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The Ravenscraig Legacy #3
Tall, Dark and Kilted
Cilla Swanner came to Dunroamin Castle in Scotland to get away from heartache and headache. But what she finds there may be more than she can handle. Long ago, the roguish Scottish knight known as Hardwick was cursed to wander the world forever, pleasing a different woman each night with no hope of fulfillment or true love. Then he meets Cilla, who may be his only hope for salvation.
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2008
54 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Allie Mackay
52 books163 followersSue-Ellen MacDuffie Welfonder
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay
Allie Mackay is the alter ego of USA Today bestselling author, Sue-Ellen Welfonder, who writes Scottish medieval romances www.welfonder.com. A former flight attendant of Scottish descent, she spent fifteen years living in Europe and still makes annual visits to Scotland. Most inspired by the wild places of Scotland’s far north, she is also fascinated by the paranormal, Scottish folklore and Highland tradition. In addition to her great love of Scotland, her other main interests are medieval history, hill walking, and dogs. Proud of her own Scottish ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: The MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. She currently resides in Florida with her husband, Manfred, and her Jack Russell Terrier, Em. Allergic to flash and brass, she enjoys living quietly and spends her time writing her books and counting the minutes until she can board that next Glasgow-bound plane.
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay
Allie Mackay is the alter ego of USA Today bestselling author, Sue-Ellen Welfonder, who writes Scottish medieval romances www.welfonder.com. A former flight attendant of Scottish descent, she spent fifteen years living in Europe and still makes annual visits to Scotland. Most inspired by the wild places of Scotland’s far north, she is also fascinated by the paranormal, Scottish folklore and Highland tradition. In addition to her great love of Scotland, her other main interests are medieval history, hill walking, and dogs. Proud of her own Scottish ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: The MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. She currently resides in Florida with her husband, Manfred, and her Jack Russell Terrier, Em. Allergic to flash and brass, she enjoys living quietly and spends her time writing her books and counting the minutes until she can board that next Glasgow-bound plane.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
May 28, 2015
Plot lacked substance...The only thing this book revolved around was physical love And how the heroine was willing to do ANYTHING & EVERYTHING to get the hero to into her bed even though she KNEW that breaking his oath would send him to hell...*rolling my eyes*
November 1, 2008
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Nov08
Really 3.5 stars.
What could be better than a story about a handsome, braw highlander? A story about a handsome, sexy, ghost highlander, that’s what. Allie Mackay’s “Tall, Dark, and Kilted” is her third foray into the Scottish highlands and the ghosties that live there. And it’s all to our benefit that her highland ghosts just happen to be male, gorgeous, and waiting for that special someone.
Cilla is thrilled to finally be in Scotland. Even if it took being jilted by her fiancé and having her business fail. She’s just lucky that her aunt married a highlander and they’re willing to have her spend the summer with them. Their estate, Dunroamin Castle is a registered care home and its residents quickly appear able to provide both amusement and lots of stories about the Scotland’s past. It’s just too bad her uncle swears there’s no such thing as ghosts—especially in his castle. So the incredibly sexy kilted highlander she keeps seeing must just be the result of jetlag. Too bad, since his hot gaze turns her legs to butter and makes her skin tingle.
Sir Hardwick of Seagrave is tired of his existence. For the last 700 years he’s ‘lived’ under a curse—to roam the world forever and ‘please’ a different woman each night, but never find love. True to the rogue he was, he found his curse exciting for the first 50 years or so, but now he’s just weary. So he made a deal with the Dark One…his curse will be lifted and he will have eternal rest IF he can go a year and a day without being aroused. Deal struck, he heads to the place of his choosing to wait out his time. After all, there’s nobody young enough to catch his fancy at Dunroamin Castle. Uh oh, me thinks there might be a wee bit of a problem now.
Now how good of a writer do you have to be to make actually like a character who was such a rogue he was struck with a curse like that? I really liked Hardwick. Yes he was a dog, but even HE eventually figures out what’s important. And don’t we all just love to see the hard core rakes fall? His efforts to thwart the curse had me laughing and his eventual willingness to sacrifice for the woman he loved had me sighing. And Cilla was an interesting woman who proved willing to fight for her man. I enjoyed both characters and thought their actions and motivations were well done. My only complaint is that as hot as their attraction was, and as much as they were willing to give up for each other…their relationship just didn’t tug at my emotions. Maybe it was the whole ghost thing, but they just didn’t spend enough time talking about their relationship and problems. At least that’s how it felt to me.
The setting for the story was wonderful. The beauty and magic of the highlands comes through loud and clear in Mackay’s writing. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, and there were definitely some ‘characters’, included in this story. From crotchety old women to blustering Scots to randy ghosts, Mackay’s cast was the ideal accompaniment to this tale. And for a story whose plot requires a lack of actual consummation for most of the book, the heat level was still pretty high throughout.
