X Marks the Scot (Bad Boys of the Highlands #2) by Victoria Roberts

Summary:

He was a Highland rogue—
wicked with a bow and just as wicked with the ladies.

Declan MacGregor hadn’t a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and willing woman…until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can’t just abandon her to that vipers’ nest without protection.

She never asked for a bodyguard…

Liadain wasn’t thrilled to be left in the care of her clan’s archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows ever sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only one she can trust…
Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 352 pages (Mass Market Paperback)
Source: Toronto Public Library
Available Formats: Print/E-book
Publication Date: February 5th 2013 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

X Marks the Scot is the second book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series by Victoria Roberts and I was so glad to finally knock this one off my mountainous TBR pile, and frankly I really wanted to see how the author's second historical romance would compare with the first book in the series which I absolutely loved.

The events in X Marks the Scot take place perhaps a couple months after Temptation in a Kilt left off and this book centers around the youngest MacGregor brother Declan and the half sister of the bloody Campbell, Liadain whom we met in the first book and their rocky road of romance.

Declan, is pretty much like Charlie Harper from Two and a Half Men. He's a drunken whore monger who has no problem going to bed, the stables or hiding behind some bushes with a different woman every night, and he's convinced that he's perfectly content living this way. The only things standing in his way are his older brothers Ciaran and Aiden as well as Liadain whom the king has just ordered him to wed.

Liadain, is a healer and she wants nothing more than to live on her own independently just as she has for most of her life when she played second fiddle to her brother and father. When we were first introduced to Liadain in Temptation in a Kilt I was instantly curious about her. She displayed a lot of courage in the first book and so I was glad that she was our heroine in this one. Laidain is definitely not a push over and she's a true Scottish woman with the fiery temper and headstrong attitude that I love seeing my heroines have. She also inherited the sharp Scottish tongue and wit and she wasn't shy on letting loose on Declan when he ticked her off which happened more often than not.

I also enjoyed seeing the couple Ciaran and Rosalie from the first book making an appearance in X Marks a Scot. Before I read this one I was hoping that we would see them again because I loved seeing where the two of them were at in terms of the relationship in this one and I hope to see more of them in the final book in the trilogy when it gets published.

The story line in this one was a bit more complicated as Declan seems to manage to cast himself into a plot that he's completely unaware of that implicates him in a political aspect him until the last 15% of the book and while I liked the drama that this added to the story I wish that it had been brought about in a bit of a different way. I did however like that this book didn't center around two characters who immediately fell in love with each other. Oh no, Declan and Liadain fought tooth and nail against their feelings for each other which just made things even more apparent to me as a reader and to the other characters in the book as well.

Overall, I thought that the pairing of Declan and Liadain was great. The chemistry from these two was just great and while there were a couple of love scenes in this one where as the first book in the trilogy had none, I would have liked to see a little more passion on behalf of the two of them but that is of course my preference. The writing was just as good as the first book except for the political part in the book that I felt could have been flushed out a little bit more. However, the book was well paced other than that and I am anxiously awaiting the third and final book in this trilogy and will be sad to see these characters go.

I would recommend X Marks the Scot to all fans of historical romances especially to those who love their historicals with some kilted rogues, lots of action and a whole lot of chemistry between the characters and a heroine who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Plus if you're in a mood for a book that'll offer you some giggles I really think this one should be read. I do suggest reading the first book in the trilogy first since events in that particular book lead us on the beginnings of the love story in this one.

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

 

Really Liked It!
★★★★

To become a "Fan" of Victoria on Goodreads CLICK HERE

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*[Blog Tour Review] Lachlan's Bride (Highland Lairds Trilogy #2) by Kathleen Harrington

 

Summary:

 

He is Lachlan MacRath, laird and pirate. And he intends to be her lover…

Lady Francine Walsingham cannot believe this warrior is to be her escort into Scotland. It is whispered that Lachlan MacRath has magical powers…how else do you explain his success as a pirate? But trust him she must, for a treacherous plot is about to reveal all her secrets…and Francine has no choice but to act as his lover to keep her enemies at bay.

When Lachlan first sees Francine, the blonde beauty stirs his blood like no woman ever before. As luck would have it, they must now play the besotted couple so he can protect her…and Lachlan is determined to use all his seductive prowess to properly woo her into his bed.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com  

Length: 464 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

Source: Review Copy

Available Formats: Print/E-book

Publication Date: May 14th 2013 by Avon Books

 

I've been on a bit of a Highlander kick as of late and who can blame me? They're just down right yummy and if the book is written well that just makes the whole reading experience all the more enjoyable.

 

Lachlan's Bride is now probably one of my top 5 highland romances I've read. While it's part of a trilogy it is a standalone so if you're like me and hadn't read the first book in this series you can feel at ease knowing you can jump straight into Lachlan and Francine's love story.

 

As a first time reader of this author I've gotta say I love how she was able to write a refreshing love story that had the comedic moments, lots of romance and enough action and intrigue to really grip a read and keep the story fresh. It was a very well paced novel and I just sped right on through it as soon as I started it. I loved the author's voice and I appreciate the fact that she's a seasoned author and that she clearly knows how to write a good romance that made me laugh and smile.

