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Somerhart #1
To Tempt a Scotsman
She Has Nothing Left To Lose--
After finding herself at the center of a very public scandal that left one man dead and another on the run, Lady Alexandra Huntington has exiled herself to her brother's estate and is content to manage his affairs. But the arrival of darkly handsome Collin Blackburn awakens her curiosity and her desire--and the advantage of being a fallen woman is that she can be ruined only once. . .
Except Her Heart. . .
After a promise sworn to his father, Collin Blackburn is compelled to seek the aid of the woman who brought about his brother's death in a senseless duel. Yet Lady Alexandra is not the shameless femme fatale he expected. In fact, Collin suspects she is guilty of nothing more than a hunger to experience passion, and the brawny Scot is certainly equipped to oblige. But the quick-witted, keenly sensual Alexandra has a few lessons of her own to impart--on life, love, and the delicious joys of succumbing to temptation. . .
After finding herself at the center of a very public scandal that left one man dead and another on the run, Lady Alexandra Huntington has exiled herself to her brother's estate and is content to manage his affairs. But the arrival of darkly handsome Collin Blackburn awakens her curiosity and her desire--and the advantage of being a fallen woman is that she can be ruined only once. . .
Except Her Heart. . .
After a promise sworn to his father, Collin Blackburn is compelled to seek the aid of the woman who brought about his brother's death in a senseless duel. Yet Lady Alexandra is not the shameless femme fatale he expected. In fact, Collin suspects she is guilty of nothing more than a hunger to experience passion, and the brawny Scot is certainly equipped to oblige. But the quick-witted, keenly sensual Alexandra has a few lessons of her own to impart--on life, love, and the delicious joys of succumbing to temptation. . .
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
85 people are currently reading
1379 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Dahl
65 books2,002 followersI have my mother to thank for my passion for writing. My mom is an avid reader of popular fiction, and I began reading highly inappropriate books around the age of eleven, I think. (Thanks, Mom, for always leaving those delicious books strewn about!)
To Tempt a Scotsman, a Golden Heart winning historical, was my first published book. Here I am signing the cover! A Rake's Guide to Pleasure (which was excerpted at the back of Scotsman) is my second.
Due to my all-around goofiness, my agent suggested I also try my hand at a contemporary romantic comedy. Boy, is my agent smart! I had a great time writing Talk Me Down, the story of a young woman who goes back to her small hometown in Colorado and causes a huge stir with her secretive career and her burgeoning relationship with the chief of police. Not only did I have a great time writing it, but Tara Parsons at HQN liked it too! So if you like cold weather, hot sex and dirty jokes, be sure to check out Talk Me Down (out in January 2009).
Speaking of cold weather, my family and I live in a beautiful ski town in
Utah. No, I don't ski. I prefer to sit inside with a hot toddy and a good
book while the snow falls. It's especially beautiful to watch when from the inside!
I have a wonderful husband and children, and the house is kind of crowded, what with the dukes, Scotsmen, police chiefs, and naughty ladies running around, but my family is very understanding about my imaginary friends. Good thing, since they refuse to leave!
To Tempt a Scotsman, a Golden Heart winning historical, was my first published book. Here I am signing the cover! A Rake's Guide to Pleasure (which was excerpted at the back of Scotsman) is my second.
Due to my all-around goofiness, my agent suggested I also try my hand at a contemporary romantic comedy. Boy, is my agent smart! I had a great time writing Talk Me Down, the story of a young woman who goes back to her small hometown in Colorado and causes a huge stir with her secretive career and her burgeoning relationship with the chief of police. Not only did I have a great time writing it, but Tara Parsons at HQN liked it too! So if you like cold weather, hot sex and dirty jokes, be sure to check out Talk Me Down (out in January 2009).
Speaking of cold weather, my family and I live in a beautiful ski town in
Utah. No, I don't ski. I prefer to sit inside with a hot toddy and a good
book while the snow falls. It's especially beautiful to watch when from the inside!
I have a wonderful husband and children, and the house is kind of crowded, what with the dukes, Scotsmen, police chiefs, and naughty ladies running around, but my family is very understanding about my imaginary friends. Good thing, since they refuse to leave!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
September 19, 2011
So this book started out quite well, but then the Hero went crazy and I wasn't buyin' what the author was sellin' after that point.
Let me explain. **Here there be spoilers for anyone who hasn't read the book**
The premise of the story is that the heroine was caught with a man who had his hand up her skirts. The friend who caught them challenged the man to a duel and was killed. There was a huge scandal, of course, and Alexandra was ruined. She meets the Hero, the dead man's brother, when he comes to her home to tell her that she was merely a pawn in the scandal; that she had been used to force a duel. As if that weren't enough, Collin Blackburn tells Alexandra that his brother had been in love with her and preparing to offer for her before the scandal.
So that's how they meet. Sparks fly, he tries to do the honourable thing, she figures if she's labelled a whore she might as well act like one, they get together and shortly after that the Hero goes bonkers. That's the only explanation I have for his behaviour.
Now, I love an alpha hero as much (if not more) than the next girl. Strict, rigid, possessive, stubborn, softening only when he is withme the heroine....yum. Those alphas you can work with. They are usually redeemed by the heroine, and can see their boorish behaviour for what it is (a plot device, mostly).
But a Hero who is irrationally jealous, accusing his wife of lifting her skirts for many before him (though she was a virgin when he took her), believing the worst of anything she says to any male in the vicinity and becoming violent with his best friend when he thinks (wrongly, of course) that his wife is in his bed? Those guys never change. His problem is his own, not hers, and she will never be able to fix it for him. It's those guys that we see on the news nowadays. Because they end up killing someone.
