Paula Quinn's previous novel, Laird of the Mist, introduced some of the characters that we meet in A Highlander Never Surrenders, although it's not necessary to have read that book to follow the action in this one.

Graham Grant, a Highlander, is traveling with Roundhead Robert Campbell, Duke of Argyll, when he rescues a young woman who is being attacked by several men. Once the dust settles Grant discovers that the young woman, Claire Stuart, thought she was perfectly able to deal with the men herself. Not only that, but she's cousin to the King and is in the process of trying to avenge the death of her brother, Connor. As Graham and Robert travel with Claire, she shows her headstrong nature - as well as her fighting skills. But do they know who is to blame for Connor's death? Can they find safety for Claire's sister, Ann? Will their brother's plans for their marriages work out?

There's nothing wrong with A Highlander Never Surrenders as such, but somehow it failed to engage me – perhaps I've read too many stories about feisty women and monosyllabic claymore-wielding Scotsmen. The historical setting with the hints about the forthcoming Restoration are interesting, and some other historical characters are thrown in for good measure. Overall, however, I was rather disappointed with the story - it felt like romance-by-numbers, and I wasn't particularly charmed by Graham Grant.

Although this story finishes at a reasonable place, it's clear there will be a further story in this series - but I won't be going out of my way to find it.