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Bad Boys of the Highlands #1
Temptation in a Kilt
"Filled with everything I love most about Highland romance."—Melissa Mayhue, award-winning author of Warrior's Redemption
She's On Her Way to Safety
It's a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong's desperation that she's seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn't care about hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is completely beyond her control...
He Redefines Dangerous...
Ciaran MacGregor knows it's perilous to get embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he's stuck with her, even though she challenges his legendary prowess at every opportunity. When temptation reaches its peak, he'll be ready to show her how he really is...on and off the battlefield.
She's On Her Way to Safety
It's a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong's desperation that she's seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn't care about hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is completely beyond her control...
He Redefines Dangerous...
Ciaran MacGregor knows it's perilous to get embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he's stuck with her, even though she challenges his legendary prowess at every opportunity. When temptation reaches its peak, he'll be ready to show her how he really is...on and off the battlefield.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
137 people are currently reading
1603 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Roberts
11 books291 followersAward-winning author Victoria Roberts writes Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was the recipient of the 2013 RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice award for Best Medieval Historical Romance for X MARKS THE SCOT, as well as the 2014 BTS Book Reviews Red Carpet award for Best Historical and Best Book of the Year for MY HIGHLAND SPY.
Represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, several local chapters, in addition to being a contributing author to the online magazine CELTIC GUIDE.
Victoria resides in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty two years and their two beautiful children--not to mention one spoiled dog. When she's not plotting her next Scottish adventure, she's dragging her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun. Please visit Victoria at VictoriaRobertsAuthor.com.
Represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, several local chapters, in addition to being a contributing author to the online magazine CELTIC GUIDE.
Victoria resides in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty two years and their two beautiful children--not to mention one spoiled dog. When she's not plotting her next Scottish adventure, she's dragging her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun. Please visit Victoria at VictoriaRobertsAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
September 6, 2012
Review posted at: Swept Away By Romance
3 1/2 Stars! Started off good, lost its way in the middle, but came back around with some excitement in the end.
Lady Rosalia Armstrong is running from the cruelty of her parents and the arranged marriage that she wants no part of, when she crosses paths with Laird Ciaran MacGregor and his men. They are returning home from the Royal Court in England when they find Rosalia passed out from intense pain from injuries she received at the hands of her parents. They offer her a safe haven until she is well enough to travel and stay with family that she has in Scotland.
The book immediately piqued my interest, damsel in distress, Highlanders to the rescue, and then it really didn’t go anywhere. There were some fun interactions with Ciaran’s brothers, Aiden and Declan, and Aiden’s wife Aisling, but what I wanted was the intensity that I’ve felt when reading other Highland series. I like Rosalia well enough, but she needed to grab the bull by the horns and have her way with him, no horn grabbing, instead it was one excuse after another. I expected more from the girl who defied her parents, and had the strength and resolve to strike out on her own.
It seem like Ciaran was using the promise he made to his father to take care of Declan, as an excuse not to claim Rosalia, and at times I wondered if he really loved her as he said he did. When I read about my Scottish Highlanders, especially the Lairds, I want an alpha male that is assertive, possessive, almost barbaric in nature, but also sensual, passionate and loving. Ciaran was caring, attentive, and honorable, which was nice, but I wanted more emotion from him, and when he did show some, the excuses found their way in to ruin the moment.
The two of them danced around their relationship and the longer it took for them to declare themselves to one another…well…it just got mundane. There was a bit of excitement toward the end, and then once again it fizzled. I was becoming more interested in Declan and Liadain, the woman who made her appearance towards the end of the book.
The book is heavy with Scottish brogue and dialect, which might not appeal to some readers, but it was one of the things I really enjoyed. The writing was good, but it was sweet and tender, and I wanted fiery passion and possession. The series is called Bad Boys of the Highlands, so I think that would suggest you would be reading about a “bad boy”, but Ciaran was more like a “choir boy”. Overall it wasn’t a bad for a debut, and there were some minutely heated exchanges, it’s just not what I’m used to in this sub-genre of romance. However, I enjoyed Declan’s character enough and his roguish ways, that I will probably read the next book in the series.
*ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Publishing via NetGalley*
3 1/2 Stars! Started off good, lost its way in the middle, but came back around with some excitement in the end.
Lady Rosalia Armstrong is running from the cruelty of her parents and the arranged marriage that she wants no part of, when she crosses paths with Laird Ciaran MacGregor and his men. They are returning home from the Royal Court in England when they find Rosalia passed out from intense pain from injuries she received at the hands of her parents. They offer her a safe haven until she is well enough to travel and stay with family that she has in Scotland.
The book immediately piqued my interest, damsel in distress, Highlanders to the rescue, and then it really didn’t go anywhere. There were some fun interactions with Ciaran’s brothers, Aiden and Declan, and Aiden’s wife Aisling, but what I wanted was the intensity that I’ve felt when reading other Highland series. I like Rosalia well enough, but she needed to grab the bull by the horns and have her way with him, no horn grabbing, instead it was one excuse after another. I expected more from the girl who defied her parents, and had the strength and resolve to strike out on her own.
It seem like Ciaran was using the promise he made to his father to take care of Declan, as an excuse not to claim Rosalia, and at times I wondered if he really loved her as he said he did. When I read about my Scottish Highlanders, especially the Lairds, I want an alpha male that is assertive, possessive, almost barbaric in nature, but also sensual, passionate and loving. Ciaran was caring, attentive, and honorable, which was nice, but I wanted more emotion from him, and when he did show some, the excuses found their way in to ruin the moment.
The two of them danced around their relationship and the longer it took for them to declare themselves to one another…well…it just got mundane. There was a bit of excitement toward the end, and then once again it fizzled. I was becoming more interested in Declan and Liadain, the woman who made her appearance towards the end of the book.
The book is heavy with Scottish brogue and dialect, which might not appeal to some readers, but it was one of the things I really enjoyed. The writing was good, but it was sweet and tender, and I wanted fiery passion and possession. The series is called Bad Boys of the Highlands, so I think that would suggest you would be reading about a “bad boy”, but Ciaran was more like a “choir boy”. Overall it wasn’t a bad for a debut, and there were some minutely heated exchanges, it’s just not what I’m used to in this sub-genre of romance. However, I enjoyed Declan’s character enough and his roguish ways, that I will probably read the next book in the series.
*ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Publishing via NetGalley*
November 10, 2015
If a picture is worth a thousand words, so let this one talk on my behalf...
It's not that this is a bad book, it's that it lacks an unidentifiable something that I cannot describe.Plus after so many romance books this one here is the first I find with an unconsummated relationship! So, where's the love? Sorry, but no, I wasn't convinced.
It was a sad suprise - not to like this book - because I have read other books by Ms Roberts that I really loved. I guess this one proved not all books do the trick.
*2,5 little (not) twinkle stars!
It's not that this is a bad book, it's that it lacks an unidentifiable something that I cannot describe.Plus after so many romance books this one here is the first I find with an unconsummated relationship! So, where's the love? Sorry, but no, I wasn't convinced.
It was a sad suprise - not to like this book - because I have read other books by Ms Roberts that I really loved. I guess this one proved not all books do the trick.
*2,5 little (not) twinkle stars!
August 24, 2015
I do not enjoy saying what I am doing to say but........
This book was amateurish at best.
This is a extremely typical highland romance with tried plots, only with a rather podgy heroine. I don't know why the heros are always so handsome and the heroines have to be sometimes plain and chubby. I guess it is the female version of the beauty and the beast?
I could have probably overlooked the boring plotline if the relatioship was romantic enough. But the book is also sorely lacking in that department. The writing is amateurish. The auther kept using pharses like "How do you fare?", "Are you well?", "She has been through much", "There is that". It got really annoying. I am not a writer and I imagine writing must be difficult. But when I shell out 6 euros to buy a book, I do expect writing above a certain quality. I mean, if a writer is not good at writing, how can they call themselves writers? Repeatedly using the same phrases over and over again just makes me doubt the publisher's decision to publish such a book.
This book was amateurish at best.
This is a extremely typical highland romance with tried plots, only with a rather podgy heroine. I don't know why the heros are always so handsome and the heroines have to be sometimes plain and chubby. I guess it is the female version of the beauty and the beast?
I could have probably overlooked the boring plotline if the relatioship was romantic enough. But the book is also sorely lacking in that department. The writing is amateurish. The auther kept using pharses like "How do you fare?", "Are you well?", "She has been through much", "There is that". It got really annoying. I am not a writer and I imagine writing must be difficult. But when I shell out 6 euros to buy a book, I do expect writing above a certain quality. I mean, if a writer is not good at writing, how can they call themselves writers? Repeatedly using the same phrases over and over again just makes me doubt the publisher's decision to publish such a book.
October 28, 2014
RATING: 1.5 DISAPPOINTING HEARTS. :(
Temptation in a Kilt implies to have everything a good Highland warrior novel should have – an interesting blurb, some action, some romance and even some danger, and while these elements are present, their presence is insignificant at best. Sadly, I really couldn’t bring myself to love this book.
It starts off promising enough, and maybe even interesting, but all the hype quickly dies down. The plot is cliche, the romance is cliche and non-existent (no sex scenes, one or two kiss scenes, some hand holding.... What!??). But, I did enjoy the intense sexual chemistry between Ciaran and Rosalia, even if it withered and lead to nothing. Both the MC’s are strong in their own way, and had some character development, yet I could not bring myself to care about them. I couldn’t relate to either Rosalia or Ciaran, and honestly, couldn’t care less if they ended up together or not.
The bottom line is, I was uninterested. The uneven flow of the writing didn’t help matters much either. The one aspect that annoyed me to the point of anger was Roberts’ use of the word “Ye..”. I understand its a Scottish historical, but I have read many books in this genre, and “Ye” is never at the forefront, never noticed. I guess that’s also to blame for the story’s stilted writing.
“Nay. I listened to ye, but ye will also listen to me...If it wasnae for ye, I wouldnae be here. Ye are the kindest man. I see your compassion for your clan and it warms my heart. Ye are a great and honorable laird. I also enjoy our speech every eve in front of the fire, but I donna enjoy it when ye take your leave.” --> Does anybody else see the “Ye” problem, or is it just me?? And major *eye roll*. That is an example of cliche to the extreme. Nope...I have a better one:
“Ciaran, ye truly saved me.”
“Nay, lass, it was ye who saved me.”
What I did like was Ciaran’s younger brother Declan, and his sarcastic, roguish personality. He brought some much needed enlightenment into this otherwise drab story. He is my favourite character, and I simply adored him.
Overall, I am disappointed with this novel, and as hot as the covers are, I don’t know if I want to read the next books in the series. But, don’t take my word for it, there are many great reviews for this one as well. I’m in the minority here, however, this just didn’t hold me captive.
August 19, 2012
I started this one, provided by netgalley, when I had just finished a stressful, challenging and enjoyable project at work, and just really needed something a bit fluffy, a bit entertaining, and bit easy on the brain, and populated with a nice hunky, sexy hero and a not-TSTL heroine. This one fit the bill perfectly.
There something about a nice, sexy, muscled hunk-in-a-kilt that says relaxation to me. OK, so a nice, sexy, muscled pirate says a similar thing, and occasionally a nice, sexy, muscled detective/officer/firefighter... Well, anyway, this one was such a pleasant read. I finished it quickly, and it left me interested in reading the next one in the series "X marks the Scot" (which isn't listed yet). The hero and heroine are relatively rounded characters, and I like that you get to see enough backstory to make you involved. The plot was quite interesting, and kept things moving along.
There were a couple of things I wasn't so sure of though. The plot, whilst moving, felt a bit formulaic to me. The heroine is running away from a nasty old man her parents want her to marry, and she is stumbled upon by the hero. Maybe I've been reading the wrong Highland romance books, but this seems to be a common thread in far too many of them.
