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"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.
One
Royal Court, England, 1603
Sometimes being a Highland laird was a royal pain in the arse.
Laird Ciaran MacGregor of Glenorchy was tired and wanted to be home. It felt as if he had been attending court for more than a fortnight. The courtly games alone were enough to make a man impale himself on his own sword. As soon as he was finally granted the audience he had requested from King James, Ciaran and his men would depart.
Sounds of laughter and snatches of song filled the air. As Ciaran glanced around the great hall filled with several hundred members of nobility, he was thankful to have discovered an unoccupied wall. Frankly, everyone was grating on his nerves. Men socialized and were dressed in their finery. To him, they all looked like exotic birds-peacocks, perhaps. The heat was so unbearable that he did not know how the women managed with so many layers of clothing. He pulled at his restricting silk doublet at the thought.
"Ye have held up exceedingly well, my laird."
"Aye, as well as can be expected in this madness." Ciaran scowled at his brother and knew his vexation was evident, but frankly, he did not care.
"We are all ready to be off," said Aiden, slapping him upon the shoulder. "Have ye given any thought to whether Glenorchy still stands with Declan in your stead?"
Running his hand through his hair, Ciaran sighed. "I think of it often. He had best be out of his cups and have ceased his wenching before we return. I only hope my walls still stand."
Only a king's summons would have forced him to leave his reckless fool of a brother in charge. At least most of Ciaran's actions were defended at court-well, except his skirmishes with the bloody Campbells. Hence the reason for his delayed departure. If upon his return he found Glenorchy destroyed by the bloody Campbells or under siege by Declan's wenches, he would not be shocked. He hoped that leaving additional guards behind would have protected against both.
When Ciaran received the summons, he had no doubt Aiden would prove more beneficial at court. Had he brought his younger brother... he shivered at the mental image. Between constantly worrying about the neighboring clan's machinations and wondering if his home was still in one piece, he needed a drink.
Recognizing his familiar expression, Aiden cast a wry grin. "Ye worry overmuch. He knows the duty that befalls him. I cannae speak to whether he is in his cups, but Aisling would have speech with him if he was wenching within your walls. Of that, I have nay doubt."
"I have noticed your wee wife has found her voice since she is with child."
"Ye've noticed, have ye?"
"Brother, we can hear her bellowing at ye from across the bailey. At least ye seem to be the only one provoking her ire as of late." A smile played on the corner of his lips.
"'Tis only because ye run at the sight of her, ye coward." A flash of humor crossed Aiden's features. "She says she cannae find comfort and I must suffer as well because of her condition."
It was difficult not to notice how much his brother had changed since Aisling had become with child. Even though his lady wife would cry, laugh, and call him to the devil in the same breath, Aiden seemed to be both happy and content. Ciaran hoped Aiden's contentedness would rub off on Declan-well, one could always pray to the gods for a miracle.
They exchanged a subtle look of amusement. "And I wish ye luck with that. Praise the saints, I donna yet have a woman to make me suffer. Howbeit I do have enough troubles with Declan," Ciaran grunted, rolling his eyes.
"He may go knee deep into his cups more often than he should and he may also wench a time or two or thrice, but ye know if ye needed him he would be at hand. 'Tis ironic to hear ye speak as such lest ye forget it wasnae long ago when ye fondled a lass with one hand and held a tankard in the other," Aiden smirked. "Granted, ye took your responsibility seriously when Father passed. Listen to reason, Ciaran. All Declan needs is to find a strong woman and wed. Aye, mayhap he will even be lucky enough to find himself a lass with Aisling's ire." A mischievous look twinkled in Aiden's eye.
That was surely something to think upon. Perhaps a wife was what Declan needed. Ciaran could go daft remembering all of the times he had tried to save his brother from himself. His head was starting to throb. No longer interested in having this discussion, he was about to take his leave for some much needed air when a raised voice held his attention. His private wall was no longer his own.
