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Highland Grooms #6
Seduced by a Scot
There’s no matchmaking an unruly heart
When a prominent Scottish family faces a major scandal weeks before their daughter’s wedding, they turn in desperation to the enigmatic fixer for the aristocracy, Nichol Bain. Remarkably skilled at making high-profile problems go away, Nichol understands the issue immediately. The family’s raven-haired ward, Maura Darby, has caught the wandering eye—and rather untoward advances—of the groom.
Nichol assuredly escorts Maura toward his proposed solution: an aging bachelor for her to marry. But rebellious Maura has no interest in marrying a stranger, especially when her handsome traveling companion has captivated her so completely. Thankfully, Nichol loves a challenge, but traveling with the bold and brash Maura has him viewing her as far more than somebody’s problem. Which raises a much bigger issue—how can he possibly elude disaster when the heart of the problem is his own?
When a prominent Scottish family faces a major scandal weeks before their daughter’s wedding, they turn in desperation to the enigmatic fixer for the aristocracy, Nichol Bain. Remarkably skilled at making high-profile problems go away, Nichol understands the issue immediately. The family’s raven-haired ward, Maura Darby, has caught the wandering eye—and rather untoward advances—of the groom.
Nichol assuredly escorts Maura toward his proposed solution: an aging bachelor for her to marry. But rebellious Maura has no interest in marrying a stranger, especially when her handsome traveling companion has captivated her so completely. Thankfully, Nichol loves a challenge, but traveling with the bold and brash Maura has him viewing her as far more than somebody’s problem. Which raises a much bigger issue—how can he possibly elude disaster when the heart of the problem is his own?
376 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 30, 2018
134 people are currently reading
713 people want to read
About the author
Julia London
191 books3,133 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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July 31, 2018Ummm… *squints*
Am I suffering from extreme Outlander withdrawal, or does the cover model look an awful lot like Sam Heughan??
Am I suffering from extreme Outlander withdrawal, or does the cover model look an awful lot like Sam Heughan??
October 8, 2018
Check out all of my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
SEDUCED BY A SCOT (The Highland Grooms #6) by Julie London is a historical romance set in 1758 Scotland. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be easily read as a standalone.
Nichol Bain is a “fixer” for the aristocracy. He prides himself on finding a solution for any problem or making it disappear for a price. When a prominent Scottish family is on the verge of having a lucrative business deal fall apart, which is also tied to the marriage of their children, Nichol is summoned to find a solution. To save the deal and the problem of the family’s ward, who has been accused of enticing the future groom, Nichol believes he can easily use the ward to solve another of his problems of a rich bachelor looking for a bride.
Maura Darby has been a ward for several years after the death of her father. As she has grown into her beauty, she has been increasingly detested by the mother and daughter of the house. She has done her best to fade into the background, but it is never enough. She desperately wants to be able to make her own choices for her future, but it is just not possible in her current situation. When Nichol arrives to escort her to her new situation, he is captivated by her spirit and beauty.
As their journey takes them closer to the solution Nichol has thought out, he finds he is not at all sure it is the right one for all involved. He is challenged by Maura at every turn to see her a person rather than a problem to be solved and to see things from a different point of view. When he discovers a secret from his past, it could be that he needs a problem solver himself. Could it be he needs Maura for himself?
I enjoyed Nichol and Maura’s story. They both had unique backstories which made the plot more entertaining. The story moves at a good pace with several plot twists that keep the couple reevaluating and adjusting to their situations. The sex scenes are well written and appropriate to the growth of the romance. The romance plot and the H/h make this story a little different than your normal historical romance read and I enjoyed it as I have enjoyed so many of Ms. London’s previous books.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
SEDUCED BY A SCOT (The Highland Grooms #6) by Julie London is a historical romance set in 1758 Scotland. Even though this book is part of a series, it can be easily read as a standalone.
Nichol Bain is a “fixer” for the aristocracy. He prides himself on finding a solution for any problem or making it disappear for a price. When a prominent Scottish family is on the verge of having a lucrative business deal fall apart, which is also tied to the marriage of their children, Nichol is summoned to find a solution. To save the deal and the problem of the family’s ward, who has been accused of enticing the future groom, Nichol believes he can easily use the ward to solve another of his problems of a rich bachelor looking for a bride.
Maura Darby has been a ward for several years after the death of her father. As she has grown into her beauty, she has been increasingly detested by the mother and daughter of the house. She has done her best to fade into the background, but it is never enough. She desperately wants to be able to make her own choices for her future, but it is just not possible in her current situation. When Nichol arrives to escort her to her new situation, he is captivated by her spirit and beauty.
As their journey takes them closer to the solution Nichol has thought out, he finds he is not at all sure it is the right one for all involved. He is challenged by Maura at every turn to see her a person rather than a problem to be solved and to see things from a different point of view. When he discovers a secret from his past, it could be that he needs a problem solver himself. Could it be he needs Maura for himself?
I enjoyed Nichol and Maura’s story. They both had unique backstories which made the plot more entertaining. The story moves at a good pace with several plot twists that keep the couple reevaluating and adjusting to their situations. The sex scenes are well written and appropriate to the growth of the romance. The romance plot and the H/h make this story a little different than your normal historical romance read and I enjoyed it as I have enjoyed so many of Ms. London’s previous books.
Written for and posted first on The Romance Reviews.
November 6, 2018
ARC provided by NetGalley and Harlequin for a honest review.
Review to come closer to publication.
This was an average read. I had a difficult time with the heroine in this novel, she just didn't resinate with me and came across somewhat "flighty" and not much depth.
Hero I liked well enough.
Story line was lacking. First half wasn't much there, more dialogue then story in my opinion.
Nicholas Bain is closed off and guarded. He's protecting himself after being treated terribly by his horrible Father. Nicholas has a reputation or is well known as the "fixer". He has a gift or ability to do miracles in difficult situations or with difficult problems. He's been asked to take care of a problem, Maura. Maura is a ward that isn't liked or treated very nicely by her family members. Nicholas has come up with a solution that will be good for everyone. Maura will be well taken care of and will also satisfy her terrible family that she will be out of there hair. He has found someone for her to marry.
Maura is a independent spirit. She's also been treated terribly by family and guards herself. She learns about Nicholas and his ability to solve difficult issues. She learns his plan for her and isn't thrilled with the idea. She has her own ideas and plans.
Both Nicholas and Maura have past issues that are major hindrances to relationships. The two work through and figure out what each really wants for them as individuals and as a couple.
Though I like the story line and plot alright, I had to work on finishing the book. One major issue I had was the heroine. I couldn't connect with Maura and found some of her thought process and actions to be somewhat juvenile or silly at times. Towards the end of the book she seemed to evolve into more of a sensible character and made better choices.
Not my favorite read by this Author.
Review to come closer to publication.
This was an average read. I had a difficult time with the heroine in this novel, she just didn't resinate with me and came across somewhat "flighty" and not much depth.
Hero I liked well enough.
Story line was lacking. First half wasn't much there, more dialogue then story in my opinion.
Nicholas Bain is closed off and guarded. He's protecting himself after being treated terribly by his horrible Father. Nicholas has a reputation or is well known as the "fixer". He has a gift or ability to do miracles in difficult situations or with difficult problems. He's been asked to take care of a problem, Maura. Maura is a ward that isn't liked or treated very nicely by her family members. Nicholas has come up with a solution that will be good for everyone. Maura will be well taken care of and will also satisfy her terrible family that she will be out of there hair. He has found someone for her to marry.
Maura is a independent spirit. She's also been treated terribly by family and guards herself. She learns about Nicholas and his ability to solve difficult issues. She learns his plan for her and isn't thrilled with the idea. She has her own ideas and plans.
Both Nicholas and Maura have past issues that are major hindrances to relationships. The two work through and figure out what each really wants for them as individuals and as a couple.
Though I like the story line and plot alright, I had to work on finishing the book. One major issue I had was the heroine. I couldn't connect with Maura and found some of her thought process and actions to be somewhat juvenile or silly at times. Towards the end of the book she seemed to evolve into more of a sensible character and made better choices.
Not my favorite read by this Author.