Also, the heroine immediately becomes BFF with the wife of one of the hero's brothers, in a way that just felt too easy for me. I'm not a fan of heroines who have perfect friendships with other women, particularly not when it seems to take all of about 5 minutes for them to feel like "sisters" or some other nonsense. I don't read romances to read about women and their friendships. I read them to read about romance and love around a compelling plot. I guess it's a personal taste thing, but in this book in particular, where the entire family lives in one rambling fortified house all together, the concept that women wouldn't have minor personality conflicts, or argue or get irritated with each, and would only be best friends, was just stretching credulity a bit far, and also missed out on a way of making it feel more real. After all, when I have to share a house with my mother or mother-in-law or sister for more than a few days, we end up with at least a few moments of moderate tension at the very least. If I had to share with a set of complete strangers, I'd either have a strict guest-host relationship or it would feel very uncomfortable.
The writing also felt rather stilted in places. It just didn't seem to flow enough, could really benefit from some more descriptive sections and jumped around a little bit too much (although I did receive an ARC, so the formatting in the final book will most likely resolve much of that).
But, having said all that, this is a pleasant debut (I really love reading new authors), and hardcore fans of Kilts & Claymores will certainly enjoy the descriptions of the settings, the wild Highland characters and the romance (even though it could have been a bit more, well, steamy, IMO). 3 stars, I liked it, and I'll certainly watch out for more work by this author.
There something about a nice, sexy, muscled hunk-in-a-kilt that says relaxation to me. OK, so a nice, sexy, muscled pirate says a similar thing, and occasionally a nice, sexy, muscled detective/officer/firefighter... Well, anyway, this one was such a pleasant read. I finished it quickly, and it left me interested in reading the next one in the series "X marks the Scot" (which isn't listed yet). The hero and heroine are relatively rounded characters, and I like that you get to see enough backstory to make you involved. The plot was quite interesting, and kept things moving along.
There were a couple of things I wasn't so sure of though. The plot, whilst moving, felt a bit formulaic to me. The heroine is running away from a nasty old man her parents want her to marry, and she is stumbled upon by the hero. Maybe I've been reading the wrong Highland romance books, but this seems to be a common thread in far too many of them.
Also, the heroine immediately becomes BFF with the wife of one of the hero's brothers, in a way that just felt too easy for me. I'm not a fan of heroines who have perfect friendships with other women, particularly not when it seems to take all of about 5 minutes for them to feel like "sisters" or some other nonsense. I don't read romances to read about women and their friendships. I read them to read about romance and love around a compelling plot. I guess it's a personal taste thing, but in this book in particular, where the entire family lives in one rambling fortified house all together, the concept that women wouldn't have minor personality conflicts, or argue or get irritated with each, and would only be best friends, was just stretching credulity a bit far, and also missed out on a way of making it feel more real. After all, when I have to share a house with my mother or mother-in-law or sister for more than a few days, we end up with at least a few moments of moderate tension at the very least. If I had to share with a set of complete strangers, I'd either have a strict guest-host relationship or it would feel very uncomfortable.
The writing also felt rather stilted in places. It just didn't seem to flow enough, could really benefit from some more descriptive sections and jumped around a little bit too much (although I did receive an ARC, so the formatting in the final book will most likely resolve much of that).
But, having said all that, this is a pleasant debut (I really love reading new authors), and hardcore fans of Kilts & Claymores will certainly enjoy the descriptions of the settings, the wild Highland characters and the romance (even though it could have been a bit more, well, steamy, IMO). 3 stars, I liked it, and I'll certainly watch out for more work by this author.
January 7, 2014
Lady Rosalia has suffered abuse constantly at the hand of her mother. But when she refuses to marry a English lord, and will wait for love, she is brutally beaten. So Rosalia, cuts her hair, and dresses in men's clothing, takes her horse and heads up to Scotland to stay with her grandmother. But on her way up she collapses off her horse and blacks out. Ciaran MacGregor, is glad to be leaving London and heading back home. After paying respects to the King James, he is eager to return to his clan, and make good on his promise to his father, to guide his younger brother Declan from a path of debauchery and drinking. On his way to his keep however, his men stumble on a boy who has taken a terrible fall. After further examination Ciaran learns that the "boy" is none other than a woman, who has been badly beaten. At first Ciaran is eager to get home, but willing to help Rosalia heal and help her on her way to her destination. but Ciaran finds himself drawn to Rosalia and offers her sanctuary at his home until arrangement can be made for her journey to north Scotland. A fierce passion escalates between Ciaran and Rosalia, and with a nefarious plot out to destroy Ciaran and everyone he loves, only embracing his love for Rosalia will he be able to defeat the enemy that threatens that which is his.
Temptation in a Kilt is the first in the series, and the first I have been able to read from this author. I obtained a copy through Audible, and boy I am so glad I did. The narrator is one of my favorites, Elizabeth Wiley, who did a fantastic job with the Scottish accents and tones of emotions of the variety of characters involved in the story. Temptation In A Kilt is one of my favorite books I have read so far this year!! A truly amazing romance that swept me away from the first moment. If you like sexy highlander, strong willed heroines, and a endearing love story full of the history and passion of the highlands...this story is definitely for you!! I really love every element that combined this story into a sweeping romance.
The characters in this story were lively and passionate. The two main characters Ciaran and Rosalia were perfect for each other, they complimented each other so well. Ciaran is a highland laird, and as such is devoted to his clan and his responsibilities. When he finds out who Rosalia, some of priorities start to slowly shift toward Rosalia. I loved Ciaran as the hero of the story. He could be very commanding and possessive at times, but also had a soft spot for Rosalia, and I loved the tender and sweet actions he had toward her, especially after he learns the truth of her wounds. Rosalia I had mixed feelings about. I truly admired her as the heroine, and from the first moment, you are cheering her on. For not giving in to her parents demands even knowing the consequences, wanting to be in charge of her own future. She definitely has a strong spirit, and a fighter, and I admired her courage that she displays in the story. However there was something about her character I had a hard time liking. I felt like she too prideful too many times. Despite all that I felt like her character was well balanced for the most part, and she became very endearing to this reader. The side characters were fun, and I loved Aiden(Ciaran brother) and his wife, and of course Declan who is very Bad Boy type( I am aching to read his story). There is quite a few different conflicts in the story, but by the end, the story gets wrapped up quite nicely, and I had a giddy happy look on my face I am sure, by the very end.
A fully satisfying romance that enthralls the reader!! A intense love story that takes you to the romance of the highlands, steamy passion, lively characters, charming dialogue and a tale to take your breath away!!! Impossible to put down! REMARKABLY WRITTEN!!
Temptation in a Kilt is the first in the series, and the first I have been able to read from this author. I obtained a copy through Audible, and boy I am so glad I did. The narrator is one of my favorites, Elizabeth Wiley, who did a fantastic job with the Scottish accents and tones of emotions of the variety of characters involved in the story. Temptation In A Kilt is one of my favorite books I have read so far this year!! A truly amazing romance that swept me away from the first moment. If you like sexy highlander, strong willed heroines, and a endearing love story full of the history and passion of the highlands...this story is definitely for you!! I really love every element that combined this story into a sweeping romance.
The characters in this story were lively and passionate. The two main characters Ciaran and Rosalia were perfect for each other, they complimented each other so well. Ciaran is a highland laird, and as such is devoted to his clan and his responsibilities. When he finds out who Rosalia, some of priorities start to slowly shift toward Rosalia. I loved Ciaran as the hero of the story. He could be very commanding and possessive at times, but also had a soft spot for Rosalia, and I loved the tender and sweet actions he had toward her, especially after he learns the truth of her wounds. Rosalia I had mixed feelings about. I truly admired her as the heroine, and from the first moment, you are cheering her on. For not giving in to her parents demands even knowing the consequences, wanting to be in charge of her own future. She definitely has a strong spirit, and a fighter, and I admired her courage that she displays in the story. However there was something about her character I had a hard time liking. I felt like she too prideful too many times. Despite all that I felt like her character was well balanced for the most part, and she became very endearing to this reader. The side characters were fun, and I loved Aiden(Ciaran brother) and his wife, and of course Declan who is very Bad Boy type( I am aching to read his story). There is quite a few different conflicts in the story, but by the end, the story gets wrapped up quite nicely, and I had a giddy happy look on my face I am sure, by the very end.
A fully satisfying romance that enthralls the reader!! A intense love story that takes you to the romance of the highlands, steamy passion, lively characters, charming dialogue and a tale to take your breath away!!! Impossible to put down! REMARKABLY WRITTEN!!
September 11, 2012
DNF
I love myself a great Highland warrior, so I was really excited to get started on this, but sadly, I just couldn’t get into it. After reading through about 40% of it, I finally gave up. This is actually my first DNF, because I’m kind of OCD about finishing a book, but with tons of review books and stressful real life, I just couldn’t make myself continue to read it. Maybe if I had had more time on my hands, I would’ve stuck with it.
This book isn’t bad. It has all the right elements – a strong heroine and a sexy Scottish Laird, but I really couldn’t make myself care about them. I liked Rosalia and really felt bad for her. She’s been through some tough things, but Ciaran is your run of the mill romance hero. The romance was also a bit too “clean” for me. Everything is kind of hinted at. I guess I’m just not used to that anymore.
The biggest drawback to this book is actually the writing. Grammatically, all the sentences are correct. I find no fault with that, but sometimes things just didn’t flow. The writing to me was a bit stilted. Also, I feel the author overdid it a bit with the thesaurus when it comes to different versions of “said”, such as “hedged, grumbled” etc, or using too many adjectives after “said”, like “she said excitingly”. It interrupted the flow of the story and sometimes just sounded weird.
Anyway, I think a lot of people will actually enjoy this. Like I said, it has all the right stuff, and I liked parts of it, but it just didn't keep my attention
See more of my reviews at Reading by Kindle Fire
*A copy was provided by publisher for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for my review.
I love myself a great Highland warrior, so I was really excited to get started on this, but sadly, I just couldn’t get into it. After reading through about 40% of it, I finally gave up. This is actually my first DNF, because I’m kind of OCD about finishing a book, but with tons of review books and stressful real life, I just couldn’t make myself continue to read it. Maybe if I had had more time on my hands, I would’ve stuck with it.
This book isn’t bad. It has all the right elements – a strong heroine and a sexy Scottish Laird, but I really couldn’t make myself care about them. I liked Rosalia and really felt bad for her. She’s been through some tough things, but Ciaran is your run of the mill romance hero. The romance was also a bit too “clean” for me. Everything is kind of hinted at. I guess I’m just not used to that anymore.
The biggest drawback to this book is actually the writing. Grammatically, all the sentences are correct. I find no fault with that, but sometimes things just didn’t flow. The writing to me was a bit stilted. Also, I feel the author overdid it a bit with the thesaurus when it comes to different versions of “said”, such as “hedged, grumbled” etc, or using too many adjectives after “said”, like “she said excitingly”. It interrupted the flow of the story and sometimes just sounded weird.
Anyway, I think a lot of people will actually enjoy this. Like I said, it has all the right stuff, and I liked parts of it, but it just didn't keep my attention
See more of my reviews at Reading by Kindle Fire
*A copy was provided by publisher for review purposes. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated for my review.
April 5, 2017
Bad boys of the Highlands? Nah.. Even though I did love Ciaran. Rosalia not so much. She cried a whole lot.
And to be honest I am in no mood to write a review but it was a good highland book. Rosalia is not a badass heroine at all. She is weak and she does cry over everything. Ciaran is a typical highlander. I liked him. Thats all. There isn't anything special about the book but I did enjoy reading it.
And to be honest I am in no mood to write a review but it was a good highland book. Rosalia is not a badass heroine at all. She is weak and she does cry over everything. Ciaran is a typical highlander. I liked him. Thats all. There isn't anything special about the book but I did enjoy reading it.
November 5, 2012
Ciaran MacGregor, Laird of Clan MacGregor and Glenorchy, wanted nothing more than to return to his home and attend his life and people. Court life was definitely not for him with all its finery and flippery. Thank God his brother Aidan traveled with him since his company and that of his men is the only thing that that kept the insanity and boredom at bay. He just prayed that his rogue of a younger brother was caring for his people and land better than he was surviving court life. A summons from King James, however, could not be ignored. The monarch wanted assurances of peace between the clans in the Highlands and especially between the MacGregors and the bloody Campbells. Ciaran would do his best to guarantee anything that would return him to his homeland and people.
