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Scottish Brides #2
One Night with the Laird
A wicked attraction!
Fashionable society widow Lady Mairi MacLeod cannot understand the dark passion that binds her to Jack Rutherford. He is everything she dislikes in a man, rakish, arrogant and charming, and she would prefer to forget the night of wicked passion that she spent in his arms.
But when Mairi is threatened by a blackmailer, Jack is the only man who can protect her. As they work together to uncover where the danger lies, their passion reignites. Little by little, the masks they wear burn away, and their most private secrets come to light...
Scottish Brides - Where Regency elegance meets Highland passion!
Fashionable society widow Lady Mairi MacLeod cannot understand the dark passion that binds her to Jack Rutherford. He is everything she dislikes in a man, rakish, arrogant and charming, and she would prefer to forget the night of wicked passion that she spent in his arms.
But when Mairi is threatened by a blackmailer, Jack is the only man who can protect her. As they work together to uncover where the danger lies, their passion reignites. Little by little, the masks they wear burn away, and their most private secrets come to light...
Scottish Brides - Where Regency elegance meets Highland passion!
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
46 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Cornick
222 books1,164 followersInternational bestselling author Nicola Cornick writes dual-time historical mysteries that draw on her love for genealogy and local history. She studied History at London and Oxford and worked in academia for a number of years before becoming a full time author. Nicola acts as a guide and researcher at the stunning 17th century hunting lodge, Ashdown House and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Friends of Lydiard Park in Swindon. She gives talks and tours on a variety of historical topics.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
Nicola lives near Oxford and loves reading, writing, history, music, wildlife, travel and walking her dog. She also loves hearing from her readers and chatting to them. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter @NicolaCornick and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
February 16, 2021
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O poveste plină de emoție, pasiune fierbinte și pericole neașteptate.
Este povestea lui Jack Rutherford și a lui Mairi MacLeod. Pe ambii i-am cunoscut în primul volum al seriei și chimia explozivă dintre ei ne-a incitat.
De data aceasta avem parte de o poveste frumoasă și alertă, plină de suspans, a două personaje rănite de un trecut care a lăsat cicatrici încă nevindecate. De data aceasta le aflăm secretele, treptat.
Mairi este amenințată cu moartea și asta din cauza averii imense pe care a primit-o moștenire de la soțul ei decedat. În aceste circumstanțe, se trezește logodită de socrul ei — șeful clanului MacLeod — cu Jack.
Deși tânăra este atrasă de el din punct de vedere fizic, nu își dorește să se recăsătorească.
Jack are și el parte de secrete întunecate care încă îi bântuie viața. Este un tip care se ascunde sub o mască de bună-dispoziție și nepăsare, ce trece prin viață fără a avea o relație reală cu cineva, căruia nici măcar rudele nu îi cunosc cu adevărat traumele.
Mairi găsește în Jack nu doar partenerul aventurilor ei fierbinți, ci și un suflet la fel de torturat ca și ea.
Pe măsură ce avansează povestea, aflăm secretele fiecăruia, îi cunoaștem din ce în ce mai bine și ne întrebăm dacă cei doi vor reuși să doboare piedicile ce le stau în cale.
Impresiile mele le găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
O poveste plină de emoție, pasiune fierbinte și pericole neașteptate.
Este povestea lui Jack Rutherford și a lui Mairi MacLeod. Pe ambii i-am cunoscut în primul volum al seriei și chimia explozivă dintre ei ne-a incitat.
De data aceasta avem parte de o poveste frumoasă și alertă, plină de suspans, a două personaje rănite de un trecut care a lăsat cicatrici încă nevindecate. De data aceasta le aflăm secretele, treptat.
Mairi este amenințată cu moartea și asta din cauza averii imense pe care a primit-o moștenire de la soțul ei decedat. În aceste circumstanțe, se trezește logodită de socrul ei — șeful clanului MacLeod — cu Jack.
Deși tânăra este atrasă de el din punct de vedere fizic, nu își dorește să se recăsătorească.
Jack are și el parte de secrete întunecate care încă îi bântuie viața. Este un tip care se ascunde sub o mască de bună-dispoziție și nepăsare, ce trece prin viață fără a avea o relație reală cu cineva, căruia nici măcar rudele nu îi cunosc cu adevărat traumele.
Mairi găsește în Jack nu doar partenerul aventurilor ei fierbinți, ci și un suflet la fel de torturat ca și ea.
Pe măsură ce avansează povestea, aflăm secretele fiecăruia, îi cunoaștem din ce în ce mai bine și ne întrebăm dacă cei doi vor reuși să doboare piedicile ce le stau în cale.
Impresiile mele le găsiți aici:
https://justreadingmybooks.wordpress....
November 21, 2014
PRE-RELEASE REVIEW
Publication date: 29 October 2013
5 Passionate Stars
Ms Cornick drew me back to the wild Scottish Highlands with her second book in the Scottish Brides series... a compelling blend of passion-filled romance and intriguing mystery.
Neither of them gave away what really lay beneath
Beneath the arrogant, self-assured, confident and charming manner, Jack struggles with feelings of guilt and failure. However misguided, he believes he failed those he loved and blames himself for the death of his mother and sister. He sought solace in a bottle and only the efforts of his grandmother saved him from shame and humiliation and forced him to make something of his life. But he vows never to become emotionally involved with anyone again...he had the reputation for leaving a woman before the sheets were cold. When Jack reveals the full circumstances surrounding his sister’s death, I had an understanding of why, in his own mind, he carried this survivor’s guilt. He insists that everything he does is for selfish reasons… he has no honour…he is incapable of finer feelings…but his actions constantly prove that he is a worthy hero.
I had so much sympathy for Mairi. Like Jack, she is haunted by the past. Betrayed and hurt by her husband, forced to keep his scandalous secrets and burdened with the responsibility for the estates she inherited, Mairi has always had to be independent and strong. But she is tired of a life lived without colour or excitement. and I could understand why she longed to experience just one night of passion with a stranger. Events of the past have left her vulnerable and wary of any emotional ties. I love how gradually we begin to see the real Mairi, just as Jack sees her …complex, warm, passionate and sweet. In fact, she is a true heroine.
WOW!! Jack and Mairi’s journey was such an emotional roller-coaster. Ms Cornick captured all the subtle nuances of their heated and intense relationship. The chemistry between them was tangible...the sexual tension sizzling...the love scenes smouldering. But I loved the scenes when they each finally share their secrets. There is such a deep emotional connection that made their love for each other seem genuine and believable.
She stroked his hair and held him close as he fell asleep. She understood now why Jack was afraid to love anyone and why he did not want the responsibility of a wife and child. Her heart ached for him and she drew him closer into her arms.
~~~~~
He raised a gentle hand and smoothed the hair away from Mairi's cheek. She stirred in her sleep, making a soft sound and pressing closer to him, turning her face instinctively to his. Something like a fist clenched tight in Jack’s chest, sweet and poignant at the same time.
The mystery aspect of the plot held my interest and I only started to have my suspicions about the identity of the villain towards the end but there was a surprise twist I didn’t see coming and a nail-biting ending.
My only complaint was that the ending felt somewhat abrupt and so I’m hoping that we see more of Jack and Mairi in the final book in this series which features Mairi’s older spinster sister, Christina and Lucas Black, who made a brief appearance in this book.
A passionate and sensual love story, memorable characters, a compelling plot and great writing make ONE NIGHT WITH THE LAIRD a highly recommended read.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 Stars
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
Scottish Brides series so far (click the cover for more details):
My sincere thanks to Nicola Cornick for providing me with an ARC of her book in return for an honest review.
Publication date: 29 October 2013
5 Passionate Stars
Ms Cornick drew me back to the wild Scottish Highlands with her second book in the Scottish Brides series... a compelling blend of passion-filled romance and intriguing mystery.
Neither of them gave away what really lay beneath
Beneath the arrogant, self-assured, confident and charming manner, Jack struggles with feelings of guilt and failure. However misguided, he believes he failed those he loved and blames himself for the death of his mother and sister. He sought solace in a bottle and only the efforts of his grandmother saved him from shame and humiliation and forced him to make something of his life. But he vows never to become emotionally involved with anyone again...he had the reputation for leaving a woman before the sheets were cold. When Jack reveals the full circumstances surrounding his sister’s death, I had an understanding of why, in his own mind, he carried this survivor’s guilt. He insists that everything he does is for selfish reasons… he has no honour…he is incapable of finer feelings…but his actions constantly prove that he is a worthy hero.
I had so much sympathy for Mairi. Like Jack, she is haunted by the past. Betrayed and hurt by her husband, forced to keep his scandalous secrets and burdened with the responsibility for the estates she inherited, Mairi has always had to be independent and strong. But she is tired of a life lived without colour or excitement. and I could understand why she longed to experience just one night of passion with a stranger. Events of the past have left her vulnerable and wary of any emotional ties. I love how gradually we begin to see the real Mairi, just as Jack sees her …complex, warm, passionate and sweet. In fact, she is a true heroine.
WOW!! Jack and Mairi’s journey was such an emotional roller-coaster. Ms Cornick captured all the subtle nuances of their heated and intense relationship. The chemistry between them was tangible...the sexual tension sizzling...the love scenes smouldering. But I loved the scenes when they each finally share their secrets. There is such a deep emotional connection that made their love for each other seem genuine and believable.
She stroked his hair and held him close as he fell asleep. She understood now why Jack was afraid to love anyone and why he did not want the responsibility of a wife and child. Her heart ached for him and she drew him closer into her arms.
~~~~~
He raised a gentle hand and smoothed the hair away from Mairi's cheek. She stirred in her sleep, making a soft sound and pressing closer to him, turning her face instinctively to his. Something like a fist clenched tight in Jack’s chest, sweet and poignant at the same time.
The mystery aspect of the plot held my interest and I only started to have my suspicions about the identity of the villain towards the end but there was a surprise twist I didn’t see coming and a nail-biting ending.
My only complaint was that the ending felt somewhat abrupt and so I’m hoping that we see more of Jack and Mairi in the final book in this series which features Mairi’s older spinster sister, Christina and Lucas Black, who made a brief appearance in this book.
A passionate and sensual love story, memorable characters, a compelling plot and great writing make ONE NIGHT WITH THE LAIRD a highly recommended read.
REVIEW RATING: 5/5 Stars
SENSUALITY RATING: HOT
Scottish Brides series so far (click the cover for more details):
My sincere thanks to Nicola Cornick for providing me with an ARC of her book in return for an honest review.
March 5, 2024
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
The road trip part of the story.
Some parts of the beginning of the story was interesting.
➖ What I disliked:
The romantic build up/romance was unconvincing/lacking… and there was no real connection/love between the main characters…. There was lots of lust but not really any love.
The BDSM scene came out of nowhere and did not add anything to the story and it also seemed out of place both for the story and the main characters.
A little too predictable and formulaic.
Kind of rushed and underwhelming/underdeveloped ending…. But it is also somewhat abrupt and there is no epilogue.
The questionable comments about the heroines dead husband/ex-husband.
(About his sexuality)
Some parts of the story felt disjointed/jumbled.
The title of the book is perplexing and misleading because the hero is not a laird.
Repetitive.
August 20, 2013
A perfect blend of Highlander passion and Regency glamour, this book was a lovely read. The romance, the thrills, the mystery of who was threatening Mairi, it was all wonderful. Loved this romance!
Mairi was a strong heroine. Her past is shaded by the scandal of her first husband, whose secret she still keeps. And that has made her wary of putting in trust in someone, let alone falling in love. I really liked her. She wasn't the type to let anyone take her down and no threats were going to change that. But, it was also nice that she wasn't too proud to accept help when she new she needed it. But, she didn't have to like it. I thought she was great and a very likable character.
Jack is also haunted by his past. Because of the circumstances of his mother and sister's death, he feels that it was his fault and refuses to love again because he had failed those he loved before (in his way of thinking). No matter how much of a mask he wears to make himself seem selfish and unloving, however, it was clear that he was a good man. He was sweet and, even as he denied it, noble and honorable. I thought he was a fantastic hero and I adored him.
The romance was lovely, even though I wanted to just shove these two together and force them to admit their feelings. When you have two people who are reluctant to fall in love and get married, it makes for some frustration with their stubbornness. But, despite their hesitance, the romance still developed very well and it was clear that, even though they didn't want to admit it, that they had fallen for each other. And, the chemistry between them was on fire. Talk about some serious sparks!
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. The mystery of who was blackmailing Mairi had me riveted and I wasn't able to even guess who it, until a couple of pages before the reveal when I started to get suspicious. It was still a huge surprise, especially given the full story of what he did. And the ending was absolutely lovely.
One Night with the Laird was a wonderful historical romance. It was a perfect romance read. Lovers of the genre, this is a book that you don't want to miss.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a copy!
Mairi was a strong heroine. Her past is shaded by the scandal of her first husband, whose secret she still keeps. And that has made her wary of putting in trust in someone, let alone falling in love. I really liked her. She wasn't the type to let anyone take her down and no threats were going to change that. But, it was also nice that she wasn't too proud to accept help when she new she needed it. But, she didn't have to like it. I thought she was great and a very likable character.
Jack is also haunted by his past. Because of the circumstances of his mother and sister's death, he feels that it was his fault and refuses to love again because he had failed those he loved before (in his way of thinking). No matter how much of a mask he wears to make himself seem selfish and unloving, however, it was clear that he was a good man. He was sweet and, even as he denied it, noble and honorable. I thought he was a fantastic hero and I adored him.
The romance was lovely, even though I wanted to just shove these two together and force them to admit their feelings. When you have two people who are reluctant to fall in love and get married, it makes for some frustration with their stubbornness. But, despite their hesitance, the romance still developed very well and it was clear that, even though they didn't want to admit it, that they had fallen for each other. And, the chemistry between them was on fire. Talk about some serious sparks!
The plot was fast paced and I was hooked the entire way through. The mystery of who was blackmailing Mairi had me riveted and I wasn't able to even guess who it, until a couple of pages before the reveal when I started to get suspicious. It was still a huge surprise, especially given the full story of what he did. And the ending was absolutely lovely.
One Night with the Laird was a wonderful historical romance. It was a perfect romance read. Lovers of the genre, this is a book that you don't want to miss.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin for a copy!
February 6, 2020
Book 2 in the series. First time I've read a book by this author. There are quite a lot of sex scenes between our H/h, one of which includes bondage and a whip! There are at most three villains. One of whom I didn't see coming. Maybe some of you might have saw it coming but not me. Not sure why this is called "One Night with the Laird" when the hero was just a gentleman (a fourth son). I believe they even called him "Mister" Rutherford, not laird. *shrugs* Oh,well. There is no epilogue. A good read overall. Will check out her other books.
July 11, 2024
Blurb
A wicked attraction!
Fashionable society widow Lady Mairi MacLeod cannot understand the dark passion that binds her to Jack Rutherford. He is everything she dislikes in a man, rakish, arrogant and charming, and she would prefer to forget the night of wicked passion that she spent in his arms.
But when Mairi is threatened by a blackmailer, Jack is the only man who can protect her. As they work together to uncover where the danger lies, their passion reignites. Little by little, the masks they wear burn away, and their most private secrets come to light...
Scottish Brides - Where Regency elegance meets Highland passion!
Our Review
Let me start by saying that I loved this story. This is the first time read for me by this author and won't be the last already added some new titles to my to-read pile.
Just loved the chemistry between Mairi and Jack it was explosive. The writer did a great job creating a love story born from love and hate or more like a strong dislike of one another. The story was about a chance sexual encounter that started as just a one-night stand but turned into so much more.
What would you do if you woke up after having one night of no strings attached to realize that your chosen partner was one who you knew and despised? What a surprise right? How can you have a grand passion for someone you are supposed to hate? To make more things complicated the couple is related by a family marriage.
Mairi needs to put distance and between her and Jack and come to grips with her feelings before she encounters him again and he must never find out who he spent the night with. Jack on the other hand has no idea who he spent the night with but, knows he must find her and explore the overwhelming feelings he now has for a girl he just met.
Wow! This was one hot read bordering on an erotica novel. The sexual tension and sexual scenes the writer created were totally hot and enraging with a little bit of fun added. Not only that the story kept you clued to the pages. Who doesn't like a story with danger lurking about and a mystery to solve secrets to uncover or to see two people who were hurt by their past find love once again? Not only that who doesn't like to see the chase happen? In this case, the cat and mouse game between the two was fun to see unfold nether looking for a lasting relationship but, cannot seem to let the other go. After all Jake is a rake a love-and-leave-them type but, for once it's nice to see the rake fall.
