cover image Seduced by Destiny

Seduced by Destiny

Kira Morgan, Grand Central/Forever, $7.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 978-0-446-54817-5

Morgan follows 2010's Captured by Desire with a delightful romance set in 16th-century Scotland. Josselin Ancrum is a battle-trained Scottish maiden raised by warriors. Traveling to Edinburgh to witness the arrival of Mary, Queen of Scots, she quickly rouses trouble with her sharp tongue and is rescued by Drew MacAdam, an Englishman masquerading as a Highlander. Averse to fighting, Drew takes to the golf links, defending England by winning Scottish purses. Josselin loves Drew's charm and willingness to spring for beer, but worries their mutual attraction will distract from her new, secret mission to serve the queen. Despite being "the worst spy ever," she takes up her sword in defense of Queen Mary while Drew cheers her on. Readers weary of Scottish romance clichés will be thrilled to see these cheeky commoners trading blows and puns far away from drafty castles. (Mar.)