The tenth Earl of Straithern, Grant Roberson, is seeing his mortality.  Both of his brothers have suddenly died from mysterious and completely unexpected illnesses.  Illnesses that were alike in each man, so Grant knows that it is only a matter of time before he becomes afflicted with what he knows is probably a genetic disorder.  He decides then and there that he must wed and produce an heir before the unthinkable happens, so he arranges to marry the daughter of the local physician.  He doesn’t count on being attracted to his betrothed wife’s Scottish companion.

Gillian Cameron has been the companion to Arabella Fenton, the contracted bride, for years.  Gillian was taken in by Dr. Fenton, Arabella’s father, after becoming destitute as a young woman.  She is told to accompany Arabella to the Earl’s home so as to acclimate the spoiled woman to her surroundings and duties.  As soon as Gillian is introduced to the Earl, she knows she is in trouble and wonders how in the world will she be able to convince Arabella to marry Grant when in an instant she covets him for herself.

Grant and Gillian are unable to suppress their desire for each other.  Embarking on an affair, they each know that one day their trysts will have to end.  Before that day, however, they must find the danger that seems to be stalking Grant.  A danger that neither suspects, but which brings them closer.

Oh how I loved The Scottish Companion!  Karen Ranney wrote a simply delightful and often times steamy historical romance that kept me guessing the entire book.  I could not for the life of me figure out ‘the bad guy’ and when it was finally revealed, I could have smacked my forehead.  It seems that I was entirely focused on the love Grant and Gillian had for each other.  Their turmoil at the thought of being without the other made me tear up more than once and even I was looking for ways to keep Grant from marrying Arabella.  Throw in a subplot the likes of which I had not seen before, and this historical loving reviewer was in pure reading bliss. 

The Scottish Companion releases on September 25, 2007.  Don’t miss it!