I’m glad I read “Tall, Dark, and Kilted”. I’ve read her other two paranormals and enjoyed them a bit better than this one, but I’ll still be waiting for her next ghost story even though it doesn’t release until Feb 2010. Until then, I’ll have to be satisfied with the historicals she writes under the name Sue-Ellen Welfonder.
Really 3.5 stars.
What could be better than a story about a handsome, braw highlander? A story about a handsome, sexy, ghost highlander, that’s what. Allie Mackay’s “Tall, Dark, and Kilted” is her third foray into the Scottish highlands and the ghosties that live there. And it’s all to our benefit that her highland ghosts just happen to be male, gorgeous, and waiting for that special someone.
Cilla is thrilled to finally be in Scotland. Even if it took being jilted by her fiancé and having her business fail. She’s just lucky that her aunt married a highlander and they’re willing to have her spend the summer with them. Their estate, Dunroamin Castle is a registered care home and its residents quickly appear able to provide both amusement and lots of stories about the Scotland’s past. It’s just too bad her uncle swears there’s no such thing as ghosts—especially in his castle. So the incredibly sexy kilted highlander she keeps seeing must just be the result of jetlag. Too bad, since his hot gaze turns her legs to butter and makes her skin tingle.
Sir Hardwick of Seagrave is tired of his existence. For the last 700 years he’s ‘lived’ under a curse—to roam the world forever and ‘please’ a different woman each night, but never find love. True to the rogue he was, he found his curse exciting for the first 50 years or so, but now he’s just weary. So he made a deal with the Dark One…his curse will be lifted and he will have eternal rest IF he can go a year and a day without being aroused. Deal struck, he heads to the place of his choosing to wait out his time. After all, there’s nobody young enough to catch his fancy at Dunroamin Castle. Uh oh, me thinks there might be a wee bit of a problem now.
Now how good of a writer do you have to be to make actually like a character who was such a rogue he was struck with a curse like that? I really liked Hardwick. Yes he was a dog, but even HE eventually figures out what’s important. And don’t we all just love to see the hard core rakes fall? His efforts to thwart the curse had me laughing and his eventual willingness to sacrifice for the woman he loved had me sighing. And Cilla was an interesting woman who proved willing to fight for her man. I enjoyed both characters and thought their actions and motivations were well done. My only complaint is that as hot as their attraction was, and as much as they were willing to give up for each other…their relationship just didn’t tug at my emotions. Maybe it was the whole ghost thing, but they just didn’t spend enough time talking about their relationship and problems. At least that’s how it felt to me.
The setting for the story was wonderful. The beauty and magic of the highlands comes through loud and clear in Mackay’s writing. I also enjoyed the secondary characters, and there were definitely some ‘characters’, included in this story. From crotchety old women to blustering Scots to randy ghosts, Mackay’s cast was the ideal accompaniment to this tale. And for a story whose plot requires a lack of actual consummation for most of the book, the heat level was still pretty high throughout.
I’m glad I read “Tall, Dark, and Kilted”. I’ve read her other two paranormals and enjoyed them a bit better than this one, but I’ll still be waiting for her next ghost story even though it doesn’t release until Feb 2010. Until then, I’ll have to be satisfied with the historicals she writes under the name Sue-Ellen Welfonder.
October 4, 2014
I love this entire series by Allie MacKay which is also Scottish romance author Sue-Ellen Welfonder who I have been reading fir many years since her debut. I live close to Yardley, Pennsylvania where the heroine of the story Cilla Swanner goes is from and after a bad breakup and a struggling jewelry from her goes to visit her Aunt and Uncle in Scotland to heal and ends up meeting the man of her dreams. There is only one problem she us the only one that can see him, plus he is not exactly a man he is actually a ghost that resides currently at Dunroamin Castle that Cilla's relatives run and turned into a retirement community.
Some Seven hundred years ago a Scottish knight called Sir Hardwin de Studley of Seagrave refused a powerful wizard who was disguised as a bard entrance in his home. After refusal the wizard cursed Sir Hardwin that friends call Hardwick. He cursed him to an eternity of pleasuring a different woman every night. To break the Wizards curse, Hardwick recently makes a deal with a dark powerful source if he stays all he has do is stay celibate for a year and a day as he is tired of all these faceless women and wants eternal peace. This is agreed until he meets the beautiful Cilla and everything that seemed safe in his world turns upside down at first he tries to get her to leave. Of course Cilla modern American take no crap Pennsylvania woman can't be scared off. The attraction between these two is sizzling as they both want each other but he fights it. Finally Hardwin asks the dark one for a boon, one night of pleasure with Cilla for his soul. The dark one accepts excepts he wants one more thing he wants Cilla's soul too.