And that ain't romantic to me, folks.
Now, I would normally suspect that this is a knee-jerk reaction on my part to an overly jealous alpha, except that I've never read a book where it seemed to come right out of left field like it did for me with this one. Nothing Collin said or did in the first half of the book prepared me for how he was going to act in the second.
Anyhow, as a result, I didn't really believe the HEA. Ms. Dahl sets it up so that the Hero sees the error of his ways after a couple of lectures from the heroine and after she kills the bad guy to save him, but I just wasn't so sure.
So I'm on to the next in the series. I'm going to chalk this one up to the author hitting a button I didn't know I had about insecure, super jealous men.
3.5 stars.
Let me explain. **Here there be spoilers for anyone who hasn't read the book**
The premise of the story is that the heroine was caught with a man who had his hand up her skirts. The friend who caught them challenged the man to a duel and was killed. There was a huge scandal, of course, and Alexandra was ruined. She meets the Hero, the dead man's brother, when he comes to her home to tell her that she was merely a pawn in the scandal; that she had been used to force a duel. As if that weren't enough, Collin Blackburn tells Alexandra that his brother had been in love with her and preparing to offer for her before the scandal.
So that's how they meet. Sparks fly, he tries to do the honourable thing, she figures if she's labelled a whore she might as well act like one, they get together and shortly after that the Hero goes bonkers. That's the only explanation I have for his behaviour.
Now, I love an alpha hero as much (if not more) than the next girl. Strict, rigid, possessive, stubborn, softening only when he is with
But a Hero who is irrationally jealous, accusing his wife of lifting her skirts for many before him (though she was a virgin when he took her), believing the worst of anything she says to any male in the vicinity and becoming violent with his best friend when he thinks (wrongly, of course) that his wife is in his bed? Those guys never change. His problem is his own, not hers, and she will never be able to fix it for him. It's those guys that we see on the news nowadays. Because they end up killing someone.
And that ain't romantic to me, folks.
Now, I would normally suspect that this is a knee-jerk reaction on my part to an overly jealous alpha, except that I've never read a book where it seemed to come right out of left field like it did for me with this one. Nothing Collin said or did in the first half of the book prepared me for how he was going to act in the second.
Anyhow, as a result, I didn't really believe the HEA. Ms. Dahl sets it up so that the Hero sees the error of his ways after a couple of lectures from the heroine and after she kills the bad guy to save him, but I just wasn't so sure.
So I'm on to the next in the series. I'm going to chalk this one up to the author hitting a button I didn't know I had about insecure, super jealous men.
3.5 stars.
July 17, 2014
Who doesn't love a tale with a big, burly Scotsman in it? I certainly do. I do not, however, particularly relish tales where my romantic hero goes from something out of a wet dream to something out of a nightmare about middle school. This book would have been so much better if Collin actually had some kind of legitimate issue, not this raving, half-hysterical belief that his wife is a whore based on nothing more than his own insecurities. That made him less in my eyes, and reducing the handsome hero is anathema to building a romance reader fan base.
September 26, 2010
Most conflicts were based on withholding information, inaccurate assumptions & doing something stupid for the sake of the plot.
STORY BRIEF:
Damien arranged for John to see him with his hands under Alex’s skirt. John challenged Damien to a duel and was killed by Damien in the duel. Since dueling was a crime, Damien fled the country. He occasionally wrote to Alex asking for money which she sent. Collin was John’s half-brother. Collin has been searching for Damien to bring him to justice. Collin asks for Alex’s help. She shows him her correspondence from Damien and agrees to keep him informed. She likes Collin and wants an affair with him, but he doesn’t respond and returns to Scotland. Two weeks later, Alex goes to Scotland under the guise of purchasing horses, but her main reason is to tempt him into an affair.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There were several conflicts between the hero and heroine due to one of them “withholding information” from the other (for no rational reason). Collin was mad at Alex several times due to his “inaccurate assumptions” about her. More than once her response was to withhold information from him and not clear it up. The major climax happens when the “heroine does something stupid for the sake of the plot.” Also, during the major climax, two important scenes were “told and not shown.” I was annoyed with the lack of details.
I cannot enjoy a story so full of the above contrivances. In addition, I had trouble with the characters. I didn’t enjoy reading about them. Alex kissed a variety of men. There was no relationship development with Collin. Apparently she just wanted him for his body. Collin was likeable at first but later became an abusive jerk.
DATA:
Story length: 279 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 4. Total number of sex scene pages: 17. Setting: 1844 Yorkshire, England, and Scotland. Copyright: 2007. Genre: historical romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other books by this author, see my 4 star review of “Lead Me On” posted 3-23-10.
CAUTION SPOILER:
A small woman uses a knife to stab and kill a big, strong man. I doubt she could aim through his ribs to get to his heart, so it was probably done through his stomach or neck. I don’t know. It was told (referred to after the fact) not shown, which bothered me.
STORY BRIEF:
Damien arranged for John to see him with his hands under Alex’s skirt. John challenged Damien to a duel and was killed by Damien in the duel. Since dueling was a crime, Damien fled the country. He occasionally wrote to Alex asking for money which she sent. Collin was John’s half-brother. Collin has been searching for Damien to bring him to justice. Collin asks for Alex’s help. She shows him her correspondence from Damien and agrees to keep him informed. She likes Collin and wants an affair with him, but he doesn’t respond and returns to Scotland. Two weeks later, Alex goes to Scotland under the guise of purchasing horses, but her main reason is to tempt him into an affair.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
There were several conflicts between the hero and heroine due to one of them “withholding information” from the other (for no rational reason). Collin was mad at Alex several times due to his “inaccurate assumptions” about her. More than once her response was to withhold information from him and not clear it up. The major climax happens when the “heroine does something stupid for the sake of the plot.” Also, during the major climax, two important scenes were “told and not shown.” I was annoyed with the lack of details.