Rosalia Armstrong had suffered much in her life so far. After finally gathering the courage to suffer no more, she committed herself to escape. She would start a new life in the Highlands where she would find her Seanmhair (grandmother) in Glengarry. She had no choice. Even death was preferable to the future her parents had planned for her. It pained her that she could not even confide in her best friend, James. But being the captain of her father's guard, it would be safer for him to know nothing. Having been together since bairns, James was like a brother to her, and she could not think of him suffering for her sake. Everything was going along just fine with her plan, until she awoke in the forest in the company of the handsome man from court and his men. Her disguise as a boy did not last long, either, when he stubbornly insisted on treating her injuries. This was the last complication that Rosalia needed, but she couldn't deny her unexpected and baffling response to him. Honor and kindness was not something that Rosalia really had the experience of when it came to most men, but the Laird was breaking that mold at every turn.
Victoria Roberts writes a sweet, Cinderella story of the Prince on a white stallion coming to the rescue of a damsel in distress. Ciaran is your typical, brave, honorable, and perfectly handsome warrior. He exudes masculine appeal with every movement and every phrase he utters. In this story, the hero is uncommonly honorable, courteous, and sensitive. His masculine sensuality, however, allows these characteristics to play off fairly well, instead of overwhelming the reader with "niceness" and making one want to gag. The heroine, although not totally weak and helpless, is almost a too tragic character. Her life experiences have molded a character which has no self-esteem and no self-confidence. In her own eyes, she is always undeserving, even to the end of the story. Although in the beginning, she finds the courage to runaway and start a change to her life, this strength does not seem to carry throughout the story. At least, not until the end when she faces a dangerous foe. It makes a rather contradictory character. I liked her in the beginning for facing down real-life demons, but then was disgusted with her constant self-depreciation throughout most of the rest of the story. Then I admired her again for her show of strength and courage in the end. Still, I also thought she was such an easy endeavor for Ciaran always falling at his feet with the slightest endearment or attention, even after his careless comments which caused much hurt. Still, I love my Highland laddies and lassies and Ciaran was hot, hot, hot!! Plus, even with all of her character flaws, it was somehow refreshing to have a heroine who was so far from perfect in beauty and mind. I am glad to have read their story, and enjoyed it enough to have finished it in one night. :-)
Rosalia Armstrong had suffered much in her life so far. After finally gathering the courage to suffer no more, she committed herself to escape. She would start a new life in the Highlands where she would find her Seanmhair (grandmother) in Glengarry. She had no choice. Even death was preferable to the future her parents had planned for her. It pained her that she could not even confide in her best friend, James. But being the captain of her father's guard, it would be safer for him to know nothing. Having been together since bairns, James was like a brother to her, and she could not think of him suffering for her sake. Everything was going along just fine with her plan, until she awoke in the forest in the company of the handsome man from court and his men. Her disguise as a boy did not last long, either, when he stubbornly insisted on treating her injuries. This was the last complication that Rosalia needed, but she couldn't deny her unexpected and baffling response to him. Honor and kindness was not something that Rosalia really had the experience of when it came to most men, but the Laird was breaking that mold at every turn.
Victoria Roberts writes a sweet, Cinderella story of the Prince on a white stallion coming to the rescue of a damsel in distress. Ciaran is your typical, brave, honorable, and perfectly handsome warrior. He exudes masculine appeal with every movement and every phrase he utters. In this story, the hero is uncommonly honorable, courteous, and sensitive. His masculine sensuality, however, allows these characteristics to play off fairly well, instead of overwhelming the reader with "niceness" and making one want to gag. The heroine, although not totally weak and helpless, is almost a too tragic character. Her life experiences have molded a character which has no self-esteem and no self-confidence. In her own eyes, she is always undeserving, even to the end of the story. Although in the beginning, she finds the courage to runaway and start a change to her life, this strength does not seem to carry throughout the story. At least, not until the end when she faces a dangerous foe. It makes a rather contradictory character. I liked her in the beginning for facing down real-life demons, but then was disgusted with her constant self-depreciation throughout most of the rest of the story. Then I admired her again for her show of strength and courage in the end. Still, I also thought she was such an easy endeavor for Ciaran always falling at his feet with the slightest endearment or attention, even after his careless comments which caused much hurt. Still, I love my Highland laddies and lassies and Ciaran was hot, hot, hot!! Plus, even with all of her character flaws, it was somehow refreshing to have a heroine who was so far from perfect in beauty and mind. I am glad to have read their story, and enjoyed it enough to have finished it in one night. :-)
September 3, 2012
Yeahhhh, the book has arrived safely in my mailbox today. 
I saw the book from Netgalley, requested and been declined by the publisher. Reading all the glowing reviews of this wonderful story make me excited to read it and I pre-ordered from Bookdepository. The book was dispatched before the release date and I’m happy waiting for this.
This book held my attention till the end. Victoria has been placed in my auto-buyer. The story make you feel that you’re part of the family. I laughed, I cried, and I smile while reading a story about Ciaran and Rosalia. This is a new highlander romance that a must read to anyone who love Highlander.
Cried when I read this :
Ciaran moved to get up, but she wrapped her arms around him and cried into his shoulder. “Please stay with me, Ciaran. Donna leave. I need ye here with me. I donna want to be alone. Please…” Her voice faded to a hushed stillness. “I willnae leave ye, Rosalia.” He moved to her side and wrapped his arm around her waist as she nestled her bottom against his groin. He pushed stray tendrils of hair back from her cheek. “Shh… ye are safe.” Her breathing calmed and her tears finally stopped, but he continued to hold her well into the night.
One of the best part in this story
He leaned in close and whispered in her ear. “Lass, your eyes show me what ye are clearly thinking. I suggest ye remove your hand from my arm and your eyes from my kilt.”
This book is a good read and I can’t wait to read her next book. Hope she can writes a story about Aiden and Aisling, Declan and Liadain, Rosalia’s brother not by blood, James and her cousin, Alexander MacDonell. I am curious about them.
I saw the book from Netgalley, requested and been declined by the publisher. Reading all the glowing reviews of this wonderful story make me excited to read it and I pre-ordered from Bookdepository. The book was dispatched before the release date and I’m happy waiting for this.
This book held my attention till the end. Victoria has been placed in my auto-buyer. The story make you feel that you’re part of the family. I laughed, I cried, and I smile while reading a story about Ciaran and Rosalia. This is a new highlander romance that a must read to anyone who love Highlander.
Cried when I read this :
Ciaran moved to get up, but she wrapped her arms around him and cried into his shoulder. “Please stay with me, Ciaran. Donna leave. I need ye here with me. I donna want to be alone. Please…” Her voice faded to a hushed stillness. “I willnae leave ye, Rosalia.” He moved to her side and wrapped his arm around her waist as she nestled her bottom against his groin. He pushed stray tendrils of hair back from her cheek. “Shh… ye are safe.” Her breathing calmed and her tears finally stopped, but he continued to hold her well into the night.
One of the best part in this story
He leaned in close and whispered in her ear. “Lass, your eyes show me what ye are clearly thinking. I suggest ye remove your hand from my arm and your eyes from my kilt.”
This book is a good read and I can’t wait to read her next book. Hope she can writes a story about Aiden and Aisling, Declan and Liadain, Rosalia’s brother not by blood, James and her cousin, Alexander MacDonell. I am curious about them.
August 27, 2012
3 1/2
A sweet romance, that starts out with a bang, but slows at the middle and an abrupt ending. I really liked the story and the characters and I believe a lot of others will fall for this couple. If you’re looking for a hot steamy romance you won’t find it here, this more on the lines of a clean romance. What you will find is a heroine that is strong spite the fact of what she has to endure all of her life, I felt she truly deserved Larid Ciaran, they makes a sweet couple.
A sweet romance, that starts out with a bang, but slows at the middle and an abrupt ending. I really liked the story and the characters and I believe a lot of others will fall for this couple. If you’re looking for a hot steamy romance you won’t find it here, this more on the lines of a clean romance. What you will find is a heroine that is strong spite the fact of what she has to endure all of her life, I felt she truly deserved Larid Ciaran, they makes a sweet couple.
August 2, 2018
It was okay, hence the two stars. Plot points were rushed and ignored, characters were boring and placid, and the climax was expected. Side characters were once dimensional. It was clear once one was introduced whether they were good or bad, and unlike IRL, people stayed good or bad with no nuanced thoughts. Honestly this seemed true for our main characters too. Overall I think I've been reading too many mediocre romance novels.
September 16, 2012
Victoria Roberts has created a beautiful Scottish Historical Romance! I absolutely fell in love with the characters! My only complaint is that I wish it was a bit longer.
I can't wait to read more from Ms. Roberts!
I can't wait to read more from Ms. Roberts!
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September 9, 2012
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...
Temptation in a Kilt is a debut novel by Victoria Roberts. It was recommended to me by a friend who is also a great Highlander (and anything in a kilt) lover like me. VR, being a new-to-me author, I didn’t know what to expect. All I can say, I enjoyed some parts of it, while some were plain meh and quite predictable. But, there are good things in this book too, let’s see if I can elaborate in my review.
First, some of the positive aspects of the novel that I found good. If I don’t give the author the due credits, I’d be cheating. One was, I definitely think VR has a knack for writing. For a debut novel, I didn’t find many faults on that regard. Her descriptions of the Highlands I found impressive. I did enjoy some of the characters and their dialogues. I also appreciated that she was very true to the origin of the characters and the time period, giving them appropriate brogues and speech structure, unlike many authors who don't bother.
I’ve read something about the historical clashes between the MacGregors and the Campbells. Monica McCarty’s Campbell Trilogy focuses on this a lot. In this story, Ciaran is the laird of the MacGregors and currently is in the court of King James. He’s been here for a few days now but growing restless and been wanting to return to Glenorchy, his home. He and his second brother, Aidan is here. But, the third, Declan is a womanizer, a drunk-as-a-skunk-24/7 type who doesn’t care for responsibilities at all. Ciaran is very worried about him. He made a promise to his father on his deathbed that he’d take care of Declan and set him on the right path. Ciaran apparently interpreted the whole thing as he himself can’t get married and have a family, until Declan is on the right track. Sadly, Declan is nowhere closer. So, leaving his keep under Declan’s hand was something bothering Ciaran a lot. One day at the court, he sees this plump girl, who was being poked and scolded by her mother. Their eyes met and Ciaran smiles because even though she was being harassed by her mother of being too fat, Ciaran finds her appealing. But he doesn’t take anything seriously or initiate an introduction. He sort of shrugs it off and willing to get back to his home and his mistress, since he hasn’t shagged for sometimes now.
This mistress, she comes back in the story over and over and over and over again, and every time Ciaran got hard thinking of her ‘ample breasts’ and ‘warm thighs’, I wanted barf, simply barf on him! She also becomes the predictable villain... I knew she’d be, because she was emphasized that way; a nasty, venomous woman with no feelings or skills to speak of unless it’s spreading her legs or lying coolly. Oh, there is fun ahead and I’ll get to that soon enough.
Rosalia’s life made me sad and for that, I was very sympathetic towards her in the beginning. Her English mother is a b*tch of the worst kind and spares no abuse to her only daughter. It’s not that Rosalia has brothers or other siblings who get her affections. The b*tch simply is selfish and mean. She wants to live in luxury, which of course requires money. The family coffers are running dry and now her only option is to marry her daughter off to some rich lord. Rosalia has forever been a downer for her, not a great beauty which would’ve smoothed her way to sell her daughter. Rosalia’s father is a wuss and quakes under his wife’s authority. He has nothing to say when her mother beats her to bloody pulp for defying her orders, if ever Rosalia does that. Rosalia is a subdued girl and has no self-esteem or personality to speak of. And sadly, she doesn’t grow any on the course of this story. Her self-esteem issue becomes pathetic and started grating on my nerves after sometimes. Now, in court, she meets her prospective bridegroom, a smelly, old and creepy English lord who has enough money to make her cranky mother titter and giggle like a girl in front of everyone. Rosalia hates the man. She is desperate. Like any other girl, she wanted a sexy man as her husband and then, Ciaran catches her eyes just like that. She’s a goner from that moment, thinking why a man like him couldn’t be chosen for her.
