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Highland Grooms #5
Tempting the Laird
Mystery and desire cloak the Scottish Highlands
Unruly. Unmarried. Unapologetic. Catriona Mackenzie’s reputation precedes her everywhere she goes. Her beloved late aunt Zelda taught Cat to live out loud and speak her mind, and that’s exactly what she does when Zelda’s legacy—a refuge for women in need—comes under fire. When her quest puts her in the path of the disturbingly mysterious Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, Cat is soon caught up in the provocative rumors surrounding the dark duke. Never one to retreat, Cat boldly goes where no one else has dared for answers.
Shrouded in secrets, a hostage of lies, Hamlin must endure the fear and suspicion of those who believe he is a murderer. The sudden disappearance of his wife and the truth he keeps silent are a risk to his chances at earning a coveted parliamentary seat. But he’s kept his affairs tightly held until a woman with sparkling eyes and brazen determination appears unexpectedly in his life. Deadly allegations might be his downfall, but his unleashed passion could be the duke’s ultimate undoing.
Unruly. Unmarried. Unapologetic. Catriona Mackenzie’s reputation precedes her everywhere she goes. Her beloved late aunt Zelda taught Cat to live out loud and speak her mind, and that’s exactly what she does when Zelda’s legacy—a refuge for women in need—comes under fire. When her quest puts her in the path of the disturbingly mysterious Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, Cat is soon caught up in the provocative rumors surrounding the dark duke. Never one to retreat, Cat boldly goes where no one else has dared for answers.
Shrouded in secrets, a hostage of lies, Hamlin must endure the fear and suspicion of those who believe he is a murderer. The sudden disappearance of his wife and the truth he keeps silent are a risk to his chances at earning a coveted parliamentary seat. But he’s kept his affairs tightly held until a woman with sparkling eyes and brazen determination appears unexpectedly in his life. Deadly allegations might be his downfall, but his unleashed passion could be the duke’s ultimate undoing.
377 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 26, 2018
200 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
190 books3,141 followersJulia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
February 3, 2019
ARC provided by NetGalley and Publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Catriona is in a state of mourning for her dear Aunt Zelda, who she loved and idolized. She learns that the abbey that her Aunt housed homeless children and woman is now being seized by the crown. Cat (Catriona) was planning to continue for her Aunt work in the abbey. Cat is furious to learn that they believe her Aunt committed treason because she housed rebels when the battle of Culloden had ended. Directed by her Mother she decided to go visit her Uncle, Earl of Norwood, he has connections that could help her.
When Cat and her Uncle pay a visit to a neighbor, The Duke of Montrose, Hamlin Graham Cat becomes fascinated with him and his charge Eula. Cat hears stories and rumors about Hamlin, that he possibly killed his wife and her body is missing. Cat invites him and Eula to come for dinner at her Uncles.
Hamlin doesn't have many friends, in fact he has none, he's pretty much an outsider. Only a few know the truth about Hamlin's wife. And Hamlin has a desires to gain a seat in the House of Lords, but with all the rumors it's almost an insurmountable task. Well he decides to attend dinner as this might be a step to somehow gaining that seat.
Hamlin is entranced with Cat. She's a breath of fresh air with her lively personality and her caring heart. Cat is just as fascinated with Hamlin, she knows he is not what people say he is and she is drawn to him.
These two had a wonderful, caring and adult progression to their relationship. I appreciated the care they had for each other and their ability to work together for the good of the goal. The mystery of Hamlin's wife added a nice mysterious touch to the story. And I liked that Cat was older too. The secondary characters were just as complex, likable and entertaining. Well written and was engaged and deep into the story from the first page to the last.
Catriona is in a state of mourning for her dear Aunt Zelda, who she loved and idolized. She learns that the abbey that her Aunt housed homeless children and woman is now being seized by the crown. Cat (Catriona) was planning to continue for her Aunt work in the abbey. Cat is furious to learn that they believe her Aunt committed treason because she housed rebels when the battle of Culloden had ended. Directed by her Mother she decided to go visit her Uncle, Earl of Norwood, he has connections that could help her.
When Cat and her Uncle pay a visit to a neighbor, The Duke of Montrose, Hamlin Graham Cat becomes fascinated with him and his charge Eula. Cat hears stories and rumors about Hamlin, that he possibly killed his wife and her body is missing. Cat invites him and Eula to come for dinner at her Uncles.
Hamlin doesn't have many friends, in fact he has none, he's pretty much an outsider. Only a few know the truth about Hamlin's wife. And Hamlin has a desires to gain a seat in the House of Lords, but with all the rumors it's almost an insurmountable task. Well he decides to attend dinner as this might be a step to somehow gaining that seat.
Hamlin is entranced with Cat. She's a breath of fresh air with her lively personality and her caring heart. Cat is just as fascinated with Hamlin, she knows he is not what people say he is and she is drawn to him.
These two had a wonderful, caring and adult progression to their relationship. I appreciated the care they had for each other and their ability to work together for the good of the goal. The mystery of Hamlin's wife added a nice mysterious touch to the story. And I liked that Cat was older too. The secondary characters were just as complex, likable and entertaining. Well written and was engaged and deep into the story from the first page to the last.
May 22, 2018
I knew it was going to take a special someone for Catriona MacKenzie to fall in love with and Tempting the Laird tells us that story of her finding the love she’s been long waiting for. Catriona MacKenzie has been sheltering women and children at an abbey after the Battle of Culloden and has recently been told that it is being seized by the English. She turns to her Uncle Knox for help and hopes he and his connections can get this act overturned. She meets her uncle’s neighbor, the Duke of Montrose, Hamlin Graham, and hears the rumors that he is a murderer for killing his wife. Is this the truth or is he holding another secret close to his vest? She’s going to do what she can to figure out the truth.
Hamlin Graham is about to get voted into the House of Lords and doesn’t want anything in his personal life to prevent him from getting accepted but rumors surround him. What he can’t escape is Catriona. When Catriona introduces herself and barges into his life every chance she gets he finds it harder to keep his feelings in check because she makes him want things he didn’t think he’d ever have in his life. Love, family and children. Catriona makes special effort to help him with his young ward, Eula, and Eula couldn’t help but to fall under the spell of her loving attention. Eula connected Hamlin and Catriona in the beginning but then they find any excuse to be together. Hamlin wasn’t a complicated man but had a big responsibility of his dukedom and felt the constraint society held him in check. Only with Catriona he allowed himself to feel as a man and not the Duke. His grand gesture at the end just shows me how much she meant to him to stand up for her and face any consequences.
Catriona is a wonderfully written character because she is more than the outspoken and independent woman and her depths are slowly revealed. You get glimpses of her many layers of this complicated woman. She may have the independent streak like her aunt Zelda but she wants a family and love of a man as well but the times made it difficult for her to find one. I love that she doesn’t feel sorry for herself but makes the best of her situation and moves on. Her love affair with Hamlin might have started as a summer romance but quickly turned into something more when she found herself falling deeply in love with him. Catriona is a lucky lady that she was allowed so much leeway growing up surrounded by family and loved ones. She has a big heart and wanted to help as many people as she can, even those that don’t deserve it.
Tempting the Laird is an all-consuming passionate romance and the author swept me away with the storytelling. There was drama and mystery, passion and love, and had me well engrossed into finishing it long into the night. I could not have asked for a better story for one of my favorite characters. The love she has waited for finally came and it is everything that she wanted for her life.
March 17, 2020
Me encanta leer de cuando en cuando a alguna de las autoras de siempre ya que, entre unos cuantos libros decepcionantes con los que me puedo cruzar cuando leo romántica y que me desaniman, estas me hacen recordar porque amo este género, qué es la romántica, y las grandes autoras que hay en él. Julia London es una de esas autoras.
En La mejor reputación Catriona acaba de perder a su tía, la que era se ejemplo a seguir y con quien trabajaba codo con codo en una abadía reconvertida en refugio para mujeres en situaciones complicadas. Ahora la Corona pretende arrebatarle lo único que le ha quedado, la abadía, y Cait decide recurrir a uno de sus tíos en busca de influencia para detener todo esto. Será durante esta visita que conocerá a Hamlin Graham, un duque del que se sospecha que asesinó a su esposa y que ahora desea conseguir un escaño en la Cámara de los Lores. Catriona y Hamlin son dos personas cuyas reputaciones están en duda y a las que el destino está dispuesto a unir, siempre que puedan superar las cargas que ambos llevan sobre sus hombros.