If Hardwick does not accept the dark one's requirements he will not have sex with the maid of his choice as in the past but with these disgusting horrible hell hags for all of eternity. So will Hardwin give up his beloved's soul so he won't have to face eternity to service hell hags and give up both their souls for his own needs? Or will he refuse in the name of love.
Besides all of this there is some thievery going on behind Cillia's Aunt and Uncles back that could destroy their entire retirement business. Also from previous Ravenscraig Legacy books like book 2 (Highlander in Her Bed) the character's Bran of Barra and Wee Hughie also make appearances in this book as well. Plus a viking ghost couple sending a message to Cilla for help. Yes a lot of fun action going on on this story you won't be able to put it down
Yes many twists and turns which makes Allie MacKay books so much fun to read. Tall, Dark and Kilted is funny too like the play on Hardwin's nickname his friends call him Hardwick. I thought that was both brilliant and hilarious on the authors clever wit and imagination.
Another wonderful, captivating and enchanting story readers won't be able to put down. I loved the forbidden love undercurrent in this story and against all odds how the couple manages or not?The reader will just have to read Tall, Dark and Kilted, book 3, The Ravenscraig Legacy to find out what happens when you play with the Devil and or fire if they get burned or not?
Another beautiful story and amazing read by the multi talented extraordinary author Allie MacKay/ Sue-Ellen Welfonder! This is the third book in The Ravenscraig Legacy series which you can read in series order or alone. I just loved it!~B
Some Seven hundred years ago a Scottish knight called Sir Hardwin de Studley of Seagrave refused a powerful wizard who was disguised as a bard entrance in his home. After refusal the wizard cursed Sir Hardwin that friends call Hardwick. He cursed him to an eternity of pleasuring a different woman every night. To break the Wizards curse, Hardwick recently makes a deal with a dark powerful source if he stays all he has do is stay celibate for a year and a day as he is tired of all these faceless women and wants eternal peace. This is agreed until he meets the beautiful Cilla and everything that seemed safe in his world turns upside down at first he tries to get her to leave. Of course Cilla modern American take no crap Pennsylvania woman can't be scared off. The attraction between these two is sizzling as they both want each other but he fights it. Finally Hardwin asks the dark one for a boon, one night of pleasure with Cilla for his soul. The dark one accepts excepts he wants one more thing he wants Cilla's soul too.
If Hardwick does not accept the dark one's requirements he will not have sex with the maid of his choice as in the past but with these disgusting horrible hell hags for all of eternity. So will Hardwin give up his beloved's soul so he won't have to face eternity to service hell hags and give up both their souls for his own needs? Or will he refuse in the name of love.
Besides all of this there is some thievery going on behind Cillia's Aunt and Uncles back that could destroy their entire retirement business. Also from previous Ravenscraig Legacy books like book 2 (Highlander in Her Bed) the character's Bran of Barra and Wee Hughie also make appearances in this book as well. Plus a viking ghost couple sending a message to Cilla for help. Yes a lot of fun action going on on this story you won't be able to put it down
Yes many twists and turns which makes Allie MacKay books so much fun to read. Tall, Dark and Kilted is funny too like the play on Hardwin's nickname his friends call him Hardwick. I thought that was both brilliant and hilarious on the authors clever wit and imagination.
Another wonderful, captivating and enchanting story readers won't be able to put down. I loved the forbidden love undercurrent in this story and against all odds how the couple manages or not?The reader will just have to read Tall, Dark and Kilted, book 3, The Ravenscraig Legacy to find out what happens when you play with the Devil and or fire if they get burned or not?
Another beautiful story and amazing read by the multi talented extraordinary author Allie MacKay/ Sue-Ellen Welfonder! This is the third book in The Ravenscraig Legacy series which you can read in series order or alone. I just loved it!~B
July 31, 2011
I usually give an author a second try when I read one of her books and it doesn’t do much for me. Just because I don’t care for one book doesn’t mean the same is going to happen with the next. Too bad that’s not what happened in this case. In fact, I liked this book even less than the first, Highlander In Her Bed. I have yet to read the book that comes between these two and I doubt when I find it in the TBR pile that I ever will.
I remember thinking Highlander in Her Bed had too many silly elements to it to be a really good read, but this book has that one beat by a mile. The hero has been cursed and for the last seven hundred years he’s been pleasuring women left and right, sporting a constant hard-on that he hides behind his battle shield that he keeps handy for such purpose. Okay, I’m one who can suspend disbelief for the sake of a story, so I let this bit go, hoping for something, I don’t know, more, different, whatever. However, I certainly wasn’t ready for the rest of this book.
What I got was said Highlander squeezing the hell out of his penis because, although his original curse has been lifted, a new one has taken its place — he must not become fully aroused for the next year or the first curse will come back with a vengeance, new additions to it to make him even more crazed than he was due to the initial curse. His painful squeeze is due to meeting the heroine, of course. Later he binds himself flatter than a pancake with his tartan so he can at least pleasure the heroine and not be condemned to hell and back for it. Please.
