After living with an abusive stepfather, Honora Tannach is looking forward to marrying the upcoming laird of the Sinclare clan. Her future appears peaceful for the first time since her mother died. That contentment ends at the ceremony when the eldest son, Cavan, returns home after escaping from the barbarians that have held him captive for a year. Since Honora was to marry the future laird, her stepfather demands she wed Cavan. Honora's hope for protection and comfort are now gone and she finds herself wed to an angry man who wants nothing to do with her.

After a year in captivity, Cavan has changed from a successful warrior into an animal that survived horrific and degrading experiences. It transformed his soul and the guilt over not protecting his brother in battle eats away at him. He is quick to anger and fears that he cannot control the beast that lies just under the surface. What Cavan does not need is a weak, little mouse of a wife. Unable to break the contract, Cavan takes Honora as his wife, but he refuses to consummate the marriage.

At certain times, Honora sees vulnerability in Cavan, which he quickly hides. Honora has her own invisible scars and becomes determined to help Cavan heal from his abuse. She will teach him that there are many types of strengths and that wit can win over brute force.

Ms. Fletcher begins her new Scottish Sinclare clan series with a strong entry dealing with survivor's guilt. She captures the sudden fluctuating emotions in her wounded hero as he attempts to come to terms with his failure to protect his youngest brother and the wife forced upon him. Honora, in her quiet way, proves to be strong and capable of handling her unpredictable husband. RETURN OF THE ROGUE is an excellent book and hints of the future for the Sinclare clan leaving readers anticipating the next tale.

Book Summary

Marriage was her only means of escape . . .

Though Honora Tannach came of age amid the misty moors of the Scottish highlands, where warring clans battled to the death for the future of their wild land, nothing frightens her so much as a lifetime trapped in the castle of her cruel stepfather. She is thrilled when a marriage is arranged to the son of a Scottish laird . . . until her betrothed is revealed to be Cavan Sinclare. Though the savage warrior once saved her life, Honora knows no one can tame the heart of such a brute, no matter now finely chiseled his features or how enticing his eyes . . . .

After escaping his captors, Cavan's only concern is protecting his clan from the menacing invaders who threaten at every turn—and his beautiful wife is a dangerous distraction. But in the face of fiery passion, their reluctance will fade . . . and Cavan will discover that there is no greater strength than the power of true love.