I always have a favorite character and Jack was mine. Jack was a total Rake with a troubled emotional past due to a family tragedy. He has cut off his feelings and feels as though he is not worthy of love or happiness. A bit of a tortured soul. But, one single night with a mystery woman changes his life even though he may not know it yet. Many describe Jack as a very dangerous man to be feared but, we got to see a softer side of him as the story started to unfold and that there may be a heart buried there after all.
Mairi was an intriguing character feisty strong and smart woman. A woman who is shouldering some major secrets that never must come to light and keeping those secrets has become a burden. She must never get that close to someone and become emotionally engaged on the off chance that someone will fret out her secrets and hurt the ones she loves. My heart broke for her at the sadness and loneliness she must feel. To constantly pretend to be someone your not must be exhausting.
A passionate and intriguing read.Loved reading the story from cover to cover. I would recommend this read to all and will be reading more in this series as I have just gained a new author to follow as she writes beautifully.
September 4, 2013
Cornick starts her book off with a flash. From the very first page, the reader is swept into a liaison between a laird and a rich widow and a night of passion.
I liked the premise of this book. It was a little different from the typical Lord marries an heiress book. Here the laird and lady meet when she seduces him, or the Lady takes charge of the Lord.
Which brings me to what I liked about this book. Mairi, the heroine, is quite a character. She is strong willed (hence the red hair and Scottish heritage) stubborn, and carries a secret that she is trying to make sure never gets out. She doesn't seem to hold much trust in others that are not already apart of her life. She has a really hard time letting new people in.
Jack is the hero. I liked Jack. He was humorous and a good protector. He was also stubborn, and carries a secret of his own. The book centers around a mystery of Mariri's first marriage and how she inherited so much money. Cornick also incorporates a family baby blessing, where the characters travel to he babies home. All the characters seem to be related to each other...in some way.
I liked the characters in the book but wasn't surprised by Cornick's hidden bad guy.
Which brings me to what I didn't like about this book. The bad guy was always behind the scenes and hired others to do his bidding. When the big reveal came, I wasn't at all surprised. I totally guessed the ending and this caused a huge drop in respect for this book. I mean I guessed the ending way before it happened.
The second thing I wasn't a fan of was the way that Jack treated Mariri. They had their warring but when a hero starts tying the heroine up and asking her to marry him at the same time, I check out. This was a huge turn off in the book. I found I just skipped over this scene. For me, it really ruined the feel of the book. I lost respect for the characters, especially Jack. This idea just was so over the top and unnecessary, to me, that I'm not really able to look past it. I expected a nice, typical romance novel and this had BDSM. No thank you.
The last, and maybe the most important dislike was the ending. I was super disappointed in the ending. Not only was I able to guess the bad guy, plus his secret, but the last 5 pages of the book felt very rushed, not just the story but I could tell a difference in the writing.
Overall, I don't think I can recommend this book. I wish the author would take out the unnecessary BDSM and go back and add in more detail to the ending. Seriously, it ends with Mairi asking Jack to take her home. That's it! When you invest time in a book, it just seems right that an author invest something in the ending.
Content: a bit of BDSM involving dominance and restraint.
Book received from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I liked the premise of this book. It was a little different from the typical Lord marries an heiress book. Here the laird and lady meet when she seduces him, or the Lady takes charge of the Lord.
Which brings me to what I liked about this book. Mairi, the heroine, is quite a character. She is strong willed (hence the red hair and Scottish heritage) stubborn, and carries a secret that she is trying to make sure never gets out. She doesn't seem to hold much trust in others that are not already apart of her life. She has a really hard time letting new people in.
Jack is the hero. I liked Jack. He was humorous and a good protector. He was also stubborn, and carries a secret of his own. The book centers around a mystery of Mariri's first marriage and how she inherited so much money. Cornick also incorporates a family baby blessing, where the characters travel to he babies home. All the characters seem to be related to each other...in some way.
I liked the characters in the book but wasn't surprised by Cornick's hidden bad guy.
Which brings me to what I didn't like about this book. The bad guy was always behind the scenes and hired others to do his bidding. When the big reveal came, I wasn't at all surprised. I totally guessed the ending and this caused a huge drop in respect for this book. I mean I guessed the ending way before it happened.
The second thing I wasn't a fan of was the way that Jack treated Mariri. They had their warring but when a hero starts tying the heroine up and asking her to marry him at the same time, I check out. This was a huge turn off in the book. I found I just skipped over this scene. For me, it really ruined the feel of the book. I lost respect for the characters, especially Jack. This idea just was so over the top and unnecessary, to me, that I'm not really able to look past it. I expected a nice, typical romance novel and this had BDSM. No thank you.
The last, and maybe the most important dislike was the ending. I was super disappointed in the ending. Not only was I able to guess the bad guy, plus his secret, but the last 5 pages of the book felt very rushed, not just the story but I could tell a difference in the writing.
Overall, I don't think I can recommend this book. I wish the author would take out the unnecessary BDSM and go back and add in more detail to the ending. Seriously, it ends with Mairi asking Jack to take her home. That's it! When you invest time in a book, it just seems right that an author invest something in the ending.
Content: a bit of BDSM involving dominance and restraint.
Book received from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 10, 2013
"One Night with the Laird," followed book 1, "the Lady and the Laird," and let me say, I was excited to get back into the social world of highlanders in the 1800's that Nicola Cornick created.
