This rating is actually closer to a 4 1/2 star book.Lady of Skye is an unusual romance novel. It distinguishes itself with Dr. Reilly Stanton, first known as a physician, and secondly known as a Marquis. Reilly is determined to demonstrate to his friends and the ton that he is a dedicated physician and that he treasures that title much more than his title as eighth Marquis of Stillworth.
The story opens with Reilly arriving on the island of Skye to set up a medical practice. Skye is a far cry from London and has few of the conveniences that city offers. Skye's physician has moved from the island, leaving the position of physician open. However, the former physician's daughter, Brenna, has returned to the island and is their acting physician. Brenna, within the first few pages saves the life of a drowning man (who Reilly had announced was dead), wears the breeches of a man, and swigs liquor straight from the bottle. All of this certainly gains Rielly's attention and the framework is set for a charming and humorous romantic story.
Dr. Reilly Stanton is a thoroughly charming hero with a fantastic sense of humor. One of the strongest parts of this book is our ability to read his thoughts that make you laugh and laugh. He is not a conceited man and is actually a humanitarian. He has some pretty stuffy sayings that are probably typical of 1850s England but they sometimes tear at his overall hero appeal. However, he is a strong hero that knows gentleness. Reilly is a very entertaining and his entire personality is so pleasant! Cabot certainly knows how to write attractive male leads without sticking to the old stereotypes. He does not relish his title and chooses to ignore it - even at the end of the book! Of course, he is very rich. He is one of the most likable heroes I have read.
Brenna is a good-natured heroine. She has just the right of amount of assertiveness for a woman during this time period and is an overall kind woman. I did not think it necessary to introduce her acting the man with her pants and liquor swigging. She is much the lady for the balance of the story and mostly wears dresses and drinks from a glass.
This book centers most of its plot on the romance of Reilly and Brenna. Brenna is up to some very strange things on the island of Skye and no one can figure out what it is. Her strange doings become a significant part of the book. There is no murder mystery here - thank goodness. The real enemy in this book is an illness.
The story drags a little in the middle. But once Brenna and Reilly begin a relationship, the entire book warms. Their time together is sincere and fun. We read about two very well developed characters that discover they have a tremendous amount of similarities and interests. There are few sensual scenes but they are spicy when presented. I would rate them about a 4.0 out of a 5.0 (see More About Me for rating guidelines).
This is my second Cabot book and I have enjoyed them both tremendously. It could have easily been a five star rating if the middle of the book did not drag somewhat. However, should you sense the story dragging when you read it, just stick with it. It is worth it! And by the end of the book you will be thinking as you put it down "I wish it didn't have to end".