This is all way too much, even for me. On top of that, the characters never really have any serious contact, let alone conversations or anything else, before they’re falling for each other on looks alone. Yeah, I know that’s how some relationships can start, but here the hero is a ghost and she’s in denial about that for quite some time, telling herself he’s a charlatan. It’s not until much later when he comes clean and tells her about his curse that the book settles down and could become an interesting read. By then they’re already in love just based on seeing each other around the castle and interacting with boring secondary characters grousing about a huge, irritating bird.
Despite all this, the hero and heroine are likable characters, at least enough so that my grade didn’t go down any further. But after this I just have no desire whatsoever to try this author again. There’s too many other really good books out there for me to waste my time on ones like this.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
I remember thinking Highlander in Her Bed had too many silly elements to it to be a really good read, but this book has that one beat by a mile. The hero has been cursed and for the last seven hundred years he’s been pleasuring women left and right, sporting a constant hard-on that he hides behind his battle shield that he keeps handy for such purpose. Okay, I’m one who can suspend disbelief for the sake of a story, so I let this bit go, hoping for something, I don’t know, more, different, whatever. However, I certainly wasn’t ready for the rest of this book.
What I got was said Highlander squeezing the hell out of his penis because, although his original curse has been lifted, a new one has taken its place — he must not become fully aroused for the next year or the first curse will come back with a vengeance, new additions to it to make him even more crazed than he was due to the initial curse. His painful squeeze is due to meeting the heroine, of course. Later he binds himself flatter than a pancake with his tartan so he can at least pleasure the heroine and not be condemned to hell and back for it. Please.
This is all way too much, even for me. On top of that, the characters never really have any serious contact, let alone conversations or anything else, before they’re falling for each other on looks alone. Yeah, I know that’s how some relationships can start, but here the hero is a ghost and she’s in denial about that for quite some time, telling herself he’s a charlatan. It’s not until much later when he comes clean and tells her about his curse that the book settles down and could become an interesting read. By then they’re already in love just based on seeing each other around the castle and interacting with boring secondary characters grousing about a huge, irritating bird.
Despite all this, the hero and heroine are likable characters, at least enough so that my grade didn’t go down any further. But after this I just have no desire whatsoever to try this author again. There’s too many other really good books out there for me to waste my time on ones like this.
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
April 27, 2009
This book was ok, but I enjoyed Highlander In Her Bed more. At times the story just seemed to drag without enough action.
Perhaps I was just in the mood for a book with more substance, but it just seemed a to be trying too hard to live up to the standards of what a Highland romantic hero is supposed to be.
Perhaps I was just in the mood for a book with more substance, but it just seemed a to be trying too hard to live up to the standards of what a Highland romantic hero is supposed to be.
November 20, 2010
This gets a 2! I am tired talking about the entertainment of old people, and whether there are ghosts or not. he's there, then he's not. She does not believe even thogh she has a conversation??Too drawn out to get to nitty gritty!I actually quit reading this for now. I rate most books pretty high, if they keep my attention. This one just was too drawn out. No character info. I may reevaluate, but for now. It sits gathering dust.
January 5, 2011
An interesting tale involving a Dark One (seriously, the Devil's helper in Hell), a Highlander Ghost, a Viking ghost couple, and a mortal woman who brings the best out in all of them. This was actually a really great book. I realized as I read it that I'd read it before and had forgotten it, but it was so good that I actualy reread it. (Not something I do often.) I highly recommend it, especially if you're in the mood for something "paranormal light."
December 26, 2008
This was the worst, seriously, I barely got through it. God love these authors and their niche, I'm no one to judge. I love a bit of romance in my books, but it's gotta be secondary, not the whole reason these characters exist, to have porn-sex. Of course I just skipped around to the naughty bits.
January 20, 2014
Well, there are good romance novels and there are bad ones.
This is a bad one.
Unless you enjoy fuckable ghosts and bastardization of Scotland's history and mythologies. Which I don't.
Poor Scotland.
This is a bad one.
Unless you enjoy fuckable ghosts and bastardization of Scotland's history and mythologies. Which I don't.
Poor Scotland.
January 1, 2009
I loved this book. Can't wait for the next one.
September 21, 2011
laugh out loud funny is spots, great historical descriptions of Scotland makes you want to visit there. Plot was a little thin, but this was never meant to be heavy literature. A light fun read.
June 21, 2017
I have been wanting to read this book for so long. There was always something or the other distracting me from reading this book.