The romance between Lady Mairi MacLeod and Jack Rutherford starts off with a night of anonymous passion that proves to be searing in their ties to one another. Lady Mairi takes a chance and lures a gorgeous man from a masquerade ball to a small private home she owns to escape her present worries and lose herself in a night of passion with a stranger. Little did she know, that the man she ravages (or vise versa) is none other than Jack Rutherford, a relative of her sister's husband whom she loathes! Well, maybe "loathe" is too strong of a word. ---The man who she finds to be dangerously attractive and arrogant who she avoids at all costs. YEOW!
In book 1, Jack propositions Mairi to be his mistress and she sent him to hell as any decent widow would….LOL. However, the chemistry and draw that each of these two have with one another is inescapable. Jack, himself, is a total babe. He is charming, handsome, and a favorite among ladies, men and society, alike. The ladies love him for his sex appeal and men admire him for his fierce fighting abilities and business savvy.Yet, Mairi can't get away from him fast enough. After that night of destiny, she leaves him without a goodbye or proper identity, and the man goes wild trying to find her as he just can't get her out of his mind. So, when both characters meet in that moment of revelation, sparks fly and what can I say, their fate is sealed….pretty much!
This story is a great read because of the unfolding sexual appeal that blossoms into an unwavering love that melts alway the strong defense mechanisms that both characters erect. In this book, you will find adventure, steamy love (with some BDSM scenes that are like WHOA!!!--hot in here!), family interactions, deep family secrets, castles, society events, evil villains, but most of all a love that is healing and irrevocable. The end "danger" scene was so riveting and heart warming. Wow! What a man Jack is! I love how he rescued Mairi.
I gave this book 4 Stars instead of 5 for some missed opportunities…
#1-- When Jack & Mairi were already lovers and "betrothed," he asked her to ride off with him on his horse and even though she wanted to, Mairi held back and didn't.
#2--Also, in the green room (I think that's what it's called), Jack and Mairi take shelter from the storm and this could have been a perfect rendezvous, but instead it was awkward and stilted.
#3, NO EPILOGUE!!! Are you freaken kidding me???? I hate it when authors don't add epilogues to great love stories…it's so unfair!
As a reader, I thought those were missed opportunities, but it was evident that the author used the two experiences to showcase the fear that both Jack and Mairi still had to conquer before their inevitable HEA. And, the epilogue would have been such a nice treat...oh well.
Overall, great book that I will re-visit from time to time. BTW, loved the book cover. Some book covers are so off and this one was very, very nice!
P.S. the narrator was great! I thought she did a wonderful job and complemented the story.
The romance between Lady Mairi MacLeod and Jack Rutherford starts off with a night of anonymous passion that proves to be searing in their ties to one another. Lady Mairi takes a chance and lures a gorgeous man from a masquerade ball to a small private home she owns to escape her present worries and lose herself in a night of passion with a stranger. Little did she know, that the man she ravages (or vise versa) is none other than Jack Rutherford, a relative of her sister's husband whom she loathes! Well, maybe "loathe" is too strong of a word. ---The man who she finds to be dangerously attractive and arrogant who she avoids at all costs. YEOW!
In book 1, Jack propositions Mairi to be his mistress and she sent him to hell as any decent widow would….LOL. However, the chemistry and draw that each of these two have with one another is inescapable. Jack, himself, is a total babe. He is charming, handsome, and a favorite among ladies, men and society, alike. The ladies love him for his sex appeal and men admire him for his fierce fighting abilities and business savvy.Yet, Mairi can't get away from him fast enough. After that night of destiny, she leaves him without a goodbye or proper identity, and the man goes wild trying to find her as he just can't get her out of his mind. So, when both characters meet in that moment of revelation, sparks fly and what can I say, their fate is sealed….pretty much!
This story is a great read because of the unfolding sexual appeal that blossoms into an unwavering love that melts alway the strong defense mechanisms that both characters erect. In this book, you will find adventure, steamy love (with some BDSM scenes that are like WHOA!!!--hot in here!), family interactions, deep family secrets, castles, society events, evil villains, but most of all a love that is healing and irrevocable. The end "danger" scene was so riveting and heart warming. Wow! What a man Jack is! I love how he rescued Mairi.
I gave this book 4 Stars instead of 5 for some missed opportunities…
#1-- When Jack & Mairi were already lovers and "betrothed," he asked her to ride off with him on his horse and even though she wanted to, Mairi held back and didn't.
#2--Also, in the green room (I think that's what it's called), Jack and Mairi take shelter from the storm and this could have been a perfect rendezvous, but instead it was awkward and stilted.
#3, NO EPILOGUE!!! Are you freaken kidding me???? I hate it when authors don't add epilogues to great love stories…it's so unfair!
As a reader, I thought those were missed opportunities, but it was evident that the author used the two experiences to showcase the fear that both Jack and Mairi still had to conquer before their inevitable HEA. And, the epilogue would have been such a nice treat...oh well.
Overall, great book that I will re-visit from time to time. BTW, loved the book cover. Some book covers are so off and this one was very, very nice!
P.S. the narrator was great! I thought she did a wonderful job and complemented the story.
January 14, 2014
As reviewed for The Reading Cafe 14 Dec 13.
http://www.thereadingcafe.com/one-night-with-the-laird-scottish-brides-2-by-nicola-cornick-a-review/
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
OH MY! Nicola Cornick gets a little naughty! I LOVE IT! :)
One Night with the Laird is the second book in her Scottish Brides series. We were introduced to Jack in her first book so we already have a taste of his bad boy, tortured soul, attractive and compelling self. I was really looking forward to his book and I feel extremely satisfied with his story. Nicola Cornick didn't take the easy way out and pair him up with a sweet virginal woman who can change his wicked ways ... nope ... she went with a woman who is herself tortured, unapologetic and his perfect match! Lady Mairi MacLeod.