De primeras os diré que, aunque este libro pertenece a una serie, se puede leer de manera totalmente independiente. Así lo he hecho yo y no os vais a perder en la lectura ya que, como la inmensa mayoría de las series de romántica, cada libro cuenta la historia de una pareja diferente. Me lo he pasado muy bien leyendo La mejor reputación, Julia London no suele fallarme cuando busco una buena novela de romance histórico. Me encanta que autoras como ella se estén alejando cada vez más del limitado y ya algo manido escenario de “romances de salón”, dándonos a las lectoras nuevas historias que nos hagan soñar sin dejar de lado el marco histórico. Este subgénero cambia y evoluciona, igual que lo hacemos las lectoras, y por eso el romance histórico nunca dejará de ser mi favorito.
Hablando de los personajes y su romance, igual podría mentar una leve remembranza a “Rebecca” o “Jane Eyre”, ya que Hamlin es viudo y se cuestiona el pasado de su esposa, y además ahora es tutor de una jovencita (¡Personaje adorable el de Eula!). Es un romance a fuego lento, con muy buenas escenas entre los protas que van creando un lazo fuerte y saludable de confianza mutua, de apoyo. Eso es lo que más me ha gustado de este libro, que ambos aprenden del otro y crecen como personas a partir de lo que se aportan como pareja. De los personajes secundarios destaco a Knox, que es el tío de Catriona; a Nichol Bain, el administrador de Hamlin (Que además es el protagonista del próximo libro, que tiene ¡pintaza!) y como ya he dicho antes ¡A Eula! La pupila de Hamlin aporta su granito de arena en esta historia tan bonita que os recomiendo.
En La mejor reputación Catriona acaba de perder a su tía, la que era se ejemplo a seguir y con quien trabajaba codo con codo en una abadía reconvertida en refugio para mujeres en situaciones complicadas. Ahora la Corona pretende arrebatarle lo único que le ha quedado, la abadía, y Cait decide recurrir a uno de sus tíos en busca de influencia para detener todo esto. Será durante esta visita que conocerá a Hamlin Graham, un duque del que se sospecha que asesinó a su esposa y que ahora desea conseguir un escaño en la Cámara de los Lores. Catriona y Hamlin son dos personas cuyas reputaciones están en duda y a las que el destino está dispuesto a unir, siempre que puedan superar las cargas que ambos llevan sobre sus hombros.
De primeras os diré que, aunque este libro pertenece a una serie, se puede leer de manera totalmente independiente. Así lo he hecho yo y no os vais a perder en la lectura ya que, como la inmensa mayoría de las series de romántica, cada libro cuenta la historia de una pareja diferente. Me lo he pasado muy bien leyendo La mejor reputación, Julia London no suele fallarme cuando busco una buena novela de romance histórico. Me encanta que autoras como ella se estén alejando cada vez más del limitado y ya algo manido escenario de “romances de salón”, dándonos a las lectoras nuevas historias que nos hagan soñar sin dejar de lado el marco histórico. Este subgénero cambia y evoluciona, igual que lo hacemos las lectoras, y por eso el romance histórico nunca dejará de ser mi favorito.
Hablando de los personajes y su romance, igual podría mentar una leve remembranza a “Rebecca” o “Jane Eyre”, ya que Hamlin es viudo y se cuestiona el pasado de su esposa, y además ahora es tutor de una jovencita (¡Personaje adorable el de Eula!). Es un romance a fuego lento, con muy buenas escenas entre los protas que van creando un lazo fuerte y saludable de confianza mutua, de apoyo. Eso es lo que más me ha gustado de este libro, que ambos aprenden del otro y crecen como personas a partir de lo que se aportan como pareja. De los personajes secundarios destaco a Knox, que es el tío de Catriona; a Nichol Bain, el administrador de Hamlin (Que además es el protagonista del próximo libro, que tiene ¡pintaza!) y como ya he dicho antes ¡A Eula! La pupila de Hamlin aporta su granito de arena en esta historia tan bonita que os recomiendo.
October 31, 2018
Catriona Mackenzie is determined to carry on her Aunt Zelda's legacy, by continuing to provide a refuge for women and children at Kishorn Abbey. During a farewell ceremony for Zelda, an agent for the English crown arrives to tell the Mackenzie of Balhaire that Kishorn Abbey is forfeited to the crown for helping traitors following the Battle of '45. Catriona's mother suggests she travel to Dungotty and seek out her Uncle Knox (Earl of Norwood) and his connections for help. Catriona doesn't want to go, but finally consents it's best for the Abbey.
During her stay at Uncle Knox's, Catriona hears the rumors surrounding Hamlin Graham, the Duke of Montrose. She is determined to discover if the rumors are true. Hamlin has kept secret about the disappearance of his wife. He neither substaniates them nor denies them. His young ward, Eula, is effected by the rumors. She has no society or young playmates. When Catriona and Uncle Knox pay a visit to Hamlin for the purpose of inviting him to dinner, they meet Eula as she sneaks into the parlor. Hamlin comes upon them and tells Eula to return to her studies. He doesn't expect their visit to be pleasant. Either they want something from him or they've come because of the rumors. He is surprised to be invited to dinner. This is only the first attempt by Catriona to do things for Hamlin and Eula.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are well drawn. The plot is simple yet a page-turner. I didn't become confused by the characters, even though this is the first book I've read in this series. I believe it can be read as a stand-alone. This historical romance is a delightful novel.
During her stay at Uncle Knox's, Catriona hears the rumors surrounding Hamlin Graham, the Duke of Montrose. She is determined to discover if the rumors are true. Hamlin has kept secret about the disappearance of his wife. He neither substaniates them nor denies them. His young ward, Eula, is effected by the rumors. She has no society or young playmates. When Catriona and Uncle Knox pay a visit to Hamlin for the purpose of inviting him to dinner, they meet Eula as she sneaks into the parlor. Hamlin comes upon them and tells Eula to return to her studies. He doesn't expect their visit to be pleasant. Either they want something from him or they've come because of the rumors. He is surprised to be invited to dinner. This is only the first attempt by Catriona to do things for Hamlin and Eula.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are well drawn. The plot is simple yet a page-turner. I didn't become confused by the characters, even though this is the first book I've read in this series. I believe it can be read as a stand-alone. This historical romance is a delightful novel.
June 21, 2018
I had read a few of the other books in this series and couldn’t resist.
I liked Catronia and Hamlin. They’re both similar in ways I didn’t expect and it was delightful seeing them find their happiness. I loved how sassy she was and how stoic he was and how together they were compatible.
Plot wise it was fairly repetitive. Lots of dinners, traveling to and from the dinners, riding to a secret glen, riding back from the secret glen, and so on. I get that a good portion of this story was that Catronia needed to have some time for her own life, but it was boring.
Overall, it was a quick read with more drama than I would have liked, however, the characters really carried the story and kept me reading.
**Huge thanks to HQN Books for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Catronia and Hamlin. They’re both similar in ways I didn’t expect and it was delightful seeing them find their happiness. I loved how sassy she was and how stoic he was and how together they were compatible.
Plot wise it was fairly repetitive. Lots of dinners, traveling to and from the dinners, riding to a secret glen, riding back from the secret glen, and so on. I get that a good portion of this story was that Catronia needed to have some time for her own life, but it was boring.
Overall, it was a quick read with more drama than I would have liked, however, the characters really carried the story and kept me reading.
**Huge thanks to HQN Books for providing the arc free of charge**
June 23, 2020
Vaya por delante que me gusta leer a las autoras clásicas de vez en cuando para volver a disfrutar de una buena lectura y recuperar lo que es la romántica...
Y este ha sido el caso, Julia London, lo vuelve a hacer y he disfrutado mucho de Cat y de Hamlin... Mas de Cat, la verdad, ya que presentarse como una solterona de 33 años en aquellos tiempos y mas sin quererlo ( como ha dicho ella muchas veces en el libro), es una novedad que se agradece...
Creo que el personaje de Hamlin, se ha quedado diluido a lo largo del libro y no es casi hasta el final cuando vuelve a coger peso... me hubiera gustado que le hubiera dado mas misterio a su personaje y a su historia porque se lo merecía...
Me han sobrado algunos personajes como los Rusos, invitados del tío Knox, ya que no aportan nada , salvo meter paja en la historia y diluirla un poco...
Una buena lectura aunque se me ha quedado un poco coja la trama... Por supuesto, para gustos, los colores:)
Y este ha sido el caso, Julia London, lo vuelve a hacer y he disfrutado mucho de Cat y de Hamlin... Mas de Cat, la verdad, ya que presentarse como una solterona de 33 años en aquellos tiempos y mas sin quererlo ( como ha dicho ella muchas veces en el libro), es una novedad que se agradece...
Creo que el personaje de Hamlin, se ha quedado diluido a lo largo del libro y no es casi hasta el final cuando vuelve a coger peso... me hubiera gustado que le hubiera dado mas misterio a su personaje y a su historia porque se lo merecía...
Me han sobrado algunos personajes como los Rusos, invitados del tío Knox, ya que no aportan nada , salvo meter paja en la historia y diluirla un poco...
Una buena lectura aunque se me ha quedado un poco coja la trama... Por supuesto, para gustos, los colores:)
May 21, 2018
Oh, my word! This is incredibly good! I have been a fan of Julia London’s work for ages now and I have been avidly reading this ‘Highland Grooms’ series with relish but this, I have to say is the best of the series, so far. I will admit that the last book; Aulay’s story didn’t live up to the previous book’s, after reading Rabbie’s and Cailean’s stories I didn’t think that this series could get any better and along come Catriona and Hamlin.
After her auntie Zelda’s death, Catriona is left to run Kishorn Abbey on her own, for it is in fact a refuge for women who for whatever reason need a safe place to turn to. Catriona has had a lot to deal with, she was by her auntie Zelda’s side through her illness and slowly she withdrew from society and public life and now she is practically a shell of what she used to be. To an extent that her family are worried, she is drinking heavily, unsociable and severely unhappy. She maybe proud of her spinsterhood and the fact that she doesn’t want or need a man in her life, deep down she is lonely.
Which is why they plot against her and send her to recuperate at her uncle Knox’s, Catriona doesn’t intend to spend her days lounging about she fully intends to get her wealthy English uncle’s support to help save Kishorn Abbey from being taken by the crown. But her well laid out plan’s soon take a turn when she meets the mysterious and devilishly handsome Duke of Montrose. As soon as she sees him across the Inn for the first time in years she feels alive and intrigued by something.
Hamlin Graham is living under a dark and heavy cloud, of secrets, lies and scandal after the disappearance of his wife all of society think’s that Hamlin murdered her. He has lived with that hanging over his head, it has tarnished his reputation blackened his good name and now driven him to live a lonely and isolated life. It would all be well and good if he didn’t have his hopes set on gaining his seat in Parliament, after all Scotland were only allowed a handful of seats and he wanted one. He had plans to help and he could only do that once he gained that seat. But the scandal in his past and the secret he holds close to his heart are standing in his way.
That is until he meets feisty, determined kindred spirit; Catriona. Who brings the sunshine back into his dark life and makes his once dead heart begin to beat again. Catriona is the only one that knows Hamlin wouldn’t have killed his wife, he may be a huge, brawny and monosyllabic man but he she sees the goodness, she knows beneath that rude persona there lies a gentle, sensitive man.
Oh, my goodness, what a stud! Hamlin is soooo swoon-worthy, he ruggedly handsome. Kind, generous, dark and brooding. Plus, he is very good with his hands in more ways than just welding a hammer to fix his own roof, he isn’t your stereotypical duke. Part man part devil and when he looks at Catriona with those dark/black soulful eyes you melt. He is dark uncivilised and equally as sad as Catriona, they are a match made in heaven!
This really is so good, wonderful storyline that keeps you hooked, and keeps you turning those pages to find out what happens’. Character’s that are engaging, intriguing and it’s a joy to watch as their relationship blossoms and their personal characters develop.
As I said in the beginning of the review, this is the best of the series, it’s thrilling, romantic, sexy with two of the best character’s. London has outdone herself with this, it is perfection!
This was an ARC copy via the Author’s PA in exchange for an honest review.
After her auntie Zelda’s death, Catriona is left to run Kishorn Abbey on her own, for it is in fact a refuge for women who for whatever reason need a safe place to turn to. Catriona has had a lot to deal with, she was by her auntie Zelda’s side through her illness and slowly she withdrew from society and public life and now she is practically a shell of what she used to be. To an extent that her family are worried, she is drinking heavily, unsociable and severely unhappy. She maybe proud of her spinsterhood and the fact that she doesn’t want or need a man in her life, deep down she is lonely.
Which is why they plot against her and send her to recuperate at her uncle Knox’s, Catriona doesn’t intend to spend her days lounging about she fully intends to get her wealthy English uncle’s support to help save Kishorn Abbey from being taken by the crown. But her well laid out plan’s soon take a turn when she meets the mysterious and devilishly handsome Duke of Montrose. As soon as she sees him across the Inn for the first time in years she feels alive and intrigued by something.
Hamlin Graham is living under a dark and heavy cloud, of secrets, lies and scandal after the disappearance of his wife all of society think’s that Hamlin murdered her. He has lived with that hanging over his head, it has tarnished his reputation blackened his good name and now driven him to live a lonely and isolated life. It would all be well and good if he didn’t have his hopes set on gaining his seat in Parliament, after all Scotland were only allowed a handful of seats and he wanted one. He had plans to help and he could only do that once he gained that seat. But the scandal in his past and the secret he holds close to his heart are standing in his way.
That is until he meets feisty, determined kindred spirit; Catriona. Who brings the sunshine back into his dark life and makes his once dead heart begin to beat again. Catriona is the only one that knows Hamlin wouldn’t have killed his wife, he may be a huge, brawny and monosyllabic man but he she sees the goodness, she knows beneath that rude persona there lies a gentle, sensitive man.
Oh, my goodness, what a stud! Hamlin is soooo swoon-worthy, he ruggedly handsome. Kind, generous, dark and brooding. Plus, he is very good with his hands in more ways than just welding a hammer to fix his own roof, he isn’t your stereotypical duke. Part man part devil and when he looks at Catriona with those dark/black soulful eyes you melt. He is dark uncivilised and equally as sad as Catriona, they are a match made in heaven!
This really is so good, wonderful storyline that keeps you hooked, and keeps you turning those pages to find out what happens’. Character’s that are engaging, intriguing and it’s a joy to watch as their relationship blossoms and their personal characters develop.
As I said in the beginning of the review, this is the best of the series, it’s thrilling, romantic, sexy with two of the best character’s. London has outdone herself with this, it is perfection!
This was an ARC copy via the Author’s PA in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2021
2.5 Stars
Tempting the Laird features a romance between a man accused of killing his first wife and the Highland woman determined to find out his secrets.
Catriona Mackenzie was taught to speak her mind and nothing will stop her from doing so. After the women's refuge she inherited from her aunt comes under threat, Cat is determined to do what she can to save it which leads her to travel to her uncle's estate to ask for help. Upon arrival Cat learns the mysterious duke next door is accused of killing his wife which intrigues Cat who begins a search for the truth. Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, is after a coveted parliamentary seat which means the truth of his wife's disappearance must be kept secret. Keeping those secrets has never been an issue for Hamlin until he meets the unexpected Cat who makes Hamlin want to lay bare his darkest truths.
Cat has spent her entire life being able to do as she pleases with most of her family generally encouraging her independent nature. I did struggle a bit with Cat's character as while I liked her boldness, her character was written very inconsistently regarding what she wants. Initially she's willing to burn everything down to save the women's refuge, but as the book goes on she seemingly forgot all about the place. Hamlin unfortunately has a lot of traits that I don't love in my romance heroes. I didn't like how much he kept from the heroine as well as the fact that he seemingly thought he could just ignore where his and Cat's relationship was going to go with no consequences.
Ultimately the romance between Cat and Hamlin really didn't work for me. I felt the pair had no chemistry and while the steamier scenes were well written, I didn't care about them as I didn't care about couple in them. Initially a large part of the attraction in their romance was due to the mysterious nature of both characters. Hamlin obviously had a lot of secrets and Cat wasn't one to behave as ladies usually did so her every move was unexpected. While that kind of premise for a relationship would normally appeal to me, I just felt theirs never moved beyond that. I didn't see any evidence of their relationship deepening which made it hard for me to get attached to them as a couple.
Overall Tempting the Laird wasn't for me but I am interested in checking out the rest of the series in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Tempting the Laird features a romance between a man accused of killing his first wife and the Highland woman determined to find out his secrets.
Catriona Mackenzie was taught to speak her mind and nothing will stop her from doing so. After the women's refuge she inherited from her aunt comes under threat, Cat is determined to do what she can to save it which leads her to travel to her uncle's estate to ask for help. Upon arrival Cat learns the mysterious duke next door is accused of killing his wife which intrigues Cat who begins a search for the truth. Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, is after a coveted parliamentary seat which means the truth of his wife's disappearance must be kept secret. Keeping those secrets has never been an issue for Hamlin until he meets the unexpected Cat who makes Hamlin want to lay bare his darkest truths.
Cat has spent her entire life being able to do as she pleases with most of her family generally encouraging her independent nature. I did struggle a bit with Cat's character as while I liked her boldness, her character was written very inconsistently regarding what she wants. Initially she's willing to burn everything down to save the women's refuge, but as the book goes on she seemingly forgot all about the place. Hamlin unfortunately has a lot of traits that I don't love in my romance heroes. I didn't like how much he kept from the heroine as well as the fact that he seemingly thought he could just ignore where his and Cat's relationship was going to go with no consequences.
Ultimately the romance between Cat and Hamlin really didn't work for me. I felt the pair had no chemistry and while the steamier scenes were well written, I didn't care about them as I didn't care about couple in them. Initially a large part of the attraction in their romance was due to the mysterious nature of both characters. Hamlin obviously had a lot of secrets and Cat wasn't one to behave as ladies usually did so her every move was unexpected. While that kind of premise for a relationship would normally appeal to me, I just felt theirs never moved beyond that. I didn't see any evidence of their relationship deepening which made it hard for me to get attached to them as a couple.
Overall Tempting the Laird wasn't for me but I am interested in checking out the rest of the series in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
March 5, 2022
Another excellent addition to Julia London’s Highland Grooms series, this one features Catriona MacKenzie as she seeks her HEA. It was a fun story and I loved the returning and new characters. The story is very well paced and flows smoothly. The chemistry between Catriona and the mysterious Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose - is hot! Catriona is a 33-year-old maiden who believes her chance at ever getting married or having children, has long passed her. Then she meets Hamlin and her life starts to change, she experiences a fierce attraction to Hamlin and doesn’t listen to the rumors about him, she experiences desire, passion, and yes … even out of wedlock coupling 😉 — and she experiences love followed by heartache. I appreciate that London kept Catriona’s character true as the impudent, brazen, trews wearing, riding astride, highland lass; I think it would have ruined Catriona’s story had she suddenly became shy & submissive in the Duke’s presence.
I both read & listened to this story and can’t say enough good things about Derek Perkins performance in the audiobook. He brings the story to life and is one of my favorite male narrators his accents are perfect!
Overall 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Narrator 5 microphones 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤
Now onto book 6!!
P.S. This series is available in two volumes, 3 books each — Less 💵 then buying each individual book.
Volume 1 Highland Grooms
Volume 2 Highland Grooms
I both read & listened to this story and can’t say enough good things about Derek Perkins performance in the audiobook. He brings the story to life and is one of my favorite male narrators his accents are perfect!
Overall 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | Narrator 5 microphones 🎤🎤🎤🎤🎤
Now onto book 6!!
P.S. This series is available in two volumes, 3 books each — Less 💵 then buying each individual book.
Volume 1 Highland Grooms
Volume 2 Highland Grooms
May 12, 2021
Leído en el #retoRita5 #ritajulita. Y vaya chasco.
Qué simpleza más absoluta en estos personajes. Qué sosez. Ni llamándose la protagonista McKenzie lo arreglamos. Ni intentando que el aburrido del duque de Montrose tenga un pasado oscuro (ya ves tu, que le planta la mujer) o una niñita pupila en la que depositar sus amagos de ternura. Me he aburrido mucho. Mucho. No lo he dejado de leer para poder escribir esta review y decidir que probablemente no lea nada más de la London en mucho tiempo.
Y además, no me gusta su estilo al escribir. Aunque quizás la culpa no sea toda suya, y al que haya que condenar sea a la horrorosa traducción...
Y claro, es que me ha pillado entre la preciosísima "El guerrero a la sombra del centeno" y la superestimulante lectura en inglés (porque aún no entiendo cómo no hay traducción) de los Scandalous Desires de Eizabeth Hoyt. Y no hay color.
Eso sí, ¡menudo cover!
Qué simpleza más absoluta en estos personajes. Qué sosez. Ni llamándose la protagonista McKenzie lo arreglamos. Ni intentando que el aburrido del duque de Montrose tenga un pasado oscuro (ya ves tu, que le planta la mujer) o una niñita pupila en la que depositar sus amagos de ternura. Me he aburrido mucho. Mucho. No lo he dejado de leer para poder escribir esta review y decidir que probablemente no lea nada más de la London en mucho tiempo.
Y además, no me gusta su estilo al escribir. Aunque quizás la culpa no sea toda suya, y al que haya que condenar sea a la horrorosa traducción...
Y claro, es que me ha pillado entre la preciosísima "El guerrero a la sombra del centeno" y la superestimulante lectura en inglés (porque aún no entiendo cómo no hay traducción) de los Scandalous Desires de Eizabeth Hoyt. Y no hay color.
Eso sí, ¡menudo cover!
August 31, 2018
Did I imagine shades of Jane Eyre in this story?
This was an interesting story, I liked parts of it, but there were some holes which needed to be filled. Let's start with some of the issues. First off, the heroine – Catriona. I don’t remember her from the previous books, so I don’t have a memory of how she was represented in those stories. But in the opening chapters of this story, she is written as a person who has a drinking problem. Why she has a drinking issue is never fully explained. Oh sure, she’s not happy with her life. But why isn’t she? She has a cause, she’s helping downtrodden women, women who have been abandoned by men. But this cause doesn’t seem to give her any fulfillment. She’s not really represented as a 18th century woman, but she’s Scottish, maybe that’s supposed to explain the difference. While I think Scottish women were given a lot of latitude in this time period, I think her freedom in this story may be a stretch. Anyway, she has a drinking problem which alllll through the book comes and goes. It’s a plot-line that never goes anyway and doesn’t add anything to the story, so I wasn’t sure why it was in there.
Then there was the brooding hero, Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose. The gossips say he murdered his wife. He’s never says anything about it, he never talks about what happened, he just lets the gossip continue – he broods. This is actually puzzling because he has political ambitions, so if he wants to be in politics why hasn’t he explained everything. No, he’s going to depend on other people to pull him out of the darkness he’s covered himself in. Then there’s Eula.
When Eula is introduced into the story, I started to see similarities between this book and Jane Eyre. We have a mysterious, brooding hero, a young girl who is being raised by the brooding hero, but it's never really explained as to how that came to be. There is also the case of the missing wife, and no explanations as to what happened. There is a difference between the solution to the wife problem, but still this book reminded me a lot of Jane Eyre – only this one had sex.
Back to Eula. The last few books I’ve read have had some wonderful children in them and Eula is no exception. Eula is a charmer; she knows how to get what she wants and doesn’t have any qualms about using her charms. She’s smart and cunning and she steals the show. If she is allowed to grow-up and have her own book, it should be quite fun to read. Here’s keeping our fingers crossed.
The rest of the book was jammed-packed with loads of characters, plots and distractions. There was a rush to get alllll the strings tied and in so doing the romance gets shorted. This story is also an example of the female lead coming awfully close to being not likeable. The hero, Hamlin’s dark secret doesn’t really make sense and the solution seems rushed. Also, while we are told that Hamlin is a brooding, cold man, he’s really not. He’s a Beta guy disguised as an Alpha.
I do recommend this book, sort of. I was disappointed in some of the solutions to the problems which arose. I didn’t care for the heroine’s drinking problem, which came and went. I guess the solution to drinking is to get married - and, we all know marriage solves everything. The issue of all the fallen women could have been the heart of the story, but it disappeared into the background once Catriona left to find her Uncle Knox. The solution to the fallen women problem was also rushed. For me, there seemed to be so many problems to be solved in the book, but there wasn’t enough space allotted to these problems. And, they deserved more. But if you have been reading this series, you probably need to read this book.
This was an interesting story, I liked parts of it, but there were some holes which needed to be filled. Let's start with some of the issues. First off, the heroine – Catriona. I don’t remember her from the previous books, so I don’t have a memory of how she was represented in those stories. But in the opening chapters of this story, she is written as a person who has a drinking problem. Why she has a drinking issue is never fully explained. Oh sure, she’s not happy with her life. But why isn’t she? She has a cause, she’s helping downtrodden women, women who have been abandoned by men. But this cause doesn’t seem to give her any fulfillment. She’s not really represented as a 18th century woman, but she’s Scottish, maybe that’s supposed to explain the difference. While I think Scottish women were given a lot of latitude in this time period, I think her freedom in this story may be a stretch. Anyway, she has a drinking problem which alllll through the book comes and goes. It’s a plot-line that never goes anyway and doesn’t add anything to the story, so I wasn’t sure why it was in there.
Then there was the brooding hero, Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose. The gossips say he murdered his wife. He’s never says anything about it, he never talks about what happened, he just lets the gossip continue – he broods. This is actually puzzling because he has political ambitions, so if he wants to be in politics why hasn’t he explained everything. No, he’s going to depend on other people to pull him out of the darkness he’s covered himself in. Then there’s Eula.
When Eula is introduced into the story, I started to see similarities between this book and Jane Eyre. We have a mysterious, brooding hero, a young girl who is being raised by the brooding hero, but it's never really explained as to how that came to be. There is also the case of the missing wife, and no explanations as to what happened. There is a difference between the solution to the wife problem, but still this book reminded me a lot of Jane Eyre – only this one had sex.
Back to Eula. The last few books I’ve read have had some wonderful children in them and Eula is no exception. Eula is a charmer; she knows how to get what she wants and doesn’t have any qualms about using her charms. She’s smart and cunning and she steals the show. If she is allowed to grow-up and have her own book, it should be quite fun to read. Here’s keeping our fingers crossed.
The rest of the book was jammed-packed with loads of characters, plots and distractions. There was a rush to get alllll the strings tied and in so doing the romance gets shorted. This story is also an example of the female lead coming awfully close to being not likeable. The hero, Hamlin’s dark secret doesn’t really make sense and the solution seems rushed. Also, while we are told that Hamlin is a brooding, cold man, he’s really not. He’s a Beta guy disguised as an Alpha.
I do recommend this book, sort of. I was disappointed in some of the solutions to the problems which arose. I didn’t care for the heroine’s drinking problem, which came and went. I guess the solution to drinking is to get married - and, we all know marriage solves everything. The issue of all the fallen women could have been the heart of the story, but it disappeared into the background once Catriona left to find her Uncle Knox. The solution to the fallen women problem was also rushed. For me, there seemed to be so many problems to be solved in the book, but there wasn’t enough space allotted to these problems. And, they deserved more. But if you have been reading this series, you probably need to read this book.
June 21, 2018
Catriona “Cat” MacKenzie is mourning the loss of her beloved Aunt Zelda when a representative of the crown arrives and informs her father that the abbey Zelda used to house homeless women and children is being seized by the crown. Zelda was accused of treason for sheltering rebels after the battle of Culloden and therefore the abbey is being forfeited to England. Cat is furious, she had planned on continuing her aunt’s work and will not accept the loss of the abbey. Her mother suggests going to visit her uncle Knox, the Earl of Norwood, he knows everyone and might be able to help her.
Hamlin Graham, the Duke of Montrose is a murderer, if gossip is to be believed. Cat is fascinated by the tale of his marriage and the disappearance of his wife and decides to learn the truth. She doesn’t really believe he killed his wife, but the woman is missing, so something happened! She meets Hamlin and his delightful ward Eula when they pay a call to invite him to dine. Hamlin is taken aback by this vivacious woman, she is lovely and very bold, a combination that he is unwillingly drawn to.
Hamlin is basically an outcast, everyone believes he killed his wife Glenna, who was universally adored, but only a couple of people know the truth about her and her disappearance. Hamlin desperately wants to gain a seat in the House of Lords, a feat that seems almost impossible with the rumors of murder floating around. So when he is invited to dinner, his secretary insists that he attend, he needs to convince the voting members of the house, that he should be voted in. He reluctantly goes and is mesmerized by Cat – she is incredible!
They end up spending more and more time together and finally become lovers. Both know that theirs is not a happily ever after love story. He can’t marry someone with her tainted background if he wants to get a seat in the Lords and she has the abbey to manage. But neither can seem to walk away. They are so happy together and they begin to contemplate how they can stay together and what they are willing to give up for their love, when the truth of Hamlin’s first marriage comes roaring into his life.
Both Cat and Hamlin are heartbroken, but there is no way they can be together without hurting someone. They part and in a surprising moment of compassion, Cat makes an offer that will ensure they are never together, but will guarantee him a seat in the Lords. Hamlin is overwhelmed by Cat’s generosity and vows that she will never regret him – he will spend the rest of his life making sure she doesn’t.
I really enjoyed this book, but it will rip your heart out and stomp on it – it is entertaining, steamy, witty and heartbreaking. The love between Hamlin and Cat is a beautiful soulmate type love and your heart will break right along with theirs, the secondary characters are delightful, especially Hamlin’s ward Eula, the ending is completely breathtaking and sigh worthy! And if that was not enough, there is a wonderful epilogue as well as very informative Author notes and a glossary! While this is the fifth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone title and I am happy to recommend it.
*REVIEWED FOR BURIED UNDER ROMANCE*
Hamlin Graham, the Duke of Montrose is a murderer, if gossip is to be believed. Cat is fascinated by the tale of his marriage and the disappearance of his wife and decides to learn the truth. She doesn’t really believe he killed his wife, but the woman is missing, so something happened! She meets Hamlin and his delightful ward Eula when they pay a call to invite him to dine. Hamlin is taken aback by this vivacious woman, she is lovely and very bold, a combination that he is unwillingly drawn to.
Hamlin is basically an outcast, everyone believes he killed his wife Glenna, who was universally adored, but only a couple of people know the truth about her and her disappearance. Hamlin desperately wants to gain a seat in the House of Lords, a feat that seems almost impossible with the rumors of murder floating around. So when he is invited to dinner, his secretary insists that he attend, he needs to convince the voting members of the house, that he should be voted in. He reluctantly goes and is mesmerized by Cat – she is incredible!
They end up spending more and more time together and finally become lovers. Both know that theirs is not a happily ever after love story. He can’t marry someone with her tainted background if he wants to get a seat in the Lords and she has the abbey to manage. But neither can seem to walk away. They are so happy together and they begin to contemplate how they can stay together and what they are willing to give up for their love, when the truth of Hamlin’s first marriage comes roaring into his life.
Both Cat and Hamlin are heartbroken, but there is no way they can be together without hurting someone. They part and in a surprising moment of compassion, Cat makes an offer that will ensure they are never together, but will guarantee him a seat in the Lords. Hamlin is overwhelmed by Cat’s generosity and vows that she will never regret him – he will spend the rest of his life making sure she doesn’t.
I really enjoyed this book, but it will rip your heart out and stomp on it – it is entertaining, steamy, witty and heartbreaking. The love between Hamlin and Cat is a beautiful soulmate type love and your heart will break right along with theirs, the secondary characters are delightful, especially Hamlin’s ward Eula, the ending is completely breathtaking and sigh worthy! And if that was not enough, there is a wonderful epilogue as well as very informative Author notes and a glossary! While this is the fifth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone title and I am happy to recommend it.
*REVIEWED FOR BURIED UNDER ROMANCE*
December 16, 2020
Catriona harus ke London utk mendapat bantuan kpd biara yg diwariskan oleh Zelda, bibinya yg baru saja meninggal. Jika tidak, biara itu akan diambil alih oleh pihak Inggris, jadi Catriona bertekad menemui pamannya, Norwood utk mendapatkan jalan keluar. Siapa sangka Catriona bertemu dengan Hamlin, Duke of Montrose, seorang duke yang didesas-desuskan membunuh istrinya sendiri!
Hamlin menyimpan rahasia kelam mengenai istrinya. Demi mendapatkan kursi di House of Lords, Hamlin rela mendapat reputasi sbg pembunuh ini. Saya gak mudeng dgn citra diri para bangsawan pd abad 18 ini. Mengapa mrk lebih suka difitnah sbg pembunuh drpd diselingkuhi istri mereka. Chauvinistis abad 18 ini bener-bener dah, mentang-mentang seorang Duke gak bisa diadili jika tidak ada bukti-bukti dan saksi-saksi yg signifikan.
Chemistry Catriona dan Hamlin boleh dibilang insta-love, Catriona dgn mulus masuk ke kehidupan Hamlin dgn membantu sepupu istrinya, Eula. Dan saat rahasia itu terbuka sebenarnya, relationship Hamlin dan Catriona terancam utk berakhir.
Intinya sih memang setiap relationship itu adalah keterbukaan komunikasi. Dan jangan terlalu banyak mendengarkan rumor/gossip tanpa membuktikannya sendiri. Dlm kasus Catriona sbg "perawan tua" yg sebenarnya gak mengharapkan dpt jodoh, dia beruntung sekali menemukan Hamlin ini. Tapi Hamlin, menurut saya, terlalu mendengarkan kata orang spt Duke of Perth demi ambisi bersama mereka utk kursi House of Lords.
Dibandingkan buku-buku sebelumnya, buku ini sama sekali gak ada drama tapi juga masih gak terlalu memperlihatkan strong chemistry, apalagi strong effort. Biasa-biasa saja bagi saya buku ini.
Hamlin menyimpan rahasia kelam mengenai istrinya. Demi mendapatkan kursi di House of Lords, Hamlin rela mendapat reputasi sbg pembunuh ini. Saya gak mudeng dgn citra diri para bangsawan pd abad 18 ini. Mengapa mrk lebih suka difitnah sbg pembunuh drpd diselingkuhi istri mereka. Chauvinistis abad 18 ini bener-bener dah, mentang-mentang seorang Duke gak bisa diadili jika tidak ada bukti-bukti dan saksi-saksi yg signifikan.
Chemistry Catriona dan Hamlin boleh dibilang insta-love, Catriona dgn mulus masuk ke kehidupan Hamlin dgn membantu sepupu istrinya, Eula. Dan saat rahasia itu terbuka sebenarnya, relationship Hamlin dan Catriona terancam utk berakhir.
Intinya sih memang setiap relationship itu adalah keterbukaan komunikasi. Dan jangan terlalu banyak mendengarkan rumor/gossip tanpa membuktikannya sendiri. Dlm kasus Catriona sbg "perawan tua" yg sebenarnya gak mengharapkan dpt jodoh, dia beruntung sekali menemukan Hamlin ini. Tapi Hamlin, menurut saya, terlalu mendengarkan kata orang spt Duke of Perth demi ambisi bersama mereka utk kursi House of Lords.
Dibandingkan buku-buku sebelumnya, buku ini sama sekali gak ada drama tapi juga masih gak terlalu memperlihatkan strong chemistry, apalagi strong effort. Biasa-biasa saja bagi saya buku ini.
June 26, 2018
The shadowed duke!
What a great read! I loved the character of Catriona Mackenzie, aka Cat. Her passion for her cause, her humor, her way of disarming a situation. The brooding yet resigned duke, Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, who the neighborhood is convinced murdered his wife. His ward Eula is such a poppet. It was charming the way Eula insisted on calling him Montrose and each time he would patiently correct her. As when Eula was tying the Duke's silk neckcloth,
' “You look very fine, Montrose,” [Eula] said, eyeing him closely. “Your grace,” he reminded her. “Your grace Montrose,” she returned with a pert smile.'
To be applauded and noted is that Cat is older than most leading ladies, in her early thirties, and, 'For whatever reason, fate had not seen fit to lead her to drink from the trough of marital bliss, and now, frankly, it was too late.' So Cat turned her energies elsewhere.
As I said before Cat is stout hearted and particularly passionate about those she's set out to help. Cat and her Aunt Zelda have sustained Kishorn Abbey as a safe place in the Highlands for abused and discarded women. When her aunt dies, the English authorities want to seize the abbey (the Culloden retributions continuing). Cat is in Edinborough visiting her uncle and trying to fight that decree.
In the midst of all this happens the troubled Montrose. Our Cat is ripe for falling in love. Montrose is a brooding man with a tender heart, and Cat is drawn to him like a moth to flame.
Their dance is lively, with lightening flashes and despairing shadows when trouble comes calling.
A NetGalley ARC
What a great read! I loved the character of Catriona Mackenzie, aka Cat. Her passion for her cause, her humor, her way of disarming a situation. The brooding yet resigned duke, Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, who the neighborhood is convinced murdered his wife. His ward Eula is such a poppet. It was charming the way Eula insisted on calling him Montrose and each time he would patiently correct her. As when Eula was tying the Duke's silk neckcloth,
' “You look very fine, Montrose,” [Eula] said, eyeing him closely. “Your grace,” he reminded her. “Your grace Montrose,” she returned with a pert smile.'
To be applauded and noted is that Cat is older than most leading ladies, in her early thirties, and, 'For whatever reason, fate had not seen fit to lead her to drink from the trough of marital bliss, and now, frankly, it was too late.' So Cat turned her energies elsewhere.
As I said before Cat is stout hearted and particularly passionate about those she's set out to help. Cat and her Aunt Zelda have sustained Kishorn Abbey as a safe place in the Highlands for abused and discarded women. When her aunt dies, the English authorities want to seize the abbey (the Culloden retributions continuing). Cat is in Edinborough visiting her uncle and trying to fight that decree.
In the midst of all this happens the troubled Montrose. Our Cat is ripe for falling in love. Montrose is a brooding man with a tender heart, and Cat is drawn to him like a moth to flame.
Their dance is lively, with lightening flashes and despairing shadows when trouble comes calling.
A NetGalley ARC
June 24, 2018
Tempting the Laird by Julia London is book Five in the Highland Grooms series. This is the story of Catriona 'Cat' Mackenzie and Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose. I have read the previous book but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Cat is mourning the loss of her Aunt Zelda when they get word that the abbey that Zelda housed women and children to help they is being taken by the Crown because Zelda was thought to be a treason for sheltering rebels after the battle of Culloden. Cat's mother speaks of Uncle Knox, the Earl of Norwood might be able to help her. This puts her on a path to meet Hamlin who is rumored to have killed his wife and lives on the fringe of society now. Hamlin is taken back by the outspoken Cat who doesn't seem to hold or believe his reputation against him. Cat always thought that she was happy but meeting Hamlin has awoken a need in her that she didn't know she had.
This was a book that was so hard to put down...you just wanted to know what would happen next and would they get their happy ending.
Loved it!
Cat is mourning the loss of her Aunt Zelda when they get word that the abbey that Zelda housed women and children to help they is being taken by the Crown because Zelda was thought to be a treason for sheltering rebels after the battle of Culloden. Cat's mother speaks of Uncle Knox, the Earl of Norwood might be able to help her. This puts her on a path to meet Hamlin who is rumored to have killed his wife and lives on the fringe of society now. Hamlin is taken back by the outspoken Cat who doesn't seem to hold or believe his reputation against him. Cat always thought that she was happy but meeting Hamlin has awoken a need in her that she didn't know she had.
This was a book that was so hard to put down...you just wanted to know what would happen next and would they get their happy ending.
Loved it!
July 2, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author.(netgalley) Man this book will keep you on your toes and I had forgotten how uch I love historical fiction and this one was a doozy my friends..So we have Catriona "Cat" Mackenzie who if you ever read a historical know that at the age of 33 you are on the shelf, considered and old maid and Cat is just that but she is an awesome commendable lady who to me is beyond her time, she lives her life and doesn't really care what anybody thinks, good for Cat. She ends up meeting and falling in love with the "Dark Duke", who has that name due to rumors...There is just so much I can say about this book, but I am going to implore you to read it, you will not be bored..Enjoy!
July 1, 2018
I liked this one better than the previous book in many ways. Though I've only read a couple of books in this series I can say I liked this one best of them. Catriona is an interesting character, outspoken, fierce, a bit brash yet reclusive. Both she and Hamlin share this sadness about them. Hamlin is secretive, he earned a reputation from the death of his wife, lonely from past events becoming an outcast of sorts. Catriona is intrigued by this man and wants to find the truth behind these claims.
I like that in a way they are kindred spirits yet Catriona is that lovely feeling he needed again. She believes in him despite what people think if his rough appearance. Hamlin is actually great nothing like people assume actually the opposite of his reputation, he may be brooding but definitely good looking but no less kind and giving. There's a depth to him that may come off dark but he and Catriona get each other so it works.
I'm more engaged with this story and makes you keep on reading wantingto know want happens next. Watching Catriona and Hamlin's relationship grow is wonderful. The storyline is not your usual but it's well done and makes you root for the main characters. I grew to like Catriona and her distinctive personality, honest yet a bit different and still likable.
** Arc provided for an honest review **
I like that in a way they are kindred spirits yet Catriona is that lovely feeling he needed again. She believes in him despite what people think if his rough appearance. Hamlin is actually great nothing like people assume actually the opposite of his reputation, he may be brooding but definitely good looking but no less kind and giving. There's a depth to him that may come off dark but he and Catriona get each other so it works.
I'm more engaged with this story and makes you keep on reading wantingto know want happens next. Watching Catriona and Hamlin's relationship grow is wonderful. The storyline is not your usual but it's well done and makes you root for the main characters. I grew to like Catriona and her distinctive personality, honest yet a bit different and still likable.
** Arc provided for an honest review **
June 29, 2018
The next installment of Julia London’s Highland Grooms series, Tempting the Laird, was one of my favorites so far. I know I say this for all of Julia’s books, but she just has a way to make me feel so comfortably engaged from the first chapter. This story, of Catriona Mackenzie, can be a modern day tale, with a very independent woman who hasn’t needed a man to make her life complete. Of course, in 1800’s Scotland, she is looked upon as “on the shelf” since she is in her early 30’s. Nonetheless, she provides shelter to women and their children who have no place else to go after the Battle of Culloden. Because of politics, the future of the shelter is threatened. This turn of events leads Catriona to meet the Duke of Montrose, who has a very dark past. The relationship between two people who are set in their ways makes this story flow so wonderfully. Two very strong and interesting characters, as well as a cast of secondary characters made this such a delight to read. I highly recommend this book and this series.
May 25, 2018
No doubt fans of Julia London's Highland Grooms series will be excited to read this latest installment. Unfortunately, not even Catriona Mackenzie's sparkling personality can give this dull romance a much needed spark.
I've read quite a few of London's romances at this point, and I've been been impressed in the past with her writing style and character development. That wasn't the case here. Everything felt so sluggish-- the writing, the plot, the characters themselves. It felt like it was a chore to write, and a result, it was a chore to read.
