Tamed by a Laird

by Amanda Scott

Book Overview

National bestselling author Amanda Scott sweeps readers back to the turbulent fourteenth-century Scottish Borders, where valiant men and women risk everything for their land. Jenny Easdale is ready to accept her fate. She's agreed to marry a man she will never love - yet not before slipping away for one last adventure. Following a traveling minstrel troupe, she's whisked into a world of intoxicating freedom. Then, all too soon, she finds herself in...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446541370
• ISBN13: 9780446541374
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Forever
• Length: 415 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 4.2" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating historical details

Ah but I'm English; how could I enjoy a book where the English are the enemy? But I'd have to say, I did enjoy Amanda Scott's book, set in the 14th century Scottish Borders. I may not have been entirely convinced by Jenny Easdale's curious escapade, but I was certainly entranced. Rushing from an unwelcome betrothal, determined to enjoy her last moments of freedom, Jenny joins the minstrels and is welcomed by a host of fascinating characters. Meanwhile Sir Hugh is sent to bring her home, and ends up disguising himself as a minstrel too. When the two sing together, love blooms. But is Jenny right to fear a plot against her country, or is Sir Hugh right to insist that she go home? The people, places and attitudes feel well-researched and very real, lending strength to the story. And Jenny is a great character--wise, well-taught, and duty-bound to the workers of Easdale as well as to the rules of the rich. She makes a fitting foil for Sir Hugh, and their stormy relationship unfolds with entertaining twists and turns as the mystery is solved. I loved the insights into Borders life, and the notes at the back of the book--I even learned where the British "pound sterling" comes from! And I loved the adventure of the tale, like a grown-up version (with bedroom scenes of course) of the stories I read as a child. I shall definitely look out for more in this series.

Sweet historical romance

Reviewed by Victoria Gonzalez for Reader Views (9/09) This book is a perfect example of why Amanda Scott is a bestselling author. The book begins with a map and a short list of definitions and pronunciations of some of the words you read throughout the story. The rest of the words (and some of the words included in the list) can be easily determined by context. The premise is that Jenny Easdale, a baroness, is required to marry a man she does not love because her family wants to ensure she is taken care of, married well, and wealthy. Jenny decides that her future husband is disgusting and does not want to marry him at all. She slips away with one of her maidservants to join a group of traveling minstrels. She wants adventure, and she gets it. Her family does not want a scandal so they send the brother of Jenny Easdale's future husband to retrieve Jenny quietly; however, her future husband's brother is attractive and kind, much unlike his brother. This introduces another plot twist, in addition to one about stolen jewels and intrigue. Overall, this is a great book and the history of Scotland is a great addition to the storyline. I thought the dedication was funny; Scott writes "To Bonnie Jenn, who is not - and could not be - tamed by anyone." You can identify with a lot of the characters, a naïve but brave heroine, a grumpy but kind man, and an overbearing family. It is a very fun read. I think anyone would enjoy this book, especially if you like romance and history. It has a touching ending. It would make a perfect book for anyone who just wants a feel-good book. Amanda Scott is a good writer; the characters are all well developed, the plot flows well, and she makes it fun to read about some history. (Some of the characters are based on real people, and the basic plot has occurred, but the names involved and the rest of the story is fiction). The dialogue between the characters is fun because she uses Scottish colloquialisms and you feel like you have traveled to Scotland and are meeting the people yourself. "Tamed by a Laird" is just such a great book, and Amanda Scott is an excellent author that I want to read more of and suggest you do the same!

super Scottish medieval romance

In 1374 in Annandale, Scotland, her guardian Lord Dunwythie informs the Baroness of Easdale seventeen year old Janet, called Jennifer, that he will select a husband for her. Outraged as she believes he shouts nonsense that she no rights, except what he grants her, Jennifer decides a stranger would be a better choice; preferably one that does not stay. His selection Reid Douglas is not who the teen wants. At her betrothal gala, after a drunken Reid pawed her, Jennifer enjoys a show of traveling minstrels and opts for a final fling before she is forced to say I do. Since her maid Peg's brother Bryan is a part of that performing troupe, Jennifer joins them. She surprises everyone with her singing skills and is joined on stage by Sir Hugh Douglas, her betrothed's older brother, who has hidden his identity while roaming with the minstrels. As they fall in love, they must trust each other with the truth while also preventing an odious scheme that will harm Scotland. Once again, Amanda Scott provides her fans with a super Scottish medieval romance starring two terrific lead characters and a strong support cast who either bring out the essence of the era or the main players. The story line is fast-paced from the moment Dunwythie dispatches Sir Hugh to bring home the runaway Janet; only to fall in love while Reid was sleeping it off. Harriet Klausner