This is book three of Elaine Coffman's seven-part series about the MacKinnon brothers. The five brothers are Nick, Tavis, Ross, Alex and his twin brother, Adrian Mackinnon. This book is about Ross -- who is summoned from Texas in order to claim his inheritance and title that is in Scotland.
Brash Texan (raised) as he is, Ross has much to learn about his family's ancestral home and ways. His aging grandfather, 'the MacKinnon,' becomes more active and lively when Ross arrives -- with all his bravado and guns. The Scots look upon him as a barbarian. Ross brings his repute as an accomplished womanizer with him. However, he soon meets someone who seems impervious to his wiles, Lady Annabella Stewart. Oh, and she is also betrothed to a man old enough to be her father, Lord Huntly.
Let's cut to the chase and tell you why I only rated this book a minimal 3 stars. The pacing was tediously slow until the last few chapters. Yes, the two main characters had to meet and get to know each other. Bella was a slave to her family's wishes. She knew she did not want to marry Lord Huntly but lacked the gumption to do much more than look sad and slam a few doors when her marriage came up for discussion. Oh, and the discussions about her unhappiness droned on-and-on.
Ross had to teach her that she was going to pay for her father's mistake (of betrothing her to Huntly) with her life. She had the right and obligation to change her circumstances if she was so opposed. I was impressed that Ross saw that she had a backbone because it sure wasn't obvious for the first 275 pages. Other than her beauty, I didn't understand what he saw in Bella.
The story went on-and-on about what Ross would have to learn about being 'the MacKinnon' but did little to educate the reader on those things other than order Ross a new wardrobe and teach him Scottish manners.
Probably the thing that bothered me most was the way Ross sat on his hands and waited for things to change. My view of a hero is that he creates change, he doesn't wait for change to come to him.
The only other book in this series I've read is SO THIS IS LOVE (the next book in this series). It is a much more satisfying story.
MacKinnon Brothers Series
1. Angel in Marble (1991)
2. For All the Right Reasons (1991)
3. Somewhere Along the Way (1992)
4. So This Is Love (1993)
5. Heaven Knows (1994)
6. When Love Comes Along (1995)
7. If You Love Me (1997)
