The Sinner (Return of the Highlanders #2) by Margaret Mallory

• Title: The Sinner (Return of the Highlanders 2)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Historical Romance
• Format: Paperback, 416 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (November 1, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 0446583103
• ISBN-13: 978-0446583107
• Author Website: http://www.margaretmallory.com/

"I see three women, Alex Ban MacDonald," She said in a far-off voice.
"On your journey, three woman will call on ye for help, and ye must give it," She said. "But beware! One brings danger and another deceit."
"What about the third lass?" he asked.
"Ack." Tearlag gave him a sour look. "One has the the power to fulfill your deepest desires."

"Ye are a sinner, Alexander Ban," she called out. "And the time will come soon when ye will pay for your sins."

Alex MacDonald was a love 'em and leave 'em type a guy. Never sticking with just one woman for very long. He had no desire to ever settle down. When he got a letter from one of his former lovers, Sabine, letting him know she would be in Scotland and had a gift for him, he decided to consult Tearlag to see if making the journey to see Sabine would be worth it. Tearlag was a seer with a reputation for being fairly accurate with her readings. Even with the seers warning he never could have foreseen what was coming. His life was about to change...

"Your chances of catching a chieftan are poor now," her father said, his eyes traveling the room. "If ye had proven yourself a better breeder, it might be different."

Glynis MacNeil was an obedient daughter. When her father asked her to marry the chieftain of another clan, she dutifully did. Saying marriage didn't agree with her, would be putting it mildly. Her former husband ended up with a knife in his hip (not what she'd been aiming for) and she'd gotten a divorce and been disgraced. Her father's wish for her to marry again did not coincide with her own. If she had her way, she'd never marry again.

This was a extremely fun tale that had be smiling, laughing, and shaking my head. Alex was the ultimate playboy who knew no boundaries except that he wouldn't stick around for too long. When he met Glynis who seemed equally set on avoiding marriage, to the extent of disguising herself to look ugly, he was intrigued. When circumstances threw the two together, well as they say, sparks ignited.

Glynis is headstrong and loyal. Convinced her aunt would help prevent her from being forced to marry, she asks Alex to let her accompany him to Edinburgh. When circumstances put both of them in  positions where marriage seems like their best option, they decide to wed each other. As Tearlag predicted, Alex's past will come back to haunt him throwing hurtles in their way, and the two will have to work through them to get a chance at happiness. Plus, Glynis' ex may not want her, but he sure as heck doesn't want anyone else to have her.

On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one get a Steam rating - too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. Overall, this one gets 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. A very fun and entertaining read.

Order of series: