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Highland Vampires #2

Temptation in Tartan: 1

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She has to marry a monster.Rumors have followed the chieftains of Clan Kilborn for centuries. Said to be descended from the Viking berserkers, they are ferocious in battle, known for tearing off the heads of their enemies and drinking their blood.But English noblewoman Lydia Swann–Williston will marry Kieran, Laird Kilborn, to bring peace to the Kilborn lands after the horror of Culloden and the brutal pacification. A widow, she also brings needed wealth to the clan. For her part, eighteen-year-old Lydia wants children. With her husband killed at Culloden, she will make a new life in the Highlands.The old chieftain of Clan Kilborn also died in battle, and Lydia hopes the new young Laird will lack his ancestors’ ferocity. That hope will go unfulfilled…

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2012

9 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Suz deMello

77 books56 followers
Romance author Suz deMello wants you to know that she has finished the process of re-acquiring rights to her books from various publishers, and then re-editing and repackaging each for indie release.

All her books are available in fresh, re-edited and re-covered new editions.

Befriend her on Facebook to be notified of sales and other events.
https://www.facebook.com/SuzDeMello

About Suz:

Suz deMello says, "I'm a cliche...A vegan yoga teacher from California who loves walks on the beach, cuddling her dogs and romance novels." But she's an award-winning, best-selling writer who's hit several best-seller lists, been short-listed for the RITA and reviewed by such prestigious publications such as Kirkus, Library Journal and Publisher's Weekly.

Suz uses a pseudonym to protect her privacy. But if you're a romance fan, you've probably read one of her 20+ books or have heard of her, since she's known for fast-paced, layered novels charged with humor as well as emotion.

Her personal motto is: Never stop learning, never stop growing. She's had at least five careers she can remember: librarian, trial attorney, Starbucks barista, grant writer, and yoga teacher. Perhaps her most interesting career move was teaching English to preschoolers in China! But she loves to write romance and teach yoga. She also has earned a 2d degree black belt in kenpo karate.

She currently resides in Mazatlan, Mexico, where she practices yoga, cuddles her dogs and walks on the beach every day. And yes, she's writing romance—this time, another Regency.

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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Ronda  Tutt.
863 reviews54 followers
February 21, 2014
Intriguing & Sizzling!

What an intriguing read and a great start for a new series. The story is filled with revenge, jealousy, sizzling mind blowing sex, cold blooded brutal murder, and the Highland / Lowland ways of survival.

At first I wasn’t too sure about this story because in the beginning the story is full of heated sex scenes which I don’t mind but with this it made me psychologically prepare myself for a sex book. Well I was wrong; the story starts to get more interesting as the back ground into the Kilborn heritage unfolds of them being descended from the Viking berserkers and Lydia’s discovery of the existence of a Vampire and blood line.

Lydia and Kieran Kilborn chemistry is electrifying and their erotic scenes are mind blowing as they sizzle off the page (Heat Level – 5 Flames). I have to say though that there is one scene that I did not like for I am not one for the torturing BDSM type of sex. The punishment that Kieran does to Lydia actually made me hate Kieran for what he did – but his character though was handsome, protective, and tender at times did warm me over in the end. Lydia on the other hand is smart though a little naive but eventually learns to take and serve up the same type of dish of treatment in return.

The story does get very interesting and the author gives the reader several points of view from several characters. Some may find this a little irritating but I actually enjoyed it as it gave me more of an insight into their type of character and I found myself getting to know them and love them better. With this being done now I just want to know more about each character and see them with their own story.

All the characters were interesting and the one I really liked was Euan (Sir Gareth’s brother) and was really sad by his brutal demise. However the true Vampire Sir Gareth was the most excited character that I wanted more of for he was the ancient one though he had gone mad. I liked the young 10 year old Laird Edgar that Kieran fostered and I hope eventually he gets a story where he carries on the blood line. Of course there are always characters to hate and Moria was one, she was the perfect character that deserved everything she got in the end, however another character I wished would of got what was due to him was that priest who got the clans all riled up. (sorry I don’t like superstitious religions – LOL)

Now for the story, First let me say that I was excited to see that this was a Paranormal Historical Romance. I’m not too disappointed in this stories outcome but I do have some mixed feelings and was a little disappointed at the fact that part of the plot was to thin the blood line of the Kilborn. The only real vampire is old Sir Gareth and that leaves Kieran and Dugald (Euan’s son) as the only ones who carry the bloodline though they are not truly vampire. I kept thinking the whole time I was reading that one of them would make a change or go into a change but neither one of them ever did. Matter of fact the only scene that made me think that Kieran was possible a vampire or was fixing to turn into one was when he tore off an enemy’s head and drank the blood. So really the only vampire action was from the old Sir Gareth himself.

For the ending there is a happy ever after with the clan and neighbors coming to a truce and with some new barrens but the decision made by both Kieran and Lydia to bring in new blood to wipe out the vampire blood line kind of ruined the whole idea of the paranormal historical romance series for me.

Overall, though I was a little disappointed at some things I have to say that the author did a good job developing some awesome characters and the writing was indeed very visual and captured the essence of the situations in each scene. I do look forward to reading the next installment of this series. I want to know more about all the characters especially Sir Gareth and am hoping the author puts a twist on the story and one of the characters finds that the vampire trait is more potent than they believe especially now that Kieran and Lydia have Sir Gareth’s Journal; hopefully they will find the secrets to keep their race alive instead of weeding it out.

Good Read!
Profile Image for Karma♥Bites ^.~.
833 reviews
July 12, 2016
(★½) Disappointing. Among other things, barely PNR as basic starting premise is gutted by end. Kinda feels as if the author got lost re: WB as the pages went by.

Also, YMMV but whilst I am OK w/ multiple POVs, I don't care to repeatedly read about secondary characters having sex. Defeats/dilutes the romance betn the MCs, which is the point of my reading ER. If I wanted to read about anyone having sex, then I'd read PWP/POP.

Still, pretty good technical writing = round up in rating.
Profile Image for Emily.
513 reviews54 followers
August 19, 2012
3.5 stars 

I enjoyed this story. Suz is a new author to me and so I had no idea what to expect going in to this book. I was pleasantly surprised by this story. I'm not usually a fan of historical romances this far back in time (18th century), but I liked this one. It was fun, exciting, and never slowed down. So why the lower rating? I had a few problems with this book that limited my enjoyment.

My two biggest problems were the multiple points of view and the various ongoing plots. At points I felt like I was reading multiple stories.  There were over 8 different points of view and while it partially worked here, it was also extremely disorienting. The story jumped around so much between different characters and that would have been okay if it weren't for all the various plots going on. All these different characters all plotting, whether it be revenge, sex, murder, seduction, or survival, so much was going on that it became a bit ridiculous. And the most ridiculous part of the plots were the conclusions. It's too tidily wrapped up in a pretty pink bow. All of it. And while I like happy endings, I also like them to be worked for. 

Also, another problem I had is the whole vampire thing. The book is categorized as having vamps and I was told it was a vampire book. And yet there's only one character called a vampire. And at the end of the book, I'm still trying to figure out if they are vamps or not. I mean, they drink blood and some live long lives. I'm still confused by the whole ending and the vamp debate throughout the book. And the ending does leave some questions unanswered, so I'm hoping that means there will be a sequel because, despite all my complaints, I enjoyed this story.

I would recommend this story to anyone who likes sexy Scots or historical romances. And even if you're not a huge fan of them like me, give it a read. You might be surprised at how much you like it.
Profile Image for Petula.
3,088 reviews87 followers
September 5, 2016
Lady Lydia Swann-Williston has been widowed by the battle at Culloden. Her husband was part of the English army. Now she is expected to marry a Highlander. The Crown would rather keep the peace through marriage than more war. Her dowry will provide wealth and protection from the clearances for the clan of the Highlander she marries.
Kieran, Laird Kilborn lost his father and elder brother in the battle, but knows he must accept the English bride for the sake of his clan.
The Kilborn clan has a reputation for unusual behaviour in battle. They do have many secrets to hide. Including the old man in the tower.
Our heroine is descended from a long line of military men, and has plenty of courage of her own. But is her sexy new husband a little more than human? Our hero is very happy with his sexy new wife, but still he is secretive.
This is a lovely big book with so much happening all the way through. The vindictive jealousy of one woman sets in motion a series of events that could completely destroy the clan. Will the clan's secret weapon save them all?
A very good book that I had a job to put down. I loved it.
Profile Image for Erzabet Bishop.
Author 171 books398 followers
July 9, 2012
This book was very well written and was a glimpse into Scotland's past, if that past included some pretty hot and smokin vampires. While there were a couple of scenes that left me squidgy, I enjoyed the book and will be looking forward to more from this author.

