Highland Sword

McGoldrick’s final Royal Highlander romance (after Highland Jewel) buries its love story beneath heaps of historical details and political and legal intrigue. Fierce Highlander Morrigan Drummond has been a rebel since the death of her father at the hands of English soldiers. A distant relative of the next in line for the Scottish throne, she is a staunch supporter of Scottish independence from England, trained for combat despite her inability, due to law, to fight in a war. Barrister Aiden Grant needs Morrigan’s help to get Morrigan’s dying uncle to testify in defense of his innocent clients. Despite Morrigan’s contentious first meeting with Aiden and troubled history with her conniving uncle, her empathy compels her to agree to work with Aiden. There’s little chemistry between the characters, and their relationship goes from nonexistent to all-encompassing in the turn of a page, making their love as unbelievable as it is surprising. Readers unfamiliar with the politics of the period will be confused by the intricacies of British-Scottish relations, though historically minded readers will appreciate the accuracy and attention to detail. Series fans will find plenty to hold their attention, but those hoping for simple Highland heat will be disappointed. Agent: Jill Marsal, Marsal Lyon Literary. (Apr.)