I cannot enjoy a story so full of the above contrivances. In addition, I had trouble with the characters. I didn’t enjoy reading about them. Alex kissed a variety of men. There was no relationship development with Collin. Apparently she just wanted him for his body. Collin was likeable at first but later became an abusive jerk.
DATA:
Story length: 279 pages. Swearing language: strong, including religious swear words. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 4. Total number of sex scene pages: 17. Setting: 1844 Yorkshire, England, and Scotland. Copyright: 2007. Genre: historical romance.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other books by this author, see my 4 star review of “Lead Me On” posted 3-23-10.
CAUTION SPOILER:
A small woman uses a knife to stab and kill a big, strong man. I doubt she could aim through his ribs to get to his heart, so it was probably done through his stomach or neck. I don’t know. It was told (referred to after the fact) not shown, which bothered me.
August 22, 2018
I was waiting for my book to arrive in the mail ( because I still read paperbacks ) and I have a TON of books my dad gave me, this was among them and I decided to read it. I was not disappointed. I liked it. 4 stars.
December 3, 2019
2.5 stars.
I honestly should have easily finished this book in a day or two (maybe a week, to account for scheduling), but life got in the way, so To Tempt a Scotsman was put on hiatus for several weeks until I read the last third yesterday and today.
This is a perfectly passable romance. The prose flows well, the dialogue is natural, and the smut was surprisingly good, albeit tame (okay, let's not pretend for two seconds that the cover of this book didn't give away that some hanky-panky would be going down). Even the somewhat rushed climax was still intense and satisfactory.
But unfortunately, there was one major setback to this novel: Collin Blackburn, the love interest. The book didn't start him off on the right foot, with him slut-shaming the heroine both in his mind and in his words. At first, it's utilized as a misunderstanding: he assumed, like so many others, that she was a irredeemable whore who broke his brother's heart and resulted in his death. It's almost sympathetic, because he lost his brother and, at first, had no reason to give this shamed woman the benefit of the doubt.
But Alexandra was merely a victim of circumstance and malicious gossip, forever marking her as a "ruined woman." Though she certainly had "experience" in the game of love, she still had her virginity, though no one would believe her claim, so she played the part she was forced into, even to the point of "deceiving" Collin into bed, though of course, he never asked, only assumed, as Alexandra coldly tells him (seriously, I love this woman). In some ways, this life bought her freedom; in other ways, it made her a target for lecherous men who found her easy. Alexandra is a relatable heroine, in so many ways; she embraces her sexuality, while also having limits, and she knows when to put her foot down, and despises the double standards towards women. "Unrealistic," perhaps, seeing as the story's set in mid-19th century England, but refreshing nonetheless.
But her lover, Collin? Ugh, the man is the biggest flip-flop ever. He goes from slut-shaming to remorseful back and forth so many times it's almost dizzying. I had hoped it would stop once they married, but in some ways, it got worse! He grew so jealous their marriage literally became toxic causing Alexandra to run away from him! How romantic...? >.< The only good thing about it all is he FINALLY got a slap of reality and realized, really and truly, how much of a hypocritical ass he had been to his lover and wife. He was constantly assuming she was disloyal to him solely because of her scandalous past and never once thinking of his own past lovers. Classic misogyny. But, he did finally learn his lesson and properly apologized and followed through with it. And, honestly, I've seen far too much media -- usually with anime -- where the jealous boyfriend is forgiven even when he doesn't voice an apology, so for me, it's always nice when a shameless romance actually gives the man SOME improvement. Albeit, sloppily so.
So, overall, it's a decent romance novel. Last year, I read of far better male love interests, but I suppose an apologetic, redeemed asshole is better than an utterly unbearable one. Better luck next time, maybe?
I honestly should have easily finished this book in a day or two (maybe a week, to account for scheduling), but life got in the way, so To Tempt a Scotsman was put on hiatus for several weeks until I read the last third yesterday and today.
This is a perfectly passable romance. The prose flows well, the dialogue is natural, and the smut was surprisingly good, albeit tame (okay, let's not pretend for two seconds that the cover of this book didn't give away that some hanky-panky would be going down). Even the somewhat rushed climax was still intense and satisfactory.
But unfortunately, there was one major setback to this novel: Collin Blackburn, the love interest. The book didn't start him off on the right foot, with him slut-shaming the heroine both in his mind and in his words. At first, it's utilized as a misunderstanding: he assumed, like so many others, that she was a irredeemable whore who broke his brother's heart and resulted in his death. It's almost sympathetic, because he lost his brother and, at first, had no reason to give this shamed woman the benefit of the doubt.
But Alexandra was merely a victim of circumstance and malicious gossip, forever marking her as a "ruined woman." Though she certainly had "experience" in the game of love, she still had her virginity, though no one would believe her claim, so she played the part she was forced into, even to the point of "deceiving" Collin into bed, though of course, he never asked, only assumed, as Alexandra coldly tells him (seriously, I love this woman). In some ways, this life bought her freedom; in other ways, it made her a target for lecherous men who found her easy. Alexandra is a relatable heroine, in so many ways; she embraces her sexuality, while also having limits, and she knows when to put her foot down, and despises the double standards towards women. "Unrealistic," perhaps, seeing as the story's set in mid-19th century England, but refreshing nonetheless.