Later, Rosalia talks to James, a man close to her age and has been like a brother to her. They grew up together and apparently shares much affection. James works in her father’s guards and not at all happy about the way she is always treated by her parents. Rosalia was so desperate that she finally rebels against the idea of marrying Lord whatever-his-name. And God, her mother beats her, bruises her face and fractures a few bones in her ribs. It was such a horribly painful read every time little glimpses of what Rosalia went through the hands of her own parents were shown. When the Lord arrives in her house, Rosalia is overwhelmed by everything and decides to flee that night. She binds her bruised body and wears James’ left over clothes to look like a man. I’m not sure how she managed it with, one, the way she was injured all over and two, with her plump body. How can that made to look like a man’s, I would never know! Her plan, she’d look for her seanmhair (paternal grandmother) in Glengarry. She never met the woman because her mother never let her but they’d corresponded secretly for a while, as I got it. (note here: even though her origin is Scottish from her father’s side, Rosalia has never set foot in the Highlands... and of course, she thinks she’d find her way there............ All alone!!).
Anyway, I’m glad that VR didn’t drag along this little charade too long. At night, Rosalia has a minor accident and her horse sort of throws her off. Fortunately (tada!), Ciaran and his men were returning home that way. His men find an unconscious Rosalia and promptly thinks she’s a boy. *blinks* Even Ciaran does. Ookie! So, they understand that he’s (she’s) injured and wanted to take care of it. Ciaran takes the responsibility and OMG, surprise surprise (and hard d*ck to go with it), it’s a girl!! Upon queries, Rosalia doesn’t tell him much but Ciaran guesses her identity behind all that bruising. He’s mad about whoever did this to her but doesn’t force her to relent. When he hears of Rosalia’s plans of leaving for Glengarry, he has the same reaction as me (see above). He also tells her that she can’t possibly go skipping through the Highlands just like this, when winter is approaching and she doesn’t know a thing about the Highlands, let alone proper preparation. So, finally he makes his own plan: Ciaran’ll take Rosalia to his home in Glenorchy at first and let her heal. Then he’ll escort her himself there. Rosalia sort of balks at first because she doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone. Well, I get her point but Ciaran was making a bigger and more valid point, so her reluctance made me wanna shake her a bit. They also meet James, who comes to ‘rescue’ Rosalia with her father’s men. It was all a show because James wanted her to flee with Ciaran. Both face off but make plans when they understand that they have one goal in common: Rosalia’s goodwill. So James makes a drama of Ciaran’s men attacking them and abducting Rosalia, to smoothe their way.
Ciaran already let Aiden go because Aiden’s wife, Aisling was expecting their first baby any day now. I liked Aisling and Aiden as a couple. It was apparent that she has a temper and is set about to set all the MagGregor brothers into the right direction. She’d accomplished that with Aiden, loves him a lot. Now her worry is about Ciaran and Declan. Mostly, Declan. Ciaran, as the laird, is somewhat on the right track but Declan isn’t. I liked the way she took charge and set them straight with her words whenever it became necessary. Aiden is an easygoing guy, who is more than enjoying his marital bliss with someone he loves and later, fatherhood.
Ciaran has been more and more attracted to Rosalia on their way together and shrugs it off as simple lust. He thinks upon returning to Glenorchy he’d at first seek out his mistress and shag her straight..... erm, as long as it needs to get this itch out of his system. My reaction? *barf* There it is! But, he flips soon enough. Aisling has already had her baby, and she and Rosalia make fast friends, that ‘almost sisters’ connection on their first meeting. Aisling wanted Rosalia for Ciaran, and so she got all her support. Now, Ciaran also wants Rosalia. He has honorable intentions. I have to give him this, he never once tried to seduce her for just to assuage his lust. Not even when he was horny as hell (the kilt can blow a lot of things ;) lmao). Very soon comes the day of the feast to welcome the laird back and the guest, Rosalia. She is again, speechless, to find Ciaran in his Highland garb… Yes, in his KILT! She was giving him agape looks, and Ciaran was enjoying it too when suddenly the mistress makes her appearance (eh, I knew she would) with the predictable hero’s-balls-grinding-in-public manner. Don’t ask! But Ciaran shakes her hands off, though Rosalia is hurt by this blatant display. When Ciaran takes the slut in the stable, she was expecting a thorough welcome shagging of course but instead, she gets her congé. Ciaran is very blunt about their f*cktime and how it didn’t mean a thing to him. Ooh, way to go big man! She tries her all her tactics, trying to call their relationship ‘love’ and shedding some tears but nothing works on the mighty laird. At that point, I wasn’t sure if I should pity the mistress or simply brain Ciaran. The next, as he’s returning back to the keep, she’s calling him the MacGregor whoreson in her mind and promising revenge.
(Duh!!)
Then the mistress tries to get to a drunken Declan but he does something very funny (I was like ha ha ha…!!) when she tries to use her skills on him. I was scared that the boor would end up sleeping with her but he didn’t. At least he had one rule while shagging left and right (with all sorts of maids and servant girls) in the keep and out; no whore sharing with his brother. Me? *eye-roll* Now, have to speak something of Declan. He was a whiney brat, no doubt. Nothing manly I saw in him in this book. He is very good looking and uses his charm to the fullest. The reason behind his dissolute lifestyle was quite the thing! He was sad about his mother’s passing, because he was very attached to her and couldn’t take this loss. I mean, c’mon! I get it that this was hard on him but she has been dead for sometimes now. How come he’s still whining away about this and destroying his life? Even Ciaran tried to talk to him about this. The brothers always would face-off and quarrel about this thing or that, with Declan riling Ciaran up with his mocking (or shocking) remarks in front of the ladies. Told ya, Ciaran was just about to give up on him, until the very end. But, even though Declan wasn’t the best hero material IMO, I’m still intrigued enough to know more about him. I hope there is some character depth shows in his book. His habit of speaking to Aisling’s horse made me sad. I realized then, even though he’s with his family, on his own he’s very lonely.
Moving on... The next chapters were mostly spent on Rosalia trying to adjust in Ciaran’s keep and with Aisling, Aiden and Declan. She was also scared that the English lord’s soldiers will come to hunt her down. The mistress kept on making more troubles. She, by now, thought that Rosalia was her replacement and being the vain (and brainless) creature that she was, the woman doesn’t understand what Ciaran sees in this ugly creature. Even though Ciaran warned her not to make things bad by doing something stupid, she still manages to do some s*its. She once jumps with Ciaran, naked, while he was taking a bath in the loch… the whole thing was planned because Aisling and Rosalia was coming this way, carrying Aisling’s son Teàrlach. But, does Rosalia show some anger? Or anything at all? Um, nope. Then, the slut finds Rosalia alone in the stable and really humiliates her by calling her ‘ugly’, ‘fat’ and that comparing her body, Rosalia’s is nothing, so it won’t be long that she’d win Ciaran back blah-di-blah. She also doesn’t lose the chance to tell Rosalia some of the disgusting information about hers and Ciaran’s f*cktime. I was SO MAD, so so mad. But Rosalia, oh no... She actually worries about this evil slut and what will happen to her if Ciaran hears of it!! HUH? WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA??? Are you freakin’ kidding me woman??? I was thinking of killing the b*tch then and there!!! Rosalia doesn’t, at first, tell Ciaran of what his whore has done. She was worried that if Ciaran throws her out, where will the woman go?! Someone pinch me. I mean REALLY Rosalia? That was your concern? Then you go and compare yourself with her, finding that you, indeed, come lacking. Good God!! *facepalm* And when the slut warned you that Ciaran would be in danger, shouldn’t your first concern be to let the man know so that he can take care of this. Ciaran had to force this out of her later, seeing that she’s restless about something. Rosalia’s lack of self-esteem and spunk were beginning to grate on me by then.
Before winter, two people from her own household arrive in Glenorchy. One is the cook, who has always been a mother figure to Rosalia. From them she learns that her father has been killed by that English lord and her b*tchy mother has willingly gone with the man. Horrible, horrible news! Rosalia is angry and sad at the same time. Ciaran tries to comfort her. By now, they’ve grown quite close, having cozy conversations by the fire and sometimes a little kiss and fondlings here and there. Ciaran even tells her that he wants to marry her but because of that f*cking promise, he can’t. Well, c’mon LAIRD!! He was forever thinking that he’s LAIRD but couldn’t really act as one. A brother was on the loose, so was his evil ex-slut. Apart from his trying to stay honorable to Rosalia, I found nothing that I can really admire about him.
After some confrontations, Declan finally begins to see reasons. He stops shagging and drinking altogether, begins to train with Ciaran’s men again. Even though his and Rosalia’s relationship started out a bit shaky, it glues as the progresses. Rosalia knows how to dodge his charmingly empty dialogues. Then again, she’s besotted with Ciaran already, so Declan doesn’t make much on an impression. By this time, the story was dragging. I was becoming bored because there were a lot of talk but not much action to accompany those. There was also the fact that I saw no visible improvement in Rosalia and Ciaran’s relationship. Then comes the very predictable big mis. Ciaran acts as a moron. He was trying to get Rosalia out of his mind, thanks to that freakin’ promise. Aiden tries to make reasons with him. He speaks some truths, that includes the fact that that promise to his father doesn’t mean he’d have to stop living his life too. Ciaran doesn’t like his younger brother lecturing him, certainly NOT so when Aiden’s got logic and the fact that HE’S LAIRD and not Aiden... He screams to Aiden that he doesn’t love Rosalia (which BTW isn’t true) and yes, Rosalia accidentally hears all of this...
*shakes her head in utter ... speechlessness*
The story does pick up at the end, when the evil ex-slut turns out to be Agryll’s cousin of sort and a cohort of him. The last few chapters were an improvement. Declan was attacked on his way to the village. Rosalia and Aisling were fooled out of the keep because they thought Declan was in danger. Both are kidnapped. The evil ex-slut sends a nude and drenched with ale Declan to Ciaran with this message. Ciaran doesn’t believe in Declan at first and reacts like a moron, again, by dismissing Declan’s claims for excuses to hide his debauchery. It’s Aiden who tries to reason. Aiden was forever the voice of reason throughout the story, as you can see from above. I won’t go into this whole rescue process, which I actually liked. But I’d mention that we meet our next heroine, Liadain in Argryll’s keep. She’s from the enemy side but plays a positive (and vital) role. I ended up admiring her and I’d like to see how hers and Declan’s book, X Marks the Scot goes.
The last thing that made me lose another half a star was when I finally realized there won’t be any love scene between Rosalyn and Ciaran. I mean after hearing all those dirty innuendoes and narratives from that evil ex-slut, I don’t get to see Ciaran in action...? What were you thinking Ms. Author?
3.5 stars.
This ARC was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
Temptation in a Kilt is a debut novel by Victoria Roberts. It was recommended to me by a friend who is also a great Highlander (and anything in a kilt) lover like me. VR, being a new-to-me author, I didn’t know what to expect. All I can say, I enjoyed some parts of it, while some were plain meh and quite predictable. But, there are good things in this book too, let’s see if I can elaborate in my review.
First, some of the positive aspects of the novel that I found good. If I don’t give the author the due credits, I’d be cheating. One was, I definitely think VR has a knack for writing. For a debut novel, I didn’t find many faults on that regard. Her descriptions of the Highlands I found impressive. I did enjoy some of the characters and their dialogues. I also appreciated that she was very true to the origin of the characters and the time period, giving them appropriate brogues and speech structure, unlike many authors who don't bother.