November 1, 2018
Seduced by a Scot is a delightful read and pulled at my emotions right from the start. Nichol Bain has been called to fix a problem between two families who are negotiating a marriage and a business deal between them. He sees the problem when the groom- to- be has fallen for the family’s ward, Maura Darby, and not his intended bride. Immediately Nichol knows he needs to remove Maura from the household and get her married to someone else. Knowing he can kill two birds with one stone, he proposes she get engaged to an elderly gentleman and escorts her to his home. The journey there was anything but normal when she runs away and he’s chasing after her. Along the way she behaves not like any ordinary maiden and catches Nichol off balance with her righteous indignation talk and beliefs. I was immediately drawn to Maura and loved her spunk. She was just born in the wrong century and her beliefs were ahead of her time. Nichol was a fixer and found himself falling for her but unable to fix himself from taking Maura for his own. He’s amazed by her willingness to take charge of her own way and astounded when she makes things happen to save him. Nichol Bain was another interesting character because he had a horrible past himself and never considered the true cause of his pain until it was revealed. Revelations have a way of freeing oneself and for Nichol it put things into perspective. Nichol and Maura together were more alike and so right for one another. They just needed a way to find a way to be together and the author brilliantly worked her magic and made it happened. A thoroughly entertaining story and a great addition to the Highland Groom series.
October 29, 2018
3.5 stars
I’ve read a few of the other books in this series and I was all in for another story.
I liked Maura and Nichol. She’s sassy and stands up for herself. He’s a sweet marshmallow underneath his stand off-ish personality. Together they do have chemistry and some sweet banter, yet sometimes it felt like telling, instead of showing.
Plot wise, it had a bit more stubbornness than I wanted to see, even if I’ve come to expect it in this genre. I did like the character growth and the last couple of chapters were fantastic. I’m sort of at a loss at this review because I did like the story, but something kept me from loving it.
Overall, it was the characters that kept me reading and I look forward to reading the next book.
**Huge thanks to HQN for providing the arc free of charge**
I’ve read a few of the other books in this series and I was all in for another story.
I liked Maura and Nichol. She’s sassy and stands up for herself. He’s a sweet marshmallow underneath his stand off-ish personality. Together they do have chemistry and some sweet banter, yet sometimes it felt like telling, instead of showing.
Plot wise, it had a bit more stubbornness than I wanted to see, even if I’ve come to expect it in this genre. I did like the character growth and the last couple of chapters were fantastic. I’m sort of at a loss at this review because I did like the story, but something kept me from loving it.
Overall, it was the characters that kept me reading and I look forward to reading the next book.
**Huge thanks to HQN for providing the arc free of charge**
July 24, 2019
3.75/5. Nichol Bain has been building up his reputation over many years as the go-to man for the aristocrats to fix any awkward situation they might find themselves in. His latest task is to situate an inconveniently beautiful young lady anywhere but at her guardian's house, as her allure has proven to be a mighty distraction to the fiancé of the guardian's daughter. He decides to neatly kill two birds with one stone by matching her up with an older earl who needs a wife to keep him in line. Of course the lady turns out to be less than compliant with his brilliant idea. This might be the one situation he cannot manipulate.
Since her father's death when she was twelve, Maura Darby has learnt to hold her tongue and tried her hardest to fade into the background so as not to draw too much attention to herself and the ire of her guardian's wife and daughter. As her beauty bloomed however, it became an increasingly difficult undertaking as her physical appeal attracted unsolicited male attention. Falsely accused and unfairly banished from her guardian's home, she is in a seething, simmering state of agitation when located by Nichol and instead of the expected gratitude and feminine appreciation for his offering of a comfortable marital settlement, she unleashes on him all her years of suppressed anger. Basically, there is no way in hell she was going to submit herself under male control again now that she has a small taste of independence. But as a young unmarried female in Scotland, Maura really didn't have many options. As she and Nichol negotiated an acceptable deal to suit them both, they of course acquaint themselves with one another far more than what was appropriate for a professional fixer and the subject of his assignment.
Spirited and smart heroine who just wanted to finally have a voice after being silenced for so long. Hero with a lot of emotional baggage. Nice chemistry especially their feisty initial meeting. The author highlighted the limited rights and general helplessness of women in those days - unable to choose their own spouse, occupation of their choice or own property and generally were often used as pawns for monetary, social and political gains by their families and guardians. It was a coming together of two lonely souls, rejected by those who supposedly cared for them.
“Anyone who claims no’ to need someone to miss them is a person that needs someone to miss them the most. I’ve no one to miss me, either, but I need someone to miss me.”
He belonged to no one. He had no one. He was a man completely unto himself.
Since her father's death when she was twelve, Maura Darby has learnt to hold her tongue and tried her hardest to fade into the background so as not to draw too much attention to herself and the ire of her guardian's wife and daughter. As her beauty bloomed however, it became an increasingly difficult undertaking as her physical appeal attracted unsolicited male attention. Falsely accused and unfairly banished from her guardian's home, she is in a seething, simmering state of agitation when located by Nichol and instead of the expected gratitude and feminine appreciation for his offering of a comfortable marital settlement, she unleashes on him all her years of suppressed anger. Basically, there is no way in hell she was going to submit herself under male control again now that she has a small taste of independence. But as a young unmarried female in Scotland, Maura really didn't have many options. As she and Nichol negotiated an acceptable deal to suit them both, they of course acquaint themselves with one another far more than what was appropriate for a professional fixer and the subject of his assignment.
Spirited and smart heroine who just wanted to finally have a voice after being silenced for so long. Hero with a lot of emotional baggage. Nice chemistry especially their feisty initial meeting. The author highlighted the limited rights and general helplessness of women in those days - unable to choose their own spouse, occupation of their choice or own property and generally were often used as pawns for monetary, social and political gains by their families and guardians. It was a coming together of two lonely souls, rejected by those who supposedly cared for them.
“Anyone who claims no’ to need someone to miss them is a person that needs someone to miss them the most. I’ve no one to miss me, either, but I need someone to miss me.”
He belonged to no one. He had no one. He was a man completely unto himself.
March 14, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Seduced By A Scot is the most recent installment in the Highland Grooms series and I have the first few books in this series and really enjoyed the first few books so I was expecting to really love this book as well. I will say that even though it was a likable read at times, I struggled with this one throughout the story. I think it just didn't click right for me and the heroine is one I really struggled with. Nothing specific about her character, but she seemed to be so uneven and it really threw me off at times.
Our story is set in the Georgian Era in Scotland, in the 1700's and our hero, Nicholas Bain, is a rescuer of situations. He travels all over to deal with scandals and tough to straighten out problems and sorts them out for the upper classes. A upper class family calls him in to their home when a scandal involved their family. Maura Darby, is the ward of the family but when she unwillingly catches the eye of the fiancee of the family's daughter, tensions rise and the situation gets very bad for Maura. Maura is innocent of their machinations against her, but when Nicholas is to take her to her betrothed, she is resistent but she also knows she has little choice. But along their journey, Nicholas and Maura learn to admire each other and desire and more tender emotions build between them. But Nicholas has a life on the road and can't ever give Maura what she deserves. It will take them almost losing their lives to fight for their love and finding their HEA.
This story was a "On The Road" romance and I really liked the development of the plot here. And I really appreciate that this was the time era before the Regency era, it does take place in Scotland, so it was a very refreshing setting for me. I found Maura's situation to be so disheartening and it also focuses on the bad situation that orphans especially female one's had to rely on others to survive. Maura wants more out of life than just marriage to a stranger, or being treated so horribly by her guardians (and let me tell you they use her, demean her so much and are very vindictive) but we a great inner strength in her character and Ilike seeing her fight in those small ways.
The romance that develops between these two is so sweet and endearing, but its more of a slow build. There is some not so fun tension between them in the first half of the story, they really don't like each other much, but they make compromises and there is a change in their relationship when Nicholas helps Maura get her things returned including a priceless necklace that has been in her family for generations that her guardians stole from her. We see a shift in their friendship and this is the beginning of their romance that really hooks in the reader. The pacing of the story is on and off steady, there are moments in the plot where the reader is hooked but other moments that are very slow going and I will admit I almost DNF'd this but I kept with it since I was close to being finished and I haven't ever DNF a Julia London and didn't want to start now. But it was a very close call in this book. But overall I had a fun time with this book here and really enjoy certain aspects of the story. But I didn't love it and really struggled with the pacing at times and yes the heroine rubbed me the wrong way at times. But I did find it interesting, and loved the change of setting and the slow build romance was lovely and sweet.
Seduced By A Scot is the most recent installment in the Highland Grooms series and I have the first few books in this series and really enjoyed the first few books so I was expecting to really love this book as well. I will say that even though it was a likable read at times, I struggled with this one throughout the story. I think it just didn't click right for me and the heroine is one I really struggled with. Nothing specific about her character, but she seemed to be so uneven and it really threw me off at times.
