I really like Jennifer Ashley's books. She always has the most imaginative plots and the backstories of her characters are interesting and unique. This story of Elliot McBride and his obvious struggle with PTSD is well-done and kept my attention throughout. I would rate this as 4 stars based on the story alone, but there are some issues that keep this from being as amazing as The Madness of Lord Ian:
1. The Heroine. I never understood why she was still unmarried at 30. She seemed very nice and organized, but was really a little dull.
2. The Villians. I say villians in plural form because Ms. Ashley kept giving us reasons to not like someone, then attempted to rehabilitate them (the step-mother, the other Scotsman from India, the blackmailers). Anyhow, at the end it just seemed like she added the whole controversy just for the Hero to have something to do besides trying to keep sane.
There are some great aspects that will most likely make me re-read it soon to see if I missed anything:
1. The Indian servants. They are awesome. I especially like the mother-in-law.
2. The descriptions of rural Scotland and how people lived. Wonderful. Makes me want to go there to live. Also, the house they move to. I want the house, after it is restored, of course.
3. The Hero. I wish he was a real person, except for the whole strangling people thing while in a trance. I truly hope that some day he is recovered enough to not do that anymore.
4. The Mackenzies. They are a interesting family and I always enjoy them.
5. The sneek preview of Daniel's story which is out next. Sounds like another winner.
You do not need to have read any of the other books in the series to enjoy this book. I would suggest it, though, just because they are good books.
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