After one night of crazy, uninhibited passion, Mairi wakes to discover that her lover under the mask just so happens to be a man she has promised to stay away from. Jack Rutherford. Knowing this will only bring drama, she sneaks out and disappears for months. Jack cannot shake this encounter from his mind. He is completely distracted with thoughts and questions about his one night stand.
When Mairi and Jack are invited to a house party, Jack comes to realize who Mairi is. She is not only the pain in his rear, stick up her butt, proper lady whom he can't stand, she is the woman who insisted he cut of her clothes, raked her nails down his back, sweet smelling perfect woman. Now he needs to truely conquer and seduce her. Perhaps though, Mairi is the seducer and is always keeping Jack on his toes.
When a blackmailer comes into the picture threatening to spill the beans on secrets that Mairi hold close, Jack feels it necessary to protect her. Danger lurks as these two find their way to peace together, but not before the fires are stoked and both become so invested in the other, it rewrites all they stood for.
Okay ... this book straddled the line between romance and erotica. If you read erotica, you will likely not be surprised but if you don't, there are a few scenes that may go beyond what one is use to reading in this genre. I happen to absolutely love that and have to say the chemistry between these two almost blew up my e-reader. LOL I was sucked right into the story, fell in love with both lead characters, and enjoyed their journey to each other.
HAPPY READING! :)
http://www.thereadingcafe.com/one-night-with-the-laird-scottish-brides-2-by-nicola-cornick-a-review/
5 out of 5 for this reader folks!
OH MY! Nicola Cornick gets a little naughty! I LOVE IT! :)
One Night with the Laird is the second book in her Scottish Brides series. We were introduced to Jack in her first book so we already have a taste of his bad boy, tortured soul, attractive and compelling self. I was really looking forward to his book and I feel extremely satisfied with his story. Nicola Cornick didn't take the easy way out and pair him up with a sweet virginal woman who can change his wicked ways ... nope ... she went with a woman who is herself tortured, unapologetic and his perfect match! Lady Mairi MacLeod.
After one night of crazy, uninhibited passion, Mairi wakes to discover that her lover under the mask just so happens to be a man she has promised to stay away from. Jack Rutherford. Knowing this will only bring drama, she sneaks out and disappears for months. Jack cannot shake this encounter from his mind. He is completely distracted with thoughts and questions about his one night stand.
When Mairi and Jack are invited to a house party, Jack comes to realize who Mairi is. She is not only the pain in his rear, stick up her butt, proper lady whom he can't stand, she is the woman who insisted he cut of her clothes, raked her nails down his back, sweet smelling perfect woman. Now he needs to truely conquer and seduce her. Perhaps though, Mairi is the seducer and is always keeping Jack on his toes.
When a blackmailer comes into the picture threatening to spill the beans on secrets that Mairi hold close, Jack feels it necessary to protect her. Danger lurks as these two find their way to peace together, but not before the fires are stoked and both become so invested in the other, it rewrites all they stood for.
Okay ... this book straddled the line between romance and erotica. If you read erotica, you will likely not be surprised but if you don't, there are a few scenes that may go beyond what one is use to reading in this genre. I happen to absolutely love that and have to say the chemistry between these two almost blew up my e-reader. LOL I was sucked right into the story, fell in love with both lead characters, and enjoyed their journey to each other.
HAPPY READING! :)
December 1, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
Yes, I spent most of the day reading One Night with the Laird by Nicola Cornick. Trust me I wasn't going anywhere today partly, because I was kind of sick. That's beside the point, the point is I finished the books I started yesterday. Trust me when I say that this story was a turn page that I couldn't put down.
So, we have our hero Jack Rutherford. Jack isn't know for his good qualities. Actually he's a scoundrel of the worst kind, you know the kind that make ladies swoon if he gives them a passing glance. Heaven forbid you manage to snag him in your bed, but be prepare for him to be gone before you wake. Yep, that kind. However, he has been trying to chase our heroine Lady Mairi MacLeod. A widow with high standards and refuses to let Jack into her bed. Of course Jack sees this a challenge that he doesn't mind.
You wonder how this story could get better. Let just say a certain lady decided to let down her hair and she accidentally lets a certain scoundrel into her bed and unintentionally sleeps with him. Rule number one don't go to a masquerade, we all know bad things happen. I find this hilarious that the one guy Mairi lets into her bed happens to be the guy she doesn't want anything to do with. Can we say "IRONY"? So, Mairi tries to forget the incident after all it's not like he knows who she is.
That's just the beginning and it just get progressively better with each turn of the page. Seriously, I couldn't put the story down. I mean you have someone trying to harm Mairi and she needs help. Jack offers her help, but basically blackmails her to into his bed. However, these to characters sizzle when they are together. To think, they started out hating each other. I guess two things kind either happen when you hate someone so much you: 1) you kill each other or 2) you tear up the sheets together.
Overall, fantastic read. I did enjoyed the first book, but One Night with the Laird was way better than the first. I mean you have passionate love scenes, blackmail, and a threat which boils down to a page turning good read. So, you are looking for something might knock your socks off, you might try One Night with the Laird.
Copy provided by Harlequin via NetGalley
Yes, I spent most of the day reading One Night with the Laird by Nicola Cornick. Trust me I wasn't going anywhere today partly, because I was kind of sick. That's beside the point, the point is I finished the books I started yesterday. Trust me when I say that this story was a turn page that I couldn't put down.