Our story is set in the Georgian Era in Scotland, in the 1700's and our hero, Nicholas Bain, is a rescuer of situations. He travels all over to deal with scandals and tough to straighten out problems and sorts them out for the upper classes. A upper class family calls him in to their home when a scandal involved their family. Maura Darby, is the ward of the family but when she unwillingly catches the eye of the fiancee of the family's daughter, tensions rise and the situation gets very bad for Maura. Maura is innocent of their machinations against her, but when Nicholas is to take her to her betrothed, she is resistent but she also knows she has little choice. But along their journey, Nicholas and Maura learn to admire each other and desire and more tender emotions build between them. But Nicholas has a life on the road and can't ever give Maura what she deserves. It will take them almost losing their lives to fight for their love and finding their HEA.
This story was a "On The Road" romance and I really liked the development of the plot here. And I really appreciate that this was the time era before the Regency era, it does take place in Scotland, so it was a very refreshing setting for me. I found Maura's situation to be so disheartening and it also focuses on the bad situation that orphans especially female one's had to rely on others to survive. Maura wants more out of life than just marriage to a stranger, or being treated so horribly by her guardians (and let me tell you they use her, demean her so much and are very vindictive) but we a great inner strength in her character and Ilike seeing her fight in those small ways.
The romance that develops between these two is so sweet and endearing, but its more of a slow build. There is some not so fun tension between them in the first half of the story, they really don't like each other much, but they make compromises and there is a change in their relationship when Nicholas helps Maura get her things returned including a priceless necklace that has been in her family for generations that her guardians stole from her. We see a shift in their friendship and this is the beginning of their romance that really hooks in the reader. The pacing of the story is on and off steady, there are moments in the plot where the reader is hooked but other moments that are very slow going and I will admit I almost DNF'd this but I kept with it since I was close to being finished and I haven't ever DNF a Julia London and didn't want to start now. But it was a very close call in this book. But overall I had a fun time with this book here and really enjoy certain aspects of the story. But I didn't love it and really struggled with the pacing at times and yes the heroine rubbed me the wrong way at times. But I did find it interesting, and loved the change of setting and the slow build romance was lovely and sweet.
October 26, 2018
When Calum Garbett's ward, the lovely Miss Maura Danby is embroiled in a scandal that may cost him a lucrative business deal, the Duke of Montrose recommends that he summon Nichol Bain.
If you have been following the series, you will remember Nichol as the secretary of the Duke of Montrose - the man who tried his darnedest to keep Hamlin and Catriona apart. Nichol is a "fixer", he has an uncanny knack for finding solutions to the toughest problems and Garbett's problem seems like a walk in the park. He will help Garbett's daughter Sorcha and her fiancé reconcile and then he will marry Miss Danby off to a former client, collect his fee and be off to Wales.
Maura is done being the demure, complacent young lady she promised her father she would be. The Garbetts took her in as a girl and made her life hell. She has borne it for years, staying out of the way and never complaining - but when Sorcha's would be husband kisses her and then proclaims her a temptress, she is cast out of the house and her only true possession is stolen from her. She will not blindly follow Nichol to a marriage - she will get her necklace back and then she will figure out the rest of her life - she doesn't need a too good looking, too smart man meddling in her affairs! She escapes from Nichol and heads back to the Garbett's, she is bound and determined to get her necklace and perhaps a pound of flesh. Nichol catches up with her and convinces her to let him fix this - he is more enamored with her than he should be, but knows that nothing can come of it - he has no home to offer her, he will marry her off to Dunnan Cockburn and try to forget her.
They reclaim her necklace and set off to meet Dunnan - Maura knows she is falling for him, but has promised to go along with his plans for her. They sidetrack to his family estate and Nichol is dealt a blow he never expected. Maura understands Nichol's pain, she too has been betrayed by those who should have loved her. She comforts him and their relationship takes a turn. She knows she cannot marry Dunnan, but Nichol is adamant, he has NOTHING to offer her and she deserves a good life.
They arrive at Dunnan's and things go from bad to worse. By the time Nichol comes to his senses and realizes that he needs Maura, it may be too late for a HEA.
This was a well written, well paced book with two very wounded souls, the story is in turns emotional and amusing, Maura is a force to be reckoned with and Nichol is much more approachable in this book than he was in the previous story, once you learn about his past, his action and manner make a lot more sense. The book is a bit steamier than the others I have read by Ms. London (THAT IS NOT A COMPLAINT!) and the story a bit more complex and maybe a bit overly dramatic. There is some question in my mind as to the resolution with Nichol's family and the same title error from the last book reappears in this one, but overall it was a good read and I would be happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
If you have been following the series, you will remember Nichol as the secretary of the Duke of Montrose - the man who tried his darnedest to keep Hamlin and Catriona apart. Nichol is a "fixer", he has an uncanny knack for finding solutions to the toughest problems and Garbett's problem seems like a walk in the park. He will help Garbett's daughter Sorcha and her fiancé reconcile and then he will marry Miss Danby off to a former client, collect his fee and be off to Wales.
Maura is done being the demure, complacent young lady she promised her father she would be. The Garbetts took her in as a girl and made her life hell. She has borne it for years, staying out of the way and never complaining - but when Sorcha's would be husband kisses her and then proclaims her a temptress, she is cast out of the house and her only true possession is stolen from her. She will not blindly follow Nichol to a marriage - she will get her necklace back and then she will figure out the rest of her life - she doesn't need a too good looking, too smart man meddling in her affairs! She escapes from Nichol and heads back to the Garbett's, she is bound and determined to get her necklace and perhaps a pound of flesh. Nichol catches up with her and convinces her to let him fix this - he is more enamored with her than he should be, but knows that nothing can come of it - he has no home to offer her, he will marry her off to Dunnan Cockburn and try to forget her.
They reclaim her necklace and set off to meet Dunnan - Maura knows she is falling for him, but has promised to go along with his plans for her. They sidetrack to his family estate and Nichol is dealt a blow he never expected. Maura understands Nichol's pain, she too has been betrayed by those who should have loved her. She comforts him and their relationship takes a turn. She knows she cannot marry Dunnan, but Nichol is adamant, he has NOTHING to offer her and she deserves a good life.
They arrive at Dunnan's and things go from bad to worse. By the time Nichol comes to his senses and realizes that he needs Maura, it may be too late for a HEA.
This was a well written, well paced book with two very wounded souls, the story is in turns emotional and amusing, Maura is a force to be reckoned with and Nichol is much more approachable in this book than he was in the previous story, once you learn about his past, his action and manner make a lot more sense. The book is a bit steamier than the others I have read by Ms. London (THAT IS NOT A COMPLAINT!) and the story a bit more complex and maybe a bit overly dramatic. There is some question in my mind as to the resolution with Nichol's family and the same title error from the last book reappears in this one, but overall it was a good read and I would be happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
October 28, 2018
Seduced by a Scot by Julia London is book 6 in the Highland Grooms series. This is the story of Maura Darby and Nichol Bain. This can be a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Nichol is known as a fixer of problems and goes forward to help a prominent Scottish family whose family ward is tempting to ruin a future family marriage agreement. Maura has tried to stay in the background to keep please the mother and daughter of the family she is staying with but that isn't working. Nichol feels that he can fix their problem but getting the couple back together. Then take Maura away to meet another client who would possible marry her. But what Nichol's hadn't counted on was being attracted to her nor building feelings towards her on their time traveling together.
I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more stories from Ms. London.
Nichol is known as a fixer of problems and goes forward to help a prominent Scottish family whose family ward is tempting to ruin a future family marriage agreement. Maura has tried to stay in the background to keep please the mother and daughter of the family she is staying with but that isn't working. Nichol feels that he can fix their problem but getting the couple back together. Then take Maura away to meet another client who would possible marry her. But what Nichol's hadn't counted on was being attracted to her nor building feelings towards her on their time traveling together.
I really enjoyed this book and hope to read more stories from Ms. London.
April 29, 2019
Highly recommend this novel!!!!! Especially since stayed up all night to finish while knowing I have a full week of work ahead of me! This says lot about how much I loved this novel!!!!! Loved our two main protagonists the author (Julia London) did a fabulous job crafting these characters!!!! Could feel the joy as well as the angst felt by these characters! Was escapism in a novel to a T! Even the minor characters had defined personalities that made them more fleshed it seemed! At times I can see where some readers might find the wit or thought process juvenile, but I loved it! Easy fun read!!!!!
October 18, 2018
Seduced by a Scot is the sixth title in Ms. London’s entertaining Highland Grooms series. Although there is mention of previous characters and activities, the story is very much a standalone romance and enjoyable by its own rights. Readers briefly met Nichol, the man who fixes problems for others, in the previous book. He’s a bit of a vagabond, going from one job to the next and never settling down. Estranged from his family, he claims no name and no home. But he enjoys what he does and lives a contented life. That is until he meets Ms. Maura Darby.