I’ve read something about the historical clashes between the MacGregors and the Campbells. Monica McCarty’s Campbell Trilogy focuses on this a lot. In this story, Ciaran is the laird of the MacGregors and currently is in the court of King James. He’s been here for a few days now but growing restless and been wanting to return to Glenorchy, his home. He and his second brother, Aidan is here. But, the third, Declan is a womanizer, a drunk-as-a-skunk-24/7 type who doesn’t care for responsibilities at all. Ciaran is very worried about him. He made a promise to his father on his deathbed that he’d take care of Declan and set him on the right path. Ciaran apparently interpreted the whole thing as he himself can’t get married and have a family, until Declan is on the right track. Sadly, Declan is nowhere closer. So, leaving his keep under Declan’s hand was something bothering Ciaran a lot. One day at the court, he sees this plump girl, who was being poked and scolded by her mother. Their eyes met and Ciaran smiles because even though she was being harassed by her mother of being too fat, Ciaran finds her appealing. But he doesn’t take anything seriously or initiate an introduction. He sort of shrugs it off and willing to get back to his home and his mistress, since he hasn’t shagged for sometimes now.
This mistress, she comes back in the story over and over and over and over again, and every time Ciaran got hard thinking of her ‘ample breasts’ and ‘warm thighs’, I wanted barf, simply barf on him! She also becomes the predictable villain... I knew she’d be, because she was emphasized that way; a nasty, venomous woman with no feelings or skills to speak of unless it’s spreading her legs or lying coolly. Oh, there is fun ahead and I’ll get to that soon enough.
Rosalia’s life made me sad and for that, I was very sympathetic towards her in the beginning. Her English mother is a b*tch of the worst kind and spares no abuse to her only daughter. It’s not that Rosalia has brothers or other siblings who get her affections. The b*tch simply is selfish and mean. She wants to live in luxury, which of course requires money. The family coffers are running dry and now her only option is to marry her daughter off to some rich lord. Rosalia has forever been a downer for her, not a great beauty which would’ve smoothed her way to sell her daughter. Rosalia’s father is a wuss and quakes under his wife’s authority. He has nothing to say when her mother beats her to bloody pulp for defying her orders, if ever Rosalia does that. Rosalia is a subdued girl and has no self-esteem or personality to speak of. And sadly, she doesn’t grow any on the course of this story. Her self-esteem issue becomes pathetic and started grating on my nerves after sometimes. Now, in court, she meets her prospective bridegroom, a smelly, old and creepy English lord who has enough money to make her cranky mother titter and giggle like a girl in front of everyone. Rosalia hates the man. She is desperate. Like any other girl, she wanted a sexy man as her husband and then, Ciaran catches her eyes just like that. She’s a goner from that moment, thinking why a man like him couldn’t be chosen for her.
Later, Rosalia talks to James, a man close to her age and has been like a brother to her. They grew up together and apparently shares much affection. James works in her father’s guards and not at all happy about the way she is always treated by her parents. Rosalia was so desperate that she finally rebels against the idea of marrying Lord whatever-his-name. And God, her mother beats her, bruises her face and fractures a few bones in her ribs. It was such a horribly painful read every time little glimpses of what Rosalia went through the hands of her own parents were shown. When the Lord arrives in her house, Rosalia is overwhelmed by everything and decides to flee that night. She binds her bruised body and wears James’ left over clothes to look like a man. I’m not sure how she managed it with, one, the way she was injured all over and two, with her plump body. How can that made to look like a man’s, I would never know! Her plan, she’d look for her seanmhair (paternal grandmother) in Glengarry. She never met the woman because her mother never let her but they’d corresponded secretly for a while, as I got it. (note here: even though her origin is Scottish from her father’s side, Rosalia has never set foot in the Highlands... and of course, she thinks she’d find her way there............ All alone!!).
Anyway, I’m glad that VR didn’t drag along this little charade too long. At night, Rosalia has a minor accident and her horse sort of throws her off. Fortunately (tada!), Ciaran and his men were returning home that way. His men find an unconscious Rosalia and promptly thinks she’s a boy. *blinks* Even Ciaran does. Ookie! So, they understand that he’s (she’s) injured and wanted to take care of it. Ciaran takes the responsibility and OMG, surprise surprise (and hard d*ck to go with it), it’s a girl!! Upon queries, Rosalia doesn’t tell him much but Ciaran guesses her identity behind all that bruising. He’s mad about whoever did this to her but doesn’t force her to relent. When he hears of Rosalia’s plans of leaving for Glengarry, he has the same reaction as me (see above). He also tells her that she can’t possibly go skipping through the Highlands just like this, when winter is approaching and she doesn’t know a thing about the Highlands, let alone proper preparation. So, finally he makes his own plan: Ciaran’ll take Rosalia to his home in Glenorchy at first and let her heal. Then he’ll escort her himself there. Rosalia sort of balks at first because she doesn’t want to be a burden to anyone. Well, I get her point but Ciaran was making a bigger and more valid point, so her reluctance made me wanna shake her a bit. They also meet James, who comes to ‘rescue’ Rosalia with her father’s men. It was all a show because James wanted her to flee with Ciaran. Both face off but make plans when they understand that they have one goal in common: Rosalia’s goodwill. So James makes a drama of Ciaran’s men attacking them and abducting Rosalia, to smoothe their way.
Ciaran already let Aiden go because Aiden’s wife, Aisling was expecting their first baby any day now. I liked Aisling and Aiden as a couple. It was apparent that she has a temper and is set about to set all the MagGregor brothers into the right direction. She’d accomplished that with Aiden, loves him a lot. Now her worry is about Ciaran and Declan. Mostly, Declan. Ciaran, as the laird, is somewhat on the right track but Declan isn’t. I liked the way she took charge and set them straight with her words whenever it became necessary. Aiden is an easygoing guy, who is more than enjoying his marital bliss with someone he loves and later, fatherhood.
Ciaran has been more and more attracted to Rosalia on their way together and shrugs it off as simple lust. He thinks upon returning to Glenorchy he’d at first seek out his mistress and shag her straight..... erm, as long as it needs to get this itch out of his system. My reaction? *barf* There it is! But, he flips soon enough. Aisling has already had her baby, and she and Rosalia make fast friends, that ‘almost sisters’ connection on their first meeting. Aisling wanted Rosalia for Ciaran, and so she got all her support. Now, Ciaran also wants Rosalia. He has honorable intentions. I have to give him this, he never once tried to seduce her for just to assuage his lust. Not even when he was horny as hell (the kilt can blow a lot of things ;) lmao). Very soon comes the day of the feast to welcome the laird back and the guest, Rosalia. She is again, speechless, to find Ciaran in his Highland garb… Yes, in his KILT! She was giving him agape looks, and Ciaran was enjoying it too when suddenly the mistress makes her appearance (eh, I knew she would) with the predictable hero’s-balls-grinding-in-public manner. Don’t ask! But Ciaran shakes her hands off, though Rosalia is hurt by this blatant display. When Ciaran takes the slut in the stable, she was expecting a thorough welcome shagging of course but instead, she gets her congé. Ciaran is very blunt about their f*cktime and how it didn’t mean a thing to him. Ooh, way to go big man! She tries her all her tactics, trying to call their relationship ‘love’ and shedding some tears but nothing works on the mighty laird. At that point, I wasn’t sure if I should pity the mistress or simply brain Ciaran. The next, as he’s returning back to the keep, she’s calling him the MacGregor whoreson in her mind and promising revenge.
(Duh!!)
Then the mistress tries to get to a drunken Declan but he does something very funny (I was like ha ha ha…!!) when she tries to use her skills on him. I was scared that the boor would end up sleeping with her but he didn’t. At least he had one rule while shagging left and right (with all sorts of maids and servant girls) in the keep and out; no whore sharing with his brother. Me? *eye-roll* Now, have to speak something of Declan. He was a whiney brat, no doubt. Nothing manly I saw in him in this book. He is very good looking and uses his charm to the fullest. The reason behind his dissolute lifestyle was quite the thing! He was sad about his mother’s passing, because he was very attached to her and couldn’t take this loss. I mean, c’mon! I get it that this was hard on him but she has been dead for sometimes now. How come he’s still whining away about this and destroying his life? Even Ciaran tried to talk to him about this. The brothers always would face-off and quarrel about this thing or that, with Declan riling Ciaran up with his mocking (or shocking) remarks in front of the ladies. Told ya, Ciaran was just about to give up on him, until the very end. But, even though Declan wasn’t the best hero material IMO, I’m still intrigued enough to know more about him. I hope there is some character depth shows in his book. His habit of speaking to Aisling’s horse made me sad. I realized then, even though he’s with his family, on his own he’s very lonely.
Moving on... The next chapters were mostly spent on Rosalia trying to adjust in Ciaran’s keep and with Aisling, Aiden and Declan. She was also scared that the English lord’s soldiers will come to hunt her down. The mistress kept on making more troubles. She, by now, thought that Rosalia was her replacement and being the vain (and brainless) creature that she was, the woman doesn’t understand what Ciaran sees in this ugly creature. Even though Ciaran warned her not to make things bad by doing something stupid, she still manages to do some s*its. She once jumps with Ciaran, naked, while he was taking a bath in the loch… the whole thing was planned because Aisling and Rosalia was coming this way, carrying Aisling’s son Teàrlach. But, does Rosalia show some anger? Or anything at all? Um, nope. Then, the slut finds Rosalia alone in the stable and really humiliates her by calling her ‘ugly’, ‘fat’ and that comparing her body, Rosalia’s is nothing, so it won’t be long that she’d win Ciaran back blah-di-blah. She also doesn’t lose the chance to tell Rosalia some of the disgusting information about hers and Ciaran’s f*cktime. I was SO MAD, so so mad. But Rosalia, oh no... She actually worries about this evil slut and what will happen to her if Ciaran hears of it!! HUH? WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA??? Are you freakin’ kidding me woman??? I was thinking of killing the b*tch then and there!!! Rosalia doesn’t, at first, tell Ciaran of what his whore has done. She was worried that if Ciaran throws her out, where will the woman go?! Someone pinch me. I mean REALLY Rosalia? That was your concern? Then you go and compare yourself with her, finding that you, indeed, come lacking. Good God!! *facepalm* And when the slut warned you that Ciaran would be in danger, shouldn’t your first concern be to let the man know so that he can take care of this. Ciaran had to force this out of her later, seeing that she’s restless about something. Rosalia’s lack of self-esteem and spunk were beginning to grate on me by then.
Before winter, two people from her own household arrive in Glenorchy. One is the cook, who has always been a mother figure to Rosalia. From them she learns that her father has been killed by that English lord and her b*tchy mother has willingly gone with the man. Horrible, horrible news! Rosalia is angry and sad at the same time. Ciaran tries to comfort her. By now, they’ve grown quite close, having cozy conversations by the fire and sometimes a little kiss and fondlings here and there. Ciaran even tells her that he wants to marry her but because of that f*cking promise, he can’t. Well, c’mon LAIRD!! He was forever thinking that he’s LAIRD but couldn’t really act as one. A brother was on the loose, so was his evil ex-slut. Apart from his trying to stay honorable to Rosalia, I found nothing that I can really admire about him.
After some confrontations, Declan finally begins to see reasons. He stops shagging and drinking altogether, begins to train with Ciaran’s men again. Even though his and Rosalia’s relationship started out a bit shaky, it glues as the progresses. Rosalia knows how to dodge his charmingly empty dialogues. Then again, she’s besotted with Ciaran already, so Declan doesn’t make much on an impression. By this time, the story was dragging. I was becoming bored because there were a lot of talk but not much action to accompany those. There was also the fact that I saw no visible improvement in Rosalia and Ciaran’s relationship. Then comes the very predictable big mis. Ciaran acts as a moron. He was trying to get Rosalia out of his mind, thanks to that freakin’ promise. Aiden tries to make reasons with him. He speaks some truths, that includes the fact that that promise to his father doesn’t mean he’d have to stop living his life too. Ciaran doesn’t like his younger brother lecturing him, certainly NOT so when Aiden’s got logic and the fact that HE’S LAIRD and not Aiden... He screams to Aiden that he doesn’t love Rosalia (which BTW isn’t true) and yes, Rosalia accidentally hears all of this...