It was a good book. There were a few things I didn't really like about this book but that was alright there were lots of things I really liked
This book was the first one in the Highlander series that had actually caught my attention but a friend of mine suggested me to read the series in order and so, I started with Highlander In Her Bed which is a really good book too
Cilla Swanner is visiting her aunt and uncle in Scotland after her loser boyfriend breaks up with her. She has always been in love with Scotland and so decides to spend her summer at her uncle’s castle, Dunroamin, which is a caring home. Just after arriving at Dunroamin Castle she meets the man of her dreams, he is tall, he is handsome, he is a Highlander there is only one problem, Sir Hardwin de Studley of Seagrave aka Hardwick is a ghost. Initially, she thinks she is just hallucinating and blames the whole incident on being jet lagged. But later on, she quite nicely accepted his ghost status.
Sir Hardwin de Studley of Seagrave has been cursed for seven hundred years. Seven hundred years ago when he refused a travelling Bard/Wizard shelter the bard cursed him to wander the world forever and pleasure different woman each night for all eternity. For first 25 years or so, it seemed like more of a gift than a curse to him but slowly as time passes he becomes wary of such a life or should I say after-life. Wanting to end his curse he decides to make a deal with The Dark One (A really stupid move if you ask me). The Dark One lifts his curse but it comes with a catch he is keep himself from being aroused for a year and a day if he fails to do so his curse will return with a vengeance that is this time around he won't get to choose his partners and will be forced to pleasure The Dark One’s Hell Hags and if he passes this test his soul will be granted the everlasting sleep he craves. After making the deal he is given the liberty to choose the place he wants to spend his testing period (A year and a day) confident there won't be any young women, he chooses Dunroamin Castle, which is a caring home. Imagine his shock when he goes there and runs into Cilla, a beautiful young woman.
This book was nice but a little lacking when compared to first two books.
It has a nice story line, (somewhat) relatable characters, a little bit of mystery and romance.
The things I did really like about this book were:-
1. Cilla at times seemed like a rather bland character
2. Cilla and Hardwick hardly spend any time together
3. The ending felt a little rushed.
4. There were a lot of boring and unnecessaryconversations arguments among secondary characters about a stupid, irritating bird.
I am not entirely sure if I will be reading the next book.
It was a good book. There were a few things I didn't really like about this book but that was alright there were lots of things I really liked
This book was the first one in the Highlander series that had actually caught my attention but a friend of mine suggested me to read the series in order and so, I started with Highlander In Her Bed which is a really good book too
Cilla Swanner is visiting her aunt and uncle in Scotland after her loser boyfriend breaks up with her. She has always been in love with Scotland and so decides to spend her summer at her uncle’s castle, Dunroamin, which is a caring home. Just after arriving at Dunroamin Castle she meets the man of her dreams, he is tall, he is handsome, he is a Highlander there is only one problem, Sir Hardwin de Studley of Seagrave aka Hardwick is a ghost. Initially, she thinks she is just hallucinating and blames the whole incident on being jet lagged. But later on, she quite nicely accepted his ghost status.
Sir Hardwin de Studley of Seagrave has been cursed for seven hundred years. Seven hundred years ago when he refused a travelling Bard/Wizard shelter the bard cursed him to wander the world forever and pleasure different woman each night for all eternity. For first 25 years or so, it seemed like more of a gift than a curse to him but slowly as time passes he becomes wary of such a life or should I say after-life. Wanting to end his curse he decides to make a deal with The Dark One (A really stupid move if you ask me). The Dark One lifts his curse but it comes with a catch he is keep himself from being aroused for a year and a day if he fails to do so his curse will return with a vengeance that is this time around he won't get to choose his partners and will be forced to pleasure The Dark One’s Hell Hags and if he passes this test his soul will be granted the everlasting sleep he craves. After making the deal he is given the liberty to choose the place he wants to spend his testing period (A year and a day) confident there won't be any young women, he chooses Dunroamin Castle, which is a caring home. Imagine his shock when he goes there and runs into Cilla, a beautiful young woman.
This book was nice but a little lacking when compared to first two books.
It has a nice story line, (somewhat) relatable characters, a little bit of mystery and romance.
The things I did really like about this book were:-
1. Cilla at times seemed like a rather bland character
2. Cilla and Hardwick hardly spend any time together
3. The ending felt a little rushed.
4. There were a lot of boring and unnecessary
I am not entirely sure if I will be reading the next book.