Maura’s life has not been easy. After her parents died, a friend of her father took her in, but his wife and own daughter, Sorcha, never liked Maura. They are petty, jealous, and downright cruel, and although Maura does everything she can to stay out of the way, she finds herself the target of Sorcha’s fiance’s attentions. In steps Nichol to fix this problem by marrying off Maura to another man.
Nichol and Maura have a bumpy start. She does not trust him - and why should she? She’s been let down and hurt by everyone who was supposed to care for her. She was treated deplorably. Nichol is wonderful because he allows Maura to vent her long-held frustrations without chiding her. Unfortunately, he sees Maura has a problem to be dealt with rather than a person. But as the pair spend time together and learn more about one another, they grow incredibly close.
I enjoyed their journeys as each comes face-to-face with their past and learns to move forward. They have one another to lean on, and a kindred-spirit bond forms. It’s evident they are falling in love from their genuine compassion. Unfortunately, Nichol is determined to marry off Maura because he truly wants the best for her. His own doubts and history skews his perception of love, and his torment over the decision despite his feelings is heartfelt and genuine.
Overall, Seduced by a Scot is an enjoyable story filled with exciting adventures and a lovely romance. Maura and Nichol work because they are cut from the same cloth. They both know disappointment and hurt by those who were supposed to love them and care for them. But they both know how to take it in stride and move beyond, making their own way.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Maura’s life has not been easy. After her parents died, a friend of her father took her in, but his wife and own daughter, Sorcha, never liked Maura. They are petty, jealous, and downright cruel, and although Maura does everything she can to stay out of the way, she finds herself the target of Sorcha’s fiance’s attentions. In steps Nichol to fix this problem by marrying off Maura to another man.
Nichol and Maura have a bumpy start. She does not trust him - and why should she? She’s been let down and hurt by everyone who was supposed to care for her. She was treated deplorably. Nichol is wonderful because he allows Maura to vent her long-held frustrations without chiding her. Unfortunately, he sees Maura has a problem to be dealt with rather than a person. But as the pair spend time together and learn more about one another, they grow incredibly close.
I enjoyed their journeys as each comes face-to-face with their past and learns to move forward. They have one another to lean on, and a kindred-spirit bond forms. It’s evident they are falling in love from their genuine compassion. Unfortunately, Nichol is determined to marry off Maura because he truly wants the best for her. His own doubts and history skews his perception of love, and his torment over the decision despite his feelings is heartfelt and genuine.
Overall, Seduced by a Scot is an enjoyable story filled with exciting adventures and a lovely romance. Maura and Nichol work because they are cut from the same cloth. They both know disappointment and hurt by those who were supposed to love them and care for them. But they both know how to take it in stride and move beyond, making their own way.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
Review copy provided by Netgalley
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
June 21, 2024
If you like this sort of thing, you'll most likely enjoy this one.
Predictable in a comforting way.
2.5 - the extra .5 is for the spice & audiobook narrator Derek Perkins (love that guy).
Predictable in a comforting way.
2.5 - the extra .5 is for the spice & audiobook narrator Derek Perkins (love that guy).
November 4, 2018
... problem solved ... sort of!
A well to do Scottish family has a problem. Their ward has attracted the eye of their daughter's fiancé. Of course Maura Darby is to blame! Not! I fairly burned at the treatment this young woman had handed out to her by the Garbett family who was supposed to protect her. As for the weak willed groom who threw himself at Maura and was not man enough to own that it was he who made advances! Words fail me!
The family turns to Nichol Bain, a fixer of dilemmas the aristocracy finds themselves in.
His answer is very neat. He aims to kill two birds with one stone as it were by marrying Maura off to an older bachelor Nichol had been asked to find a wife for.
Only Nichol had not counted on Maura and her will!
I found this to be somewhat of a roller coaster read. I felt for Maura and her treatment by the family. I was appalled by their actions of taking her heirloom necklace, the only thing she had from her mother.
I enjoyed Nichol, but the chemistry between him and Maura was a non event for me.
There were however some intriguing and humorous moments despite my previous comment.
A NetGalley ARC
A well to do Scottish family has a problem. Their ward has attracted the eye of their daughter's fiancé. Of course Maura Darby is to blame! Not! I fairly burned at the treatment this young woman had handed out to her by the Garbett family who was supposed to protect her. As for the weak willed groom who threw himself at Maura and was not man enough to own that it was he who made advances! Words fail me!
The family turns to Nichol Bain, a fixer of dilemmas the aristocracy finds themselves in.
His answer is very neat. He aims to kill two birds with one stone as it were by marrying Maura off to an older bachelor Nichol had been asked to find a wife for.
Only Nichol had not counted on Maura and her will!
I found this to be somewhat of a roller coaster read. I felt for Maura and her treatment by the family. I was appalled by their actions of taking her heirloom necklace, the only thing she had from her mother.
I enjoyed Nichol, but the chemistry between him and Maura was a non event for me.
There were however some intriguing and humorous moments despite my previous comment.
A NetGalley ARC
May 15, 2022
I like a poor hero with no title.
October 24, 2018
This is book six and the final one in the fabulous Highland Groom series, I am saddened that there won’t be any more, I cannot tell you how much I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series.
After the death of her father Maura became the ward of the Garbett family, over the years as she grew into a beautiful young woman and began to out shine their own daughter Sorcha, the Garbett’s begin to treat worse and worse as the years wore on until finally when the man who was intended for Sorcha takes a liking to Maura one thing leads to another and all hell breaks lose leaving poor Maura yet again without a home ad destined to live with a vile distant elation to the family while the Garbett’s try and fix the scandal that is about to erupt. With a wise word from the marvellous Duke of Montrose – I loved this man in the previous book and yes, I am still in love with him, he is such a wonderful character – Mr Garbett sent to the one man who can sort out their little issue.
Maura is completely innocent of all that she is accused of, Sorcha is nothing more than a spoilt little madam with an ugly and jealous streak that would make the Hulk look pretty. What precious Sorcha wants, precious Sorcha gets, which also includes the only thing that Maura has left of her family; her mother’s necklace.
Walk on the scene mysterious, gorgeous green eyed Nichol Bain – I do have a penchant for green eyed heroes. Nichol is very close friends with the Duke of Montrose and he also has a gift at fixing problems which is why the Duke sent Garbett to him. With a little crafty planning ad wee bit of manipulation Nichol has found the perfect solution – the only thing needed is to collect Maura for her take the part Nichol has planned for her.
But for the first time ever Nichol perfectly laid out plan basically get chucked out of the window when he meets feisty, intelligent and way to shrewd for her own good Maura, who has other idea’s. She has no intention what so ever in going along with the disturbingly handsome Scot’s plan, she has only two things that she wants; one is to leave the awful place she has found herself in, and get away from the man who has thinks of her nothing more then a plaything – literally she has had to barricade herself in her room to protect herself from this horrid man. And the second is her mothers necklace that the equally horrid Garbett’s stole from her.
Nichol is sympathetic to Maura’s cause, her plight resonates with him far more then he thought it would. Which is why he agrees to help her, which begins’ their journey one that is full of twists and turns, secrets and lies and mistrust. They are both so alike they have very similar backgrounds, they both have issues with trust which in Maura’s case is very easy to understand why, Nichol has his own secrets his own personal heartaches that have shaped and made the great man that he is. They are both lonely, suspicious and cynical people that I think do see the bad in people well before the good. Yet they both have huge hearts that are yearning for love, it just takes a while for them to get to their much needed happily ever after.
I have to say I adore that first moment where they meet, she has barricaded her self in her tower and because she refuses to come out Nichol decides to go all dashing hero and climbs the tower and goes through the window only to have a bit of a battle of wills with the not so damsel in distress, that is a brilliant scene and sets up their blustery relationship nicely.
Over all this is as ever a fantastic romance, I do love romance stories where the hero and heroine have to really work for their happily ever after and Ms London is a master as spinning a mesmerising and engaging tale that the reader can really get behind and love. I love the complexity of the story there is so much going on, the twists throughout are great additions to an already wonderfully immersive story. Seduced by the Scot will keep you glued and turning the pages, and keep you up way past your bedtime, It’s emotional, intriguing and though-provoking.
A fantastic book, I cannot recommend this book and this series enough!
This was a ARC via the author’s assistant in exchange for an honest review
After the death of her father Maura became the ward of the Garbett family, over the years as she grew into a beautiful young woman and began to out shine their own daughter Sorcha, the Garbett’s begin to treat worse and worse as the years wore on until finally when the man who was intended for Sorcha takes a liking to Maura one thing leads to another and all hell breaks lose leaving poor Maura yet again without a home ad destined to live with a vile distant elation to the family while the Garbett’s try and fix the scandal that is about to erupt. With a wise word from the marvellous Duke of Montrose – I loved this man in the previous book and yes, I am still in love with him, he is such a wonderful character – Mr Garbett sent to the one man who can sort out their little issue.