So, we have our hero Jack Rutherford. Jack isn't know for his good qualities. Actually he's a scoundrel of the worst kind, you know the kind that make ladies swoon if he gives them a passing glance. Heaven forbid you manage to snag him in your bed, but be prepare for him to be gone before you wake. Yep, that kind. However, he has been trying to chase our heroine Lady Mairi MacLeod. A widow with high standards and refuses to let Jack into her bed. Of course Jack sees this a challenge that he doesn't mind.
You wonder how this story could get better. Let just say a certain lady decided to let down her hair and she accidentally lets a certain scoundrel into her bed and unintentionally sleeps with him. Rule number one don't go to a masquerade, we all know bad things happen. I find this hilarious that the one guy Mairi lets into her bed happens to be the guy she doesn't want anything to do with. Can we say "IRONY"? So, Mairi tries to forget the incident after all it's not like he knows who she is.
That's just the beginning and it just get progressively better with each turn of the page. Seriously, I couldn't put the story down. I mean you have someone trying to harm Mairi and she needs help. Jack offers her help, but basically blackmails her to into his bed. However, these to characters sizzle when they are together. To think, they started out hating each other. I guess two things kind either happen when you hate someone so much you: 1) you kill each other or 2) you tear up the sheets together.
Overall, fantastic read. I did enjoyed the first book, but One Night with the Laird was way better than the first. I mean you have passionate love scenes, blackmail, and a threat which boils down to a page turning good read. So, you are looking for something might knock your socks off, you might try One Night with the Laird.
Copy provided by Harlequin via NetGalley
October 29, 2013
I enjoy reading Nicola' s books. I have most of her books as they are great to take me away from real life for awhile. I like books about rakes. I like books about damaged women. I loved this book as it has all of the above reasons in it. Nicola writes about the most interesting characters. Jack and Mairi were both wounded from life. They wanted to give up but couldn't even though they disliked their lives. I am so glad they kept trying. She also has a way to developing a mean villain. You really learn to hate them. She has written some of the best love scenes I've ever read. They were more than I was expecting. Please give this book a try. It's a fairly quick read and a great addition to your library!
December 12, 2013
I really enjoyed this book.
Mairi and Jack are great flawed characters - they each have their own demons and are both very private people who don't trust easily
Watching them fall In love was very entertaining - especially since neither of them wanted to be in love or get married.
I thought this book was quite a bit more steamy than other books I have read by Ms. Cornick - but that was fine by me - the hotter the better!!
I thought the end of the book was a bit abrupt and things wrapped up too quickly and neatly to be believable - but all in all it was a very good read.
I am looking forward to the next book about Lucas and Christina
Mairi and Jack are great flawed characters - they each have their own demons and are both very private people who don't trust easily
Watching them fall In love was very entertaining - especially since neither of them wanted to be in love or get married.
I thought this book was quite a bit more steamy than other books I have read by Ms. Cornick - but that was fine by me - the hotter the better!!
I thought the end of the book was a bit abrupt and things wrapped up too quickly and neatly to be believable - but all in all it was a very good read.
I am looking forward to the next book about Lucas and Christina
May 23, 2019
This is my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it. i just love Jack he was a good hero. i enjoyed the romance between the H and h. i also will look for the first book that was her sister's story with Jacks cousin. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
November 27, 2013
Nicola does it again! I LOVE this book
January 13, 2014
What I love about Ms. Cornick's writing is that she had the ability to pull you into the story from the very beginning and never in the book does she lose your interest. Her settings are rich in detail taking you back to another era. Her characters come to life and you feel the emotions they go through both joy and gut wrenching agony. She also brings back characters you fell in love with from the first book and introduces you to the new character from the next book. The hardest part is that after falling in love with Robert and Lucy in the first book and Jack and Mairi in this book you will be hard pressed to decide which love story you enjoyed the most. Well written, great plot with twists you don't see coming, definite must read. I look forward to the next book, my only regret is that I will have to wait 6 months.
July 11, 2014
Lady Mairi's appeal offsets Jack's petulant mean-spiritedness in the first 100+ pages. After that, it's easier to root for them to end up together. Robert and Lucy are more enjoyable as secondary characters in this 2nd installment in the series than in their own story in the first.
One Night with the Laird is more reflective of the strengths of N.C.'s writing talents and makes me anticipate enjoying the next entry in this Scottish Brides series.
One Night with the Laird is more reflective of the strengths of N.C.'s writing talents and makes me anticipate enjoying the next entry in this Scottish Brides series.
September 28, 2013
Wham, bam, thank you...sir. Loved seeing Mari and Jack again from the first book. I was so excited they hadn't changed. Took me a while to figure out who the bad guy was. Didn't like the ending, it needed more. I hope the third book is Mari and Lucy's big sister, but there were no hints as to who it might be.
July 11, 2020
Mairi has a secret that will shock you. Now she's being blackmailed and was the victim of an attempted kidnapping. She must enlist Jack Rutherford's assistance even though she argues against it. She especially doesn't want him to find out that she was the woman he had an encounter with at a masked ball 2 years before.
It's a story of suspense, hate/love and mystery. You'll love it.
It's a story of suspense, hate/love and mystery. You'll love it.
June 10, 2014
Recensione per Isn't It Romantic?
http://www.romancebooks.it/romanceboo...
http://www.romancebooks.it/romanceboo...
May 14, 2020
So, the romance in this book follows the same formula as some of Nicola Cornick's other work. But, the book was by no means boring.
Mairi and Jack are both haunted by their respective pasts. We come to learn that whatever happened has led to Mairi being guarded, generally leading an isolated life, and Jack keeping everyone at arms length (not physically as, of course, he has a bevy of women keeping his bed warm).
With this in mind, it was fun seeing them slowly fall in love. Their interactions were fiiiiiiiiire. I especially liked Jack's possessive streak - hubba. He is a loveable character but he makes a few shitty mistakes that make you want to knock some sense into him but the man was grown by the end.
