I can’t help it – historic romance with a Scottish theme and I am all in. Set in the 13th century, Kara Griffin weaves the sights, sounds, and political machinations into the story in a way that makes the elements come alive, and enhances the tension and the romance.

Lady Frances is a package deal for Sean: hand-picked by his Uncle, he is obligated by tradition and position to accept the match, even though he isn’t necessarily thrilled at the outset. To Sean, Frances is intriguing, and she engages his need to protect, especially as she arrives with a small child.

Far from a fainting and weak-spirited woman, Frances is stronger and smarter than any give her credit for. Her history of court life, a past marriage and her own intelligence all feed into her character, giving it a depth that was not apparent at first meeting. Agreeing to the match with the handsome Laird is no hardship, not really: Frances’ foremost desire is to remain safe and provide her daughter with opportunity and safety as well. Yes, she worries about Sean’s motivations, and can’t quite decide if he appreciates her or her beauty, but his loyalty and protectiveness are apparent and undeniable.

Unfortunately, women have been disappearing along the border with England, and no one has, as yet, been able to discover the culprit or his reasons. When Frances becomes a target, the adventure and tension increase as Sean must find her, and discover just who is behind the abductions and murders.
Both characters were well developed, and the mystery added tension and some action that brought the characters to realize their true feelings. They are a nice pairing, with some lovely moments and sweet words to wind up this engaging story.You have to love those brawny men in kilts protecting what is theirs, from family to home to land. Get ready for sigh-worthy romance, between two of the best matched characters ever! Lady Francis is a down-to-earth woman, who has a mind of her own in a time where women were considered political pawns in the game of power, making allies and babies. and it was great to see these two come together

A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL is Book three in Kara Griffin's "Gunn Guardsman" series. This is the first book I've read by Kara Griffin but I was still able to enjoy it without having read the previous books. What starts out as a marriage born from a sense of duty, and an honoring of a dead man's last wish soon blossoms into a beautiful love story. I love this kind of story and it's a bonus that the hero and heroine are both likable characters I can care about.

Sean Gunn and Lady Frances Jordan are thrown together by the matchmaking of Frances's dying uncle William. Sean gains much from the marriage -- a wife, a step-daughter, and a position as Laird Hume. Kara Griffin does a great job of defining the main characters and breathing life into them. Sean is convincing as an alpha hero with a tender side and Frances has a quiet strength but has a passionate side as well. The attraction between Sean and Frances is immediate but I like the evolution of their relationship. The steamy scenes are balanced perfectly with the sweet scenes - like the ones between Sean and Frances's young daughter.

In addition to the wonderful romance, there is the central storyline of the mysterious serial killer. Someone is murdering young women -- many of them Lady Frances knows personally, including her good friend Winifred. The identity of the killer remains a secret until the very end, heightening the suspense. There are occasional scenes from the killer's POV. The element of danger is very real and provides excitement, without obscuring the romance.

A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL is everything I look for in a historical highlander romance -- great characters, a sexy and sweet romance, and an intriguing mystery. Readers who like a strong yet sensitive hero will love this book. I eagerly await the next book in this Gunn Guardsman series.

***Copy provided via NetGalley by Smith Publicity in exchange for an honest review***

I really like a highlander story. it's one of my favorites for some reason. In this story, both of the main characters were wonderful. Frances was the type of heroine that was quietly strong and more resilient than it would seem at first glance. Sean was very loyal and dedicated to keeping his loved ones safe. Not to mention he was very sweet. I liked them both.
This was a wonderful romance filled with mystery and intrigue. If this is what I can expect from the Gunn Guardsman novels, I'm going back to read the first two immediately!

It’s always a delight when I come across an author who can pull me into his/her book just by reading a few short paragraphs. Kara Griffin spun a riveting sensual tale which was full of mystery and intrigue in her third installment of the Gunns Guardsman novel; A Highlander in Peril which is set in Scotland 1223.

One can’t help but to fall in love with the two main characters, Lady Frances and Sean Gunn. I admired Frances's sensible-no nonsense attitude, she had no desire to stir the pot like so many others at court did , she knew trouble when she saw it… by trouble I mean the sinister, egotistical, womanizer Adam Armstrong and she wasn't one to ignore her lustful desire for her betrothed Sean Gunn, honestly I silently cheered when she let her desires be known. The devilishly handsome Highlander Sean Gunn quickly stepped into his role as husband, father and head of his late uncle’s land within a span of 48 hours, but even with all the sudden life altering events he couldn't deny how he felt when he laid eyes on Frances for the very first time for he was instantly enchanted by her timeless beauty.

If enjoy historical romances with a dash of old world CSI (historical forensics) you will love this book! I certainly did and I can’t wait to read more of Kara Griffins, Gunn Guardsman novels.