Scottish Heroine, masquerading as a Highwayman and a scarred English Duke make for an Absorbing Love Story!Set in 1746 in Scotland (prologue) and 1751 in England, this is the story of Sabrina Verrick, the Scottish noblewoman, who along with her sister and brother survive after their grandfather, Laird of the MacElden clan is brutally slain by the English at Culloden Moor. They escape to England where they live in the country at the rundown estate of their father, an English marquis who abandoned them as children. There, to feed her family, Sabrina becomes the highwayman “Bonnie Charlie,” robbing the rich to aid the poor. One man she robs, Lucien, Duke of Camareigh, a gambler and a rogue, is no English fop as are most of Sabrina’s victims. A self-made man, he decides to trap the wily bandit and have his revenge. Once he captures “Charlie” speaking “his” shoulder, the duke realizes “Charlie” is a beautiful young woman. When she won’t reveal who she is, he decides to try seduction. Superbly written, you’ll find this one hard to put down. I love the logic of McBain’s intricate plot…no improbable moments here. No contrived black moments. Only great storytelling and suspenseful action. The dialog is clever and the characters wonderfully developed. Sabrina is courageous, good hearted and rebellious to the end and Camareigh is a tough alpha male, just the kind we like to see fall to love’s power. McBain paints vivid pictures of Culloden (to start with) and then the English countryside thereafter, putting you right in the scene. It is so well done. Reading this just reminded me that a 5-star classic never goes out of style. Written in 1977, it sold a million copies. I see why.I highly recommend it.This is the first in the Dominick trilogy. Here's the list:Moonstruck Madness (1977) Sabrina and LucienChance The Winds Of Fortune (1980) their daughter, Rhea and DanteDark Before The Rising Sun (1982) Rhea and Dante (cont’d.) For an old school romance, this was quite good. I was expecting more over-the-top drama. It had plenty, but it was believable.Having survived the Battle of Culloden, Sabrina escapes with her sister, brother, and aunt. Her clan has been destroyed so they go to England since her father was English. In order to survive, Sabrina has spent the last 5 years masquerading as a thief using a male disguise. She has done quite well and even helps those in need in her community.One of the wealthy she robs is the Duke of Camareigh, Lucien. He sets out to catch the thief and ends up falling in love with Sabrina. They have a very tempestuous relationship that ends rather quickly in a nice HEA on the last couple of pages.The book read much quicker than I was expecting. Probably because I actually liked the characters and felt for them as they hurt each other with their pride and stubbornness. Definitely worth the read.
What do You think about Moonstruck Madness (1977)?
I loved this book! It starts out a little drab but by chapter three your hooked!
—jojoalejandria
This is the book that started my life long infatuation with Lucien.
—meryem
Always good to read an old favorite. Who doesn't love a highwayman?
—esdressy
I MUST have read this; who could resist that cover back in the day?
—petalrose42
