SO IN LOVE

July, 2004

After a decade of secrets, can passion reunite them? 

Jeanne du Marchand adored her dashing young Scotsman, Douglas MacRae, and every moment in his arms was pure rapture.  But when her father, the Comte du Marchand, learned she was carrying Douglas's child, Jeanne was torn from the proud youth without a word of farewell-and separated not long after from her newborn baby daughter. 

Once Douglas believed Jeanne's loving words - until she left their child to die.  He cannot forget, even now, ten years later, when destiny brings her to Scotland.  His pride will not let him play the fool again. 

Can passion lead to love and forgiveness? 

 

When I first thought of writing The Highland Lords series, I knew that each book would be about a brother in the MacRae family.  But I didn't know that Book 5 would be such an intense and bittersweet adventure. 

I confess that I really don't want to see the end of the MacRaes.  Okay, maybe Douglas.  No, upon reflection, it's the whole family I'll miss.

So in Love is Douglas's story.  And Jeanne's.  She's the daughter of a French count, and of course he's the last of the MacRaes to be featured in his own book.

When we last left Douglas, he was 17 and devastated by the rejection and betrayal of Jeanne du Marchand.  All he knew was that she didn't want to see him again.  Worse, she was pregnant with his child.  Little did he know that Jeanne was undergoing her own torture, one more physical and longer lasting.

What happens in the ten years that separates them alters each of their characters and changes them as people.  When they meet again, Douglas is no longer young and naive, and Jeanne is no longer privileged and innocent. 

 

Excerpt

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REVIEWS

USA Today Bestseller

Romantic Times

4-1/2 Stars

Top Pick

Ms. Ranney has left the best for last in this conclusion to her Highland Lord series. A rich and emotional tale, SO IN LOVE is guaranteed to bring forth a few tears. Ms. Ranney's prose is so effective, the reader becomes completely absorbed in the characters' joy and despair.
Suan Wilson, The Best Reviews, June, 2004
A tale of heartache, misunderstandings, and a love so strong that years can't extinguish its fire, SO IN LOVE is Karen Ranney at her best. The fifth and final book of the Highland Lords series is an emotional journey for both the characters and the reader. I could feel Jeanne's pain and joy when she sees Douglas for the first time in ten years, and Douglas's inability to deny his love tugged at my heartstrings. It's all so beautifully presented, as only Ms. Ranney can do, with detailed depictions of everyday life and a character-driven, memorable story line. Each scene between Jeanne and Douglas brings out the unsaid and deeply felt yearnings for the love they still feel for one another. Well-drawn, realistic characters, emotionally charged dialogue, and impeccable research bring the tales of the MacRae brothers to a satisfying conclusion.

Whether or not you've read the previous novels, and I urge you to do so, SO IN LOVE will grip you from the prologue right through to the end. Don't miss this excellent book.

Jani Brooks, Romance Reviews Today, July, 2004

 

 

Set in 1792 Scotland, SO IN LOVE is a rich tale of young love lost. As Douglas and Jeanne struggle to put the past to rest and move on with their lives they can't deny the passion that still lingers. Ms. Ranney's characters are rich, lively and multi-dimensional. Ms. Ranney has a way of pulling you into a story and I found I couldn't put this book down. I loved many of the secondary characters, and enjoyed seeing characters from previous books again. SO IN LOVE is part of a series, but does fine as a stand-alone book. Anyone looking for a good Scottish Historical will certainly love this one. I eagerly await more works by Ms. Ranney. The setting is detailed, the writing excellent, and while the characters at times will make you want to shake them, I found that just made me want to read more. Being that involved in a story is great, and the hints at the brothers' stories will make you want to run out and buy their books today.
 
Wendy Keel, The Romance Reader's Connection July, 2004

 

Rating:  

 

 

This stunning tale of love lost, filled with profound truths about the depth of passion and a mother's never-ending love for her child, will move you to tears of joy and sorrow. Ranney excels at creating emotional, intelligent romances that are powerful and unforgettable 4 - 1/2 stars Romantic Times

 

This powerhouse series by Karen Ranney gets better with every book. The wonderful protagonists don’t spend their time striking out at each other even though that might be considered justified, and while their inner torments are nearly undurarable, the ending awaiting them is the reader’s sweet reward. 5 Stars, Affaire de Coeur 8/04

 

 2004 Best British-Isle Set Historical Romance Nominee, Romantic Times Magazine