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Highland Knaves #1
Secrets to Seducing a Scot
Meet the Highland Knaves, an infamous clan of outcast Scots who live for justice, lust for freedom, and long for lovers bold enough to tame them...A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGHTorn from a pampered life of luxury and thrust into the midst of a Scottish revolution, Serena Marsh is shocked to meet the brutish man who has been assigned to protect her from the rebels trying to kill her—Malcolm Slayter, the most rugged, most dangerous, and most undeniably attractive man she's ever encountered...THE KNAVE OF HEARTSMalcolm has no loyalties, no country, and no sense of propriety. Hired by her father, Malcolm agrees to protect the lovely lass for a fee. But when Serena challenges Malcolm's authority—and engages him in a risky flirtation—all bets are off. When the battle heats up, it's anyone's guess as to who's seducing whom...and who'll surrender first.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 2, 2011
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July 29, 2011
SECRETS to SEDUCING a SCOT by Michelle Marcos
08/11 - St. Martin's Press - Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
We are given a name and presented with a title but do they forever brand us?
During a tumultuous time in Scotland’s history while it strives for freedom from England there are still individuals trying to continue on with their lives. One of those is Serena Marsh who loves London’s life with its wonderful parties and the gossip that goes along with them. But Serena is drug away from all this when her father is appointed to the position of mediator between England and Scotland to try to avoid an uprising. He takes Serena with him to keep her safe, much to her displeasure and despite trying to talk him out of this move it still happens and Serena too quickly finds herself in Scotland, a country she considers primitive and guarded by a protector of all things.
Malcolm Slayter is a man who has been cursed to live his life on the outside of any acknowledged clan due to decisions made by his family many years ago. He taught himself to survive disaster and serves now as the 1800’s version of an expert bounty hunter. Malcolm believes this to be an easy assignment with this slip of a woman to watch over, but learns quickly that the role of Serena’s protector is going to give him more pain than a hit to the head. She will not listen to his instructions, takes off as she pleases and will not sit still so that he can take care of her.
When a wrong turn has Serena coming face-to-face with the force that will not be stopped she finally learns what the cost of this uprising is going to be, how critical her father is to finding a solution, and exactly how much Malcolm will do to keep her safe. While Serena knows how to control her independent ways she is not sure how to control her feelings toward Malcolm and if just one kiss from him is making her desire run rampant what will happen if she should touch him, should she dare do such a thing.
Serena experiences complete fear when a life-altering event forces her to decide not when to act but how and her determination to correct this wrong pushes Malcolm to choose if is he on her side or not. Malcolm will fight for the woman he loves, the country that turned its back on him, the name he wants back and the family he lost found. These are tall orders indeed but Malcolm is not any man he is a Scot and they rule the alpha world of romance and Amen to that!
This book is so much to take in because you have uprisings, romance, Scottish history and romance, wait I already said that, but it bears repeating for this book. When you read this book with the action, drama, and romance flowing so effortlessly you never feel confused or wondering what is going on. This is Michelle Marcos’s gift – to pull every element in and keep you on the edge or you chair without a care to what you should be doing besides reading right now.
08/11 - St. Martin's Press - Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
We are given a name and presented with a title but do they forever brand us?
During a tumultuous time in Scotland’s history while it strives for freedom from England there are still individuals trying to continue on with their lives. One of those is Serena Marsh who loves London’s life with its wonderful parties and the gossip that goes along with them. But Serena is drug away from all this when her father is appointed to the position of mediator between England and Scotland to try to avoid an uprising. He takes Serena with him to keep her safe, much to her displeasure and despite trying to talk him out of this move it still happens and Serena too quickly finds herself in Scotland, a country she considers primitive and guarded by a protector of all things.
Malcolm Slayter is a man who has been cursed to live his life on the outside of any acknowledged clan due to decisions made by his family many years ago. He taught himself to survive disaster and serves now as the 1800’s version of an expert bounty hunter. Malcolm believes this to be an easy assignment with this slip of a woman to watch over, but learns quickly that the role of Serena’s protector is going to give him more pain than a hit to the head. She will not listen to his instructions, takes off as she pleases and will not sit still so that he can take care of her.
When a wrong turn has Serena coming face-to-face with the force that will not be stopped she finally learns what the cost of this uprising is going to be, how critical her father is to finding a solution, and exactly how much Malcolm will do to keep her safe. While Serena knows how to control her independent ways she is not sure how to control her feelings toward Malcolm and if just one kiss from him is making her desire run rampant what will happen if she should touch him, should she dare do such a thing.
Serena experiences complete fear when a life-altering event forces her to decide not when to act but how and her determination to correct this wrong pushes Malcolm to choose if is he on her side or not. Malcolm will fight for the woman he loves, the country that turned its back on him, the name he wants back and the family he lost found. These are tall orders indeed but Malcolm is not any man he is a Scot and they rule the alpha world of romance and Amen to that!
This book is so much to take in because you have uprisings, romance, Scottish history and romance, wait I already said that, but it bears repeating for this book. When you read this book with the action, drama, and romance flowing so effortlessly you never feel confused or wondering what is going on. This is Michelle Marcos’s gift – to pull every element in and keep you on the edge or you chair without a care to what you should be doing besides reading right now.
August 9, 2011
I reviewed this book for Night Owl Reviews - 4.25 Stars:
Secrets to Seducing a Scot, the first book in the Highland Knaves series by Michelle Marcos, is an enthralling and adventurous Scottish romance. The characters are entertaining and the dialogue between Serena and Malcolm is razor sharp and occasionally contentious. It’s a good beginning for a series which promises to be a treat for fans of romantic tales filled with highlanders and lots of action.
Serena Marsh is a young woman whose column in The Town Crier, one of London’s popular newspapers, is all the rage. Her “Rage Page” is full of the latest gossip, the latest society events and even some fashion tips. She’s pleased with her life and is even beginning to think about marriage. When her father, Earlington Marsh, is given an opportunity to serve the King, he jumps at the chance- which frightens Serena who’s worried about his frail heart. Fearing she has no choice in the matter, Serena reluctantly packs her bags and accompanies her father when she can’t talk him into asking to be relieved of his assignment. She never imagined she’d fall in love with a Highland Scot or even grow to like the Scottish countryside.
Malcolm Slayter has had a very hard life; an incident in his childhood left him without parents or siblings. Branded a “slaighteour” by members of his clan, he’s been on his own since he was twelve. Working for the British is his only option. Agreeing to become Serena’s protector was easy; doing the job is something else. Even though he knows he’s not Serena’s social equal, Malcolm refuses to let her verbally or physically walk all over him and is determined to keep her safe.
The scenes between Serena and Malcolm are full of very lively conversation; Serena isn’t alarmed by the threat made against her life and is adamant about not needing a protector. She fights Malcolm almost every step of the way, at least until she encounters Brandubh McCollough and some of the other rebels at a local fair and realizes these men are nothing like the ones she’s encountered in London. When her father is kidnapped, Serena realizes she’ll have to depend on Malcolm to rescue him, though she insists on tagging along and helping him out.
The secondary characters in the story are well developed; I especially liked Serena’s father, Earlington Marsh, and Lord and Lady Askey, the Marsh’s hosts in Scotland. Their teenage daughter, Zoe, was also very likeable. Ms. Marcos also did a good job with the antagonists in this story, Brandubh McCollough in particular. It was very clear he had visions of grandeur and had no qualms about the price his countrymen might have to pay in order for his desires to become reality.
The end of the story is full of action as Serena and Malcolm put their rescue attempt into play. The more time they spend together, the more their attraction grows and their emotions get involved. When they locate Earlington Marsh’s whereabouts, it becomes a race against time due to his worsening health. Will Serena and Malcolm make it in time and will Serena decide her future lies with Malcolm in Scotland and not back in London? You’ll have to read Secrets to Seducing a Scot to find out. I know I’m looking forward to the next book, Secrets to Loving a Laird, which will feature one of Malcolm’s missing siblings and should be released in early 2012.
Secrets to Seducing a Scot, the first book in the Highland Knaves series by Michelle Marcos, is an enthralling and adventurous Scottish romance. The characters are entertaining and the dialogue between Serena and Malcolm is razor sharp and occasionally contentious. It’s a good beginning for a series which promises to be a treat for fans of romantic tales filled with highlanders and lots of action.
Serena Marsh is a young woman whose column in The Town Crier, one of London’s popular newspapers, is all the rage. Her “Rage Page” is full of the latest gossip, the latest society events and even some fashion tips. She’s pleased with her life and is even beginning to think about marriage. When her father, Earlington Marsh, is given an opportunity to serve the King, he jumps at the chance- which frightens Serena who’s worried about his frail heart. Fearing she has no choice in the matter, Serena reluctantly packs her bags and accompanies her father when she can’t talk him into asking to be relieved of his assignment. She never imagined she’d fall in love with a Highland Scot or even grow to like the Scottish countryside.
Malcolm Slayter has had a very hard life; an incident in his childhood left him without parents or siblings. Branded a “slaighteour” by members of his clan, he’s been on his own since he was twelve. Working for the British is his only option. Agreeing to become Serena’s protector was easy; doing the job is something else. Even though he knows he’s not Serena’s social equal, Malcolm refuses to let her verbally or physically walk all over him and is determined to keep her safe.
The scenes between Serena and Malcolm are full of very lively conversation; Serena isn’t alarmed by the threat made against her life and is adamant about not needing a protector. She fights Malcolm almost every step of the way, at least until she encounters Brandubh McCollough and some of the other rebels at a local fair and realizes these men are nothing like the ones she’s encountered in London. When her father is kidnapped, Serena realizes she’ll have to depend on Malcolm to rescue him, though she insists on tagging along and helping him out.
The secondary characters in the story are well developed; I especially liked Serena’s father, Earlington Marsh, and Lord and Lady Askey, the Marsh’s hosts in Scotland. Their teenage daughter, Zoe, was also very likeable. Ms. Marcos also did a good job with the antagonists in this story, Brandubh McCollough in particular. It was very clear he had visions of grandeur and had no qualms about the price his countrymen might have to pay in order for his desires to become reality.
The end of the story is full of action as Serena and Malcolm put their rescue attempt into play. The more time they spend together, the more their attraction grows and their emotions get involved. When they locate Earlington Marsh’s whereabouts, it becomes a race against time due to his worsening health. Will Serena and Malcolm make it in time and will Serena decide her future lies with Malcolm in Scotland and not back in London? You’ll have to read Secrets to Seducing a Scot to find out. I know I’m looking forward to the next book, Secrets to Loving a Laird, which will feature one of Malcolm’s missing siblings and should be released in early 2012.
April 27, 2013
When Malcolm was just a boy, men stormed into his families home, and killed his parents and two of his brothers. He and the rest of his younger siblings were branded and separated. He hasn't heard about them since, and even though he has moved on with his life, he still wants to find them again. Now he hunts down traitors for the King and is considered to have to country that will recognize him. So he makes his own way, as a fierce warrior, bringing those of traitorous intent to justice. Serena loves the life of London, with the parties, and has enjoyed writing for the gossip column and the popularity. But when her father is called on a vital mission for Scotland, she knows with his heart condition that she must go with him, even though she doesn't want to. But when her life is in danger, her father hires Malcolm to be her guard and protector. In the beginning the last thing that Serena wants is to be followed constantly, but when a powerful desire erupts between Serena and Malcolm, she only wishes to stay in his embrace. This is the first book that I have had a chance to read from this author, and I can say I was delighted by how much I enjoyed it. It wasn't total love at first sight, but I found it to be a fun read that captured the history and passion of the time. This is the first in the series, about two brothers and two sisters who all become orphans and lose each other.
This first book is Malcolm's story, who is the oldest of them. He has lived a lonely life, only doing what he has needed to survive. He has a brand on his hand where everywhere can recognize him as one without country or home. He makes his living as a bounty hunter of sort for the government of England. Then he is asked to protect the Ambassador's daughter, since her life has been put in harms way. Serena, at first I thought was a bit phony (at least in the beginning) all she seemed to care about or even whine about is that she doesn't have enough to do like going to parties and such. Malcolm has no patience for such women, and he puts her in her place, and after that scene (which I was pretty much laughing my head off), she started to be more likable. She starts to realize what Scotland and its people are going through, and we see a different side to her. She instantly likes Malcolm and is determined to seduce him (which could be very amusing at times) and it was just fun to see these two fight together and fall in love. This story takes place in the Regency period, and the setting was quite different, but I liked it just the same. It was interesting how everything was put together, with the different twists and turns that gave it a intense feeling to it.
There was such a magical touch to it almost, it had a fresh outlook on things and I enjoyed the sizzling chemistry between Malcolm and Serena. A Passionate and memorable story, one which I found to be very moving at times. Fully Recommend it!!! :) Plus who can resist a book with a cover like that---a gorgeous man with only a kilt?
This first book is Malcolm's story, who is the oldest of them. He has lived a lonely life, only doing what he has needed to survive. He has a brand on his hand where everywhere can recognize him as one without country or home. He makes his living as a bounty hunter of sort for the government of England. Then he is asked to protect the Ambassador's daughter, since her life has been put in harms way. Serena, at first I thought was a bit phony (at least in the beginning) all she seemed to care about or even whine about is that she doesn't have enough to do like going to parties and such. Malcolm has no patience for such women, and he puts her in her place, and after that scene (which I was pretty much laughing my head off), she started to be more likable. She starts to realize what Scotland and its people are going through, and we see a different side to her. She instantly likes Malcolm and is determined to seduce him (which could be very amusing at times) and it was just fun to see these two fight together and fall in love. This story takes place in the Regency period, and the setting was quite different, but I liked it just the same. It was interesting how everything was put together, with the different twists and turns that gave it a intense feeling to it.
There was such a magical touch to it almost, it had a fresh outlook on things and I enjoyed the sizzling chemistry between Malcolm and Serena. A Passionate and memorable story, one which I found to be very moving at times. Fully Recommend it!!! :) Plus who can resist a book with a cover like that---a gorgeous man with only a kilt?
October 7, 2011
SECRETS TO SEDUCING A SCOT by Michelle Marcos is an interesting historical romance set in 1819 Scotland. Book 1 in the "Highland Knaves" series. In this story we meet the Highland Knaves,a clan of outcast Scots. Malcolm,is the Knave of Hearts,he has no clan,no clan name,is a mercenary for hire,watched as his family was murdered except for his twin sisters and his little brother.He and his three younger siblings was mercilessly branded on their hands "S" for "slaighteurs". Malcolm,mutilated,orphaned,terrifed and left for dead while his siblings were taken as captors to be given into servitude. Now he has no country and no loyalties. Serena Marsh,is a diamond in the tough,gently bred English lady,writes for a London newspaper"Rage Page",and lives a pampered life of luxury. Until, she is thrust into Scotland with her father,Earlington March, Ambassador to Scotland. They are thrust into rebels,uprising,threats to Serena,and treason.With a hreat to Sereana,her father hires Malcolm to keep her safe. But who will keep her safe from her attraction to Malcolm. There is a kidnapping,an excape,sweet sensuality,a bit of romance,danger,healin,lust for freedom,justice,and lovers who can tame each other. This is a fast paced story filled with sensual tension,turmoil of the Scottish land and the healing of a heart long ago broken. A great beginning of a wonderful Scottish series "Highland Knaves". "Secrets to Seducing a Scot" Is a great Scottish read that will appeal to all Scottish, historical,romance readers who enjoy sensual tension,and a delightful love story.Received from the publisher for review. Details can be found at St. Martin's Press and My Book Addiction Reviews.