I admired Mairi's strength and felt as though I was sharing in her grief in a way, testament to how beautifully these passages were written. She does not forget Archie and her pain was not 'fixed' when Jack strolled in to the picture.
There were a few surprises along the way. I'm usually very bad at picking up clues but I am somewhat proud to say I guessed the McLeod secret. I was anxious to see how the author would broach the topic but it is not really discussed.
The ending was quite abrupt. It was cute but it felt incomplete. I vote yes for an epilogue.
Note: knife play and bondage scenes (mild?)
Mairi and Jack are both haunted by their respective pasts. We come to learn that whatever happened has led to Mairi being guarded, generally leading an isolated life, and Jack keeping everyone at arms length (not physically as, of course, he has a bevy of women keeping his bed warm).
With this in mind, it was fun seeing them slowly fall in love. Their interactions were fiiiiiiiiire. I especially liked Jack's possessive streak - hubba. He is a loveable character but he makes a few shitty mistakes that make you want to knock some sense into him but the man was grown by the end.
I admired Mairi's strength and felt as though I was sharing in her grief in a way, testament to how beautifully these passages were written. She does not forget Archie and her pain was not 'fixed' when Jack strolled in to the picture.
There were a few surprises along the way. I'm usually very bad at picking up clues but I am somewhat proud to say I guessed the McLeod secret. I was anxious to see how the author would broach the topic but it is not really discussed.
The ending was quite abrupt. It was cute but it felt incomplete. I vote yes for an epilogue.
Note: knife play and bondage scenes (mild?)
October 13, 2020
In One Night with the Laird, Lady Mairi MacLeod, a young widow, finds herself on the wrong side of society gossip when it is said she entertained a handsome stranger, overnight, at her home. All the rumours are true, but it's worse that the gentleman she spent the night with was actually the one man she can't stand, Jack Rutherford, the cousin of her brother-in-law, and she can't stop thinking about him. Both are changed by their time together, and would want nothing more than an encore, but they need to get over their dislike for each other first. When it seems a blackmailer is circling, after the vast inheritance that Mairi's late husband left her, Jack may just be the one person who can protect her, and as her fiancee at that. Will their passion defeat all odds?
I read the first book in this series, The Lady and the Laird, and loved reading the witty banter, and snark between Mairi and Jack when they met following Lucy and Robert's marriage. They did not disappoint in this book either. All of their scenes together were a joy to read, and the clear lust and chemistry between them slowly developed into a real sense of care and love towards each other. The plot line surrounding Mairi's late husband, and who is after the money and property was captivating, and I had my suspicion's, but when they were confirmed, I still was shocked. This might be my favourite book in the series, and I'm hoping to read more of Nicola's books in the future.
I read the first book in this series, The Lady and the Laird, and loved reading the witty banter, and snark between Mairi and Jack when they met following Lucy and Robert's marriage. They did not disappoint in this book either. All of their scenes together were a joy to read, and the clear lust and chemistry between them slowly developed into a real sense of care and love towards each other. The plot line surrounding Mairi's late husband, and who is after the money and property was captivating, and I had my suspicion's, but when they were confirmed, I still was shocked. This might be my favourite book in the series, and I'm hoping to read more of Nicola's books in the future.
December 15, 2018
I... remember the widow as she had some spice to her. In the beginning there was some story of her slapping the hero and giving him what they call I guess the cut direct. And then they have some 1 night stand and veer into the S&M historical era version of it and meh.
Other than that I forget what else might have happened in this story.
Just not for me this author.
Everything is either focused on the popular topics that interest the populist today with delving into the historical but the rest of it that holds it all together is just milk tea... Nope. Better that we both never meet.
Other than that I forget what else might have happened in this story.
Just not for me this author.
Everything is either focused on the popular topics that interest the populist today with delving into the historical but the rest of it that holds it all together is just milk tea... Nope. Better that we both never meet.
March 19, 2018
wow I didn't like this book. too much posturing and "I like you but I can't" or "you don't love me!" but we'll have sex all the time. 🙄 not buying it. I was excited for Mairi and Jack's book but this was not good.
and for all her worrying about having a child she certainly didn't take any precautions...
and for all her worrying about having a child she certainly didn't take any precautions...
February 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this story set in Scotland and I loved the two main characters and their developing relationship. I guessed who the villain was fairly early on but that didn't spoil things.
Jack was very interesting and I found him a much more engaging character than the heroine. This was a well written and very entertaining tale.
Jack was very interesting and I found him a much more engaging character than the heroine. This was a well written and very entertaining tale.
August 27, 2023
Une romance historique qui sort un peu des sentiers battus mais qui m'a séduite avec une histoire simple mais touchante.
Les héros sont ici meurtris par leur passé et vive une grande solitude malgré les apparences. Mais les étincelles crépitent, à leur cœur défendant, sous fond de menace et de scandale. Un très bon moment de lecture.
Les héros sont ici meurtris par leur passé et vive une grande solitude malgré les apparences. Mais les étincelles crépitent, à leur cœur défendant, sous fond de menace et de scandale. Un très bon moment de lecture.
June 22, 2017
Ugh, I doubted their HEA.
November 2, 2018
This is the first time I have a read anything by Nicola Cornick. It was one of those books that was easy to read but still kept me interested in the story. 2 thumbs up 👍👍
May 9, 2019
Alternated between really good and kind of predictable. A solid three stars anyway.
May 18, 2019
Siento que le faltaron 100 páginas para yo sentirme satisfecha con ese final.
August 23, 2019
superb for this level of genre
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