The Scot Beds His Wife

Starred review from September 11, 2017
Byrne’s passionate fifth Victorian Rebels historical (after The Duke) is a competitive match between a rough, tough Highlander and a fiery American outlaw, with an ocean-spanning plot that works quite smoothly despite a profusion of fortuitous meetings, secret identities, and hereditary feuds. Sharpshooter Samantha Masters saves heiress Alison Ross by shooting her own husband during a train heist gone wrong. She dodges authorities who have questions about the heist and the killing, and, with Alison’s permission, flees to Scotland with Alison’s identity, the rights to her Scottish ranch land, and instructions to keep the ranch out of Mackenzie hands. Alison trusts that tough, savvy Sam will have no trouble fighting off the Mackenzies. Scoundrel Gavin St. James wants the land as a way to escape his sadistic Mackenzie family, but finds it impossible to convince competent Samantha-as-Alison to sell it, despite his best efforts at dominance and seduction. Sam’s refusal shifts into a mutually convenient marriage proposal when she finds her American trouble has followed her. Byrne builds a powerful dynamic of attraction, rage, and the urge to win—kisses become battles of will and dramatic demonstrations of shooting competence seem nearly erotic—but she still leaves space for the couple to grow into mutual tenderness. Agent: Christine Witthohn, Book Cents Literary.