!!!
I love the way this author writes and pulls you into her story. I sincerely enjoyed the first page through the last and wanted more immediately even with my disagreement as stated above. The author has a talent of story telling. I will definitely be on the look out for more from her. I was given this book in return for an honest review.
Anna

The Highland Duke was a hoot to read! It’s nonstop action across the roaming hills of the highlands with lots of quick-witted banter and charm. Add in a dollop of romance and a touch of brogue? The start to this series was a home run.

Akira Ayres is a gypsy healer. She lives in Scotland on English controlled soil, and she’s tasked with healing wounded Jacobite rebels before they are shipped off. It’s when she’s looking for any stragglers that she hears a masculine groan in the woods. Before she knows it, Akira’s agreed to help one a brawny and mysterious highlander with a musket ball in his leg. Now she’s an accomplice to the man’s escape with a regiment of dragoons on her tail. As if that wasn’t bad enough? She has a heavy and thoroughly unconscious Geordie against her back.

Geordie, the Duke of Gordon, is part of a Highland uprising against English soldiers. He's shot and left behind, and with the English closing in, he knows he won't survive long without Akira's help. Akira agrees, but Geordie doesn't expect to remain unconscious for most of their journey nor does he count on the tenacity of English soldiers. That’s before he falls hard for a sweet woman who doesn’t even know he’s a duke.

I adored both of these characters so much. Geordie is such an adorable grump! Granted, he gets shot in the leg, so who wouldn’t be? But Geordie is determined to take care of himself only to find he cannot. He needs Akira. It doesn’t sit well for him, but he doesn’t have much choice. It’s breakneck speed for much of the book. From complications with Geordie’s injury to the myriad escapes and maneuvers in eluding the enemy. Add in the attraction and lust dogging their steps, and it made for a quick read.

Akira has to be the sweetest heroine I’ve read in a long time. She’s gentle and soft-spoken and kind-hearted. She gets roped into helping Geordie because of this inherent nature. But in Akira fashion, she takes it like a trooper. This girl overcomes a lot of her fears and has many more still to face. However, sweet does not equal meek! Geordie growls at her so much in the beginning (again, he’s an adorable grump), before Akira just explodes. Ooooh boy, is Geordie not going to make that mistake again! I loved it!

Despite all of their obstacles, this story was just so romantic. Geordie doesn’t realize how tired of being a duke he is until he meets Akira. She speaks and looks at him like a man, and he can’t help but be charmed by her guilelessness. And Akira isn’t used to being looked upon with anything less than suspicion or scorn because of her gypsy heritage. Geordie only sees the selfless healer before him.

"Akira was dear and beautiful and made sunshine radiate in his chest when she smiled."

Gah, this one was so swoony. Lots of tension and buildup, some scorching scenes that were just perfect, and a steady wooing that brought the sugar to Akira’s sweet. I’m highly anticipating the rest in Amy Jarecki’s Lords of the Highlands series. Just the read I was looking for!

What a great romance. Loved the plot and characters. Hooked from the first.

I absolutely LOVED Jarecki's Highland Force series. The writing was very strong and the storyline had me reading well past when I should have gone to bed. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for this story. It is almost as if it is someone else's writing, someone that that is not as good a writer...

Having said that, I did like the idea of the story. A healer finds a wounded soldier and then they must run or take the chance of being captured. I have to say that I didn't like Akira in the least. I just felt like she was so wishy washy and not a strong female lead. Geordie was just an ok hero. He was nothing to write home about in my book.

I really hope that Jarecki's stories improve in the future because after reading her first series, her books were automatic reads for me. Not so much anymore...

Found this book boring, uninspiring, and never felt engaged with the characters at all. Storyline appeared to be one I've read before.

Awesome beginning to a new series. The characters were well developed and the story line was great. I was glad Geordie & Akira were able to find their HEA.