 

The characters were very good. Lachlan was pretty amazing. He is definitely his own man but he isn't afraid to concede that he really isn't all knowing. I thought he was witty, handsome and loved the moments he had with Francine as well as her daughter. Right from the first page he was enchanted by Francine who was very nervous and standoffish at first. I wasn't really sure what to make of Francine until about a quarter of the way through the book and after that I really ended up enjoying her character. The best part about her was that she was strong, smart and fiercely protective of her daughter and the love she had for Lachlan and the love he had for her.

 

I liked how the book had a wonderful sense of adventure. I liked the intrigue that the author implemented by using the history of the time and historical figures to her advantage. The best part of the book though was the romance between Francine and Lachlan. They just fit together so perfectly it was hard to think they might not end up together in a couple rough spots. Their romance was one that was built on mutual attraction and one that wasn't a case of the dreaded insta-love syndrome. Their love was slow to start but powerful in the end and I really loved reading about them.

 

Overall, Lachlan's bride was a great read and I really enjoyed this highland romance. It had a good plot and great characters and was a refreshing read. I would highly recommend this to any and all fans of this genre as it is one not to be missed and I can honestly say that Kathleen Harrington pretty much has a new fan for life now and I can't wait to read my next read by her.

 

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

 

I read this book for the following reading challenges:

 

2013 150+ Reading Challenge

2013 Historical Reading Challenge

 

Loved It!
★★★★★

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Author Bio

 

 

 

KATHLEEN HARRINGTON, winner of the Colorado Romance Writers’ Award of Excellence, has touched the hearts of readers across the country with her sparkling tales of high adventure and unending love. Her historical romances have been finalists for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA, The Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Awards, the Virginia Romance Writers’ HOLT Medallion, and the Phoenix Desert Rose Golden Quill. Her fabulous heroes have garnered the KISS (Knight in Shining Silver) Award. She lives in Southern California.

 

 

Temptation in a Kilt (Bad Boys of the Highlands #1) by Victoria Roberts

 

 

Summary:

 

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 who he really is…on and off the battlefield.

Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 352 pages (paperback)

Source: NetGalley ARC

Publication Date: September 4th 2012 by Sourcebooks Casablanca         

 

 

Now, it really isn't a secret that I have a wee obsession with highlanders and historical romances set  in Scotland so when this one came up for review on NetGalley I knew I had to get it and the good people at Sourcebooks Casablanca I got the chance to review it.

 

I read this one in just a few hours that's how much I enjoyed it. This was a fantastic read from debut author Victoria Roberts one that I literally could not put down. I think I stayed up until 4 a.m. reading this so by the time I was done I could bleary see my eyes were so bleary. At first I was ecstatic about finishing it so quickly then that turned to sadness because I realized I would have to wait forever for the second book to come out.

 

I really loved Rosalia's character  not to mention her name (I think it's a beautiful name) because she had such strength to her even though she grew up with abusive parents she didn't turn into a weak simpering idiot, instead she inherited the highland spirit from her father's side of the family along with the highland temper and she was able to dole out her fair amount of wrath when she wanted to which was something Ciaran learned very quickly.

 

The fact that Rosalia had such determination really endeared her to me and I love how Ciaran was taken aback by Roalia's independance and it was really funy how he reacted to that through out the novel. Plus the Rosalia and Ciaran didn't fall into the pit of Insta-love that's been plaguing novels and they actually fought their attraction to each other and took forever to admit they liked each other let alone loved each other made the book even better for me

 

This historical romance surprised me with the fact that there was an actual plot line to it because lets be honest here there are a lot of historical romances that really don't have much of a plot out there so this one was great to read. The fact that there was kidnapping and murder in it really made me love it more...wait...what does that say about me? Oh never mind. You know what I mean.  Plus this book was a CLEAN romance (No sexy time for Rosalia and Ciaran) which I was a little bit disppointed by but you know at the end of the day that hardly mattered they still had enough love and lust for each other the pages burned with it.

 

Victoria Roberts wrote a great highland historical romance with action, mystery and intrigue and I can't wait to read the second book in the series. I love her writing style and I hope that she continues to write for years to come because we all need a little romance in our lives even if it's through a book! The love that Rosalia and Ciaran have it sweet and strong and everything you want in a historical romance.

 

If you love historical romances I strongly suggest giving Temptation in a Kilt a try because of how different it is from a lot of other novels in this genre and it's a quick read. Perfect for a rainy fall afternoon. 

 

* I received a free copy of this book from the published via NetGalley in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own and I was not compensated in any way.

 

To become a "Fan" of Victoria on Goodreads CLICK HERE

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Awesome, I loved it!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
 

Sound of the Heart by Genevieve Graham *Review/Guest Post*

Summary:

From Genevieve Graham, author of Under the Same Sky, comes a sweeping romantic historical novel of one man’s strange gift and dangerous battles…
Dougal MacDonnell, a fierce warrior from the Highlands of Scotland, is able to hear the thoughts of other men and dream how the future will unfold. Devastated by the loss of his family during the Battle of Culloden in 1746, he fosters a deep hatred for the English. But when Glenna, the love of his life and a Scottish outlaw, is captured and shipped overseas, Dougal is forced to join an English army made of vanquished Scots. Now fighting on the side of his sworn enemies, he embarks on a journey that will take him across the seas to the colonies. There he will risk everything for the chance to find his true love.