I felt zero chemistry between Catriona and Hamlin. That was probably due to the fact that there was so little dialogue between them, chemistry simply wasn't given a chance to develop organically. Rather, their interactions were boiled down to generalized sentences along the lines of "They talked deep into the night about everything and soon felt a deep connection to each other." It's disappointing, because I know London has the ability to create sizzling chemistry and entertaining dialogue between her characters.
The plot was weak, too. There were several subplots that had the potential to give the story much greater depth, but it just wasn't very well executed. Rather than allowing the action to unfold before the reader's eyes, London chose to give abbreviated explanations, after the fact.
This won't stop be from picking up another romance novel by the author in the future, but it certainly was a disappointing installment to this series, considering her immense talent.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I've read quite a few of London's romances at this point, and I've been been impressed in the past with her writing style and character development. That wasn't the case here. Everything felt so sluggish-- the writing, the plot, the characters themselves. It felt like it was a chore to write, and a result, it was a chore to read.
I felt zero chemistry between Catriona and Hamlin. That was probably due to the fact that there was so little dialogue between them, chemistry simply wasn't given a chance to develop organically. Rather, their interactions were boiled down to generalized sentences along the lines of "They talked deep into the night about everything and soon felt a deep connection to each other." It's disappointing, because I know London has the ability to create sizzling chemistry and entertaining dialogue between her characters.
The plot was weak, too. There were several subplots that had the potential to give the story much greater depth, but it just wasn't very well executed. Rather than allowing the action to unfold before the reader's eyes, London chose to give abbreviated explanations, after the fact.
This won't stop be from picking up another romance novel by the author in the future, but it certainly was a disappointing installment to this series, considering her immense talent.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2018
I am going to give 3.5 stars to the book because I feel generous today. The book wasn't one of my liking. I would have loved some romance that actually feels like romance. The developing love between Catriona and the Duke fell short and I would have liked something more passionate. We had many sub-plots that stole the spotlight from the couple. At least we got to see them slowly go from acquaintances to something more, so it's wasn't that insta-love theme that has found its way to the historical romances too. What I like about the highlands is that they are not as restricted as England was at the time and women are able to express themselves more than the average English woman. I loved the duke and his ward. I wish we had more scenes with just the two of them. They were acting like father and daughter and they were cute.
The book was easy to read and I read it very fast. The pace was good, but I wish we had dived a little bit more into the characters and the things that made them act like they did. I also wish we had seen the duke at the parliament since in my head it's a great scene and it would add a lot to his character. With a little hesitation, I would recommend the book.
The book was easy to read and I read it very fast. The pace was good, but I wish we had dived a little bit more into the characters and the things that made them act like they did. I also wish we had seen the duke at the parliament since in my head it's a great scene and it would add a lot to his character. With a little hesitation, I would recommend the book.
April 6, 2020
Aburridísima.
Empecé entusiasmada porque Catriona, la protagonista, no es una jovencita (33 años) y tiene un proyecto de vida importante: evitar que una propiedad donde ayuda a mujeres desplazadas por la sociedad sea expropiada por el gobierno.
Con ese objetivo va a la casa de un tío con influencias. Pero resulta que cerca del tío vive un oscuro duque sospechoso de haber matado a su esposa que ha desaparecido.
Todo esto hace que durante más de media novela, Catriona se olvide de su proyecto y sólo le interese saber lo que pasó con el duque. No lo descubre pero se acerca "bastante" al duque.
No quiero contar más porque es tan poco lo que pasa que sería spoilear todo. Y todo se arregla, o no, en un pim pum.
Digamos que todo me pareció muy infantil y de la idea del comienzo quedó muy poco.
2 o 3 escenas hot.
No tengo suerte con esta autora.
Empecé entusiasmada porque Catriona, la protagonista, no es una jovencita (33 años) y tiene un proyecto de vida importante: evitar que una propiedad donde ayuda a mujeres desplazadas por la sociedad sea expropiada por el gobierno.
Con ese objetivo va a la casa de un tío con influencias. Pero resulta que cerca del tío vive un oscuro duque sospechoso de haber matado a su esposa que ha desaparecido.
Todo esto hace que durante más de media novela, Catriona se olvide de su proyecto y sólo le interese saber lo que pasó con el duque. No lo descubre pero se acerca "bastante" al duque.
No quiero contar más porque es tan poco lo que pasa que sería spoilear todo. Y todo se arregla, o no, en un pim pum.
Digamos que todo me pareció muy infantil y de la idea del comienzo quedó muy poco.
2 o 3 escenas hot.
No tengo suerte con esta autora.
June 18, 2023
My first Julia London book. This one starts off slow, and then sort of plods along... From the cover I thought it was going to be a bit more exciting. The complications and subsequent disasters can be seen coming a mile away. That being said, the writing is good and if you're looking for an easy to digest diversion that is perhaps a bit dull, this will do. Catriona Mackenzie, "Cat" is a feminist who cares for others and longs for love but is resigned she's too old to have love and a family. Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose - is Mr. Darcy-ish, if you like that sort of thing. I prefer a more charming and witty hottie, more witty banter between the couple, more adventure... But overall it's just fine.
March 31, 2019
I had mixed feelings about this book. I liked the heroin, smart, brave, does whatever she wants, does everything well, rides a horse, drive a carriage, shoots an arrow....Now the hero was a little standoffish. I never did find out what happened to his wife. I stopped listening before that part came up.
February 4, 2020
Entretenida historia que no decae en ningún momento. Seguimos conociendo a la familia de los protagonistas.
May 25, 2021
His presence, his words, his title, his disapproval—none of it could fluster this woman. And Hamlin was utterly intrigued by it. She was smiling at him as he glared at her. She found him amusing in that way she found everything amusing. She was truly remarkable in a way he'd never known another person to be.4 stars
I adored this book and most specifically, the two leading characters and two of the supporting characters—the heroine's uncle and the hero's ward. Catriona (33) easily made it onto my Favorite Romance Heroines list, though with that first scene where she's drunk off her ass and super belligerent, I started off a bit wary lol. She is such a wonderful character though! I loved her strength, independence, vulnerability, kindness, good humor, courage, generosity—just everything about this heroine is lovely and you're rooting for her from the get-go (minus the drunk belligerent scene).
I also appreciated how she had carved out a life for herself, and felt for the fact that she had taken these chances and done good works that left their mark on her choices in life and her reputation, but that she was still hoping against hope, deep down, that she could have a husband and family one day, even though she thought that would never happen now, because of her "advanced" age and her choices. As her relationship with Hamlin develops, it's impossible not to cheer for her and be scared on her behalf for how it will all turn out okay
He was the pull of the moon on the sea of her longing, and it was impossible to resist. She was torn between the woman she'd been until now, and the woman she was suddenly becoming. She couldn't say which was truer to her heart. She couldn't say. For the first time in years, she could not, with confidence, say who she was.Hamlin (almost 40) was a lovely hero, though he starts off as an unknown quantity, for sure. Especially the fact that it is hidden from the reader for so long what the situation is with his wife (is she even dead? did she run away? was she murdered by someone else? did she kill herself? who knows!!) makes him a bit inaccessible. We know his marriage was a bad one, but this past year has also shaped him into a different person, and it's a bit hard to fully understand that impact given we don't know the circumstances for so long.
He starts off very cold and distant, but you quickly feel for the horrible position he's in, even if you don't know the truth of what really happened (we obviously know that he's not a murderer, because he's the hero). The social isolation he experiences and the rumors and innuendos he has to deal with are really heart-breaking, and you can't help but be ecstatic when the force that is Catriona enters his world and starts to shake things up and bring some happiness and joy to his life.
Her smile broadened. Hamlin was aware of his heartbeat again. It wasn't racing per se, but reminding him that it was very much present and willing to work in any manner necessary in the presence of this woman.His ward, Eula, was such a terrific addition to the cast and she really helps round out his character, because it shows us, and the Catriona, his softer side from the beginning. In their first scene together Eula's instructing him on how to brush and arrange her hair and it's just adorable. When done right, kids can be a huge bonus to a romance and London definitely got it right here. I love her spunky character and all of Catriona's and Hamlin's interactions with her. Uncle Knox was also lovely and I adored how he was so proud of Catriona and everything that made her unique and essentially her.
I would say my biggest criticism was the unknown factor of the wife and the resulting impact on the reading experience. For me, it contributed to a lot of angst, because it made the possible future of their relationship totally unclear (I don't like angst). Obviously, whatever the circumstances, I knew that it would somehow be resolved because it's a romance and there is a HEA, but the not knowing more drove me nuts. It created this uneasiness for me once they moved forward in their relationship that made it a bit hard for me to enjoy what was going on, because I was partly holding my breath waiting for everything to come crashing down. The walls felt like they were closing in, what with his campaign to win a seat in the House of Lords and the situation with his dead-or-living-wife undoubtedly coming to a head. I hated that their relationship was such a danger to both of them (obviously not physically, but reputation- and etc.-wise).