Hot vampires.
Hotter Scotsmen.
Enter Lydia, new to any kind of real sex.
Great book for a hot summer night. :)
269 reviews
December 13, 2019
Amazing

This is the second book I read from this author. I can't wait to read book 3. I like the characters and the mystery of the clan.
Profile Image for T.B. Cooper.
89 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2016
This review is for Temptation in Tartan by Suz DeMello

I ended up being completely absorbed with this book. I read about a third of it two nights ago and had to force myself to put it down. I picked it up again today – and “wasted” a few hours, finishing the book and enjoying some much-needed downtime!

Plot: Maybe I just don't find vampires scary or evil. Even crazy vengeful ones. So for me, while I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and it had the right amount of twists and turns and revelations… I feel (only slightly) disappointed that I never felt dread or impending doom. Maybe I've just read enough books by now, that the plots have become fairly transparent to me. Either way, no fault to the story itself. It had me captivated, the entire time.

Characters: After a bloody battle leaves Lydia, a widow at 18, she (and her sizable dowry) are used as a peace treaty between the English and Scottish clan of Kilborn. Her new husband is the newly-made Laird, after his father and older brother died in that same battle. The premise introduces (him) as ferocious as his mysterious relations, but I never once saw him as anything other than a passionate – sexy Scot! Oh, to have lived in mid-18th-century Scotland!

The Writing: Ms. DeMello's writing was fluid and read effortlessly, in the third person POV, mostly from what Lydia saw, but sometimes (as is part of 3rd POV) from the POV of a few other characters. There were no mistakes – typos, grammar, etc... And some of her descriptions were perfectly poetic; like the description, she gives of Lydia's first view of her new home: “… backlit by a muted sun struggling to glow through fog before slipping behind the waves.”

In Case You Wanted to Know: Oh. My. Gosh – there is SO MUCH(HOT) sex! Now, I'm all for new awakenings and steamy scenes, but for me, pages long encounters, frequently sprinkled throughout every (other) chapter, is a bit too much for me; regardless of how well described, or how graphic (and yes – they're pretty graphic – but hot – did I mention, Hot?)they are… Even with a well-written plot. I have been known to skip pages, thinking to myself, “my gosh, they're doing it again?” (I didn't do that here, BTW)... There is spanking, some BDSM(mild-IMO), nothing I found offensive, but I'm also pretty damn far from a prude... Ok, moving on... Um, Violence? Yes, but, vampire associated violence that is to be expected from the mid-18th century, post-Reformation. In other words, the “vampires” are personalized and not the bad guys… So any violence towards them, or that they do, is just part of being a vampire – I guess…

Overall: So overall, I think I pretty much enjoyed the book. I was surprised it took longer than anticipated to get through it, but that's only because the books I've read lately have been much smaller than I tend to read (the fiction ones, at least). But – I also didn't want it to end. Luckily, there is a Book #1 for me to get, and after reading the excerpt from upcoming Book #3 – yeah – Ms. DeMello will keep me entertained with her sexy Scottish vampires for quite some time!

*I received a FREE copy of this story, in exchange for my honest review.

*This book review format is copied and used by permission, from awesome Amazon user: DeeArr1
Profile Image for Cranky - The Book Curmudgeon.
2,091 reviews154 followers
October 5, 2016


***** 4.5 Cranky Stars *****

Playing off in the mid 1700's the author gives us a glimpse of historical Scotland during a harsh and savage time. Smoking hot Kieran Kilborn, warrior, rumored to be a descendant of Viking beserkers and Laird of the the Kilborn Klan.



Lydia Swann, recently widowed English noble woman is asked to marry Kieran as a means for the English to pacify this remote but fierce highland clan through marriage rather than war.



An exciting tale ensues, with much hot loving (there isn't much else to entertain in the remote reaches of Scotland) Despite the Chieftain's predilection for (his word) buggery and his very lusty nature, there is plenty of story line to support the love scenes which form the basis for a healthy marriage.



It is a story of growing love and trust between Kieran and Lydia, acceptance from the clan, coming to terms with the clans motto "Blood for the clan" and what it actually means and deceit and danger.



