Highland Rebel by Judith James
ISBN: 9781402224331
Historical Romance, 480 pages
Sourcebooks Casablanca
An imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc.

Review copy courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca

Set in a dangerous time of religious and political upheaval and civil war, Highland Rebel tells the story of Catherine Drummond and Jamie Sinclair, two proud and lonely outcasts whose struggle for acceptance and survival draws them together in a partnership based on mutual interest that will transform them both. In a world where family, creed, and princes can’t be trusted, and faith fuels intolerance, hatred, and war, they’ll soon find themselves on opposite sides of a growing conflict that will force them to question everything they know, and test the bounds of friendship, loyalty and love. – Author’s website

I haven’t read a romance novel in over twenty years, so when I decided to spread my wings and try a genre I’m unfamiliar with, I decided my love for historical fiction may come in handy. Thus choosing this book as my re-introduction was a wise decision.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, and let me be honest; the graphic sex was low on the list. I expected tension and erotica, that for me is a given. The rest? Surprising yes, but well done in my opinion. The author deftly integrated all of the above, and never once made me feel it was for mere titillation. Every act, every time, was part of the plot and the characterizations, allowing each to grow and move forward.

Besides the obvious theme of romance; treachery, debauchery, and loyalty also have their part in this story. What I liked most was the fact that although thrown together in marriage by an impetuous choice, Jamie and Catherine (Cat) learn to be friends then lovers. This friendship, as in all relationships, is the foundation that sees them through difficult times; times where few can be trusted.

Jaime has never learned how to trust or remain loyal to any one cause or person. Cat has known nothing else. Raised by a society that values loyalty and virtue, she is confounded by Jamie’s behavior. From the beginning, she sees beyond many of the façades he has so carefully crafted since childhood.

He in turn is challenged by this woman who is like no other. A true warrior in many ways, she is also beautiful, learned, and has a wit that holds its own against his.

The characters are well drawn. My only issue being that some minor ones are presented to the reader all in one go. It was much like shaking someone’s hand and by the time you pulled away you knew the name of their uncle’s second wife’s first pet’s name.

It could be me perhaps, as I do like good characters and bad ones to grow on me a little. But in some stories, it just isn’t possible to do this and keep the book from being twice its length. And at 480 pages, this book is long enough. This is not a criticism. The plot moves along at a pace such that you quickly forget the heft. I read this in less than two days; it went that well.

I would normally provide several quotes to give you an idea of the style, but as this is a galley, I cannot. I can say that the author does uses descriptive prose quite a bit, but in a way to ensure the reader has a clear mental picture of the setting.

Rating this book has been difficult, for as I stated above, I have little knowledge of this genre. In looking at it technically, it rates well. The author has done her research, understands the dynamics of multi-layered relationships, and never once made me feel I was reading something raunchy, despite the graphic scenes it contains.

If you are a fan of romance, and don’t have an issue with the story containing erotica and sex, then this is an author and a book I highly recommend.

Judith James has worked as a legal assistant, trail guide, and for fifteen years as a counselor. Her personal journey has taken her many different places, including the Arctic and the West Coast.  After years of looking for the right place to settle, she’s finally found it beside the Atlantic Ocean. Her writing combines her love of history and adventure with her keen interest in the complexities of human nature, and the heart’s capacity to heal.