**COMING IN FEBURARY 2012 "Lessons in Loving a Laird"**
**COMING IN FEBURARY 2012 "Lessons in Loving a Laird"**
April 1, 2012
Other than the plot itself, I liked this book because, while the dialogue was Scottish, it was easy to understand. I don't want to have to learn another language just to be entertained, which is why this story was perfect! From the very first pages I wanted to keep reading and wonder what was going to happen next. As a Marcos fan from her very first book, she keeps it coming! Great!
wish-list-maybe
November 17, 2010August 2011
July 18, 2011
For a complete review, visit Affaire De Coeur magazine, online or hard copy at http://affairedecoeur.com/ - August 2011 issue.
September 6, 2011
Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
November 6, 2011
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies: http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
March 6, 2012
Great read and was looking forward for the next book
July 25, 2019
NAH. WHILE IT SOUNDED GOOD, THE STORY ITSELF WASN'T CAPTIVATING. I DIDNT SEE ANY DEVELOPMENT BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS THAT MADE IT WORTH THE MOMENT. IT WAS JUST TOLD TO YOU IN A WAY....
HERO was branded a shame to his clan after his father refused to be part of a war, and vows some sort of personal vengeance. Long story short, his family used to be powerful but one event left him close to being an orphan and now he is a mercenary whose loyalty is to himself. While the story didn't enchant me, the hero wasn't such a bad character. He has honour, he's quite the gentleman to females who don't vex him and he's also extremely capable to win a fist fight. He's the brutish sort a woman just can't deny.
HEROINE was more or less used to getting things her way until her father ferrets them away in Scotland under a pretense. Apparently someone is after her life and a bodyguard was hired for her. Of course, she's not happy about it and constantly fights our hero until somehow it turned into love. Bummer. That one didn't sit well with me because I barely saw any spark beginning that led to a relationship. Lust yes...love? It was too sudden for my liking.
OVERALL I skimmed this one. It could have been better in a wholesome way.
HERO was branded a shame to his clan after his father refused to be part of a war, and vows some sort of personal vengeance. Long story short, his family used to be powerful but one event left him close to being an orphan and now he is a mercenary whose loyalty is to himself. While the story didn't enchant me, the hero wasn't such a bad character. He has honour, he's quite the gentleman to females who don't vex him and he's also extremely capable to win a fist fight. He's the brutish sort a woman just can't deny.
HEROINE was more or less used to getting things her way until her father ferrets them away in Scotland under a pretense. Apparently someone is after her life and a bodyguard was hired for her. Of course, she's not happy about it and constantly fights our hero until somehow it turned into love. Bummer. That one didn't sit well with me because I barely saw any spark beginning that led to a relationship. Lust yes...love? It was too sudden for my liking.
OVERALL I skimmed this one. It could have been better in a wholesome way.
March 14, 2020
It's exactly what you expect it to be.
May 30, 2012
I’ve obviously had this book for a while. :( For some reason I just didn’t pick it up until recently. While it’s not a story that wows you to no end, it is an intense, somewhat sweet romance between a very unlikely pair who pull you into their lives during a time of uprising in Scotland.
Serena Marsh is the toast of London with her daily column in the local newspaper. Society hangs on to her every word about who’s been at what ball and all the goings-on that happened. She’s privileged, sheltered, and pampered. Though in the beginning she may seem selfish because of her upbringing, Serena eventually learns a lifetime of lessons in a very short time span while in Scotland, where her father is trying to negotiate terms between rebels and English crown.
Having lost his family at a young age, Malcolm Slayter has been on his own since the age of twelve, an outcast from his clan, a “slaighteur” for the perceived traitorous actions of his family. He and his surviving siblings are branded, literally, his brother and sister now captives of those who have taken everything from them. Malcolm is left for dead. But that doesn’t keep him and his need for vengeance down. A man now, without family, home, or country, Malcolm is, basically, a bounty hunter for hire. It matters not which side anyone else stands on, Malcolm will do what is required for the coin. There’s nothing else in his life worth anything.
But when threats are made against Serena, her father hires Malcolm to protect her. At this point Serena does get on the nerves a tad. She doesn’t take the threats seriously and does what she wants when she wants, despite warnings from both her father and Malcolm. You’d like to shake her to wake her up, but, of course, these things are needed to teach the girl a lesson. After treating Malcolm with a high-and-mighty attitude, never listening to his instructions, then fighting an attraction to him and finally succumbing to it, Serena goes one step too far and ends up in the hands of rebels intending to use her against her father.