*shakes her head in utter ... speechlessness*
The story does pick up at the end, when the evil ex-slut turns out to be Agryll’s cousin of sort and a cohort of him. The last few chapters were an improvement. Declan was attacked on his way to the village. Rosalia and Aisling were fooled out of the keep because they thought Declan was in danger. Both are kidnapped. The evil ex-slut sends a nude and drenched with ale Declan to Ciaran with this message. Ciaran doesn’t believe in Declan at first and reacts like a moron, again, by dismissing Declan’s claims for excuses to hide his debauchery. It’s Aiden who tries to reason. Aiden was forever the voice of reason throughout the story, as you can see from above. I won’t go into this whole rescue process, which I actually liked. But I’d mention that we meet our next heroine, Liadain in Argryll’s keep. She’s from the enemy side but plays a positive (and vital) role. I ended up admiring her and I’d like to see how hers and Declan’s book, X Marks the Scot goes.
The last thing that made me lose another half a star was when I finally realized there won’t be any love scene between Rosalyn and Ciaran. I mean after hearing all those dirty innuendoes and narratives from that evil ex-slut, I don’t get to see Ciaran in action...? What were you thinking Ms. Author?
3.5 stars.
This ARC was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2018
I won this book in 2012 and I have now gotten around to reading it. I cannot believe I waited this long. It has also been awhile since I read a historical romance and what a good place to start, in the Scottish Highlands. From the moment, I started reading I knew I would be in for a treat. This book delivered a wonderful romance, featuring captivating characters.
Temptation in a Kilt is the first book in the Bad Boys of the Highland series. This is my first time reading this author and it will definitely not the last.
I admired Rosalia, the heroine of this installment. Four adjectives I would use to describe her would be brave, outspoken, determined and resilient, but she was not without her flaws. Her insecurities about her weight and looks would often reveal itself. Her portrayal was not one of perfection, which made her a relatable character. Having suffered so much in her twenty-one years at the hands of those who were supposed to love and protect her.
The hero Ciaran is a highland laird who is devoted to his clan and takes his responsibilities serious. When he offers anyone his protection, it comes from a place of honour, which, Rosalia will discover when he came to her rescue. Ciaran is strong, kind, honourable, devoted, and authoritative and has a soft spot for those he loves.
It is my belief that Ciaran and Rosalia made the perfect couple. Their attraction to each other was obvious to everyone, but Ciaran’s stubbornness proved to be a hindrance. He sought to honour a vow he made to his father even it sacrificing his happiness. At first this trait admirable but as the story progressed it got tiresome. I did not believe his following his heart would negate his vow to his father. It was such a pity it took his almost losing her to make him come to his senses. Oh well, better late than never.
I enjoyed their interaction with each other. Their romance was not of the steamy variety; instead, it was sweet, fun and heart-warming.
The secondary characters helped to drive the story along. There were those you could not help but love and then there were the ones you hope would get what was coming to them. I especially loved Aiden and Aisling. I would love the background information on how these two became a couple.
The story had a satisfying ending, which left a smile on my face.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I enjoyed this installment and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which features Ciaran’s younger brother, Declan. If you are a fan of highland romance then this book is for you.
Temptation in a Kilt is the first book in the Bad Boys of the Highland series. This is my first time reading this author and it will definitely not the last.
I admired Rosalia, the heroine of this installment. Four adjectives I would use to describe her would be brave, outspoken, determined and resilient, but she was not without her flaws. Her insecurities about her weight and looks would often reveal itself. Her portrayal was not one of perfection, which made her a relatable character. Having suffered so much in her twenty-one years at the hands of those who were supposed to love and protect her.
The hero Ciaran is a highland laird who is devoted to his clan and takes his responsibilities serious. When he offers anyone his protection, it comes from a place of honour, which, Rosalia will discover when he came to her rescue. Ciaran is strong, kind, honourable, devoted, and authoritative and has a soft spot for those he loves.
It is my belief that Ciaran and Rosalia made the perfect couple. Their attraction to each other was obvious to everyone, but Ciaran’s stubbornness proved to be a hindrance. He sought to honour a vow he made to his father even it sacrificing his happiness. At first this trait admirable but as the story progressed it got tiresome. I did not believe his following his heart would negate his vow to his father. It was such a pity it took his almost losing her to make him come to his senses. Oh well, better late than never.
I enjoyed their interaction with each other. Their romance was not of the steamy variety; instead, it was sweet, fun and heart-warming.
The secondary characters helped to drive the story along. There were those you could not help but love and then there were the ones you hope would get what was coming to them. I especially loved Aiden and Aisling. I would love the background information on how these two became a couple.
The story had a satisfying ending, which left a smile on my face.
Conclusion/Recommendation
I enjoyed this installment and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which features Ciaran’s younger brother, Declan. If you are a fan of highland romance then this book is for you.
March 25, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
September 6, 2012
First thoughts… It felt nice to be in the Highlands of Scotland again.
Second thoughts… hmm.
Final thoughts… Some things need to be worked on but I definitely want to pick up the next book in the series.
Rosalia (mind you, I say this using my Spanish tongue, and I love it), has been mistreated all of her life by her mother who has abused her mentally, verbally, and physically. Her father just sits idly by and lets it happen. Not until Rosalia’s mom wants to marry her off to a very nasty man for money, and gets the worst beating of her life for objecting, does she decide to run away. As she begins her journey she meets Ciaran MacGregor who decides he will help her get to her final destination. Not only does Rosalia find protection within the walls of Glenorchy but family, loyalty, love and a healthy kind of normalcy.
This was an easy read, a sweet romance and I found myself turning the pages at record speed trying to find out what happened next. Rosalia and Ciaran fell in love slowly and the courting seemed to be a long one. I liked all of the characters well enough and the world that was created within these pages. Like I said before, it made me long for the Highlands which I love so much!
Unfortunately, this wasn’t a great read for me. What fell short with me was the feeling of familiarity and within that familiarity I found predictability.
IT MIGHT BE TOO SPOILERISH FOR YOU HERE. IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE ABOUT THESE THINGS STOP HERE!
You have the heroine who finds herself in trouble and the hero who believes he can save her and will protect her (ok, I can deal). You have a villain (usually an enemy clan (ok, fine)). You have a mistress out for blood now because she’s been dumped. She’s been exiled and surprise, surprise wants to get the hero killed. There was a kidnapping too. (NOOOO!)
END OF SPOILERS
I just felt it was all very predictable and I saw things coming pages before it happened.
I also had issues with how the accents/ Scottish way of speaking were written. It didn’t roll off the tongue very easily even if it was in my head. I think that should be worked on a bit in the next book. It kept creating speed bumps in the flow of the read.
With all that said…On the flip side… What wasn’t predictable was how the author wrote ONE character. Declan MacGregor. He is the youngest of the three MacGregor siblings and seems to be the most troubled and self-destructive. There is definitely more going on there but because this is not his book not too much is revealed. He was the only character that acted out of character constantly which was refreshing and always a nice surprise. Another unique aspect to this story is that you won’t find the hero and heroine making love or even getting married. It worked and I liked it.
All in all, my feelings are invested in these characters and the open ended ending was done nicely. I'm not upset with the author for leaving things the way she did but on the contrary. It made me feel happy and I found comfort in waiting for the next installment to be released. I have faith in that the next read will be very unique because it will be about Declan. I have Positive Warm Happy feelings about this, people!
On to the next!
ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley.
Second thoughts… hmm.
Final thoughts… Some things need to be worked on but I definitely want to pick up the next book in the series.
Rosalia (mind you, I say this using my Spanish tongue, and I love it), has been mistreated all of her life by her mother who has abused her mentally, verbally, and physically. Her father just sits idly by and lets it happen. Not until Rosalia’s mom wants to marry her off to a very nasty man for money, and gets the worst beating of her life for objecting, does she decide to run away. As she begins her journey she meets Ciaran MacGregor who decides he will help her get to her final destination. Not only does Rosalia find protection within the walls of Glenorchy but family, loyalty, love and a healthy kind of normalcy.
This was an easy read, a sweet romance and I found myself turning the pages at record speed trying to find out what happened next. Rosalia and Ciaran fell in love slowly and the courting seemed to be a long one. I liked all of the characters well enough and the world that was created within these pages. Like I said before, it made me long for the Highlands which I love so much!
Unfortunately, this wasn’t a great read for me. What fell short with me was the feeling of familiarity and within that familiarity I found predictability.
IT MIGHT BE TOO SPOILERISH FOR YOU HERE. IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE ABOUT THESE THINGS STOP HERE!
You have the heroine who finds herself in trouble and the hero who believes he can save her and will protect her (ok, I can deal). You have a villain (usually an enemy clan (ok, fine)). You have a mistress out for blood now because she’s been dumped. She’s been exiled and surprise, surprise wants to get the hero killed. There was a kidnapping too. (NOOOO!)
END OF SPOILERS
I just felt it was all very predictable and I saw things coming pages before it happened.
I also had issues with how the accents/ Scottish way of speaking were written. It didn’t roll off the tongue very easily even if it was in my head. I think that should be worked on a bit in the next book. It kept creating speed bumps in the flow of the read.
With all that said…On the flip side… What wasn’t predictable was how the author wrote ONE character. Declan MacGregor. He is the youngest of the three MacGregor siblings and seems to be the most troubled and self-destructive. There is definitely more going on there but because this is not his book not too much is revealed. He was the only character that acted out of character constantly which was refreshing and always a nice surprise. Another unique aspect to this story is that you won’t find the hero and heroine making love or even getting married. It worked and I liked it.
All in all, my feelings are invested in these characters and the open ended ending was done nicely. I'm not upset with the author for leaving things the way she did but on the contrary. It made me feel happy and I found comfort in waiting for the next installment to be released. I have faith in that the next read will be very unique because it will be about Declan. I have Positive Warm Happy feelings about this, people!
On to the next!
ARC was provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley.
September 16, 2012
TEMPTATION IN A KILT lacked in every aspect that it could.
Ciaran MacGregor is ready to reach his land after attending court. Of course it doesn’t go smoothly when his men find an unconscious ‘lad’ badly beaten by ‘his’ horse. Upon closer inspection, Ciaran discovers the ‘lad’ is a ‘lass’ and from her injuries can only be running from trouble, which he wants no part it, but no honorable man would leave her alone, so he’ll take her to the next town and continue on his way.
Rosalia Armstrong isn’t running from an abusive husband, but her abusive mother (That’s new). With her parents’ money dried up and gone, her mother is insistent to sell her off and the only willing suitor to pay for her is the unsavory Lord Dunnehl. Unwilling, she makes a run for it after her mother’s last beating for speaking back about the marriage.
Once they make it to town, Ciaran is still reluctant to leave her and upon learning she headed to her family, he offers to let her stay with him until the weather clears and he’ll take her. Upon the way, they run into her longtime friend who attempts to lead the search party for her the wrong way.
Making it to his land doesn’t heat up the story any. I enjoyed his two brothers and Aiden’s wife Aisling. Upon his return Ciaran tells his leman (or slut) Beathag that they are over. This spurns her anger and he banishes her from the castle for her constant trouble making.
Although Ciaran and Rosalia spend quite a lot of time together, the vow Ciaran made to his father to get the youngest, Declan on the right path stops him from acting on his feelings. This a source of great irritation for me. A vow stops him? And like Aiden tells him throughout, he can marry Rosalia and still watch over Declan, but no he just denies his feelings.
The time lapse past the winter is also pretty unreal. Those months in between are lost with no indication if anything happened. As spring approaches, so do the time for Ciaran to escort Rosalia to her family. Despite push from Aiden and others, he’s relentless to taking her back since Declan has fallen back into his drinking, wrenching ways again.
When Rosalia overhears him deny his love, she realizes she’s been fooling herself over his feelings for her. When she gets a message claiming Declan needs her help, she is caught by Aisling with his things, and she insists on going with her. Together, they find out it was a trap when they are captured and Declan is sent with a message back to his brothers.