I enjoyed this book from page one to the conclusion. I mistakenly read book 2 first and though it also is excellent, I enjoyed book one just a bit more and as such I award this book 4.5 cranky stars.
Profile Image for Michelle Austin.
2,833 reviews45 followers
November 15, 2016
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Temptation in Tartan was a great 4 star read.

This is a historical romance with a touch of BDSM. There are 8 POV’s that are going on in this story. At times it would throw me slightly with all the different plots.

Lydia has married Kieran to help create an alliance. Lydia and Kieran have quite the connection in and out of the bed. Very hot and steamy.

As we watch these two build their relationship there are a few twist and turns thrown in. There is one scene that left me cringing but overall I really enjoyed this book. If you like historical romances with the sexy scots that you will want to 1-click and get started. We do get to see a hard earned HEA. Thank you Suz DeMello for a great read.

Alpha Book Club
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club
1,330 reviews10 followers
November 28, 2016
Man do I love a good historical romance. But I also love the Paranormal Romances too. But what Suz has done her is truly something magical. She combined the two and made a truly phenomenal romance book. This book is not only well written but charming to.
This story follows lady Lydia and her Scottish husband Kieran. When they meet it is instant attraction. You know that it is almost love at first sight. He knows who she is, but she does not know him. And then he tries to seduce her. She is one feisty woman too. Which only makes things so much better for him. But he has a dark secret, one that he fears letting her know. But there is one who is quite alright with telling her as she wants Kieran for he own. And when she gets traps Lydia in a place with a danger that is unknown to her. It is only a matter of time before all hell breaks loose and they may lose each other. That is if they do not figure out how to deal with all the mysterious things that keep happening and why a favorite of the clan is murdered.
Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too.
Profile Image for Traceys.
1,483 reviews71 followers
October 4, 2016
This is a historical drama with a touch of vampirism. The book is based when clans warred with each other and were always on guard.

Kieran is the leader of his clan and lives in the highlands, his family has a few oddities - they live long and occasionally drink blood. His off on his travels to meet his betrothed a young English woman.

Lydia is a young widow and has agreed to marry a Scotman to aide peace between countries. She is surprised when she meets him as his all man.

The two learn a lot about each other on the long journey to their marital home.

Lydia hasn't had a lot of experience in the bedroom, well not with pleasure -that is something Kieran is going to change and he does - he's a sexy man.

The story is okay, I was more interested in the main characthers developing a relationship and I believe more of the book should have been about them rather than other characthers. The paranormal element isn't a big theme with the main characthers, its there but I was hoping for more vampire action in the book.

It was an okay read.
Profile Image for Shawna.
92 reviews4 followers
February 10, 2017
Temptation in Tartan: A Highland Vampires Romance is a paranormal romance by Suz deMello. This was a very enjoyable ready. I will say you have to love reading sex scenes to fully enjoy this book because there are quite a bit in it. But the author is great at not only writing the steamy sex scenes but the story as well, so even if you aren’t into a bunch of sex scenes in your books, like me, you can still get into the story as I did. It isn’t your normal highlander book and defiantly isn’t your normal vampire book and that is what I liked about it. I really do like how the author put those two things together; it made for an interesting read.
Profile Image for Amber.
226 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2016
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

After being convinced by her family to marry for a strategic alliance, Lydia moves to the Scottish Highlands to marry Kieran. Kier is laird of the Kilborn clan, and Lydia is an English lady raised in society.

Scotland is a huge adjustment for Lydia, but she learns to love the country as well as her husband and his clan. When neighboring clans try attack the Kilborns, they are put to the test.

I would give this book 3.5 stars. There were some parts I didn't like (like the punishment scene) but overall I liked the story. Looking forward to reading the next book!
Profile Image for Carol Morgan.
580 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2016
A good enjoyable read without being overly complicated , Lady Lydia Swann Williston has been widowed at 18 , her uncle marry's her off to a highland laird , Kieron Kilborn , in an attempt to help keep the peace in the highlands .What doesn't start off as a love match quickly becomes one but Lady Lydia keeps hearing rumours that her husband & his family are unnatural blood drinking monsters & who is kept in the dark tower that Lydias husband has banned her from entering & will betrayal cost the clan dearly .
i was given this book free in exchange for honest review
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