But her lover, Collin? Ugh, the man is the biggest flip-flop ever. He goes from slut-shaming to remorseful back and forth so many times it's almost dizzying. I had hoped it would stop once they married, but in some ways, it got worse! He grew so jealous their marriage literally became toxic causing Alexandra to run away from him! How romantic...? >.< The only good thing about it all is he FINALLY got a slap of reality and realized, really and truly, how much of a hypocritical ass he had been to his lover and wife. He was constantly assuming she was disloyal to him solely because of her scandalous past and never once thinking of his own past lovers. Classic misogyny. But, he did finally learn his lesson and properly apologized and followed through with it. And, honestly, I've seen far too much media -- usually with anime -- where the jealous boyfriend is forgiven even when he doesn't voice an apology, so for me, it's always nice when a shameless romance actually gives the man SOME improvement. Albeit, sloppily so.
So, overall, it's a decent romance novel. Last year, I read of far better male love interests, but I suppose an apologetic, redeemed asshole is better than an utterly unbearable one. Better luck next time, maybe?
October 7, 2011
A bit of a hot mess. The book doesn't seem to know what it wants to be, and there is a clear split between the first and second halves. Almost like two books awkwardly stitched together. We have:
Alexandra, younger sister of the wealthy and powerful Duke of Somerhart; caught in a compromising position during her first season, she is considered a "ruined" woman and now spends her time managing her brother's country estate while wearing scandalous boy's clothing. Passionate nature, sexually curious.
Collin, bastard son of a Scottish lord who eventually acknowledged him and bought him a barony; seeks out the "ruined" Alexandra for information on the man who ruined her and then went on to kill Collin's half-brother. Almost immediately realizes Alex is not a duplicitous whore, just a young woman with a passionate nature and a tendency to act before she thinks.
So these two fall in lust, get it on, and get married all in the first half. Okay, now I'm not sure where the conflict is. Oh! The conflict lies in the fact that Collin is suddenly a ragingly jealous douchebag who believes that since Alex was caught with a bad guy's hand up her skirt, she's probably going to bang everyone in sight, especially because she's an English princess (or so he calls her) and he's a Scottish bastard. This insecurity comes pretty much out of nowhere, and even though it's nice to have an actual conflict, the resolution involves sudden!danger and a whole lot of treacle.
There is a good book in here somewhere. Alex genuinely does not understand how to make a good decision by the end of the book, because everything she does makes her situation worse. She's confused about who to trust and loses faith in her instincts; this doesn't stop her from awesomely threatening to scratch out Collin's eyes when he crosses the line. Dahl is clearly thinking about the double standards (gender and class) in nineteenth century society, and Alex could have been a great character to illustrate these issues. Unfortunately the book is a bit too muddled for that. I still love Victoria Dahl for her contemporaries, and the third book in this historical series is awesome; maybe it just took a while for her to find her historical stride.
Alexandra, younger sister of the wealthy and powerful Duke of Somerhart; caught in a compromising position during her first season, she is considered a "ruined" woman and now spends her time managing her brother's country estate while wearing scandalous boy's clothing. Passionate nature, sexually curious.
Collin, bastard son of a Scottish lord who eventually acknowledged him and bought him a barony; seeks out the "ruined" Alexandra for information on the man who ruined her and then went on to kill Collin's half-brother. Almost immediately realizes Alex is not a duplicitous whore, just a young woman with a passionate nature and a tendency to act before she thinks.
So these two fall in lust, get it on, and get married all in the first half. Okay, now I'm not sure where the conflict is. Oh! The conflict lies in the fact that Collin is suddenly a ragingly jealous douchebag who believes that since Alex was caught with a bad guy's hand up her skirt, she's probably going to bang everyone in sight, especially because she's an English princess (or so he calls her) and he's a Scottish bastard. This insecurity comes pretty much out of nowhere, and even though it's nice to have an actual conflict, the resolution involves sudden!danger and a whole lot of treacle.
There is a good book in here somewhere. Alex genuinely does not understand how to make a good decision by the end of the book, because everything she does makes her situation worse. She's confused about who to trust and loses faith in her instincts; this doesn't stop her from awesomely threatening to scratch out Collin's eyes when he crosses the line. Dahl is clearly thinking about the double standards (gender and class) in nineteenth century society, and Alex could have been a great character to illustrate these issues. Unfortunately the book is a bit too muddled for that. I still love Victoria Dahl for her contemporaries, and the third book in this historical series is awesome; maybe it just took a while for her to find her historical stride.
March 24, 2013
Alexandra Huntington is ruined.
She wasn't trying to be ruined, you understand, but, well, she didn't want the life ahead of her as a socially acceptable debutante. Tea parties, fortune-hunting suitors, and oppressive, unrelenting propriety under the eyes of an army of chaperones and society tabbies. That life was not for her. She regrets that her forays into "fast" territory ended with the death of a young man she considered a friend, but with regard to her own life, she's better off this way. Exiled to her brother's country estate, which she ably manages, she no longer has to contend with the coma-inducing tedium.
Unfortunately, reality tracks her down even in her exile.
Collin Blackburn, the half-brother of her dead friend, barges into her life and demands that she provide information that will help him find his brother's killer. Collin hates her—of course he would, given she's the cheatin' ho who broke his brother's heart. Given his brother fought a duel for her that ended in his death. Of course he doesn't know the whole story.
Frankly, both H/h are quite reasonable about all the "issues" that stand between them. It undercuts a lot of the potential tension. Even so, I ended up really liking this couple, and the history that brought them together really did seem like an insurmountable obstacle, no matter how "reasonable" they both might be. So I liked this enough to download more by Dahl, even tho I already had a couple dozen perfectly good books in the queue. Which earns this one a four star.