"How many times have I told you to watch that Highland tongue of yours, Rosalia? It makes you sound daft. I will not tolerate your deliberate attempts to thwart your chances with an English gentleman. You are one and twenty. How many chances do you think you have left? No one shows interest in you. Did you notice your midriff is much larger than the other women in attendance? I will not tell you again-do as I say or suffer the consequences."
Ciaran watched the English she-dragon spread her wings and fly across the floor, but not before she pinched the young woman in the arm. Stains of scarlet appeared on the woman's cheeks, but when her heightened color subsided, her features were exhilarating. Loose tendrils of hazel-colored tresses softened her features, and her fully rosy lips beckoned to be kissed. She had more curves than most, but she was a wild beauty.
For a brief moment, her azure eyes met his. He attempted to ease her embarrassment by offering her a gaze as soft as a caress. She returned a shy smile and inclined her head in a small gesture of thanks before she walked off in the wake of the fiery beast.
"Och, I pray for a son," murmured Aiden, a suggestion of annoyance hovering in his eyes. "We need women such as that on the battlefield-aye, brother? Her venom alone would bring a man to his knees."
Ciaran shrugged dismissively, but his eyes still followed the young woman.
"Ye know, Ciaran. Mayhap while we are at court ye should seek a wife." His brother shifted, giving him a better view of the woman.
"How many times must we speak of this? Ye know I cannae seek a wife until my vow to Father is fulfilled."
"Aye, the vow," Aiden drawled with distinct mockery. "And ye think Declan will straighten his path because ye made a promise to Father?"
Ciaran's body stiffened in response. "I gave my word." He was tired of having the same speech with his brother. He needed a respite-from everyone.
***
Lady Rosalia Armstrong of Mangerton was crimson with humiliation. She prayed no one had heard her mother's venomous tongue. When she discreetly glanced around to ensure no one had overheard their words, she saw him standing there, devilishly handsome. She did not know who he was, but his profile spoke of power and ageless strength. Even in a crowd, his presence was compelling.
He was over six feet and stood tall and formidable. He had a generous mouth, a straight nose, and a smile that was a dazzling display of even, white teeth. He had a ruggedness and vital power that definitely attracted her. His full chestnut hair brushed the rich outlines of his broad shoulders which strained against the fabric of his clothing. The muscles under his silk doublet quickened her pulse, and she found it impossible not to return his captivating smile.
Keenly aware of his scrutiny, Rosalia could see that he obviously pitied her. Taking a deep breath, she brightened her smile and straightened her spine. She had to step away from his observant eyes before she was made any more the fool. Seeking her mother and father in the crowd, she finally found them huddled with a man in deep conversation. Upon her approach, the man lifted his head and openly studied her. His dark eyes shifted and seemed to undress her.
A shudder passed through her.
Walking casually to her father's side, Rosalia remained silent, trying to watch that Highland tongue of hers. Her father cleared his throat. "Lord Dunnehl, allow me to present our daughter, Lady Rosalia Armstrong." His eyes were intent on watching Lord Dunnehl's reaction to her.
Lord Dunnehl gave her a low bow and then stood. When she extended her hand, he brushed a brief kiss on top, his expression one of faint amusement. "A magnificent creature indeed. Clearly, she gets her beauty from you, Lady Armstrong."
"You flatter me, my lord." Joy bubbled in her mother's laugh and shone in her eyes.
Rosalia was unimpressed. "A pleasure, my lord," she responded with a nervous smile.
During the discussion that followed, Rosalia did not pay attention. There was no need. Her mother and father entertained Lord Dunnehl with pleasantries and she was happy for the respite. For the first time, Rosalia was grateful for her mother's endless prattle and it gave her an opportunity to inspect the "English gentleman." Rosalia swore if she heard those words one more time, she would surely lose her contents.
Height was definitely not in his favor. Although Rosalia was taller than most women, she was at least a head taller than he. His eyes were of a muddy brown color, and the few hairs he had left on the top of his head were a thin tawny-gold. He was quite large around the middle, and the courtly fashions did nothing to flatter his appearance. A man of his station would be expected to dress in such a manner, but the clothes made him look like a peacock.