She was, he believed, the companion of his heart.*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.
July 6, 2018
Catriona (Cat) Mackenzie lives her live on her own terms and does not care what polite society thinks. She, along with her Aunt Zelda, runs a shelter for less fortunate woman: those that society turned its back to. However, when Zelda passes she not only loses her mentor and partner, Cat discovers the British Crown is going to repossess their make-shift home. Petitioning her English uncle to help with the cause, Cat finds a new mission to occupy her time until she can return home; she plans to uncover the truth about what happened to the Duke of Montrose’s beloved wife.
Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, stays in his home with his loyal servants and young ward. The town folks all believe that Montrose sent his darling wife away, or worse… he murdered her! However, the truth is much less thrilling, and more damaging to his reputation, so he lives with the gossip in order to win his bid to enter the House of Lords. Life continues as is until Cat blows into his world, turning it upside-down and breathing new life to his existence.
Tempting the Laird is a lovely standalone romance set in Ms. London’s Highland Grooms world. Although we’ve met Cat in previous titles, readers know nothing of this dynamic heroine. She lives in the shadow of her vast and powerful family, doing work that no others would even consider. She is passionate and kind, with little time for gossip and cruelty. Although this book is set in the past, Cat is very much the modern woman, making her relatable to most current-day readers. I love her strength and the way she can laugh at those who criticize her work and beliefs to her face. And while she is content with her lot, she is also strong enough to understand that in her heart she would like to find the love and happiness her siblings have enjoyed.
Hamlin makes for a wonderful historical hero. A duke of some note, he is shrouded in mystery and carries the burden of gossip over the disappearance of his much beloved wife. No one dares visit his estate, never mind confront him, until Cat arrives. She convinces her uncle that they should pay visit to his closest neighbor, and Cat is instantly taken my Hamlin’s direct ways. He’s dark, mysterious, a gentleman, and stands up for Cat when others would dismiss her: all very swoon-worthy! Plus he cares for and loves his former wife’s abandoned young cousin. He covets his time with Cat and although both know it can’t lead to anything, it doesn’t keep them from being together and falling in love.
In the end, Tempting the Laird is a lovely historical romance sharing the unlikely pairing of a Highland lass and imposing duke. Their journey is filled with joyous times and difficult decisions. The story flows smoothly from start to end, finishing with an HEA.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, stays in his home with his loyal servants and young ward. The town folks all believe that Montrose sent his darling wife away, or worse… he murdered her! However, the truth is much less thrilling, and more damaging to his reputation, so he lives with the gossip in order to win his bid to enter the House of Lords. Life continues as is until Cat blows into his world, turning it upside-down and breathing new life to his existence.
Tempting the Laird is a lovely standalone romance set in Ms. London’s Highland Grooms world. Although we’ve met Cat in previous titles, readers know nothing of this dynamic heroine. She lives in the shadow of her vast and powerful family, doing work that no others would even consider. She is passionate and kind, with little time for gossip and cruelty. Although this book is set in the past, Cat is very much the modern woman, making her relatable to most current-day readers. I love her strength and the way she can laugh at those who criticize her work and beliefs to her face. And while she is content with her lot, she is also strong enough to understand that in her heart she would like to find the love and happiness her siblings have enjoyed.
Hamlin makes for a wonderful historical hero. A duke of some note, he is shrouded in mystery and carries the burden of gossip over the disappearance of his much beloved wife. No one dares visit his estate, never mind confront him, until Cat arrives. She convinces her uncle that they should pay visit to his closest neighbor, and Cat is instantly taken my Hamlin’s direct ways. He’s dark, mysterious, a gentleman, and stands up for Cat when others would dismiss her: all very swoon-worthy! Plus he cares for and loves his former wife’s abandoned young cousin. He covets his time with Cat and although both know it can’t lead to anything, it doesn’t keep them from being together and falling in love.
In the end, Tempting the Laird is a lovely historical romance sharing the unlikely pairing of a Highland lass and imposing duke. Their journey is filled with joyous times and difficult decisions. The story flows smoothly from start to end, finishing with an HEA.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Netgalley
May 10, 2018
Catriona Mackenzie helped her now deceased Aunt Zelda give women and children shelter after the battle of Culloden as they had no other place to go. They lived at Zelda’s Kishorn lodge far into the Highlands and used a partially destroyed abbey for the women and children. While celebrating her Aunt’s life, Rhona MacFarlane who works in the abbey, arrives to tell her they have visitors. Years after Culloden, it seems that the crown wants the Abbey and she has 6 months to vacate. Her father informs the government agent that they were loyal subjects and there has been no aiding or abetting on his land. Her mother advises her to go to her Uncle Knox, an English Earl who has a small estate in Scotland and is currently there with several guests. Her Aunt had left a letter for him and when she delivers it, he may be able to help her keep the Abbey.
While visiting her uncle, she meets the mysterious Duke of Montrose, Hamlin Graham, and his 10-year-old ward, Eula Guinne. Eula is a cousin to his deceased wife. She likes the Duke and wants to solve the mystery of his wife. Eula adores her, and Catriona spends time with her, and Hamlin. She likes that his politics align with hers and other things about him. But there are questions to be answered (is his wife dead or alive?) and problems to be solved (what happens to women at the abbey?) before they reach their HEA. You’ll have a roller coaster ride of emotions. I think this is one of Julia London’s best and it will be on my keeper shelf. I loved it and can highly recommend it. Thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me an ARC.
While visiting her uncle, she meets the mysterious Duke of Montrose, Hamlin Graham, and his 10-year-old ward, Eula Guinne. Eula is a cousin to his deceased wife. She likes the Duke and wants to solve the mystery of his wife. Eula adores her, and Catriona spends time with her, and Hamlin. She likes that his politics align with hers and other things about him. But there are questions to be answered (is his wife dead or alive?) and problems to be solved (what happens to women at the abbey?) before they reach their HEA. You’ll have a roller coaster ride of emotions. I think this is one of Julia London’s best and it will be on my keeper shelf. I loved it and can highly recommend it. Thanks to the author and publisher for allowing me an ARC.
July 4, 2018
Catriona Mackenzie is a woman on a mission. She needs to save the abbey and the women who are sheltered there. The English King wants it forfeited as a punishment. Can this fiery woman accomplish her goal? Catriona leaps off the page and pulls you in with her passion for life and her desire for social justice. I cared for her. I wanted her to be successful. When she meets the dark Duke, she's intrigued by the mystery surrounding the disappearance of his wife. She doesn't believe the rumors that he killed her. Hamlin may be a Duke but society has shunned him. I sympathized with him. I disliked how he was treated. The way he cared for his ward showed the Duke's real character. Catriona brought love and laughter into his life. Their dialogue was humorous and sassy. These two are perfect together. They deserve happiness. I wasn't sure it was in the cards. Julia London has a writing style that makes these characters come alive. I couldn't put down Tempting the Laird. I fell in love with Catriona and Hamlin.
June 30, 2018
Catriona MacKenzie has been sheltering women and children at an abbey after the Battle of Culloden and has recently been told that it is being seized by the English. She asked her Uncle Knox for help to see if they can do something.
Hamlin Graham is about to get voted into the House of Lords, but will the rumors surrounding him make any difference? When Catriana introduces herself he finds it hard to fight the feelings for her.
Can these two come together and get what they want?
A lovely story by the author that keeps romance alive. You will want to turn the pages to see how these two make it through the drama and mystery to love. The story was a fun read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Hamlin Graham is about to get voted into the House of Lords, but will the rumors surrounding him make any difference? When Catriana introduces herself he finds it hard to fight the feelings for her.
Can these two come together and get what they want?
A lovely story by the author that keeps romance alive. You will want to turn the pages to see how these two make it through the drama and mystery to love. The story was a fun read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 28, 2018
It's Derek Perkin's velvet voice--a Scottish burr for hero Hamlin Graham and a smooth British accent for heroine Catriona Mackenzie--that makes this book work for me. One of my favorite narrators, and I've always been a fan of male readers for romances, because, after all, don't we female readers provide the heroine's voice in our heads anyway? It's a steamy historical romance with a heroine who follows the teachings of her recently dead aunt and is outspoken, intelligent, and committed to providing a safe haven and eventual employment for women in need. Sparks fly when she takes up residence on her aunt's property and meets her neighbor. Quick pace; typical historical romance characters with small twists; issue-oriented story; lots of amusing bantering witty dialog; playful tone.
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