Always at odds with the bloody Campbells, it turns out Beathag is his cousin and plots with him the attack. The men plan their attack and are thankfully aided with more men by Rosalia’s cousin. Two days later they sneak upon the land and find a woman who’s been helping the women. One by one she brings out the babe and Aisling, but can’t get to Rosalia before she’s taken to Campbell.
Storming inside, Ciaran’s men attack. The battle goes in their favor as both Beathag and Campbell are killed.
Taking his woman back home, he fights her to forgive his untruths about his feelings. Yes to his proposal, Rosalia finally finds her place.
The romance never hit full swing, the plot of Beathag being behind it all and the lack of a special quality leave this book as just an okay ready, not really worth buying.
Ciaran MacGregor is ready to reach his land after attending court. Of course it doesn’t go smoothly when his men find an unconscious ‘lad’ badly beaten by ‘his’ horse. Upon closer inspection, Ciaran discovers the ‘lad’ is a ‘lass’ and from her injuries can only be running from trouble, which he wants no part it, but no honorable man would leave her alone, so he’ll take her to the next town and continue on his way.
Rosalia Armstrong isn’t running from an abusive husband, but her abusive mother (That’s new). With her parents’ money dried up and gone, her mother is insistent to sell her off and the only willing suitor to pay for her is the unsavory Lord Dunnehl. Unwilling, she makes a run for it after her mother’s last beating for speaking back about the marriage.
Once they make it to town, Ciaran is still reluctant to leave her and upon learning she headed to her family, he offers to let her stay with him until the weather clears and he’ll take her. Upon the way, they run into her longtime friend who attempts to lead the search party for her the wrong way.
Making it to his land doesn’t heat up the story any. I enjoyed his two brothers and Aiden’s wife Aisling. Upon his return Ciaran tells his leman (or slut) Beathag that they are over. This spurns her anger and he banishes her from the castle for her constant trouble making.
Although Ciaran and Rosalia spend quite a lot of time together, the vow Ciaran made to his father to get the youngest, Declan on the right path stops him from acting on his feelings. This a source of great irritation for me. A vow stops him? And like Aiden tells him throughout, he can marry Rosalia and still watch over Declan, but no he just denies his feelings.
The time lapse past the winter is also pretty unreal. Those months in between are lost with no indication if anything happened. As spring approaches, so do the time for Ciaran to escort Rosalia to her family. Despite push from Aiden and others, he’s relentless to taking her back since Declan has fallen back into his drinking, wrenching ways again.
When Rosalia overhears him deny his love, she realizes she’s been fooling herself over his feelings for her. When she gets a message claiming Declan needs her help, she is caught by Aisling with his things, and she insists on going with her. Together, they find out it was a trap when they are captured and Declan is sent with a message back to his brothers.
Always at odds with the bloody Campbells, it turns out Beathag is his cousin and plots with him the attack. The men plan their attack and are thankfully aided with more men by Rosalia’s cousin. Two days later they sneak upon the land and find a woman who’s been helping the women. One by one she brings out the babe and Aisling, but can’t get to Rosalia before she’s taken to Campbell.
Storming inside, Ciaran’s men attack. The battle goes in their favor as both Beathag and Campbell are killed.
Taking his woman back home, he fights her to forgive his untruths about his feelings. Yes to his proposal, Rosalia finally finds her place.
The romance never hit full swing, the plot of Beathag being behind it all and the lack of a special quality leave this book as just an okay ready, not really worth buying.
July 12, 2012
Lady Rosalia's parents are almost out of money and in an attempt to fill replenish their pockets, they have arranged a marriage with a vial man. Lady Rosalia has stated such and has asked to marry someone for love as apposed to profit. In speaking so frank, Rosalia's mother has had enough with her daughter and does the unthinkable, beats the living daylights out of her. Even though this is nothing new for Rosalia, this is the final straw and she quickly flees her family in attempt to make it to escape to family up north where she will be safe. But the beating she took proves to be too much for the long journey and before she knows it, she's awoken surrounded by Laird Ciaran and his men. It doesn't take long for Ciaran to realize that the poor lad they found laying in the fields is actually a lass. He takes her to his land until he can safely accompany her up north to her family, but the more time they spend together, the less likely he is to let her go.
Rosalia is a very strong characters but she has a problem with her weight. She isn't as thin as all the other woman and she tends to dwell on that a bit and think that she's not beautiful. I like the fact that the leading lady of the story wasn't super model perfect but I did get tired of her telling other people how she wasn't pretty. Even Ciaran makes a point of throwing her over his shoulder when she has a bout of "I'm too heavy". But then again I guess all woman have something that they would like to change on their body.
Ciaran made a vow to his dying father that he would look after his youngest brother Declan and set him on the straight and narrow. He's somehow concocted in his head that that means that he cannot marry and have a life of his own until his brother is set on the right path. Never before has he been so pained by making that vow though. All he wants is to make Rosalia his but he can't until Declan stops his roguish ways.
I don't know what it is but lately I have been in a Highlander Romance mood lately and I don't know why. Normally I am more the paranormal romance but I guess there is just something about a guy in a kilt? Who knows. This was a great book to read.
Favorite quote...
"Lass, your eyes show me what ye are clearly thinking. I suggest ye remove your hand from my arm and your eyes from my kilt." -Ciaran
Rosalia is a very strong characters but she has a problem with her weight. She isn't as thin as all the other woman and she tends to dwell on that a bit and think that she's not beautiful. I like the fact that the leading lady of the story wasn't super model perfect but I did get tired of her telling other people how she wasn't pretty. Even Ciaran makes a point of throwing her over his shoulder when she has a bout of "I'm too heavy". But then again I guess all woman have something that they would like to change on their body.
Ciaran made a vow to his dying father that he would look after his youngest brother Declan and set him on the straight and narrow. He's somehow concocted in his head that that means that he cannot marry and have a life of his own until his brother is set on the right path. Never before has he been so pained by making that vow though. All he wants is to make Rosalia his but he can't until Declan stops his roguish ways.
I don't know what it is but lately I have been in a Highlander Romance mood lately and I don't know why. Normally I am more the paranormal romance but I guess there is just something about a guy in a kilt? Who knows. This was a great book to read.
Favorite quote...
"Lass, your eyes show me what ye are clearly thinking. I suggest ye remove your hand from my arm and your eyes from my kilt." -Ciaran
September 3, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
Temptation in a Kilt is an incredibly sweet love story. With political intrigue and land conflicts thrown into the mix, this book was fantastic.
Rosalia was an admirable character. Her strength in dealing with her life with her horrible parents was incredible. Her mother is abusive and her father is indifferent. The story really begins when Rosalia gathers up her courage and runs from her parents and the arranged marriage that they've set up. The fact that she did that already made me like her. She still has emotional scars to deal with after leaving her parents and the way she dealt with them was commendable. Long story short, Rosalia is a strong, worthy heroine.
Ciaran was a man bound by duty. And I liked that about him. He puts his clan first, doing whatever he can to keep them safe. His father asked him to look after his youngest brother, Declan, after his death and Ciaran took those words to heart and had vowed to keep his life on hold until Declan found the right path, the one devoid of getting drunk and getting laid, to say it in modern language. But that also meant postponing marriage. How long do you think that lasts after he meets Rosalia? You'll have to read this book yourself to find out. For those who want to know, Temptation in a Kilt is a clean romance. While their are a few hot kissing scenes, there was no sex. I found that it made the entire story even sweeter. But, moving on, Ciaran is not only strong and hot, but he's also very clever. Yes, we have a winning combination of beauty and brains...for the most part.
The story was wonderful. Never a dull moment in this plot. The story started up quickly and didn't stop for one second through the rest of the book. There was romance, suspense, action, and drama. Top it off with a perfect ending and you've got yourself a winner.
Temptation in a Kilt is a wonderful book, absolutely delightful: 5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
Temptation in a Kilt is an incredibly sweet love story. With political intrigue and land conflicts thrown into the mix, this book was fantastic.
Rosalia was an admirable character. Her strength in dealing with her life with her horrible parents was incredible. Her mother is abusive and her father is indifferent. The story really begins when Rosalia gathers up her courage and runs from her parents and the arranged marriage that they've set up. The fact that she did that already made me like her. She still has emotional scars to deal with after leaving her parents and the way she dealt with them was commendable. Long story short, Rosalia is a strong, worthy heroine.
Ciaran was a man bound by duty. And I liked that about him. He puts his clan first, doing whatever he can to keep them safe. His father asked him to look after his youngest brother, Declan, after his death and Ciaran took those words to heart and had vowed to keep his life on hold until Declan found the right path, the one devoid of getting drunk and getting laid, to say it in modern language. But that also meant postponing marriage. How long do you think that lasts after he meets Rosalia? You'll have to read this book yourself to find out. For those who want to know, Temptation in a Kilt is a clean romance. While their are a few hot kissing scenes, there was no sex. I found that it made the entire story even sweeter. But, moving on, Ciaran is not only strong and hot, but he's also very clever. Yes, we have a winning combination of beauty and brains...for the most part.
The story was wonderful. Never a dull moment in this plot. The story started up quickly and didn't stop for one second through the rest of the book. There was romance, suspense, action, and drama. Top it off with a perfect ending and you've got yourself a winner.
Temptation in a Kilt is a wonderful book, absolutely delightful: 5/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy!
October 8, 2012
You can find this review and more at Forever Book Lover.
At first this started off as the typical storyline, girls runs away from a horrid family only to be saved by a rugged, sexy Highlander... But once the story unfolds there was so much more to it than that. Our heroine, is smart, courageous, and simply trying to escape her horrid, horrid parents. Her parents are using their daughter to fill their pockets, they are marrying her off to an rich English Lord. Rosalia takes a stand and tells her parents she refuses to marry him, well they beat the **** out of her. Taking control of her own life- she runs away to travel to see her grandmother.
With a vow made on his father's deathbed, Ciaran made a vow to his dying father that he would look after his youngest brother Declan. And what a task that is, along with the vow he made his father, he also makes a vow to himself that he will not marry until his brother has has calmed his "wild" ways.
The author takes you on a wonderful wild with twists and turns throughout the book. You will be introduced to wonderfully developed secondary characters that add life and humor to this read.
The one critic if I may add, is that although I loved that the author used Scottish brogue, she also used some Gaelic phrases with no translation- I would have loved to see an translation used so the reader didn't feel loss, or perhaps a glossary for the reader to use if needed.
Who wouldn't want to find themselves be saved from a Laird like Ciaran? This book has it all, a sexy highlander- come on ladies the man wears a kilt with all those muscles, need I say more. This is one hot sexy read..
At first this started off as the typical storyline, girls runs away from a horrid family only to be saved by a rugged, sexy Highlander... But once the story unfolds there was so much more to it than that. Our heroine, is smart, courageous, and simply trying to escape her horrid, horrid parents. Her parents are using their daughter to fill their pockets, they are marrying her off to an rich English Lord. Rosalia takes a stand and tells her parents she refuses to marry him, well they beat the **** out of her. Taking control of her own life- she runs away to travel to see her grandmother.
With a vow made on his father's deathbed, Ciaran made a vow to his dying father that he would look after his youngest brother Declan. And what a task that is, along with the vow he made his father, he also makes a vow to himself that he will not marry until his brother has has calmed his "wild" ways.
The author takes you on a wonderful wild with twists and turns throughout the book. You will be introduced to wonderfully developed secondary characters that add life and humor to this read.
The one critic if I may add, is that although I loved that the author used Scottish brogue, she also used some Gaelic phrases with no translation- I would have loved to see an translation used so the reader didn't feel loss, or perhaps a glossary for the reader to use if needed.
Who wouldn't want to find themselves be saved from a Laird like Ciaran? This book has it all, a sexy highlander- come on ladies the man wears a kilt with all those muscles, need I say more. This is one hot sexy read..