With a sigh, Rosalia shifted from foot to foot. Her eyes darted around the room, and when she found the man with the handsome smile, he was looking directly at her. Quickly, she lowered her gaze.
"Rosalia?"
She could not resist another peek at the man. Every time she glanced at him, his gaze returned to her. She tried not to be caught staring and found a joyous satisfaction in studying his profile. Her mother's firm nudge brought her back from her woolgathering.
"Rosalia!" her mother repeated with authority.
"Aye?"
"Lord Dunnehl has taken his leave. You could at least have feigned an interest in the conversation," she said curtly.
Rosalia nodded briefly, turning to her father. "Father, who is that man standing..." When she twisted around to show her father, she spotted his broad back walking briskly out of the hall.
Her father glanced around her. "What man?"
"It does not matter what man," said her mother, attempting to correct their brogue. "We leave for Mangerton on the morrow. Your father must see to the crop, and we need to prepare for an important guest."
Rosalia raised her brow searchingly. "An important guest?"
Her mother smiled at her knowingly. "Lord Dunnehl."
She paled.
Loved every word.. couldn't put it down til i was done.. 4hr straight. waiting for book 2
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LOVED IT!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Mirabelle8
Posted February 17, 2013
I just finished reading "Temptation in a kilt" of the Bad Boys of the
Highlands serie by Victoria Roberts. It's a sexy scottish historical romance
as I like them. I loved her characters Laird Ciaran MacGregor and Rosalia Armstrong,
I also liked the other members of the MacGregor's family, Ciaran's two brothers
Declan and Aieden married to Aisling.
Rosalia was a woman who was beaten by her mother and forced, by her
parents, to wed a Lord, she did not want to marry. She only wanted a husband
who would loved her and wanted her. So she decides to escape and go to her grandmother
who lives in the Highlands. She disguises herself as a young man and leaves her family.
While running away, she falls off her horse and is recued by some men. One of them
is Laird Ciaran MacGregor..... I will stop here so you can read what happens!
It was a marvelous scottish aventure with tenderness and sexual chemistry
between Ciaran and Rosalia. The moment I started reading this wonderful
adventure, I was hooked and could not put it down. Very well written by Ms. Roberts.
She is a very descriptive writer, I could almost visualize the people and theirs surroundings.
If this is her first romance, then, I better watch her second book. It was a delighful read.
Victoria Roberts is an author of Highland romance full of tenderness and passion!
If you are a fan of Highlanders and Warriors you will live a great adventure and will not be disappointed by this book! I will definitely be reading more books by Ms. Roberts
I devoured this book! I highly recommend this scottish romance!
Anonymous
Posted November 23, 2012
very sexy book. loved it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Lady Rosalia's parents are almost out of money and in an attempt to 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 home in an attempt 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 thinks 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" just to prove that she's not as big as she thinks that she is. 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 type but I guess there is just something about a guy in a kilt? Who knows. This was a great book to read.
Read from September 02 to 03, 2012
I do love Highlanders!!!
BOOK SYNOPSIS
This hot new series follows a trio of Highland lairds, who are driving King James crazy with their constant clan battles and uproarious way of life.
Laird Ciaran MacGregor discovers the beautiful, wounded Lady Rosalia Armstrong while journeying to the king's court. Already burdened with the task of maintaining the peace in his lands, Ciaran has very little patience for this headstrong woman. She's as fearsome as the men trying to kill him for his lands, and their verbal sparring leaves him burning for a more intimate relationship. And if Rosalia's not careful, she'll soon discover his prowess...on and off the battlefield.
My Thoughts
The book was slightly disappointing to me as I expected more. I did enjoy the book but for me it was more of a "formula historical romance" than truly anything original to the genre. I felt that the author had taken bits and pieces of my favorite historical romance authors works and created a story line and characters of her own out of them. Normally I would say that while that does not totally bother me I was going on my gut feeling when I read the book synopsis that the story would be more dynamic than what it turned out to be. While I admit that I truly love anything and everything written that features the Scottish Highlands, the highlanders themselves, the people and their politics just really think that it is always best when I find an author who does it without drawing upon tried and true scenarios from other books. At the same time each story is unique unto itself, Temptation In A Kilt has it's own appeal. I truly think that it's target audience will love it completely, unreservedly and look forward to the next book in the series.