The Highland Duke had many of the individual qualities that normally add up to a complete winner of a book for me. I’m a sucker for big, tough Highlanders. I love opposites attract love stories, and you don’t get more opposite than a duke hero and a gypsy healer. I absolutely adored the last book I read by Amy Jarecki, so I was very excited to dive right in to this one.
Unfortunately I wasn’t bowled over by this book. I’ve read what other reviewers have said about it and I don’t think I was reading the same book! I loved everything about Amy Jarecki’s writing in the past, but this one felt different. I thought the beginning, when Akira finds Geordie and risks her life to save his, was very well done. It set the pace for a grand adventure, but after that it never really lived up to it.
I SO wanted to be able to join the others in giving a rave review of this book, but I just felt something was lacking. Geordie (gah – I hated that name!) was not a convincing strong, sexy Scottish hero. He seemed kind of beta to me, which was not the normal stereotype. He was protective of Akira and cared for her, but in my opinion he revealed a flaw in his character when he seduced her. After weeks of hiding his identity and convincing himself he can’t allow anything to happen between them, he gives in to his desires so easily, with seemingly no regard for the consequences for Akira. He’s a duke. He can do what he wants. She’s a poor commoner whose reputation will be forever altered by their dalliance. I never got the feeling that he was so overcome with lust or love that he couldn’t live without her. I felt like he just couldn’t control himself and didn’t give much thought to her.
I never got a good read on Akira. She was naïve and innocent and knew better than to get involved with someone like Geordie, but she fell for him hook, line and sinker. She was indignant and protected her virtue like a warrior….for a few chapters. Then all bets were off and she was letting him do whatever he wanted to her. I don’t really know what this book was about aside from the “I shouldn’t be with him, he’s a duke” and “I can’t be with her, she’s a healer” argument. Nothing really happened in the book to hold my interest.
I wanted to love this book, but Geordie and Akira’s romance wasn’t a love story I could fall in love with.
I give The Highland Duke 3 stars.

I was so excited to be granted access to NetGalley for this book. Amy asked her publisher to let me review it! *throws confetti* I am a huge fan of Amy and am delighted she's making it "to the big time".

Akira Ayres is a gypsy healer who supports her mother and 3 sisters by healing those she encounters. Her compassion takes her out to the battlefield to see who she can help. She encounters "Geordie", the Duke of Gordon in disguise injured after aiding his cousin in a battle against Queen Anne, half sister to the true King James exiled in France. He'll be hanged if he's caught as they lost the battle. Akira carves the musket ball from his thigh and she finds herself unable to leave the badly injured man when he's being collected for the injured wagon. And so the adventure begins. George keeps his identity hidden to protect both of them as they work to get him home to safety. She's a poor, despised gypsy and he's a lofty duke. It is a love story for the ages. Akira must learn to trust and Geordie must learn to love unconditionally and without rich arrogance. I loved their adventurous journey to get to true love. I was most pleased with the author's note at the end explaining the history and people, as well as the liberties she took with them.

She'll put her life on the line for him . . .

When Akira Ayres finds the brawny Scot with a musket ball in his thigh, the healer has no qualms about doing whatever it takes to save his life. Even if it means fleeing with him across the Highlands to tend to his wounds while English redcoats are closing in. Though Akira is as fierce and brave as any of her clansmen, even she's intimidated by the fearsome, brutally handsome Highlander who refuses to reveal his name.

Yet she can never learn his true identity.

Geordie knows if Akira ever discovers he's the Duke of Gordon, both her life and his will be forfeit in a heartbeat. The only way to keep the lass safe is to ensure she's by his side day and night. But the longer he's with her, the harder it becomes to think of letting her go. Despite all their differences, despite the danger-he will face death itself to make her his . . .

Akira is a healer in the small town of Dunkeld. After the battle of Hoord Moor she heads to battlefield to see if she can help any of the wounded. She finds a man who has been shot in the thigh and tries to help him. When they hear people coming he quickly sends her to find a horse and they head out. You see, the man is a Duke and if he is found to be fighting on the side of the Jacobites he will be imprisoned or killed and have his lands taken from him. Geordie and Akira take off and hide from the dragoons that are never far behind. Geordie dropped his flask with his family’s crest on it so the dragoons know who to look for.