November 23, 2015
Huh. I have to say I was surprised how much this book failed. It didn't work for me at all. I've read other books by this author and loved her writing style but those were all contemporary romances novels so my hopes aren't high for other books in this series. The reasons I disliked this book also changed several times throughout the book.
First, the beginning of the book had potential. But Alex didn't come off as a likable character. They kept referring to how young she was and she acted it. I honestly hoped there would be an incident and then the book would pick up several years later after she had matured a little but couldn't get a certain encounter out of her mind. Alas, that did not happen. So her attempts at seducing him came off as juvenile and a little bit of a spoiled "I get what I want" mentality.
Second, Collin turned crazy for no reason. It was completely out of the blue and didn't make sense to me. I'm fine with an alpha male being an ass on occasion when he has a reason (like previous relationships gone bad or being cheated on) but Collin was an ass to the point where I wanted Alex to get out of that emotionally abusive relationship. Not what I'm looking for in a romance novel.
Last, the ending just didn't work for me. The writing felt rushed and all over the place trying to wrap things up nicely. I didn't trust that Collin miraculously sees the error of his ways and bam, suddenly they have no problems. How the whole scene with Damien (is that even his name? I've forgotten already and I just finished the book. Not a good sign) wrapped up didn't work for me either.
This book didn't work for me. I'll probably read the next one in the series just because my library has the E-book and I don't have anything else to read at the moment. Here's to hoping it's better than this one.
First, the beginning of the book had potential. But Alex didn't come off as a likable character. They kept referring to how young she was and she acted it. I honestly hoped there would be an incident and then the book would pick up several years later after she had matured a little but couldn't get a certain encounter out of her mind. Alas, that did not happen. So her attempts at seducing him came off as juvenile and a little bit of a spoiled "I get what I want" mentality.
Second, Collin turned crazy for no reason. It was completely out of the blue and didn't make sense to me. I'm fine with an alpha male being an ass on occasion when he has a reason (like previous relationships gone bad or being cheated on) but Collin was an ass to the point where I wanted Alex to get out of that emotionally abusive relationship. Not what I'm looking for in a romance novel.
Last, the ending just didn't work for me. The writing felt rushed and all over the place trying to wrap things up nicely. I didn't trust that Collin miraculously sees the error of his ways and bam, suddenly they have no problems. How the whole scene with Damien (is that even his name? I've forgotten already and I just finished the book. Not a good sign) wrapped up didn't work for me either.
This book didn't work for me. I'll probably read the next one in the series just because my library has the E-book and I don't have anything else to read at the moment. Here's to hoping it's better than this one.
July 23, 2009
The first word that came to mind to describe this book after finishing was "Rawr".
Lady Alexandra was caught with her skirt above her knees, leading to a duel, leading to one man's death. Collin Blackburn (hellooo MacSteamy) happens to be the dead man's half brother, and happens to be on a quest to find the man who murdered him. Who happens to have disappeared.
What I loved most about this story was Lady Alex herself. She is fiery, determined, and stays that way even though she melts when Collin kisses her. She is everything I want a strong heroine to be, and thanks to her earlier "indiscretion" she is anxious to get rid of her "pesky maidenhead".
I won't post any spoilers, but suffice it to say that in comparing Alex to Maggie from Petals in the Storm, I liked Alex's development way more.
The only issue I had was with Collin. There were moments were I was very very afraid he would do violence - and not to save our Heroine either. The main problem was that, although he had been brooding most of the novel, his bursts of anger later in the novel honestly terrified me, which drew me out a little. Until I got angry enough with him that it made sense. But perhaps that was Dahl's intention, because we see some very vulnerable moments when he thinks she's not looking - he is filled with anger, but hates himself for it.
Now for the good stuff - the love scenes were super steamy! Nothing like a Scottish burr and a heroine who knows what she wants and isn't ashamed to go after it to make for some sweet, sweet lovin'.
The rest of Dahl's historicals are definitely going on my list; her contemporaries already are. It was a short, satisfying read that is staying in my collection. *guards it jealously*
Lady Alexandra was caught with her skirt above her knees, leading to a duel, leading to one man's death. Collin Blackburn (hellooo MacSteamy) happens to be the dead man's half brother, and happens to be on a quest to find the man who murdered him. Who happens to have disappeared.
What I loved most about this story was Lady Alex herself. She is fiery, determined, and stays that way even though she melts when Collin kisses her. She is everything I want a strong heroine to be, and thanks to her earlier "indiscretion" she is anxious to get rid of her "pesky maidenhead".
I won't post any spoilers, but suffice it to say that in comparing Alex to Maggie from Petals in the Storm, I liked Alex's development way more.
The only issue I had was with Collin. There were moments were I was very very afraid he would do violence - and not to save our Heroine either. The main problem was that, although he had been brooding most of the novel, his bursts of anger later in the novel honestly terrified me, which drew me out a little. Until I got angry enough with him that it made sense. But perhaps that was Dahl's intention, because we see some very vulnerable moments when he thinks she's not looking - he is filled with anger, but hates himself for it.
Now for the good stuff - the love scenes were super steamy! Nothing like a Scottish burr and a heroine who knows what she wants and isn't ashamed to go after it to make for some sweet, sweet lovin'.
The rest of Dahl's historicals are definitely going on my list; her contemporaries already are. It was a short, satisfying read that is staying in my collection. *guards it jealously*
June 9, 2011
5 stars.
