A Laird’s Conquest
by Ashe Barker
My review:
“A Laird’s Conquest” is the third book in the ‘Love, Honour, Conquer’ series by Ashe Barker. It’s written so that it can be read as a standalone. If you’ve read the first two books, the main characters from both play a role in this one. In particular, if you had the pleasure of reading the book prior to this one, you’ll recognize some of what goes on, now being from the perspective of Robert, Earl of Roxburghe.
Robbie, as the Scottish nobleman is known to his family and friends, is a smart man and a brave warrior. When an opportunity presents itself to make the English Lady Katherine of Elborne his wife, he can’t resist. He desires her physically. He needs a woman with her skills to run his household. Marriage to her would also be the key to an excellent political alliance. Katherine is an intelligent and pragmatic young woman. Circumstances have left her without a role in the household in which she grew up. When the Scottish Lord who calls her Kat gives her an opportunity to dramatically change her future, she decides to take a chance on it, and on him. There is a lot that goes on in this book and I’m trying not to give away any spoilers, but it’s hard because I’d really like to talk about specifics … but that wouldn’t be fair to anyone who hasn’t read it yet.
This book is full of intense action and emotion. There is some graphic violence, mostly well- deserved. Plenty of secondary characters have great roles in this story, and they span every level of society from lowly serfs to a powerful king. There is loyalty and betrayal, justice and punishment, intrigue and outrage. The immediate chemistry between Robbie and Kat is undeniable and as their relationship grows, the heat between them intensifies more and more. I enjoyed the development in each of their characters as this entertaining story progressed. I hope there will be another book in this series.