January 13, 2015
DNF @ 15%
Putting aside annoying historical period problems with the book and particularly bad plot holes and poor writing, this book is just boring. Before giving up though, I finally glanced at other reviews and it seems like this is just going to get worse with a cookie cutter villain and NO SEX?! No thanks.
Here were some of the specific problems I had with this book:
-The brothers names are Ciaran, Aiden and Declan, all great names but IRISH names, not Scottish ones (okay I will give you Ciaran as possibly Scottish). From the first page, all I kept thinking was that there better be a secret Irish mother disclosure coming up or I call bullshit. Yo, Ireland is a different country from Scotland. Might as well have named these fellas Jacques, Pierre and Alain.
- Quick question! HOW exactly does Rosalia have a Highland brogue when the author made an extensive point out of the fact that she has never been to the Highlands?
- My sensor for anomalies already being on high alert after that name garbage, I started seeing other things to irk (see, this is why at least a modicum of verisimilitude to location and time is required, authors). One example..Ciaran is praying to the "gods". Yes, it's a saying now but it wouldn't be thought or said by someone in an extremely religious Catholic (ie one true God?) country and time period.
-A marriage proposal in medieval times that includes the concept of an open marriage? How delightful.
Putting aside annoying historical period problems with the book and particularly bad plot holes and poor writing, this book is just boring. Before giving up though, I finally glanced at other reviews and it seems like this is just going to get worse with a cookie cutter villain and NO SEX?! No thanks.
Here were some of the specific problems I had with this book:
-The brothers names are Ciaran, Aiden and Declan, all great names but IRISH names, not Scottish ones (okay I will give you Ciaran as possibly Scottish). From the first page, all I kept thinking was that there better be a secret Irish mother disclosure coming up or I call bullshit. Yo, Ireland is a different country from Scotland. Might as well have named these fellas Jacques, Pierre and Alain.
- Quick question! HOW exactly does Rosalia have a Highland brogue when the author made an extensive point out of the fact that she has never been to the Highlands?
- My sensor for anomalies already being on high alert after that name garbage, I started seeing other things to irk (see, this is why at least a modicum of verisimilitude to location and time is required, authors). One example..Ciaran is praying to the "gods". Yes, it's a saying now but it wouldn't be thought or said by someone in an extremely religious Catholic (ie one true God?) country and time period.
-A marriage proposal in medieval times that includes the concept of an open marriage? How delightful.
September 28, 2012
Hmmm, this highland romance seemed to suffer from a lack of detail for me. The bare bones of the story are good, even though it's a plot that seems to have been done quite a lot, but there just isn't enough to back up the outline. When I started reading, I felt like I was just dumped into the middle of the story, without any background info on the characters. I really thought that I had missed a previous book in the series, because I just wasn't getting to know the characters or situation at all.
As the story progressed, we just kept jumping from event to event without any build up. The hero and heroine suddenly kissed for the first time out of nowhere in my opinion, and it was just jarring, there was no anticipation.
On the other hand, the secondary characters were interesting. I liked Rosalia's 'brother,' James, quite a bit. The main characters could have been a lot more developed, I think, which would have improved the story. I just felt like the characters were going through the motions of their adventure and romance because it was what was expected of them.
Overall, this wasn't different enough for me, it seemed like a plot that has been done many times, and there wasn't enough background given to the story or the characters.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
As the story progressed, we just kept jumping from event to event without any build up. The hero and heroine suddenly kissed for the first time out of nowhere in my opinion, and it was just jarring, there was no anticipation.
On the other hand, the secondary characters were interesting. I liked Rosalia's 'brother,' James, quite a bit. The main characters could have been a lot more developed, I think, which would have improved the story. I just felt like the characters were going through the motions of their adventure and romance because it was what was expected of them.
Overall, this wasn't different enough for me, it seemed like a plot that has been done many times, and there wasn't enough background given to the story or the characters.
ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
September 14, 2012
Highlander romance, awww, there is just something about those sexy Scots.
In this one we have poor Rosalia, she does not come from a happy home, and now she must marry some English idiot. She did not see herself as pretty, brave, or anything really. She was beaten down, but she learns her own worth.
Then we have the sexy Highlander she meets. Laird Ciaran McGregor who is trying to hold his household together while feuding with those bloody Campbells (and yes they were not nice at all.). He saves her, he wants her, they dance around each other, there are stolen kisses, and in the end the question is, can he let her go? He was strong, a gentleman (most of the time ;), and I liked him. He was something that she needed.
We have the romance, troubles with the Campbells, a bitchy woman that wants Ciaran for herself, and get to know Ciaran's family. One brother is already married, but the other one is single, and a rogue. I hope he gets a book soon, and I hope..something (oh! I just read the blurb for the next book and hihi, that is all I am saying). There is also Rosalia's old friend James, and he is also someone I'd like to see fall in love with a nice girl.
Conclusion:
A nice highlander romance. You have it all, love, passion, fights and trouble in a kilt.
In this one we have poor Rosalia, she does not come from a happy home, and now she must marry some English idiot. She did not see herself as pretty, brave, or anything really. She was beaten down, but she learns her own worth.
Then we have the sexy Highlander she meets. Laird Ciaran McGregor who is trying to hold his household together while feuding with those bloody Campbells (and yes they were not nice at all.). He saves her, he wants her, they dance around each other, there are stolen kisses, and in the end the question is, can he let her go? He was strong, a gentleman (most of the time ;), and I liked him. He was something that she needed.
We have the romance, troubles with the Campbells, a bitchy woman that wants Ciaran for herself, and get to know Ciaran's family. One brother is already married, but the other one is single, and a rogue. I hope he gets a book soon, and I hope..something (oh! I just read the blurb for the next book and hihi, that is all I am saying). There is also Rosalia's old friend James, and he is also someone I'd like to see fall in love with a nice girl.
Conclusion:
A nice highlander romance. You have it all, love, passion, fights and trouble in a kilt.
July 8, 2013
I was introduced to Victoria Roberts by a good friend of mine and have been dying to read her books ever since! I was sent this awesome book from Sourcebooks and am so thankful! As my friend said, "You will not be disappointed!!" Well was she ever right! Victoria Roberts has a way with words! She makes you feel as if you are one with her story and characters! I felt all of the love, laughter, heartache and romance through out the entire story! I could envision everyone and everything described as if it was right in front of me! I was so swept away by the story line and all of the events that unfolded! There was one point where I was ready to throw my e-reader (when we discover someone is not who they seem), while others I was crying along with the main character, Rosalia. I loved the chemistry between the main characters from the very first chapter! I admire Rosalia's courage, strength and sheer determination to get what she wants, away from those who hurt her and take a stand for those she loves! Ciaran, well he is everything a girl wants and in a kilt to boot!(what more can I say) :) Victoria, you are a very talented writer and I cannot wait to read all of your work and learn more about these characters! Thank you for a wonderful story!
August 31, 2012
This was a DNF for me... it wasn't horrible, but just... not my cuppa.
The way the author was writing their accents was starting to get on my nerves, and she used several Gaelic phrases with no translation... fine for staunch Scottish enthusiasts, not so great for the casual romance reader. (And no, no glossary in back-- I checked.) There's a little thesaurus abuse, too-- for example, she uses "glanced" in place of "looked" or "gazed" several times, even where it doesn't really fit the action (as in, "she glanced upon the view").
I didn't really warm to the H/h too well, either... she was a bit too much of an emotional jack-in-the-box, and his vow felt too much like a convenient plot device. And sadly, one of the main villains of the piece might as well have been wearing a "VILLAIN" sign, with how clearly supposedly secret motives were being telegraphed. (Yes, I read the ending before I put it down-- the person was and did exactly what I expected. Too predictable.)
Not bad for lovers of Scottish romance who want to be steeped in it the culture, but not without its problems.
The way the author was writing their accents was starting to get on my nerves, and she used several Gaelic phrases with no translation... fine for staunch Scottish enthusiasts, not so great for the casual romance reader. (And no, no glossary in back-- I checked.) There's a little thesaurus abuse, too-- for example, she uses "glanced" in place of "looked" or "gazed" several times, even where it doesn't really fit the action (as in, "she glanced upon the view").
I didn't really warm to the H/h too well, either... she was a bit too much of an emotional jack-in-the-box, and his vow felt too much like a convenient plot device. And sadly, one of the main villains of the piece might as well have been wearing a "VILLAIN" sign, with how clearly supposedly secret motives were being telegraphed. (Yes, I read the ending before I put it down-- the person was and did exactly what I expected. Too predictable.)
Not bad for lovers of Scottish romance who want to be steeped in it the culture, but not without its problems.
April 18, 2016
As debut novels go, this Victoria Roberts debut and first in Bad Boys of the Highlands series, is well written and fast paced, but it’s the main characters that drive this story.
I love my heroes to be honorable, yet entertaining and not boring, and that’s exactly who I got in Laird Ciaran MacGregor.
He’s had enough of the Royal Court and is ready to return to his home in Scotland and that’s where the story takes off, as he stumbles onto Rosalia who is on the run.
The heroine is someone very likable and sweet, yet headstrong and determined. I loved it that she was described as someone I could relate to, svelte and not slim.
Together they make a couple you’ll have no choice but to root for as they fall madly in love with each other.
If you like your highland novels to have a heavy use of a brogue, then you’ll enjoy this story very much.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
I love my heroes to be honorable, yet entertaining and not boring, and that’s exactly who I got in Laird Ciaran MacGregor.
He’s had enough of the Royal Court and is ready to return to his home in Scotland and that’s where the story takes off, as he stumbles onto Rosalia who is on the run.
The heroine is someone very likable and sweet, yet headstrong and determined. I loved it that she was described as someone I could relate to, svelte and not slim.
Together they make a couple you’ll have no choice but to root for as they fall madly in love with each other.
If you like your highland novels to have a heavy use of a brogue, then you’ll enjoy this story very much.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
March 13, 2022
Wow, I'm speechless!! This is definitely a sexy times novel!!
Lady Rosalia is being forced into a loveless marriage to Lord Dunnehl because her family doesn't have any money. Disagreeing with this decision her parents treat her cruelly. Forcing her to leave. Upon leaving she meets Laird Ciaran MacGregor.He agrees to escort her to her family's estate in the Highlands. However she stays with him and his family. Of course a romance starts between the two.There is a fight with the bloody Campbells.
Is there a happy ending? I'm not saying. You will have to pick this hot historical romance up for yourself.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
Lady Rosalia is being forced into a loveless marriage to Lord Dunnehl because her family doesn't have any money. Disagreeing with this decision her parents treat her cruelly. Forcing her to leave. Upon leaving she meets Laird Ciaran MacGregor.He agrees to escort her to her family's estate in the Highlands. However she stays with him and his family. Of course a romance starts between the two.There is a fight with the bloody Campbells.
Is there a happy ending? I'm not saying. You will have to pick this hot historical romance up for yourself.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
5/5 stars, Happy Reading, Ashley
November 23, 2019
The story/plot itself was... Fine, I suppose.
It felt like everyone was arrogant and sarcastic *all* the time. I would've also liked to see more depth to everyone, but especially the main characters. Rosalia is a bit too preoccupied with her weight/looks.
I was also not thrilled when events were shown other characters' (besides Rosalia & Ciaran) pov with no warning. In general doing that would be fine if it was introduced early enough, but I found it jarring when we suddenly jumped out of Rosalia/Ciaran.
It felt like everyone was arrogant and sarcastic *all* the time. I would've also liked to see more depth to everyone, but especially the main characters. Rosalia is a bit too preoccupied with her weight/looks.
I was also not thrilled when events were shown other characters' (besides Rosalia & Ciaran) pov with no warning. In general doing that would be fine if it was introduced early enough, but I found it jarring when we suddenly jumped out of Rosalia/Ciaran.
February 1, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Normally it takes me a while to get into a book, but this book caught my attention right from the start. I loved the characters! Big handsome honorably Scottish laird and fiery, sassy Highland lass. A true Highland Scottish romance. Really good. This is the first book I am reading from Victoria Roberts and I really like her writing and I felt like I got pulled into the story.
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