I'm glad I didn't let the contemporary romance of Dahl's I read recently or lacklustre reviews deter me from reading this book as it was pretty bloody fabulous.
Yes there was conflict and some misunderstandings, but they weren't dragged out for the length of the novel. They were addressed rather sensibly and there was resolution of sorts.
Collin & Alexandra were a fantastic and may I say fascinating couple to read. Alex was sensible and strong without being overbearing. There were times I could have been dismayed by how headstrong she was but it felt like she would redeem herself on the next page.
Collin was amazingly hot and despite his complete lack of trust and neanderthal behaviour (swoon); he was a gorgeous hero whose strength of character wasn't overshadowed by the smallest amount of vulnerability.
Dahl almost made me cry with the effortless perfection of her writing, truly. Give this a go because it was a stunning read.
I'm glad I didn't let the contemporary romance of Dahl's I read recently or lacklustre reviews deter me from reading this book as it was pretty bloody fabulous.
Yes there was conflict and some misunderstandings, but they weren't dragged out for the length of the novel. They were addressed rather sensibly and there was resolution of sorts.
Collin & Alexandra were a fantastic and may I say fascinating couple to read. Alex was sensible and strong without being overbearing. There were times I could have been dismayed by how headstrong she was but it felt like she would redeem herself on the next page.
Collin was amazingly hot and despite his complete lack of trust and neanderthal behaviour (swoon); he was a gorgeous hero whose strength of character wasn't overshadowed by the smallest amount of vulnerability.
Dahl almost made me cry with the effortless perfection of her writing, truly. Give this a go because it was a stunning read.
March 10, 2019
I really wanted to like this. And for the first half of the book I did. But then Collin went totally crazy and he had plenty of opportunities to redeem himself, but then he just didn't and that was just disappointing. The redemption arc that followed was solved way to fast and it was very much overshadowed by the events that transpire in the last couple of pages.
I loved Alex and I was kinda into the plot, but there was just too much focus on the miscommunication and withholding of emotions between the two main characters that that just fell away. Also that was resolved way too quickly at the end.
I keep going back and forth between 1 or 2 stars. Because besides Collin's assholery and a rushed ending I feel like it was all right. But for a romance novel, I feel like I should have loved the couple more in order to enjoy it. I mean, I finished it, so that's something.
Maybe I'll settle on a 1,5 stars rating then.
I loved Alex and I was kinda into the plot, but there was just too much focus on the miscommunication and withholding of emotions between the two main characters that that just fell away. Also that was resolved way too quickly at the end.
I keep going back and forth between 1 or 2 stars. Because besides Collin's assholery and a rushed ending I feel like it was all right. But for a romance novel, I feel like I should have loved the couple more in order to enjoy it. I mean, I finished it, so that's something.
Maybe I'll settle on a 1,5 stars rating then.
February 24, 2019
If I lived in this time period, I'd be Alex. Forever wondering why I made such poor choices, why I wasn't "normal", etc. Hell, I do that now. Her spirit resonated with me so much, and she wasn't shy with her feelings or actions.
But Collin was an asshole. He didn't stop to realize Alex may have actually been happy. His constant accusations of cheating and infidelity were exhausting to read about. It almost ruined the book for me.
3 other issues:
1) I like knowing our H/H's ages. It often puts behaviors into better lights. For example, 20 year old Alex made decisions that appropriately reflected her age. But we don't learn Collin's age.
2) the wrap up to the main plot (Damien) happens from Collin's POV and that makes it anticlimactic. I wish we'd seen Alex's POV there.
3) it's annoying when the story changes viewpoints and time frames without a break between paragraphs. It's not hard to insert an extra line spacing or little swirly or something to make it easier on the reader.
But Collin was an asshole. He didn't stop to realize Alex may have actually been happy. His constant accusations of cheating and infidelity were exhausting to read about. It almost ruined the book for me.
3 other issues:
1) I like knowing our H/H's ages. It often puts behaviors into better lights. For example, 20 year old Alex made decisions that appropriately reflected her age. But we don't learn Collin's age.
2) the wrap up to the main plot (Damien) happens from Collin's POV and that makes it anticlimactic. I wish we'd seen Alex's POV there.
3) it's annoying when the story changes viewpoints and time frames without a break between paragraphs. It's not hard to insert an extra line spacing or little swirly or something to make it easier on the reader.
December 21, 2021
Looks like I’m back on my bullshit!
April 11, 2011
So this is sort of in a series with a couple of other Dahl historicals I have read (can't quite recall the names, as they are always only vaguely related to the actual plots) and apparently I read them out of order, with the 3rd one first, then the 2nd, then this one which is the first. It doesn't really matter, they stand-alone, but they do occur in a chronological order and are about related characters who appear in all three books.
So, in the context of those other 2, I think this was my least favorite of the three. Dahl seems to always write some psychology into her romance, and she does it well. Her grasp of this leads her to be one of my more favored romance authors at this point. She manages to do it even in her historicals but it does not read quite as plausibly there. She does not manage to intersect the mores of the period society she is setting her stories in, with the conflicts that the characters encounter.
What I mean by this is, her heroines in particular are just completely out of place in Regency England. There are improper, bold, immodest unless it suits their ends... the list goes on. This is explained away because in every case they are ruined by some extenuating circumstances that free them from the truly oppressive societal restrictions that young unmarried ladies really did live with during those times. When I read one of her books, I was willing to buy it and suspend my disbelief... the second was my favorite so I let it slide again... but with this one I am just seeing a pattern. I think I'll stop with her historicals while I am ahead - no doubt after a little to forget my own silly little irks with this, I would enjoy picking one up again.