October 24, 2023
This is my first book by Allie, and it will not be the last. WOW, what a great story. It is perfect for a Halloween read or if you're looking for something different than most regency romance. This book has something for all readers. Jilted lover, mystery, intrigue, ghosts and most important second chances too. All the characters were great, good and bad. Cilla is having a horrible year and is in need of a quiet place to rethink her life. Dumped by her fiancé who lied about a lot of things. Her jewelry business is not going well thanks to a jealous, evil woman spreading false rumors about her also. The perfect place is Dunroamin Castle in Scotland where her aunt and uncle run a retirement home. If she only knew what fate had in mind. Seven Hundred years ago there was a knight, Sir Hardwick de Studley known for his swordsmanship both on and off the battlefield. As most men of that time, he was also a well know womanizer too. Tall, Dark and handsome as sin itself his life was perfect till he upset a wizard who placed a curse on him forever. He was to roam the world pleasuring woman but forbidden to have any himself. He is tired and wants nothing but some peace, so he seeks to end his curse. He is given a year to prove himself, he goes to Dunromin Castle to rest. Ah, let the games begin. Both Hardwick and Cilla are set on a course that will change everything they thought they knew of life and love. With help from his ghostly friends, her aunt, the residents who live at the Castle and a very special bird they will have a lot of twists and turns, to find maybe their happy ending. I am not a Halloween person, but this was a perfect story for this time of year. You don’t want to miss this steamy mystery with lots of feelings and passion. I need to go back and read the first two books so I can see what Hardwicks friends were up to. I really loved the interaction between him and his friend, Bran MacNeil of Barra. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
March 30, 2025
This book gets 2 1/2 to 3 stars for me; it was sadly disappointing. The biggest disappointment was how different Hardwick's character was - he was almost unrecognizable from his appearances in the first two books. I get that he's upset about circumstances but he's so angry and curt - he reminded me more of Alex in the first book, which worked for that character but didn't work for Hardwick.
There's 18 chapters in the book and it takes until chapter 11 for Hardwick to explain his problems to Cilla - took WAY too long for them to have that conversation. And they don't really have much of a connection beyond the physical and then he ridiculously pleasures her without getting a hard on (ookay) and she still wants him to have sex knowing it would damn him? It just didn't make sense.
And WHAT was with Hardwick swearing by Odin and other Norse gods? Yes there was some Viking influence but he clearly identified as a Scottish Highlander. It just felt like the author didn't know what she really wanted him to be.
The Dark One was the most interesting part of the book and it was just kind of thrown in at the end. If it's developed more in future books, that would be interesting but if not, then just another disappointing lost opportunity.
I rated it 3 stars because there was some chemistry between them. This being the third book in the series, I just hoped for more of the characters actually getting to know each other beyond lust.
There's 18 chapters in the book and it takes until chapter 11 for Hardwick to explain his problems to Cilla - took WAY too long for them to have that conversation. And they don't really have much of a connection beyond the physical and then he ridiculously pleasures her without getting a hard on (ookay) and she still wants him to have sex knowing it would damn him? It just didn't make sense.
And WHAT was with Hardwick swearing by Odin and other Norse gods? Yes there was some Viking influence but he clearly identified as a Scottish Highlander. It just felt like the author didn't know what she really wanted him to be.
The Dark One was the most interesting part of the book and it was just kind of thrown in at the end. If it's developed more in future books, that would be interesting but if not, then just another disappointing lost opportunity.
I rated it 3 stars because there was some chemistry between them. This being the third book in the series, I just hoped for more of the characters actually getting to know each other beyond lust.
January 5, 2019
Cilla needs a break from the world and decides to go to her aunt and uncle castle in Scotland. While mending from a broken heart she decides to do art classes at the castle for the tourist. Upon entering she learns highland os filled with ghost not just ordinary ghost but irresetable sexy toe curling ghost woth a brogue that makes ya shiver.
Hardwick is cursed and ask for mercy to end his curse and chooses the castle Cilla occupies. Which is a problem with the deal he made . Hardwick finds love when he lest expects it but how can the living amd dead/ curse be in a real relationship?
Once again allie wrotes magical beautiful novel. This one is dear to me. High recommend
Hardwick is cursed and ask for mercy to end his curse and chooses the castle Cilla occupies. Which is a problem with the deal he made . Hardwick finds love when he lest expects it but how can the living amd dead/ curse be in a real relationship?
Once again allie wrotes magical beautiful novel. This one is dear to me. High recommend
May 15, 2019
Allie Mackay’s novel Tall, Dark, and Kilted was a cute paranormal romance. Cilla is an American visiting her aunt & uncle in Northern Scotland. Hardwick is an ancient Highlander ghost spending time in Dunroamin castle. I enjoyed the spark the two main characters had from their first meeting. The storyline was easy to follow and the book can be read as a stand alone novel. The vivid descriptions of the harsh and wild landscape helped me picture Scotland as a mystical place.
February 26, 2022
I just Loved This Story So Much!
Wow what a read!! This was my favorite so far. I read the first of the series, couldn’t get through the 2nd one because it was too slow. But I will finish that one next. Great ending to a wonderful story. I just loved loved loved it!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😊😊😊😊😊💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰😊😊💜💜
Wow what a read!! This was my favorite so far. I read the first of the series, couldn’t get through the 2nd one because it was too slow. But I will finish that one next. Great ending to a wonderful story. I just loved loved loved it!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😊😊😊😊😊💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰😊😊💜💜
March 2, 2018
El más guapo ;-)
September 24, 2018
This is the second time I've read this book and won't be the last!