Of course, it’s Malcolm to the rescue. Especially since acknowledging his love for her. Serena isn’t the only one to change throughout the book. The hardened, uncaring man he’s become slowly dissipates and a new Malcolm emerges. He’s not the man who would have come along if his life hadn’t been so radically and violently altered, but I think it’s safe to assume this man is close, all due to the love he’s now found. That’s what I like best about this character as he comes alive, along with his love for Serena, in this book. You can see his hard edges slowly recede, see a different person take the place of all the anger and hurt that’s resided inside of him for years. He learns to be romantic and loving while still retaining the steel needed to now survive not only for himself but also for Serena.
While you’ll get some intense love scenes, you won’t get those eye-popping events that keep you reading. What you do get is a gradual alteration of people who have to change their outlook on life as they’ve always known it. Even Serena’s father doesn’t go unscathed in this regard. I kept reading because I wanted to see the changes in Malcolm and how he handles them. I initially picked this book up wanting a dose of a Scottish hero. I got that and a lot more.
see my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
Serena Marsh is the toast of London with her daily column in the local newspaper. Society hangs on to her every word about who’s been at what ball and all the goings-on that happened. She’s privileged, sheltered, and pampered. Though in the beginning she may seem selfish because of her upbringing, Serena eventually learns a lifetime of lessons in a very short time span while in Scotland, where her father is trying to negotiate terms between rebels and English crown.
Having lost his family at a young age, Malcolm Slayter has been on his own since the age of twelve, an outcast from his clan, a “slaighteur” for the perceived traitorous actions of his family. He and his surviving siblings are branded, literally, his brother and sister now captives of those who have taken everything from them. Malcolm is left for dead. But that doesn’t keep him and his need for vengeance down. A man now, without family, home, or country, Malcolm is, basically, a bounty hunter for hire. It matters not which side anyone else stands on, Malcolm will do what is required for the coin. There’s nothing else in his life worth anything.
But when threats are made against Serena, her father hires Malcolm to protect her. At this point Serena does get on the nerves a tad. She doesn’t take the threats seriously and does what she wants when she wants, despite warnings from both her father and Malcolm. You’d like to shake her to wake her up, but, of course, these things are needed to teach the girl a lesson. After treating Malcolm with a high-and-mighty attitude, never listening to his instructions, then fighting an attraction to him and finally succumbing to it, Serena goes one step too far and ends up in the hands of rebels intending to use her against her father.
Of course, it’s Malcolm to the rescue. Especially since acknowledging his love for her. Serena isn’t the only one to change throughout the book. The hardened, uncaring man he’s become slowly dissipates and a new Malcolm emerges. He’s not the man who would have come along if his life hadn’t been so radically and violently altered, but I think it’s safe to assume this man is close, all due to the love he’s now found. That’s what I like best about this character as he comes alive, along with his love for Serena, in this book. You can see his hard edges slowly recede, see a different person take the place of all the anger and hurt that’s resided inside of him for years. He learns to be romantic and loving while still retaining the steel needed to now survive not only for himself but also for Serena.
While you’ll get some intense love scenes, you won’t get those eye-popping events that keep you reading. What you do get is a gradual alteration of people who have to change their outlook on life as they’ve always known it. Even Serena’s father doesn’t go unscathed in this regard. I kept reading because I wanted to see the changes in Malcolm and how he handles them. I initially picked this book up wanting a dose of a Scottish hero. I got that and a lot more.
see my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
June 30, 2012
Secrets to Seducing a Scot is the first in the Highland Knaves series. The story begins with Malcolm a thirteen year old boy whose family did not fight in one of the clan wars. His clan looses the war and blames Malcolm’s family, so in front of him his clansmen murder his mother father and older brothers, then they brand him, his younger sister and brother. The clansmen think Malcolm will probably die so they leave him but take his siblings. Twenty years later Malcolm is still an outcast and belongs no where but he acts as like a bounty hunter for the British crown. Meanwhile we have Serena who is really a bit of a spinster, she is supposed to be this gently bred English women who lives with her father as a member of the ton but yet she writes for the London newspapers about social events. Her father is a peace ambassador who is asked to prevent an uprising in Scotland. Once in Scotland threats are made about Serena and her father hires Malcolm to protect her. Instead of bringing peace as Serena’s father had hoped they also uncover an audacious plot to sever Scotland from England and restore the ancient Scottish Parliament.