Summary taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 336 pages (paperback)

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Publication Date: May 1st 2012 by Berkley Trade

A couple of months ago I was approached by the author to review her book as part of her blog tour, and of course I had to say yes because a lot of you know that this is my favourite genre. How could I refuse to read it?

I well and truly fell hard for Dougal MacDonnell, much like the same way that I fell for Diana Gabaldon's character Jamie Fraser. It was just that good of a book, it really was. I thought that Genevieve did a fantastic job of writing a book from the male point of view (for the most part) and was successful in the fact that while she created Dougal as a strong male lead he lacked much of the arrogance that is found in other books of this genre which was a great change.

What first grabbed me was the author's close attention to detail and by reading her book you can tell she chose her words carefully and laid out the plot, which in my opinion was fantastic. I love the rich landscape she presented and I particularly enjoyed the fact that it was set during the Battle of Culloden and the time after. I've always been interested in the history of Scotland and I'd love to pick Genevieve's brain about all she's learned.

The book while it's classified a a historical romance has a huge amount of adventure interwoven into it, and the adventure for me was what I loved most, that and the fact that Glenna is by no means a pushover and thank goodness she has brain and some backbone, when reading this you won't be met with the usual meek heroine which if you read the genre a lot is pretty much the norm.

Since this was my first time reading a book by the author I was was really surprised by how much I loved and enjoyed reading about Dougal and Glenna and I think that the fact that Genevieve took the time to ensure that the characters actually talked as they would have in the time period was fantastic. I've read several historical romances that have been set during the same time but the writers had the characters talking as though they were living in modern times which takes away from the book in my opinion.

I'm really glad that I had the opportunity to review Sound of the Heart for Genevieve because she's an excellent story teller. I really hope that she keeps writing because I can't get enough of her writing. There's just something magical about the way she writes that I love and to top it all off she's really nice!

I would have absolutely no problem recommending this book to anyone. Whether you're new to the genre or one that you've been reading for awhile this is a gem that really can't be missed. My only regret is that the author has a previously published book that I haven't read yet (but have it on hold at the library). I have a feeling that I'm going to speed write through that one as well. So basically if you're looking for a great read give this one a try. It's a great book to cuddle up with and read in your favourite spot. Hopefully it will enthrall you like it did me, so what are you waiting for? GO BUY IT!!

To visit Genevieve's website CLICK HERE

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*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my free and honest review.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A Must Read!

Author Guest Post:

Genevieve Graham

graduated from the University of Toronto in 1986 with a Bachelor of Music in Performance (playing the oboe). While on a ski vacation in Alberta, she met her future husband in a chairlift lineup and subsequently moved to Calgary to be with him. They have recently settled in a small, peaceful town in Nova Scotia with their two beautiful daughters. Writing became an essential part of Genevieve’s life a few years ago, when she began to write Her debut novel, Under the Same Sky. The companion novel, Sound of the Heart, will be in stores May 1, 2012.

Where does Historical Fiction come from?

Whether you are reading or writing, the world of books is filled with genres from which you can choose: childrens books, nonfiction, murder, suspense, romance, chicklit, and on and on. Yet when I sat down to tap away at my first book, I chose Historical Fiction. Why? I had never been a historian. In fact, I hadn’t ever been interested in history. But the books I’d been reading swept me up in adventures I needed to have, and I’d settle for nothing less.

It all began when my mother handed me a copy of “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon. The genius of Gabaldon is that she can incorporate her incredible knowledge of the past, her gift of research, her creative instincts, and work it all into the most human characters I’ve ever read. Jamie and Claire—as well as anyone they meet—are real. Any one of Gabaldon’s millions of fans will agree with that. Yes, they are fictional. And yet they are as real in my mind as many of my flesh and blood friends.

Is that strange? Maybe. Don’t get me wrong. I’m well aware I can’t call them up and meet for a coffee. But they really do feel as if they existed at one time.

When I write, I have often said I am just the typist, the medium between the story and the keyboard. I feel the story rather than plan it. To me, quite honestly, the inspiration comes from somewhere else.

But … from where? Okay. Here’s the thing. My stories are set in the mid-18th century, so no one alive today was alive then. (I’m not talking about reincarnation or anything like that.) But people did (obviously) live back then. And they died. Those who believe we can communicate with spirits know it’s entirely possible to channel messages from beyond. Well, what I’m saying is that if I’m hearing these stories, channeling or whatever, couldn’t they be coming from someone who has passed? How do I know someone isn’t actually telling me their story?

That’s the magic for me when it comes to good historical fiction. When it’s written well, it’s so believable it feels like it actually happened. And though I know what I write is fiction, well, in truth … who’s to say it didn’t really happen?