Maura is completely innocent of all that she is accused of, Sorcha is nothing more than a spoilt little madam with an ugly and jealous streak that would make the Hulk look pretty. What precious Sorcha wants, precious Sorcha gets, which also includes the only thing that Maura has left of her family; her mother’s necklace.
Walk on the scene mysterious, gorgeous green eyed Nichol Bain – I do have a penchant for green eyed heroes. Nichol is very close friends with the Duke of Montrose and he also has a gift at fixing problems which is why the Duke sent Garbett to him. With a little crafty planning ad wee bit of manipulation Nichol has found the perfect solution – the only thing needed is to collect Maura for her take the part Nichol has planned for her.
But for the first time ever Nichol perfectly laid out plan basically get chucked out of the window when he meets feisty, intelligent and way to shrewd for her own good Maura, who has other idea’s. She has no intention what so ever in going along with the disturbingly handsome Scot’s plan, she has only two things that she wants; one is to leave the awful place she has found herself in, and get away from the man who has thinks of her nothing more then a plaything – literally she has had to barricade herself in her room to protect herself from this horrid man. And the second is her mothers necklace that the equally horrid Garbett’s stole from her.
Nichol is sympathetic to Maura’s cause, her plight resonates with him far more then he thought it would. Which is why he agrees to help her, which begins’ their journey one that is full of twists and turns, secrets and lies and mistrust. They are both so alike they have very similar backgrounds, they both have issues with trust which in Maura’s case is very easy to understand why, Nichol has his own secrets his own personal heartaches that have shaped and made the great man that he is. They are both lonely, suspicious and cynical people that I think do see the bad in people well before the good. Yet they both have huge hearts that are yearning for love, it just takes a while for them to get to their much needed happily ever after.
I have to say I adore that first moment where they meet, she has barricaded her self in her tower and because she refuses to come out Nichol decides to go all dashing hero and climbs the tower and goes through the window only to have a bit of a battle of wills with the not so damsel in distress, that is a brilliant scene and sets up their blustery relationship nicely.
Over all this is as ever a fantastic romance, I do love romance stories where the hero and heroine have to really work for their happily ever after and Ms London is a master as spinning a mesmerising and engaging tale that the reader can really get behind and love. I love the complexity of the story there is so much going on, the twists throughout are great additions to an already wonderfully immersive story. Seduced by the Scot will keep you glued and turning the pages, and keep you up way past your bedtime, It’s emotional, intriguing and though-provoking.
A fantastic book, I cannot recommend this book and this series enough!
This was a ARC via the author’s assistant in exchange for an honest review
September 18, 2018
3.5*/3.75*
I’ve received this eARC at no cost to the author.
Seduced by a Scot is the sixth book in the Highland Grooms series. After such a good fifth book, I thought it might be difficult to come back to that excellence. But Maura and Nichol came pretty close to it. Maybe because Maura (after leaving her house, of course) reminded me of Catriona? I don’t know. What I do know is that I really enjoyed this book.
Both Maura and Nichol have had a hard time in life and, in this book, both of them find themselves without a place to call home. Even if it might seem that the attraction isn’t immediate, we can feel the sparks growing.
We have a strong perspective of how women were seen in the past (I mean, some of us today are still experiencing this - sadly), and how most males thought it was always their fault that they caught someone’s eye. Because, of course, even if she pushes them aside, it’s still her fault because she’s pretty? Thankfully (and as expected), the hero treats her like a real person, even if he tries to lead her to a life she doesn’t want. He believes it’s the best for all involved, but when things between them start to change it’s hard for Maura to keep to the plan, and Nichol showed a huuuuge resolution almost to the end. Sometimes, his prerogative in forcing her to this “good life” that he envisioned for her as a bit too much. It felt like he was doing the same that had been done –no, forced on to her for her whole life. And didn’t really like that.
Also, for a very intelligent and resourceful man, Nichol wasn’t the brightest in the bunch when it came to understanding why the Baron MacBain acted the way he did. I knew right from the start, he literally tells him to his face. I can understand that a child might not put the pieces together, but adult Nichol (and Ivan – his brother - to be honest) should have known the truth a loooooong time ago. He even says so himself!
Anyway, those are the only reasons why this book has a lower review score than the previous one (which was 4.5*).
Maura was so determined and I’m pretty sure she would have made it on her own (which would have been interesting to see). The story contains a bit of a Cinderella and Rapunzel vibe to it, which some readers might appreciate.
In the end, it was a sexy book, with determined characters that overcame their struggles and past emotions, even if sometimes behaved unlike themselves.
I’ve received this eARC at no cost to the author.
Seduced by a Scot is the sixth book in the Highland Grooms series. After such a good fifth book, I thought it might be difficult to come back to that excellence. But Maura and Nichol came pretty close to it. Maybe because Maura (after leaving her house, of course) reminded me of Catriona? I don’t know. What I do know is that I really enjoyed this book.
Both Maura and Nichol have had a hard time in life and, in this book, both of them find themselves without a place to call home. Even if it might seem that the attraction isn’t immediate, we can feel the sparks growing.
We have a strong perspective of how women were seen in the past (I mean, some of us today are still experiencing this - sadly), and how most males thought it was always their fault that they caught someone’s eye. Because, of course, even if she pushes them aside, it’s still her fault because she’s pretty? Thankfully (and as expected), the hero treats her like a real person, even if he tries to lead her to a life she doesn’t want. He believes it’s the best for all involved, but when things between them start to change it’s hard for Maura to keep to the plan, and Nichol showed a huuuuge resolution almost to the end. Sometimes, his prerogative in forcing her to this “good life” that he envisioned for her as a bit too much. It felt like he was doing the same that had been done –no, forced on to her for her whole life. And didn’t really like that.
Also, for a very intelligent and resourceful man, Nichol wasn’t the brightest in the bunch when it came to understanding why the Baron MacBain acted the way he did. I knew right from the start, he literally tells him to his face. I can understand that a child might not put the pieces together, but adult Nichol (and Ivan – his brother - to be honest) should have known the truth a loooooong time ago. He even says so himself!
Anyway, those are the only reasons why this book has a lower review score than the previous one (which was 4.5*).
Maura was so determined and I’m pretty sure she would have made it on her own (which would have been interesting to see). The story contains a bit of a Cinderella and Rapunzel vibe to it, which some readers might appreciate.
In the end, it was a sexy book, with determined characters that overcame their struggles and past emotions, even if sometimes behaved unlike themselves.
December 10, 2020
Una historia de amor de época muy tierna y forjada a fuego lento entre dos personas que se van conociendo a lo largo de un viaje cuyo destino cambiará. La protagonista femenina se adapta bastante a los estándares sociales del contexto histórico aunque considero que tiene demasiado carácter. Él es un poco plano, aunque es agradable ver como poco a poco se va abriendo y comparten sentimientos, recuerdos del pasado, y momentos del presente muy intensos. Sin embargo, el estilo narrativo se me ha hecho lento y pesado. Demasiado formalismo y exceso de descripciones que no llevan a ningún lado. Los diálogos, en ocasiones, parecían forzados y artificiales, casi teatrales.
September 5, 2018
An enchanting story that will pull at the heart and engage your emotions. Maura Darby had lost her parents and relied upon others to take care of her. When the family's daughter was about to be married, disaster was about to happen when she caught the eye of the groom. So they turn to Nichol Bain, the "fixer" of the aristocracy to take hold of Maura and gain a solution.
His solution is to marry Maura off to an older bachelor who she has never seen. Maura of course has no desire to marry a stranger. She had really been mistreated most of her life and only wanted a little happiness. As she and Nichol travel together, she becomes attracted to him. Each of them have had hardships in growing up and they begin to get to know each other.
Will Nichol hand Maura over to the man his has in mind for her? Or will he decide she is for him?
I love every book I have read written by this author and this is no exception.
His solution is to marry Maura off to an older bachelor who she has never seen. Maura of course has no desire to marry a stranger. She had really been mistreated most of her life and only wanted a little happiness. As she and Nichol travel together, she becomes attracted to him. Each of them have had hardships in growing up and they begin to get to know each other.
Will Nichol hand Maura over to the man his has in mind for her? Or will he decide she is for him?
I love every book I have read written by this author and this is no exception.
October 29, 2018
Once again this author takes you back in time on a journey through Scotland this time where marriage is the key factor for mergers in family businesses.
