Highland Protector »

The Murrays are back! From New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell comes an all-new story of the beloved Scottish family, and two lovers entangled in a plot against the king...

Someone would see Ilsabeth Murray Armstrong hang for murder.

When her dagger is found buried in the body of one of the king's men, there is little room for doubt—the perpetrator must pay with her life. But Ilsabeth is no killer, and only one person can help clear her name: Sir Simon Innes, a man so steely and cool that no danger can rattle him...and no woman in distress can sway his heart.

Until now. Simon has spent his life searching for truth in a world fraught with deception. But the hauntingly beautiful fugitive seeking his aid affects him so deeply, he wonders if he can trust the flawless judgment he has always relied on. For all signs point to Ilsabeth's guilt, except one—the unparalleled desire he feels at her slightest touch...

Praise for Hannah Howell and her Highland novels...

"Few authors portray the Scottish highlands as lovingly or colorfully as Hannah Howell." — Publishers Weekly

"Expert storyteller Howell pens another Highland winner." — Romantic Times

Publishers Weekly

Howell continues the Murray saga (Highland Destiny, etc.) with a 15th-century tale of conspiracy and treason. Ilsabeth Murray Armstrong overhears her fiancé plotting to betray her. When the king's agent is murdered and the Armstrongs blamed, Ilsabeth flees to Simon Innes, a reputable investigator and close family friend. The king wants Simon to find the Armstrongs. The Murrays want him to identify the real murderer. Ilsabeth just wants him to unravel the tangled plots and prove her innocence--and to love her, of course, since she fell in love with him almost on sight. Simon distrusts all women, especially pretty ones, but with two winsome orphans, a crotchety butler, a bossy housekeeper, and a meddling Murray cousin all lending a hand, Simon doesn't have the chance to guard his heart. Readers will delight in the abundance of lively (if brogue-heavy) banter and teasing. (Dec.)