The story itself is interesting, I think at times I was more interesting in the uprising and this idea of what would happen if you were clanless than in the relationship. The characters were ok they did not really draw me in and I did notice any sexual tension. There were also some dangling plot threads that I did not really understand the significance such as Serena’s relationship with Zoe, Serena is like 25 Zoe is like 15 why would they hang out?? The writing was good but I just did not feel my highland romance.
The story itself is interesting, I think at times I was more interesting in the uprising and this idea of what would happen if you were clanless than in the relationship. The characters were ok they did not really draw me in and I did notice any sexual tension. There were also some dangling plot threads that I did not really understand the significance such as Serena’s relationship with Zoe, Serena is like 25 Zoe is like 15 why would they hang out?? The writing was good but I just did not feel my highland romance.
April 26, 2015
The heroine just got on my nerves of how shallow she was. And when we found out that she was the one who wrote the threatening letter, the hero just took it woth a side comment of 'That was selfish. Buy I'll help you anyway.' What the hell? You know your father has a weak heart and can't take any more stress than he's already under so you give him something to think about that might kill him? But don't worry, you'll be able to go home! For anyone looking for a story about a selfish heroine who turns good after seeing all the harm she's done, this could be the book if only it didn't happen all of a sudden and there were really no repercussions for her actions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2012
I'm always up for a new author in my list of favorites, but this book just didn't do for me. I didn't feel that spark of excitement through me whenever I read a really good book. The idea of the story was good, but I wished it was more better developed. The characters weren't entirely memorable either. I think the only two characters I enjoyed reading about was the father and Gabby. I just didn't get that alpha hero vibe from Malcolm and Serena is well...Serena--not entirely my favorite heroine. I gave this book a try and it left no impression on me. It was safe but lack the sparks.
September 3, 2016
Book started off pretty promising. Serena seemed like such a witty and intelligent heroine. Then she turned into a superbly annoying and whiny character. My total dislike of her made this book so unlikable. Serena's life is threatened and her father supplies a bodyguard. Instead of complying, she goes whacko and does everything to thwart him despite the looming threat of death. Uh ok there.
historical
January 4, 2019Meet the Highland Knaves, an infamous clan of outcast Scots who live for justice, lust for freedom, and long for lovers bold enough to tame them...
A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Torn from a pampered life of luxury and thrust into the midst of a Scottish revolution, Serena Marsh is shocked to meet the brutish man who has been assigned to protect her from the rebels trying to kill her—Malcolm Slayter, the most rugged, most dangerous, and most undeniably attractive man she's ever encountered...
THE KNAVE OF HEARTS
Malcolm has no loyalties, no country, and no sense of propriety. Hired by her father, Malcolm agrees to protect the lovely lass for a fee. But when Serena challenges Malcolm's authority—and engages him in a risky flirtation—all bets are off. When the battle heats up, it's anyone's guess as to who's seducing whom...and who'll surrender first.
A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Torn from a pampered life of luxury and thrust into the midst of a Scottish revolution, Serena Marsh is shocked to meet the brutish man who has been assigned to protect her from the rebels trying to kill her—Malcolm Slayter, the most rugged, most dangerous, and most undeniably attractive man she's ever encountered...
THE KNAVE OF HEARTS
Malcolm has no loyalties, no country, and no sense of propriety. Hired by her father, Malcolm agrees to protect the lovely lass for a fee. But when Serena challenges Malcolm's authority—and engages him in a risky flirtation—all bets are off. When the battle heats up, it's anyone's guess as to who's seducing whom...and who'll surrender first.
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