Maura Darby, the ward of Calum Garbutt, is swiftly taken away before she can cause a scandal in the family and a solution sought by the fixer for the aristocracy, Nichol Bain. However, things don’t go quite as he planned.
Very descriptive language makes it extremely easy to visualise each setting and scene, especially the fashions of that era. You certainly feel like you are in the parlour, riding on horseback or dining at a local inn.
Maura is such a wonderful character with a strong backbone and after everything that had happened to her, I am amazed by her strength and determination. Her spark and quick wit are another great facets of her nature. She is definitely a lass in the wrong era though and would have made a fabulous scientist or whatever professional pathway she chose.
Nichol is an interesting character and one we gradually learn more about as the story progresses. One who has also not had an easy life but then even in the aristocracy things are not so easy and breezy. His self-discovery is very enlightening and wonderful to watch unfold.
As much as this author describes the so-called ‘good’ characters so very well she equally describes the ‘less desirable’ characters very clearly too. You find yourself becoming livid with their attitude and actions, possibly even wanting to give them a clout too! 🤣 I admit it, on more than one occasion I wanted to give one of these characters a swift kick in the pants or shin! To my way of thinking it’s a good sign, the author has readers invested in her story and characters.
The start is a little slow going but when the action gets going it really heats up and there are all manner things happening. The end is very exciting and I found myself looking at how many pages were left and wishing there were more!
Reviewed by Robyn
Maura Darby, the ward of Calum Garbutt, is swiftly taken away before she can cause a scandal in the family and a solution sought by the fixer for the aristocracy, Nichol Bain. However, things don’t go quite as he planned.
Very descriptive language makes it extremely easy to visualise each setting and scene, especially the fashions of that era. You certainly feel like you are in the parlour, riding on horseback or dining at a local inn.
Maura is such a wonderful character with a strong backbone and after everything that had happened to her, I am amazed by her strength and determination. Her spark and quick wit are another great facets of her nature. She is definitely a lass in the wrong era though and would have made a fabulous scientist or whatever professional pathway she chose.
Nichol is an interesting character and one we gradually learn more about as the story progresses. One who has also not had an easy life but then even in the aristocracy things are not so easy and breezy. His self-discovery is very enlightening and wonderful to watch unfold.
As much as this author describes the so-called ‘good’ characters so very well she equally describes the ‘less desirable’ characters very clearly too. You find yourself becoming livid with their attitude and actions, possibly even wanting to give them a clout too! 🤣 I admit it, on more than one occasion I wanted to give one of these characters a swift kick in the pants or shin! To my way of thinking it’s a good sign, the author has readers invested in her story and characters.
The start is a little slow going but when the action gets going it really heats up and there are all manner things happening. The end is very exciting and I found myself looking at how many pages were left and wishing there were more!
Reviewed by Robyn
November 2, 2018
Nichol Bain is a fixer for the influential members of society. He's made his own way ever since his father banished him when he was a child. He doesn't need anyone. No one can touch his heart until he meets Maura Darby. She's mistreated by the family who are her guardians. When she is turned out he arranges a marriage for her. She doesn't want to become the wife of a man that she's never met. Nicol realizes that he can't let her go. It touched me how life has drawn these two together. The connection between these two is very powerful. Julia London has written characters with such heart. They have endured pain and rejection. I loved how they have found the person who completes them. Their journey to happiness touched me. Their strength and ability to keep trying was impressive. The dialogue was sharp and witty, the setting perfect and the story well written. I can't wait to see what's next in The Highland Grooms series.
October 30, 2018
I was initially drawn to want to read this book by it's beautiful cover and it's blurb but I really do feel that they were both very misleading of what the story was going to be about. I was expecting to read about hot highlander but what I found was Nichol who is a nice enough character but nothing like a scottish warrior as portrayed by the book cover model. He was more of a scholar type of man and it kind of put me off him a little as he wasn't what I'd normally like to read about as a romantic hero. Maura on the other hand was a stubborn and often far to annoying character that made me lose a lot of sympathy with her and the situation that she finds herself in.
I don't know if it's just my perception of the book but it made me not enjoy the story as much as I should have. The story was ok if you like a lot of drama that goes back and forth between the characters, and with them having to travel around a lot from one setting to another it did make me feel that they really didn't have that much chemistry between them to make their romance believable. By the end of the book I did kind of get to like both Maura and Nichol but I can't say that I loved their story. This was just an ok read for me i'm afraid.
I don't know if it's just my perception of the book but it made me not enjoy the story as much as I should have. The story was ok if you like a lot of drama that goes back and forth between the characters, and with them having to travel around a lot from one setting to another it did make me feel that they really didn't have that much chemistry between them to make their romance believable. By the end of the book I did kind of get to like both Maura and Nichol but I can't say that I loved their story. This was just an ok read for me i'm afraid.
October 11, 2019
I really enjoyed this book tho it sometimes dragged a bit. Maura was a fabulous character, she was brave and strong and protected herself as much as a woman alone in the world could. I doodle love the secondary characters, they all seemed mean and petty and a little one dimensional.
June 17, 2019
Loved it
Great story with interesting characters. Lovely heroine who stood up for what she beloved it. Well worth reading. Can’t recommend it enough.
Great story with interesting characters. Lovely heroine who stood up for what she beloved it. Well worth reading. Can’t recommend it enough.
December 27, 2018
Lots of mean people
Spoilers! Enter at your own risk!
Seduced by a Scot is the sixth book in the Highland Grooms series and I wish I could say I liked it. The story started off on a high note, but by the second chapter I started to hear rumblings of disenchantment in my little brain. Sometimes a book works and sometimes it doesn't. For me, this book didn’t work and here’s why – mean people.
Our heroine is Maura Darby. She is beautiful beyond words. She attracts men like flies to honey. She is the ward of Calum Garrett.
Mean People House I. Let's see who inhabits this house. The mean characters here all seem to be women - so much for sisterhood. We have horrible Mrs. Garrett, jealous Sorcha Garrett, and the wife of a maybe future business-partner, the pretentious Mrs. Cadell. Mrs. Cadell is the mother of the weak weasel Adam Cadell who happens to be Sorcha's fiancé. That is until Adam kisses Maura - then the household erupts into chaos. Everyone blames the beautiful-beyond-words Maura. The women screech, yell, berate, and bully everyone in the household. Everything is allllll Maura's fault. The women insist that Maura depart and since Mr. Garrett has no backbone Maura is dumped on Garrett's distant cousin - David Rumpkin.
A ponder moment. The fact that Ms. Darby is beautiful beyond words is of course allllll her fault. She is loathed by almost all of the other female characters in this story. Sorcha is portrayed as homely; she is described as having a bulbous nose and slightly crooked eyes. Is it any wonder that all the men flock to lovely black-haired Maura instead of the big nose Sorcha? This particular narrative was all in the beginning of the book, and it was at this point I started to have an issue with the story. Do you know why I started to have issues? Because my itty-bitty brain started talking to me about our perceptions about what we value. Why is it that we have a problem with women who are not attractive being the heroine? Even when heroines are plain, there is usually a scene written in which all of a sudden in the moonlight they become beautiful or the sun captures the golden highlights of the hair or their gray eyes turn to sparkling diamonds. Why does the inside of a person have to match the outside? What's wrong with having a large nose? Why are a large nose and crooked eyes cliches for mean-spirited? Why shouldn't Sorcha and Maura have bonded when they were younger? Why did they have to be enemies? I am growing impatient with the use of physical appearance as an apparatus used to indicate good and evil. The times, they are a changin’ and it’s time our narratives quit encouraging this mind-set. Is physical beauty alllll that we value? I’m done with my pondering.
Back to the story - Mean House I. Maura is no longer around, but Sorcha has broken with her weasel boyfriend. Every one should be happy, right? Nah. Now the business deal between the Garrett's and the Cadell's may be in trouble. It's time for a "fixer." Enter Nicol Bain – our hero.
For those of you who may not know it, Nicol has fixed problems in previous books and now it’s time for his story. He is here to fix the engagement problem, but mostly he’s going to fix the problem of what to do with Maura. Wellllll, Nicol is a pretty good fixer. It isn’t long before Sorcha and her weasel of a fiancé are on again. Nicol of course has a Romanceland plan. Through some convoluted reasoning, he decides that the best solution is to gather Maura, take her nto the wilderness of Scotland and marry her to a guy by the name of Dunnan Cockburn – yes Cockburn.