Akira and Geordie avoid the red coats and make it to Geordie’s lands but not before they fall in love with each other. Akira, who’s very proper gives in to Geordie’s advances when he says he’ll take care of her thinking that he’s going to marry her. When he offers to make her his mistress instead she’s heart-broken. She had no idea he was a duke until they got to his castle but that played no part in her feelings for him. He is divorced and he knows that Queen Anne and the bishop will never approve the marriage. He loves her but he doesn’t know what else to do.

The dragoons haven’t given up and they are determined to get Geordie to admit he’s a traitor. They’ll even use Akira to get to him and it may actually work.

I really liked the premise of this book and there was a whole lot about it that I liked. I really loved Akira and her strength. She’d been the sole caretaker of her mother and 3 sisters for the past 10 years and she was happy to do it. She was an amazing woman and I truly admired her. She also stood up to Geordie when she needed to and that was awesome as well.

The first part of the book, while they’re on the run from the dragoons before they hit the duke’s lands, was pretty slow, imho. It was decent but I had to stop myself from skimming ahead on more than one occasion. I know this was meant to be a time when Geordie and Akira get to know each other but there was so much internal thought I found it quite sluggish. I thought that once the pair hit Gordon land things would pick up a bit but it was only a little.

Things really came to a head when Akira headed home and the dragoon who had been after Geordie made his move. I really liked the last ¾ of the book but unfortunately it didn’t make up for the other parts. This got higher marks because I really loved that Jarecki wasn’t afraid to match up a Romany woman with a Duke and made it work. Of course I wasn’t quite convinced at the end of the book that those who were after Geordie were going to give up, but maybe that’s just me.

Geordie grew on me. At the first part of the book I didn’t care for him at all but he showed his true worth throughout the story and I really liked him by the end. He was a good man who had lost his way but had finally found the right path.

Overall I liked the story I just had issues with tempo. Hopefully the next book in the series will be more evenly paced.

Rating 3.5 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on The Book Binge.
http://bookbinge.com/

Akira and Geordie are the epitome of opposites attract. He's a Duke and she a commoner, he's a rake and she's an innocent. And I loved every minute of them. From their first meeting they were surrounded by danger and it doesn't stop until the last pages. I could feel the danger and fear, the despair and passion. The depth of characters and scenery are impeccable. Great start to this series!

Akira is a gypsy healer. Looked down upon by almost everyone she does her best to help others and change their perception of her and her family. But when she finds this braw highlander with a musket ball in his thigh she knows she must do whatever she can to help. And when the redcoats come she must follow him or be captured.

Geordie or the Duke of Gordon doesn't know what he would have done without her. He would be dead or as good as if she hasn't shown up. And now they must race back home to safety. But he can't let her know his true identity.

As the dangers along the way mount, their affections grow but he knows he would never be allowed to marry a commoner. And she deserves more than just being his mistress. Is their no way to overcome their obstacles and be together?? And when the redcoats catch up and accuse him of treason what will he do to keep her safe?? And will she even be able to forgive him for hiding his identity and lying to her?

Historical Highland love story where love outweighs propriety. I loved Akira from the start. Who wouldn't adore a healer who puts others above themselves, even if they're the enemy. The Duke had to grow on me. I loved him in the beginning, then went lukewarm, but in the end he won my heart as well. Akira's mother will be a character that all mothers will relate to.

I completely loved this story. I know with Amy Jarecki, there will be history behind the story. This book is no different. It takes place during the Jacobite rising and is slam-packed with the battle, the chase, and the long road to winning one's heart. I highly recommend this book and give it 5 stars!

The Highland Duke (Lords of the Highlands) by Amy Jarecki is another one of those WOW, moments in reading an intense, dramatic and heart pounding Scottish Romance.

Akira Ayres, is a healer, who finds a brawn Highlander wounded on the field of a battle with the English red coats, with a musket ball in his thigh. What's she to do, leave him for the English to slaunder or help him to safety. Decision made, she must save him, or at least get him to safety, the sexy, brawn highlander, even at danger to herself and her beloved family. Geordie, aka, Duke of Gordon, knows both himself and Akira, his little angel, are in grave danger. He cannot reveael his true identity, do they must flee quickly or both risk dying. They must make it to friendly territory, high in the Highlands with a determined Captain on their heels. If he catches them, Geordie will forfeit his clan, be named a traitor, and forfeit his land and his life. Akira, will forfeit her life and possibly the life of her mother as well as her siblings. Can they save each other? Or lose all to an overzealous Captain, one who seeks wealth and property above all else?