There is always alot to enjoy. This one is not so different - Alex is a ruined young woman, living outside polite society as the manager of her brother, the Duke's country estate. Collin is a Scottish lord who seeks retribution against her for wronging his brother, ultimately playing a part in his brother's death. But she is really an innocent and of course he falls for her. It was an interesting read because they get married about halfway through and you think... "hmm, what next?"... but then you are treated to all the baggage they have to work through to really have a marriage. I enjoyed that, but it wasn't earth-shaking for me.
I think I prefer Dahl's contemporary romances because the characters, as empowered contemporary people living in a free society, can act outrageously and it's not such a stretch. In these historicals, it seems the plot is constantly relying on some girl to flee out into the dead of winter on her horse or something otherwise just as implausible.
So, in the context of those other 2, I think this was my least favorite of the three. Dahl seems to always write some psychology into her romance, and she does it well. Her grasp of this leads her to be one of my more favored romance authors at this point. She manages to do it even in her historicals but it does not read quite as plausibly there. She does not manage to intersect the mores of the period society she is setting her stories in, with the conflicts that the characters encounter.
What I mean by this is, her heroines in particular are just completely out of place in Regency England. There are improper, bold, immodest unless it suits their ends... the list goes on. This is explained away because in every case they are ruined by some extenuating circumstances that free them from the truly oppressive societal restrictions that young unmarried ladies really did live with during those times. When I read one of her books, I was willing to buy it and suspend my disbelief... the second was my favorite so I let it slide again... but with this one I am just seeing a pattern. I think I'll stop with her historicals while I am ahead - no doubt after a little to forget my own silly little irks with this, I would enjoy picking one up again.
There is always alot to enjoy. This one is not so different - Alex is a ruined young woman, living outside polite society as the manager of her brother, the Duke's country estate. Collin is a Scottish lord who seeks retribution against her for wronging his brother, ultimately playing a part in his brother's death. But she is really an innocent and of course he falls for her. It was an interesting read because they get married about halfway through and you think... "hmm, what next?"... but then you are treated to all the baggage they have to work through to really have a marriage. I enjoyed that, but it wasn't earth-shaking for me.
I think I prefer Dahl's contemporary romances because the characters, as empowered contemporary people living in a free society, can act outrageously and it's not such a stretch. In these historicals, it seems the plot is constantly relying on some girl to flee out into the dead of winter on her horse or something otherwise just as implausible.
February 22, 2012
I was already a Victoria Dahl fan before reading this. This pushed her up on my list of favorite authors. She has a way of mixing in subtle humor that I love. I mean, honestly, who wouldn't giggle when the heroine, Alex, says, "You-are-far-to-big-and-I-think-you-should-go-home." (in case you're wondering, this was AFTER they'd had sex for the first time at a secluded cottage that she invited him to ;) )
I have to say, Collin made me mad towards the end of the book. Even though Alex was a ruined lady (he knew better) he kept accusing her of cheating on him. I was so proud of Alex when she finally stood up for herself and left him. Collin made up for his being a jerkwad though. I'm not going to tell you how, cause that will ruin the story *heehee*
Naturally, I'm going to read the rest of the series. Hopefully soon :)
I have to say, Collin made me mad towards the end of the book. Even though Alex was a ruined lady (he knew better) he kept accusing her of cheating on him. I was so proud of Alex when she finally stood up for herself and left him. Collin made up for his being a jerkwad though. I'm not going to tell you how, cause that will ruin the story *heehee*
Naturally, I'm going to read the rest of the series. Hopefully soon :)
December 9, 2009
I can't decide if I want to give this book 3 or 4 stars since the hero upset me towards the end.
Read
October 12, 2020meh
August 21, 2021
Synopsis
Lady Alex is bold and beautiful, and after being part of a rather public scandal that ended in the duel to the death, she has found she quite likes being brazen and in charge of her bothers estate. Who knew being ostracized for society, would give more fulfillment than balls gowns and high tea. Is she willing to risk her newfound freedom, and marry?
Enter Colin, an exotic Scotsman both handsome and loyal. A man trying to find justice for his bother who died in a duel over an English woman no less. His journey in finding justice lead him to find so much more.
---
I really enjoyed the leading female character Alexandra, who was at best a victim of circumstance and then shunned by society as a 'ruined woman'. In a lot of romance, the female role is often being seduced or being the damsel in need of saving. Not in this novel, which is why I think I found her to be a relatable heroine. Once she knew she wanted Colin in her bed, she went for him boldly and without shame.
While I liked the novel overall, the things I didn't like most about the novel, was the rather sudden "I must have you now" (there really wasn't any build-up, Colin went to her almost accuses her of being at least somewhat responsible for the death of his brother, then suddenly they are on top of each other, him fighting his desire for her, and her openly inviting him to her bed). Then at one of the biggest climaxes of the story, suddenly it just ended. Sure there was a small epilogue that kind of had some details, but it was rather abrupt and left the storyline wanting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2024
I really dislike the writing style where each character's point of view shifts from one paragraph to the next, without any breaks, as does the action. One sentence we are in an office, the next sentence they are sitting down to dinner, another sentence they are on the way to their wedding. It breaks up the flow of the story. My biggest disappointment with this is it could have been such a good story about Alex and all she experienced. The depths of her feelings aren't really revealed until 80% into the story, when she is heartbroken and leaving Collin after his awful insults to her. She says "I cannot make wise decisions even when I try so what is the point?" THIS is the heart of her story yet it was barely developed. Collin is a judgmental prick to her; he's a bully. The best part of this whole story is when she finally calls him out on his insults. Collin goes crazy with his jealousy, which makes no sense at all. But never fear dear reader, she forgives him in an instant and all is well.