Mean House II. David Rumpkin, the cousin. We now jump to the second nasty person portion of the book. When Nicol arrives at Rumpkin’s house to pick up Maura he finds her locked in a bedroom. It seems that David Rumpkin is a mean drunk and has already made advances toward Maura. Which is why she is locked in the room and not eating. She refuses to talk to Nicol, so he breaks into her bedroom. Eventually, Nicol, Maura and Gavin (his groom) escape. Sort of.
Return to Mean House I. The, I-must-have-my-necklace scene. When Maura was forced out of the Garrett household, she had to leave without most of her property, including an heirloom necklace. Before Maura can be trudged off to the highlands they must go back to the Garrett’s house to get her necklace. Maura does not trust Nicol to help her. Maura now turns into a TSTL heroine and tries to escape Nicol by stealing one of Nicol’s two horses. This means that Nicol must send Gavin to a Baron McBain - because as we all know, Nicol and Gavin can’t ride a horse double. By the way, Baron McBain is Nicol’s brother. Nicol, our hero, jumps on the horse telling Gavin he will need to walk to McBain’s estate. Yes, walk. Gavin will walk through unfamiliar territory, to the estate of a man he doesn’t know, and tell him he needs to stay with him till Nicol returns. Did I mention that McBain is estranged from his brother? That means they don't like each other. So, Gavin is being sent into a situation which might turn disagreeable. But don’t worry my little Petunia’s, Nicol gives Gavin some last minute instructions on how to load and shoot a gun. Did I happen to mention that Gavin is fourteen years old?
Mean House I continued. Maura is headed back to get her necklace, Nicol is in pursuit of Maura, and a fourteen year-old Gavin is trying not to get lost in the wilderness. Nicol finds Maura, they go back, they get the necklace, and they leave and head north. Just so ya’ know, I left out a lot of things involved in the return of the necklace plot-line. Once Maura has her necklace, we have a road-trip romance as Maura and Nicol go north so she can marry Cockburn. But first they must pick up Gavin.
Mean House III - Ivan McBain. Another nasty person, this time of the male gender. Ivan McBain is Nicol’s brother. He is married and all through this part of the story he continually tells his wife to shut up. I don’t know why he’s such a rotten person, but he’s a rotten to the core. Then Nicol’s horrible father makes an entrance into the story. He’s on his deathbed. Of course, we discover that Nicol’s father really isn’t his father at all. This makes Nicol blue. To comfort Nicol, Maura and he have a session of hickory-dickory-dock. Then it’s off to the highlands to deliver Maura to her intended.
Mean House IV - the abode of Dunnan Cockburn, the intended. Maura’s intended has a gambling problem. He’s also odd. He also has a mean, domineering mother. When Maura and Nicol arrive, Dunnan’s having a party, and he’s invited a theater troupe. OMG, a theatre group! By this time, I just wanted the story to be over – but no. Maura’s intended, Dunnan Cockburn is just plain odd. He does strange things and it’s never fully explained as to what makes him tick. It is at this time that Maura decides she will join the theater troupe and act. Yep, she’s going to be a star! As I mentioned before Cockburn has a gambling problem. He owes a lot of money. Enter the man he owes the money to, Mr. Pepper. Mr. Pepper is not a happy camper, and it’s not because he’s named after a beverage. He wants his money and he wants it now! Somehow into this mix, Nicol becomes a hostage and Maura eventually saves him. Nicol, Maura, and Gavin all have their HEA. It was all very tangled, and disjointed.
To say I was disappointed in this book would be an understatement. There were just so many plot-lines piled on top of each other. I became dizzy just trying to sort them all out. All the different narratives did not transition smoothly. It is possible to have lots of twists and turns in books and still have a cohesive tale. There were just tooooo many mean people. The story eventually became farcical – and not in a good way. This story was loaded with waaaay too many unpleasant characters - it was all very depressing. Even the HEA couldn't save this story for me.
Spoilers! Enter at your own risk!
Seduced by a Scot is the sixth book in the Highland Grooms series and I wish I could say I liked it. The story started off on a high note, but by the second chapter I started to hear rumblings of disenchantment in my little brain. Sometimes a book works and sometimes it doesn't. For me, this book didn’t work and here’s why – mean people.
Our heroine is Maura Darby. She is beautiful beyond words. She attracts men like flies to honey. She is the ward of Calum Garrett.
Mean People House I. Let's see who inhabits this house. The mean characters here all seem to be women - so much for sisterhood. We have horrible Mrs. Garrett, jealous Sorcha Garrett, and the wife of a maybe future business-partner, the pretentious Mrs. Cadell. Mrs. Cadell is the mother of the weak weasel Adam Cadell who happens to be Sorcha's fiancé. That is until Adam kisses Maura - then the household erupts into chaos. Everyone blames the beautiful-beyond-words Maura. The women screech, yell, berate, and bully everyone in the household. Everything is allllll Maura's fault. The women insist that Maura depart and since Mr. Garrett has no backbone Maura is dumped on Garrett's distant cousin - David Rumpkin.
A ponder moment. The fact that Ms. Darby is beautiful beyond words is of course allllll her fault. She is loathed by almost all of the other female characters in this story. Sorcha is portrayed as homely; she is described as having a bulbous nose and slightly crooked eyes. Is it any wonder that all the men flock to lovely black-haired Maura instead of the big nose Sorcha? This particular narrative was all in the beginning of the book, and it was at this point I started to have an issue with the story. Do you know why I started to have issues? Because my itty-bitty brain started talking to me about our perceptions about what we value. Why is it that we have a problem with women who are not attractive being the heroine? Even when heroines are plain, there is usually a scene written in which all of a sudden in the moonlight they become beautiful or the sun captures the golden highlights of the hair or their gray eyes turn to sparkling diamonds. Why does the inside of a person have to match the outside? What's wrong with having a large nose? Why are a large nose and crooked eyes cliches for mean-spirited? Why shouldn't Sorcha and Maura have bonded when they were younger? Why did they have to be enemies? I am growing impatient with the use of physical appearance as an apparatus used to indicate good and evil. The times, they are a changin’ and it’s time our narratives quit encouraging this mind-set. Is physical beauty alllll that we value? I’m done with my pondering.
Back to the story - Mean House I. Maura is no longer around, but Sorcha has broken with her weasel boyfriend. Every one should be happy, right? Nah. Now the business deal between the Garrett's and the Cadell's may be in trouble. It's time for a "fixer." Enter Nicol Bain – our hero.
For those of you who may not know it, Nicol has fixed problems in previous books and now it’s time for his story. He is here to fix the engagement problem, but mostly he’s going to fix the problem of what to do with Maura. Wellllll, Nicol is a pretty good fixer. It isn’t long before Sorcha and her weasel of a fiancé are on again. Nicol of course has a Romanceland plan. Through some convoluted reasoning, he decides that the best solution is to gather Maura, take her nto the wilderness of Scotland and marry her to a guy by the name of Dunnan Cockburn – yes Cockburn.
Mean House II. David Rumpkin, the cousin. We now jump to the second nasty person portion of the book. When Nicol arrives at Rumpkin’s house to pick up Maura he finds her locked in a bedroom. It seems that David Rumpkin is a mean drunk and has already made advances toward Maura. Which is why she is locked in the room and not eating. She refuses to talk to Nicol, so he breaks into her bedroom. Eventually, Nicol, Maura and Gavin (his groom) escape. Sort of.
Return to Mean House I. The, I-must-have-my-necklace scene. When Maura was forced out of the Garrett household, she had to leave without most of her property, including an heirloom necklace. Before Maura can be trudged off to the highlands they must go back to the Garrett’s house to get her necklace. Maura does not trust Nicol to help her. Maura now turns into a TSTL heroine and tries to escape Nicol by stealing one of Nicol’s two horses. This means that Nicol must send Gavin to a Baron McBain - because as we all know, Nicol and Gavin can’t ride a horse double. By the way, Baron McBain is Nicol’s brother. Nicol, our hero, jumps on the horse telling Gavin he will need to walk to McBain’s estate. Yes, walk. Gavin will walk through unfamiliar territory, to the estate of a man he doesn’t know, and tell him he needs to stay with him till Nicol returns. Did I mention that McBain is estranged from his brother? That means they don't like each other. So, Gavin is being sent into a situation which might turn disagreeable. But don’t worry my little Petunia’s, Nicol gives Gavin some last minute instructions on how to load and shoot a gun. Did I happen to mention that Gavin is fourteen years old?
Mean House I continued. Maura is headed back to get her necklace, Nicol is in pursuit of Maura, and a fourteen year-old Gavin is trying not to get lost in the wilderness. Nicol finds Maura, they go back, they get the necklace, and they leave and head north. Just so ya’ know, I left out a lot of things involved in the return of the necklace plot-line. Once Maura has her necklace, we have a road-trip romance as Maura and Nicol go north so she can marry Cockburn. But first they must pick up Gavin.
