THE SCOTTISH COMPANION

October, 2007

Grant Roberson, the 10th Earl of Straithern, desperately needed two things: an heir, and an answer to the mystery of who was trying to decimate his entire family.  The heir could be obtained by an expedient marriage - a young woman by the name of Arabella Fenton, who proved to be as disinterested in love as he.  The mystery might take a little longer, but he was determined to find the person responsible for the deaths of his brothers.  

Everything was going according to plan until he saw her - Arabella's surprising companion.  Her eyes hinted at sadness, but her comments were designed to keep him in his place.  

 

The story of The Scottish Companion fascinated me from the very first moment I envisioned Gillian - the companion who was trying so very hard to put one foot in front of the other and simply endure her life.  Yes, she had been foolish, and yes, she had been unwise in love.  But who among us hasn't been, a time or two? 

In Gillian's case, she'd defied all the rigid mores of her upbringing and she had been paying the price for that rebellion ever since.  Determined to remain proper, she was tempted by the Earl of Straithern. 

The very last thing either wanted was to fall desperately in love.   

 

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REVIEWS

New York Times Bestseller List

USA Today Bestseller List

Romantic Times

4-1/2 Stars

Top Pick


With her ability to write a multilayered plot and dynamic characters, Ranney delivers sizzling stories that are addictive. Her latest is tantalizing, provocative and perceptive.

Kathe Robin

Romantic Times

Every time I pick up a book by Karen Ranney, I get completely immersed in it. THE SCOTTISH COMPANION is no exception. It's gripping, emotional, and has a cast of characters who are memorable. Grant is the dutiful, but reluctant heir, responsible, honorable, and, on the surface, cold. It takes a woman like Gillian to bring him to his senses about life, and she, too, is hesitant to deal with her true feelings. She knows what happened the last time she let her emotions rule. The Fentons and the countess are interesting secondary players, bringing a touch of mystery to the story. Romance is in the air, but just how will it pan out? Will Arabella become the countess that Grant needs? Who wants the Roberson line to be extinguished? And why? All are answered in the exciting, surprising conclusion.

THE SCOTTISH COMPANION is one more beautifully written novel by Karen Ranney and it shouldn't be missed. 

Jani Brooks

Though I know she does not like to file things away with ratings, groupings, categories, and the like, Karen Ranney will just have to deal with the fact that she is in a class by herself.

Karen's many novels encompass so many of the things I look for in a well-told romance. They are passionate, articulate, intriguing, and boast of plots that no one can duplicate, due to the fact that her style is so original. She adds elements of invention, early medicinal and herbal practices, and dialogue that I suspect mimics conversations in the past better than most historical romance. There is an aloofness about her work that serves to draw you in, while the characters and difference from run-of-the-mill stories keep you there. THE SCOTTISH COMPANION is a perfect example of all of these things.

So, despite the dreaded rating system I know Karen Ranney would prefer not to have to participate in, THE SCOTTISH COMPANION is a Top Pick because it flows effortlessly, tugs at the heartstrings, and is in a word... classy.

Shannon Johnson

Romance Reader at Heart
Ms. Ranney excels in writing complicated, emotional tales that delve into the darker side of human nature. Her flawed characters rail at injustices while trying to overcome their own imperfections.

Suan Wilson

Fresh Fiction

It felt good to read a great romance that felt every inch a romance of the kind I fell in love with years ago. This is not a light-hearted romance - anyone familiar with Ms. Ranney’s writing knows she has a darker, almost gothic undertone to her works - yet Gillian and Grant had me smiling. The dark, sinister mystery of The Scottish Companion is balanced out perfectly with the beautiful true love story that is its prominent feature. Don't miss this one! - Desert Isle Keeper Review, A-

Lisa Gardineer

AAR

THE SCOTTISH COMPANION is a suspenseful story of two people who seem to come to life in the book. I love a book that grabs you on page one and holds you to the final chapter. This one is a keeper.

 

 

Robert H. Goss

Roundtable Reviews