When forced to wed, can a childhood sweetheart be the solution?

Synopsis

A betrothal bargain

With the Highlander from her past

When Susanna Cameron needs to thwart her brothers’ plan to marry her off, she turns to her childhood sweetheart, Laird Rowan Campbell, with a daring proposal—to be her pretend betrothed! In exchange, she’ll help the now-hardened Rowan get revenge on the man who killed his family. The only flaw in Susanna’s plan—their returning attraction! 

My review

Ever since losing the man she loved, Susanna Cameron has closed her heart avoiding any possible kind of heartbreak. But when she learns from her brother that he is going to marry her off for the clan’s sake, she knows that there is more than her brother is telling her. seeing no other solution, she seeks help from her childhood sweetheart, Laird Rowan Campell. Not only does Susanna wants him to pretend to be her betrothed, but she also needs his help to uncover the secrets both her brother are keeping from her. In exchange, she will help Rowan to get his revenge on the man that killed his family.
But even if Rowan is no longer that same man Susanna once knew in and out, could what they once felt for each other reignite? And are both broken people ready to love and be loved again?

Is there something more heart – breaking than losing the person you love? Yes there is… as you lost him ‘thanks’ your own family…
Because that is exactly what happened with Susanna, as her beloved one died as her father interfered in their romance. And all because of status…

So yes, I could understand why Susanna wouldn’t want anything to do with love anymore. Because losing Jeremiah wasn’t the first heartbreak she had to endure, but also refusing Rowan long before broke her heart. And once again it was because of her family interfering.

It’s clear that Susanna is a strong character, she won’t be fooled by anyone. And she isn’t afraid to put up a fight, even against her own brothers. Brothers that are clearly keeping something from her and are not willing to share their worries.
So I admired Susanna, ready to make an alliance with Laird Rowan Campbell, despite their past. Because she won’t just go along with whatever her brother demands her to do!

Now, Rowan is not a complete stranger for us eager readers of Jeanine Englert’s books. But even if you haven’t read other books, you can still catch up rather quickly.
Rowan’s tale for sure is a heart – breaking one, as he once had it all, and lost everything, even costing him temporarily his own sanity.
In that aspect, I admired him as he managed to get out of that downward spiral he was in. Only a strong man can manage to put his head straight back on his shoulders and return to be the Laird his clan needs.
But I could absolutely understand his thirst for revenge! Who wouldn’t want to get revenge on the person that took everything away from you?

It was a bit funny, seeing the strained relationship between Susanna and Rowan. Initially for sure they don’t like each other, or at least the people they have become. And having to act to be in love with each other… just so funny for us readers!

But no matter how they felt at the start of the story, it’s obvious that there is still something lingering between them. No matter how much life has changed Susanna and Rowan, their hearts are still the same, even if it took some serious battering.

Slowly the extreme high walls built around their hearts are falling apart, and that is only possible with the right person. Of course it isn’t a walk in the park and there may be some frustrations and arguments taking place between Susanna and Rowan. But the harder they fight, the more clear it is for us to see where it all comes from…

There is one character that absolutely stole my heart in this book, and that is delightful little Rosa! She is the reason Rowan was able to return to his former self, as his little girl needs her father. But her innocent character is just so adorable!

This is a story about two characters who have both been through a lot, as life and Fate hasn’t been gentle on either of them. But that also made them more resilient and stronger than anyone else. Their scheming together makes it possible to slay huge demons of the past and even fight against enemies made of flesh and blood, together. And seeing how both Susanna and Rowan are losing that dark cloak around them, and being able to open their hearts again, was truly great to read!