April 19, 2019
Terrific
Terrific heroine. Terrific hero. I loved the plot. I loved Dunroamin and it's eccentric characters. Wonderful scottish paranormal romance. I love this series.
Terrific heroine. Terrific hero. I loved the plot. I loved Dunroamin and it's eccentric characters. Wonderful scottish paranormal romance. I love this series.
January 28, 2020
Good story.
July 23, 2020
Hardwick was one of my favorite hero's. I was hopeful he'd get a HEA!
July 30, 2020
I swear I'm not finishing this...almost done, thinking it had to get better...or something...ugh
Oh well it was a slight distraction sitting outside while watching the pups play.
Good grief!
Oh well it was a slight distraction sitting outside while watching the pups play.
Good grief!
February 2, 2023
Worked okay for a light read after a couple of deeper books but plot was too unbelievable for me to really enjoy.
August 7, 2025
it was entertaining, funny, and even interesting - But in the end I wasn't impressed with how things resolved, and the slow burn was a let down (good reads star rating, 3 for good)
October 11, 2014
Reread :)
Sir Hardwin de Studley of Seagrave, also known as Hardwick, was cursed to spend forever pleasing women nightly but never finding his own release by a passing bard/wizard who he turned away from his castle because he thought the man was out to murder nobles that were under his roof. Hardwick has gone to the Dark One asking for the curse he's carried for 700 years to be lifted. All he has to do is go one year and a day without becoming aroused. He chooses a retirement home in the present day wilds of Scotland to spend his time so he can find his everlasting peace when the time is up. Little does he know that an American woman will walk into his world and shake his control and threaten everything he is working towards.
Cilla Swanner has been deeply hurt by a man she gave her heart to and goes to her aunt and uncle in Scotland to recover from a broken heart and a broken business. She starts seeing a handsome Highlander and comes to realize he is a ghost. Her aunt sees him too and when she learns that Cilla is starting to care for this ghost, and that he in turn cares for her niece, she encourages the match. Hardwick goes to the Dark One asking for one night with Cilla but when he does the Dark One asks for Cilla's soul in return. Hardwick rejects this and is whisked away from the Dark One.
Trouble is brewing at Dunroamin Castle and Hardwick, with the help of some of his ghostly friends, start to unravel the problem. He is finding that he cannot conjure his ghostly abilities and when he chases after Cilla to stop her from going into danger he finds that even darkness holds light and his wishes come to life. With the help of a ghostly Viking couple, and even the Dark One, Hardwick and Cilla find a way to save Dunroamin Castle and their love for each other.
This was a heartwarming tale of forbidden love packed with hilarious situations and wonderful secondary characters. It left me feeling that no matter how unattainable something may seem, if our heart and soul want something bad enough, nothing is beyond reach.
Sir Hardwin de Studley of Seagrave, also known as Hardwick, was cursed to spend forever pleasing women nightly but never finding his own release by a passing bard/wizard who he turned away from his castle because he thought the man was out to murder nobles that were under his roof. Hardwick has gone to the Dark One asking for the curse he's carried for 700 years to be lifted. All he has to do is go one year and a day without becoming aroused. He chooses a retirement home in the present day wilds of Scotland to spend his time so he can find his everlasting peace when the time is up. Little does he know that an American woman will walk into his world and shake his control and threaten everything he is working towards.
Cilla Swanner has been deeply hurt by a man she gave her heart to and goes to her aunt and uncle in Scotland to recover from a broken heart and a broken business. She starts seeing a handsome Highlander and comes to realize he is a ghost. Her aunt sees him too and when she learns that Cilla is starting to care for this ghost, and that he in turn cares for her niece, she encourages the match. Hardwick goes to the Dark One asking for one night with Cilla but when he does the Dark One asks for Cilla's soul in return. Hardwick rejects this and is whisked away from the Dark One.
Trouble is brewing at Dunroamin Castle and Hardwick, with the help of some of his ghostly friends, start to unravel the problem. He is finding that he cannot conjure his ghostly abilities and when he chases after Cilla to stop her from going into danger he finds that even darkness holds light and his wishes come to life. With the help of a ghostly Viking couple, and even the Dark One, Hardwick and Cilla find a way to save Dunroamin Castle and their love for each other.
This was a heartwarming tale of forbidden love packed with hilarious situations and wonderful secondary characters. It left me feeling that no matter how unattainable something may seem, if our heart and soul want something bad enough, nothing is beyond reach.
