ARC Review: Truly Madly Plaid by Eliza Knight

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My Review:

Truly Madly Plaid is a gripping historical romance that follows Annie as she heals and protects wounded Jacobites before and after the battle of Culloden. Lieutenant Craig MacLean, a friend of Annie’s brother, is one of the wounded warriors. He has vowed to always protect Annie, even in his wounded and weakened state. Hiding from the Dragoons that are searching the country for their enemies, Annie and Craig must risk everything to protect each other and escape the clutches of the enemy.

A dual third-person narration offers an in-depth view of Annie and Craig’s inner thoughts and feelings. Annie is a strong and determined woman who does not cower in the face of danger. Vowing to help the Jacobite cause, she uses her skills as a healer out on the battlefields. She is fierce and intelligent, and her take-charge personality, as well as her immense skill and loyalty, is admirable.

Craig is a fantastic Highland hero. A strong leader, he is not used to being helpless. He is a protector who finds it difficult to resist his growing feelings for the smart and compassionate Annie. Fiercely loyal and a bit stubborn, Craig will do whatever it takes to fulfill his vow to Annie’s brother.

The romance between Annie and Craig is my favorite part of the novel. They have a bit of the enemies-to-lovers romance with a little forbidden love sprinkled in, and I was there for it! Both struggle with their duties to the cause versus their personal desires. When they talk about a loss they both suffered, they offer each other comfort in the most beautiful of ways. The depth of their love is immense and lovely, especially since they find love in the midst of war and loss.

I would kiss every inch of your body. And I’d pray the whole time that the heavens would no’ smite me for plucking an angel for my own.

Craig

As mentioned before, the story takes place shortly before and after the battle of Culloden. The battle is devastating and intense, and the characters in the novel suffer heart-breaking loss. I like that the author delved into Scottish history and showed that love can bloom even under the most turbulent and devastating circumstances.

Though Truly Madly Plaid is the second book in the series, you do not need to read the first one to appreciate this one. That being said, I enjoyed this book so much that I intend to read the first in the series as well. Thanks so much to Netgalley, Sourcebooks Casablance, and Eliza Knight for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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Rating:

Favorite Parts:

• The romance, of course! Annie and Craig have a wonderful love story!

• The historical components. This was interesting, informative, and very intense!

• The depiction of strong, independent women that affect change.

Favorite Lines:

I learned a long time ago that fear in the face of danger can often be an ally.

One could not live a life speculating in if only. One could not wish for time to turn back; one had to make peace with the past and move forward. Yet he didn’t want to.

Recommendations:

This is a great novel for readers who enjoy Highland romance with great characters and an intense plot.