It is true that there was enough action and suspense in the telling of the tale, there was enough romantic interludes and there was a believably sensual relationship between Ciaran and Rosalia but at the same time I could not help but feel like some of what happened to the characters was forced. The scenes did not flow as easily as I thought they could have and as others have said there was too much predictability in what would happen at times as well.
For me the most fun part of the book were the scenes between Ciaran, his brothers Aiden and Declan especially the ones that highlighted just how different their respective personalities and outlook on life really were.
Ciaran is the ultra responsible laird and older brother, Aiden is the married middle brother who is like a breath of fresh air when he dotes on his wife and newly born son and Declan is the bad boy youngest who is rudderless and feels misunderstood more often than not hiding his true feelings by drinking and playing the buffoon who would rather while away his time on women and wine than grow up.
All in all an enjoyable read that while for me it is not a "keeper" to read over is one that I am glad to have had the chance to see for myself what others who read it liked or disliked.
I feel that the author has a good start and if she continues in the same vein the next in the series and the one to follow should be better, at least that is my hope. I truly would love to read the next book which is Declan's story as he is such a riot, a beautiful man with such a tortured soul that he hides behind a veneer of indifference and bluster. Hopefully in X Marks the Scot Bad Boys of The Highlands-Book 2, Declan manages to totally redeem himself by getting past his own demons and grow into the man that I know he can be!
For lovers of the Highlands, the Highlanders and the fiery lasses who win their hearts this romance will be one you will enjoy as it has everything in it that makes what readers of the genre look for as long as you do not mind the fact that you will basically know what is going to transpire in the story before the scenes are acted out completely.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
Anonymous
Posted September 10, 2012
I cant wait until the next book is out! This was a great book!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 6, 2012
Temptation In A Kilt is the first in Victoria Roberts new 'Bad Boys of the Highlands' series and what a great start it is!
From the moment I met Laird Ciaran MacGregor on page 1, I was hooked, and evidently so was Rosalia Armstrong. Their brief eye contact at English Court haunts them both. Rosalia is the only child of Caroline and Ronald Armstrong. They have foolishly frittered away their wealth and are now offering their daughters hand in marriage to an elderly and unsavory Lord Dunnehl in exchange for money to replenish their coffers. Rosalia, of course, objects. In her heart of hearts she hopes to, one day, wed for love. Caroline Armstrong puts Cinderella's evil step-mother to shame and orders Rosalia to not only prepare their home for the arrival of Lord Dunnehl but then to also 'entertain' him with no denial of any request. Lord Dunnehl's visit does not turn out well and Rosalia decides to flee her home and make a better life for herself in Glengarry with her Grandmother. Borrowing clothing from her best friend since childhood, James, Rosalia manages to disguise herself and escape a dismal future with Lord Dunnehl.
Returning to his home at Glenorchy, Ciaran, his brother Aiden and their men come across Rosalia who has fallen from her horse in exhaustion and hit her head hard enough on the ground to knock herself out. Disguised as a lad the men try to determine her injuries and help. Ciaran discovers her subterfuge and thus begins our Highland love story. Through many trials and misunderstandings, Ciaran's perceived call to duty is a constant threat to their growing feelings for each other. Ciaran portrays all of the stubborness and tenderness of every Highlander we have ever loved and Rosalia is our strong, and equally stubborn, heroine.
Through all the pitfalls and plot turns I was swept away by Ciaran and Rosalia's story and I anxiously await the next book in this series. I believe Ciaran's brother Declan will be every bit as deliciously exciting as Ciaran was.
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.
TurningThePagesBlog
Posted September 4, 2012
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.
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Posted March 13, 2013
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Overview
"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 ...