RT Book Reviews 2007 Scotland-Set Historical Romance Nominee

With her ability to write a multilayered plot and dynamic characters, Ranney delivers sizzling stories that are addictive. Her latest is tantalizing, provocative and perceptive. RT Book Reviews, 4.5 Stars, Top Pick

Every time I pick up a book by Karen Ranney, I get completely immersed in it. The Scottish Companion is no exception. It’s gripping, emotional, and has a cast of characters who are memorable. Grant is the dutiful, but reluctant heir, responsible, honorable, and, on the surface, cold. It takes a woman like Gillian to bring him to his senses about life, and she, too, is hesitant to deal with her true feelings. She knows what happened the last time she let her emotions rule. The Fentons and the countess are interesting secondary players, bringing a touch of mystery to the story. Romance is in the air, but just how will it pan out? Will Arabella become the countess that Grant needs? Who wants the Roberson line to be extinguished? And why? All are answered in the exciting, surprising conclusion.

The Scottish Companion is one more beautifully written novel by Karen Ranney and it shouldn’t be missed. Romance Reviews Today

Though I know she does not like to file things away with ratings, groupings, categories, and the like, Karen Ranney will just have to deal with the fact that she is in a class by herself.

Karen’s many novels encompass so many of the things I look for in a well-told romance. They are passionate, articulate, intriguing, and boast of plots that no one can duplicate, due to the fact that her style is so original. She adds elements of invention, early medicinal and herbal practices, and dialogue that I suspect mimics conversations in the past better than most historical romance. There is an aloofness about her work that serves to draw you in, while the characters and difference from run-of-the-mill stories keep you there. The Scottish Companion is a perfect example of all of these things.

So, despite the dreaded rating system I know Karen Ranney would prefer not to have to participate in, The Scottish Companion is a Top Pick because it flows effortlessly, tugs at the heartstrings, and is in a word… classy. Romance Reader at Heart

Ms. Ranney excels in writing complicated, emotional tales that delve into the darker side of human nature. Her flawed characters rail at injustices while trying to overcome their own imperfections. Fresh Fiction

It felt good to read a great romance that felt every inch a romance of the kind I fell in love with years ago. This is not a light-hearted romance – anyone familiar with Ms. Ranney’s writing knows she has a darker, almost gothic undertone to her works – yet Gillian and Grant had me smiling. The dark, sinister mystery of The Scottish Companion is balanced out perfectly with the beautiful true love story that is its prominent feature. Don’t miss this one! – Desert Isle Keeper Review, A-  All About Romance

The Scottish Companion is a suspenseful story of two people who seem to come to life in the book. I love a book that grabs you on page one and holds you to the final chapter. This one is a keeper. Roundtable Reviews

The Scottish Companion is a thrilling read that captures the heart as the reader is lured into the lives of the enticing characters. Grant and Gillian have both suffered sorrow and the way they are able to share communication is like a healing to their soul. The portrayal of the well-spun characters breathe life into the pages, and Grant’s mother, Dorothea, Countess of Straithern, is no exception after losing a husband and two sons. I could almost feel her loss and how she worries over Grant. It is a genuine love. Arabella plays a good part in the story that keeps the reader guessing if Grant will go through the marriage. The climatic ending leaves the reader in awe in this captivating story. Karen Ranney is a remarkable author with a special aptitude in her writing that produces compassion and strong emotions that create a believable tale.  Coffee Time Romance

Oh how I loved The Scottish Companion!  Karen Ranney wrote a simply delightful and often times steamy historical romance that kept me guessing the entire book.  I could not for the life of me figure out ‘the bad guy’ and when it was finally revealed, I could have smacked my forehead.  It seems that I was entirely focused on the love Grant and Gillian had for each other.  Their turmoil at the thought of being without the other made me tear up more than once and even I was looking for ways to keep Grant from marrying Arabella.  Throw in a subplot the likes of which I had not seen before, and this historical loving reviewer was in pure reading bliss.  Joyfully Reviewed