Okay, kids, I read an earlier draft of this story. I liked that draft; I love this version.

Julianne Baxter, a supporting character from Summer is for Lovers, has impetuously run off for Scotland. Sure, she accused Patrick Channing of murder last year, but that was SO LAST YEAR. She's had time to reflect on the errors of her ways. Patrick should hate her for accusing him of murder and causing his exile, but a) she's hot and b) if she's married to him then she can't testify against him. So, hey, it's Scotland, why not get hitched?!

One reason I love McQuiston's stories is that they are different. The very first section of the story gets pretty gritty as Patrick treats a wounded dog. (Spoiler alert: the dog makes it through. Also, the story may be based on the marriage of (in)convenience trope, but Julianne is not your typical heroine. Yes, she marries Patrick because she wants to "help" him but she also marries him based on a flicker of attraction from a year ago, an attraction she hasn't been able to replicate. Sure Patrick marries Julianne to keep her from testifying against him, but he soon realizes there's more to his attraction than expediency or simple lust. Finally, there's a mystery to this tale, and I found it pretty darn genius. Even once you solve the mystery, there's one more twist to keep you reading.

I love, love, love her wry way with words and her take on romance. I laughed; I cried; it was better than cats. Or dogs, since there are several adorable puppies running amok in this book.

P.S. The delectable Dr Merial from this book is going to star in his own novel soon!