Review: Antonia Barclay and Her Scottish Claymore: A Rebellious Romantic Comedy

Antonia Barclay and Her Scottish Claymore: A Rebellious Romantic Comedy by Jane Carter Barrett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

"God's nightgown!" What a spunky romantic comedy!

Antonia Barclay is a Scottish tom-boy, with a sailor's mouth and the riding skills of a jockey. She's also a princess, but doesn't know that yet. Breck Claymore is the Scottish Highlander, sword craftsman, who seeks her hand in marriage. And the Throckmortons are the nasties who try to circumvent it all.

Author Jane Carter Barrett has created a fast paced historical romance, imbued with 21st century allusions and tendencies. References to haute couture seems just as natural as horses and ancient castles, giving Antonia a sophistication not yet recognized in 16th century Scotland. The author also is an expert in creating biting, yet comical dialogue between characters, especially when Antonia is fending off unwarranted advances from the bumbling Rex Throckmorton, who is more drunk, fraternity boy, than aristocrat. On top of that, the vocabulary is a lexiconic cookie jar that required checking the e-dictionary on more than one occasion.

I did grow weary of Rex and his constant attempt to "pluck" Antonia, which was nothing short of his intent to rape her. And his father, Basil, is not much better. But the soft natured persona of Queen Mary was a nice buffer.

For comic relief and an adoring relationship, this is the perfect modern, historical romance (if such a thing exists!).

Thanks to the publisher for providing a NetGalley copy to me for my review.

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