The Beast of Clan Kincaid

Blackwood’s first Clan Kincaid novel, set in late 14th-century Scotland, builds a credible romantic story on a stock marriage-for-revenge plot. Niall Braewick was only 12 years old when his father, the Laird of Kincaid, was killed in a clan battle. Seventeen years later, Niall is a hardened warrior known as the Beast, and he has returned to the lands of his childhood to reclaim his ancestral home. Without disclosing his true identity, Niall quickly wins the favor of the current laird, Laird MacClaren. Niall is especially enamored with the MacClaren’s oldest daughter, Elspeth, who attracts him with her beauty and her resilience. But while Niall had initially planned to use Elspeth as a pawn in his game to capture the castle, he starts to care for her and is unwilling to use her so cruelly, even to fulfill his lifelong quest. The romance between Niall and Elspeth develops gradually as their kind and caring natures are revealed in tender moments. The harsh realities of 14th-century life are offset by the raw beauty of the land and the stalwart nature of the people. The protagonists’ intense passion will keep readers riveted. Agent: Kim Lionetti, BookEnds. (June)