March 28, 2009
Book #23 of 2009
I'm becoming quite enamored with Scottish Paranormal romances. This was fun, not serious at all. It makes me want to go visit Scotland (ah... someday) or at the very least watch movies such as "Made of Honor" or "P.S. I Love You" just to get some good eye candy of the countryside. And yes, I do know "P.S. I Love You" is in Ireland, not Scotland, but it'll do because I want to go there also... and it is in the British Isles... Maybe "Braveheart", which I've never seen? On another note, long ago I'd found out about equestrian vacations in Ireland/Scotland and other places and I always wanted to take one, I wanted to ogle the pictures a bit after reading this only to find out they'd gone out of business... grr. But! Back to the book. I had a really hard time following the first 100 pages or so, but that may be because I was tired when I started it. I have a really hard time conjuring a Scottish accent in my head though, unless there's something like "e'er" (ever) or "No'" (not) written on the page. It would be even better if I could think in that accent to go along with the character. And I wish I could pronounce the odd scattering of Gaelic.
I own this book
I'm becoming quite enamored with Scottish Paranormal romances. This was fun, not serious at all. It makes me want to go visit Scotland (ah... someday) or at the very least watch movies such as "Made of Honor" or "P.S. I Love You" just to get some good eye candy of the countryside. And yes, I do know "P.S. I Love You" is in Ireland, not Scotland, but it'll do because I want to go there also... and it is in the British Isles... Maybe "Braveheart", which I've never seen? On another note, long ago I'd found out about equestrian vacations in Ireland/Scotland and other places and I always wanted to take one, I wanted to ogle the pictures a bit after reading this only to find out they'd gone out of business... grr. But! Back to the book. I had a really hard time following the first 100 pages or so, but that may be because I was tired when I started it. I have a really hard time conjuring a Scottish accent in my head though, unless there's something like "e'er" (ever) or "No'" (not) written on the page. It would be even better if I could think in that accent to go along with the character. And I wish I could pronounce the odd scattering of Gaelic.
I own this book
February 6, 2015
Synopsis:
A good man is hard to find.
Cilla Swanner has been jilted by her lover, and she is struggling with a jewelry business that’s far from sparkling. She needs a getaway someplace quiet and remote. Someplace like Dunroamin Castle in Scotland, where her aunt and uncle run a retirement home in the majestic Highlands. But what she finds there may be more than she can handle.
Or is it the other way around?
Centuries ago, the roguish Scots knight known as Hardwick was renowned for his swordmanship, both on and off the battlefield. But a traveling bard cursed him to wander the world forever, pleasing a different woman each night with no hope of fulfillment or true love. Then Hardwick meets Cilla, who may be his only chance for salvation.
My review:
It was funny, sweet and I loved all the quirky characters! It is the first time that I read a book by this author. I would definitely read more of her books. I love the ghost themed storyline.
A good man is hard to find.
Cilla Swanner has been jilted by her lover, and she is struggling with a jewelry business that’s far from sparkling. She needs a getaway someplace quiet and remote. Someplace like Dunroamin Castle in Scotland, where her aunt and uncle run a retirement home in the majestic Highlands. But what she finds there may be more than she can handle.
Or is it the other way around?
Centuries ago, the roguish Scots knight known as Hardwick was renowned for his swordmanship, both on and off the battlefield. But a traveling bard cursed him to wander the world forever, pleasing a different woman each night with no hope of fulfillment or true love. Then Hardwick meets Cilla, who may be his only chance for salvation.
My review:
It was funny, sweet and I loved all the quirky characters! It is the first time that I read a book by this author. I would definitely read more of her books. I love the ghost themed storyline.
June 19, 2011
Cilla came to Scotland hoping to escape the aftermath of a horrible and broken relationship. Staying at her aunt and uncle's, a Scottish castle converted to a retirement home called Dunnroamin, Cilla encounters a kilted ghost by the name of Hardwick. He was cursed because of his randy nature to spend eternity servicing a multitude of women without claiming satisfaction for himself. In order to end the curse and find eternal peace, he must spend the next 366 days without an erection. If he becomes aroused, it's back to being a man ho for the Big Bad. He figured what better place to spend his time than a retirement home, then along comes Cilla. She's flashing her boobs and looking up his kilt, he's doomed
This is a VERY whimsical book. A little raunchy, which is a good thing, and heavy on the farce. It was a decent, light read.
This is a VERY whimsical book. A little raunchy, which is a good thing, and heavy on the farce. It was a decent, light read.
July 7, 2010
Contemporary Highlander story which is an interesting twist, but not well executed. Cilla travels to Scotland to escape her unsatisfying life and, while visiting a castle, gets caught up with Hardwick a ghost who was cursed during his lifetime to have intercourse every night into infinity without being able to enjoy it. He's tired and wants to die normally. The story has a reincarnation ending which doesn't feel right, though it's an interesting idea. The plot is really intriguing but given over to too much meaningless, blah sex, iffy characters and an odd ending. Also her other book I read had pretty much the same plot, minus the curse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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