Well written with well-developed characters and an intriguing storyline. I found, once again, Ms. Jarecki, has written a story filled with intrigue, danger, passion, secrets, suspense, mystery, a bit of deception, and romance. Whew, I absolutely loved "The Highland Duke" from the first page to the last. I was glued and drawn to Geordie and Akira's story. They are brawn, strong, intriguing, feisty, brave, which makes for some exciting reading, as each try to save the other, on their quest to a HEA.

Once again Amy Jarecki did not disappoint me, instead she kept me up all night reading. I had to finish "The Highland Duke", which I read in one setting. I wish to thank, Ms. Jarecki for her historical details, her vivid descriptions of both Scotland and her charactizations. She brings Scotland to life on each page of her amazing and thrilling Scottish Romance. A must read for fans of Scottish Romance, Medieval Romance, HighlandRomance, brawn Highlanders and brave, feisty lasses, you don't want to miss, "The Highland Duke". I absolutely and unequivocally loved this story! Bravo, Ms. Jarecki! ! I can hardly wait for the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy.


Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR

"The Highland Duke" is a 17th century historical fiction based on some real characters. It was the time of the uprising of the Jacobites during Queen Anne's reign. It's the story of the Duke and the Gypsy Rose.

Geordie is the Duke of Gordon. He is non too happy about the rejection of the Scottish Parliament’s proposed Act of Security. It's difficult for him to take sides as this can be looked upon as treason.

Akira is a healer from a very poor background. She takes care of her mother and her siblings. It's a hard life but it hasn't tainted her character. She takes pride in helping others for very little in return. Her family is frowned upon because of their ancestry.

Geordie is caught in a crossfire during an uproar and being injured he has to stay hidden. He can't afford to get caught and connected to this war. Whilst Akira is going around, helping the injured, she stumbles upon him. As a healer, she cannot turn her back on him. She is aware that he might be from an affluent family but Geordie doesn't reveal his full identity. Doing so might put his life and hers in danger. Besides, he doesn't know if she can be trusted but has to rely on her due to the severity of the injury.

Akira starts to help him, when they are discovered and have to go on the run. Even when the going gets tough, she doesn't turn her back on him. The pursuers are intent on catching them because they have something to gain if Geordie is identified. Having to face numerous dangerous situations together, they start to care for each other. Then the fondness starts to turn into something more.

It's fast paced, very well portrayed and extremely addictive. As soon as they think that they are home free, something more dangerous crops up. The interactions between Geordie and Akira are fascinating. This story has danger, violence, deceit, betrayal, loyalty and unconditional love together with fun and laughter. The enemy doesn't care about the population as long as they retain their lives of luxury whilst thriving to amass more riches!

This is the second book that I have read by this author and I like her writing style. Even when the situations are dire, there is sharp wit and humour. The characters are credible and interesting. It's very romantic and ends beautifully.

I was kindly issued with an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

Hot damn, this a great historical romance from Jarecki. Lots of intrigue, passion, and impossible odds to keep these two apart; somehow they get the happily ever after in a wonderful way. Loved this one.

I loved this story! I fell in love with Akira and Geordie! This was such a fun story to read. I loved the spirited Akira and the connection between them! I loved that Geordie learned what live is really about and how he could overlook being a duke and fall in love with a poor gypsy girl! This has everything that I live in a story! I would definitely recommend this book!

This was really a great story. There was never a lull in the book. Geordie who is the Duke of Gordon finds himself shot in the leg by Redcoats. He needs to get back to the Highlands before he looses everything. To his surprise, a beautiful lass discovers him badly wounded. He knows he cannot tell her who he really is. The less she knows the better, but he needs her help.

Akira Ayers is a healer who is also considered a gypsy from Romanian descent. When the battle is over she goes to the battlefield to help. While there she comes across a large man who is wounded. She knows she must help him, but doing so could cost her and her family their lives. He is willing to pay her an enormous amount to help him. So she takes on this endeavor.

Again, a really great story. I look forward to the next book in this series.