August 26, 2017
As others have said, this book starts off strong then veers off a cliff. The typical 3/4 through discord happens almost halfway through and Collin's jealousy practically ruins the whole experience. And as someone else said, these are the type of men we see killing their wives on the news; not what I was looking for in a romance. And I'm not convinced Collin is redeemed at all.
April 25, 2021
I really liked the book; it just wasn't quite as good as some of the period Scotland books I've read. The plot is more background to the romance and more referred to than shown. I do like different main characters like a fallen heroine and a illegitimate hero.
It is a promising beginning to a series.
It is a promising beginning to a series.
July 12, 2025
My instincts in skipping this before when I read book 2 and 3 were on the money. Although technically well written something about this book is so grotesque and disturbing. By the halfway point I was getting sick of MMC and by the third act I hated his guts. The end did not justify the means and the sheer gratuitous sexual trauma the FMC was put through did NOT seem worth the “romance.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2019
A jerk and too many rape threats
I really did not enjoy this book. I cared about their heroine, which is the only reason I finished it. The hero was a jerk, and I wish I hadn’t read a romance that used the threat of rape more than once. Skip this one.
I really did not enjoy this book. I cared about their heroine, which is the only reason I finished it. The hero was a jerk, and I wish I hadn’t read a romance that used the threat of rape more than once. Skip this one.
May 28, 2021
Smiled through it all!
She’s become a favorite writer for me, I’m only disappointed her books are not longer and there aren’t more of them. This one in particular was great the whole way through.
She’s become a favorite writer for me, I’m only disappointed her books are not longer and there aren’t more of them. This one in particular was great the whole way through.
October 8, 2022
Collin turned into one of those guys that makes women feel small and those guys never change. He was a mess and treated her horribly. we got a half assed apology and some justifications for treating her like shit and then she saves the day and everything is magically fine. Burned me bad.
December 20, 2023
Good, not great.
This started very promising. I really enjoyed the pace of this romance, right up until they married. After that the hero treats the heroine so badly out of nowhere and for no discernible reason.
This started very promising. I really enjoyed the pace of this romance, right up until they married. After that the hero treats the heroine so badly out of nowhere and for no discernible reason.
January 11, 2018
I wonder how much abuse the heart can take and keep going, well if you've ever wondered, this books for you.
July 11, 2018
Loved
This was so great! Seriously a nonstop page-turner for me. Ugh so good! Great author. I loved Alex’s character so much she was perfect
This was so great! Seriously a nonstop page-turner for me. Ugh so good! Great author. I loved Alex’s character so much she was perfect
July 21, 2019
Emotional abuse is not romantic!!! And abusers are not instantly cured!! I need some small measure of happiness and reality in my books. This one lacked both.
June 3, 2021
Yazarın zamanında ülkemizde çevrilmiş bir kitabını okuyup çok sevmemiştim. Kendisinin yazarlık hayatına historical ile başlayıp şimdilerde tür olarak çok farklı bir yol izlemesi şaşırtıcı olsa da historical konuları hoşuma gittiği için bir şans vermek istedim.
Düşününce kitap tahminimden bir tık daha iyiydi. Alexandra hatalarından ders alan, göründüğünden daha olgun ve güçlü biriydi. Ayrıca istediği kişinin peşinden cüretkarca koşması onu daha çok sevmemi sağladı.
Erkek karakter için aynı şeyi söyleyemeyeceğim. Aslında başlarda derdini anlayabiliyordum. Kardeşi ölmüş ve haklı olarak buna sebebiyet veren kişiler hakkında kötü düşünüyordu. Sonradan Alexandra ile ilişkilerini düzeltmiş olsa da evlendikleri andan itibaren karakter iğrenç birine dönüştü. Eşinin camdan dışarı bakmasını bile "Bu, bir zamanlar kırıştırdığı erkeklerden birinin yolunu gözlüyor kesin." şeklinde yorumlayan, en yakın arkadaşının yatak arkadaşını görünce "Aha, karımın eksik etek olduğunu biliyordum." -ki değildi- diyecek kadar şerefsiz bir mahlukattı. Bir saniye karakterin ismi neydi, hatırlayamadım? AAAA, Collin'miş! Neden bu isimdeki birinin bu hareketleri beni şaşırtmadı acaba?
Düşününce kitap tahminimden bir tık daha iyiydi. Alexandra hatalarından ders alan, göründüğünden daha olgun ve güçlü biriydi. Ayrıca istediği kişinin peşinden cüretkarca koşması onu daha çok sevmemi sağladı.
Erkek karakter için aynı şeyi söyleyemeyeceğim. Aslında başlarda derdini anlayabiliyordum. Kardeşi ölmüş ve haklı olarak buna sebebiyet veren kişiler hakkında kötü düşünüyordu. Sonradan Alexandra ile ilişkilerini düzeltmiş olsa da evlendikleri andan itibaren karakter iğrenç birine dönüştü. Eşinin camdan dışarı bakmasını bile "Bu, bir zamanlar kırıştırdığı erkeklerden birinin yolunu gözlüyor kesin." şeklinde yorumlayan, en yakın arkadaşının yatak arkadaşını görünce "Aha, karımın eksik etek olduğunu biliyordum." -ki değildi- diyecek kadar şerefsiz bir mahlukattı. Bir saniye karakterin ismi neydi, hatırlayamadım? AAAA, Collin'miş! Neden bu isimdeki birinin bu hareketleri beni şaşırtmadı acaba?
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