Reviewed by Gannon Carr
4.5 stars

Fans of medieval romance are in for a treat with this charming tale from Lynsay Sands.  Filled with intrigue, suspense and liberally sprinkled with humor, Devil of the Highlands is a perfect book to start the New Year.

Evelinde d’Aumesbury has the stepmother from hell.  When Edda, her stepmother, informs Evelinde that she is to be married to the “Devil of Donnachaidh”, Evelinde is horrified. Marrying the infamous “Devil” is a daunting prospect for Evelinde, but it can’t be worse than living with the malicious Edda.  When the betrothed first meet—under strange and amusing circumstances—Evelinde does not realize she’s getting up close (and very personal) with the “Devil”.   The attraction is instant and powerful, but Evelinde knows she can’t betray her betrothed—even if she’s never met him—with this very handsome and magnetic stranger.  Then he completely shocks her when he announces to her that he is the man she is to marry!  This kind, gentle, gorgeous man is the Devil of Donnachaidh?  Evelinde thinks that marriage may not be such a hardship after all.

Cullen, Laird of Donnachaidh, has a reputation for being aloof, fierce and lethal.  There are even rumors that he is responsible for the deaths of his uncle, father and first wife.  When he first meets Evenlinde, she is riding her horse in nothing but her chemise.  Cullen can’t pass up the opportunity to find out what this lovely lass is doing.  Curiosity leads to passion, and he soon realizes he has his betrothed in his arms.  What a bonus to find that she is beautiful and passionate.  He was just hoping she would be someone he could tolerate.  They marry quickly—he wants to remove Evelinde from Edda’s clutches—and ride day and night to reach Donnachaidh.  While Evelinde is relieved to be away from Edda, she misses her maid, Mildrede, and her friend and stable master, Mac.  On top of that, Cullen raced away from D’Aumesbury so quickly, she has none of her personal belongings.  Angry at him about this, she confronts him only to find that he packed a bag with some of her things, but he neglected to tell her, assuming she saw the bag.  Such “lack of communication” seems to be the norm.  Cullen is a man of action, not words, but Evelinde is all about talking.   But the longer they’re wed, she sees how much he cares for those around him, including her.  Eventually, attempts are made on Evelinde’s life and Cullen fears that she will become another victim and that he will be blamed yet again.

I enjoyed watching Evelinde and Cullen’s initial fondness and attraction for one another turn to a deep and abiding love.  They are so different in their expectations of marriage:  Evelinde tells Cullen everything about herself and expects him to share his life and feelings as well.  Cullen believes that his actions show how he feels and there is no need say the words.  Over time, Evelinde realizes that actions really do speak louder than words and Cullen finds that he longs to tell Evelinde how much he loves her.

Sands fans are most familiar with her Argeneau vampire series, and she has given readers another winner with this medieval tale.  If you like your romance with humor, heat and a little mystery, pick up a copy of Devil of the Highlands and treat yourself to a few hours of fun with the “Devil of Donnachaidh.”