Mean House III - Ivan McBain. Another nasty person, this time of the male gender. Ivan McBain is Nicol’s brother. He is married and all through this part of the story he continually tells his wife to shut up. I don’t know why he’s such a rotten person, but he’s a rotten to the core. Then Nicol’s horrible father makes an entrance into the story. He’s on his deathbed. Of course, we discover that Nicol’s father really isn’t his father at all. This makes Nicol blue. To comfort Nicol, Maura and he have a session of hickory-dickory-dock. Then it’s off to the highlands to deliver Maura to her intended.
Mean House IV - the abode of Dunnan Cockburn, the intended. Maura’s intended has a gambling problem. He’s also odd. He also has a mean, domineering mother. When Maura and Nicol arrive, Dunnan’s having a party, and he’s invited a theater troupe. OMG, a theatre group! By this time, I just wanted the story to be over – but no. Maura’s intended, Dunnan Cockburn is just plain odd. He does strange things and it’s never fully explained as to what makes him tick. It is at this time that Maura decides she will join the theater troupe and act. Yep, she’s going to be a star! As I mentioned before Cockburn has a gambling problem. He owes a lot of money. Enter the man he owes the money to, Mr. Pepper. Mr. Pepper is not a happy camper, and it’s not because he’s named after a beverage. He wants his money and he wants it now! Somehow into this mix, Nicol becomes a hostage and Maura eventually saves him. Nicol, Maura, and Gavin all have their HEA. It was all very tangled, and disjointed.
To say I was disappointed in this book would be an understatement. There were just so many plot-lines piled on top of each other. I became dizzy just trying to sort them all out. All the different narratives did not transition smoothly. It is possible to have lots of twists and turns in books and still have a cohesive tale. There were just tooooo many mean people. The story eventually became farcical – and not in a good way. This story was loaded with waaaay too many unpleasant characters - it was all very depressing. Even the HEA couldn't save this story for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2018
I've enjoyed books by Ms. London, but this one wasn't one of my favorites. Nichol Bain is someone you call when you need a "fix" to a situation. He's the ultimate fixer and has built a career for himself. Treated horribly by his father, Nichol has kept himself aloof most of his life because of his scarred childhood. When he's called to fix another situation, he meets Miss Maura Darby, another lost soul treated horribly by those who are supposed to care for her. These two are drawn to each other, but can their damaged souls finally be soothed by each other?
While I liked the hero, Maura's character didn't start to resonate with me until about 3/4 of the way through the book. When she does something unexpected, I found myself finally rooting for her. As the details of Nichol's childhood are slowly teased out, it becomes apparent why he keeps himself apart from everyone. The ending was predictable and I was hoping for something more in the epilogue.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest read and was not obligated to leave a review.
While I liked the hero, Maura's character didn't start to resonate with me until about 3/4 of the way through the book. When she does something unexpected, I found myself finally rooting for her. As the details of Nichol's childhood are slowly teased out, it becomes apparent why he keeps himself apart from everyone. The ending was predictable and I was hoping for something more in the epilogue.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest read and was not obligated to leave a review.
September 22, 2018
Book: “Seduced by a Scot”
By Julia London
Series: Highland Grooms, Book#6
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
OverRating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stirling, Scotland 1758
Maura Darby had been an orphan these 12 years, treated horribly by her guardian, Calum Garbett’s Family. This only got worse, the more beautiful child Maura became, to a gorgeous breathtaking woman! His daughter Sorcha also seemed to became more unattractive as the years went on. It didn’t matter what his wife did to try to make their daughters appearance more appealing and desirable. Nothing could compare to Maura’s beauty plus her pleasant disposition compared to Sorcha’s sour one!
Calum had been Maura’s father's best friend. He was not prepared that his wife and daughter would resent his ward. As the moment his wife set her eyes on the beautiful child-it was instant, obsessive, hatred! Plus Calum was being paid a large sum of money for her care. So greedy Callum was not prepared to let his ward go on a permanent basis.
Mrs. Garbett took Maura’s beautiful clothes, belongings, pets and gave them all to their daughter Sorcha. She made sure she got the smallest room in the house and was treated like a servant. Plus anything new she would receive from others would be cruelly taken away and given to their daughter. Maura thought she was penniless, unknown of her father’s wealth, and Calum’s agreement of payment for her care.
Sorcha Garbett is extremely spoiled which matches her unattractive looks. Yet Maura always stayed in the shadows allowing Sorcha to shine, His daughter finally gets an offer of marriage-for her wealth obviously. This fiancé, Adam Cadell, is caught kissing Maura but lies and claims is was her wonton wickedness and wiles. Adam forced himself on her and did not accept her rejection, yet blamed her when caught. Now a scandal was brewing in front of his daughters finances family and friend, the Duke of Montrose.
As the men were working on the final kinks in the marriage contract. The greedy guardian agrees to send his ward Maura away, but only until it all blows over. The Duke of Montrose offered the name of a man, Nichol Bain who is his counselor. This man who can make problems disappear on a more permanent basis.
As Nichol’s solution is easy for the young fiancé’s, until he meets the enchanting, Miss Maura Darby. She was another set of problems completely. Now Nichols heart starts to become involved, something that never happens. Yes for Nichol Bain one who never gets attached to another or stays in one place for long!This is very unexpected, however due to their unusual, yet similar circumstances.
Both Maura and Nichol have undeserving and similar
abusive history. It is from adults who should be caring for them, not hurting and destroying them. A reason both mistrust others especially men in Maura’s case for the obvious reasons.
A cherished heirloom from a beloved family member was taken from Nichol similar to Maura’s royal heirloom. Nichol was discarded and separated from his brother at an early age like a piece of garbage. He was made to also feel worthless just like Maura. Of course Nichol physically desires Maura too, which is a major problem for him. As Maura has shared her abuse from men desiring her as a bed partner which she refused. Something she really resents and Nichol is trying to hold his physical desires back, yet he is only a mere man after all!
The choices and decisions and life’s direction made were decided early in life for Maura and Nichol. Due to secrets, lies, cruelty, resentment enviousness and spite. However thr attraction between Maura and Nichol is immediate and only grows. Though both suppress from acting on these feelings. In addition, Maura has no trust in the actions of men, from miserable past experiences. Nichol has no trust in people in general, choosing not to stay in one place for a long period of time. Yet they both feel the other is the most beautiful swoon worthy vision they have ever seen.
Will this couple with similar tragic backgrounds stay together or grow apart? Can they ever find a life together with a happily ever after? Plus possibly find a place they can actually call a safe, happy, home? Yet will all their suspicions, mistrust and complications split them apart? I suggest you read this sensational book and find out! Some parts reminded me of an original Cinderella type of story, which only made me love it more!
Julia London pens another masterpiece, in her sixth powerful, Highland Grooms series. I have read them all! A book you can read as a stand alone book or in series order. I suggest to read them all, as each one is extraordinary and exhilarating reads in my opinion . Again this author writes another quick paced, page turning, riveting adventure, with with vengeance, treachery, betrayal, lies, jealousy, cruelty, and spite. In addition, a beautiful love story with a swoon worthy hero and beautiful heroine. The story of two, heartbroken souls, and how they mend, nurture and warm each other’s ice cold hearts . In addition, a breathtaking setting, intricate characters and a delightful dialogue. Plus the phenomenal plotting with so many twists and turns will make you gasp for air! Not knowing what could actually transpire next! Totally brilliant!
A book readers won’t be able to put down and definitely don't want to miss! I positively and unequivocally highly recommend “Seduced by a Scot”Iby Julia London.
“Highland Grooms” series
by Julia London
#1 Wild Wicked Scot
#2 Sinful Scottish Laird
#3 Hard-Hearted Highlander
#4 Devil in Tartan
#5 Tempting the Laird
#6 Seduced by a Scot-TBR 10/30/2018
Pre-Order Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Seduced-Scot-H...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sedu...
https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sedu...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sedu...
https://books.google.com/books/about/...
https://www.bookbub.com/books/seduced...
I received a complimentary ARC copy from Harlequin publishers through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.
By Julia London
Series: Highland Grooms, Book#6
Release Date: October 30, 2018
Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook (of)
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog
OverRating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stirling, Scotland 1758
Maura Darby had been an orphan these 12 years, treated horribly by her guardian, Calum Garbett’s Family. This only got worse, the more beautiful child Maura became, to a gorgeous breathtaking woman! His daughter Sorcha also seemed to became more unattractive as the years went on. It didn’t matter what his wife did to try to make their daughters appearance more appealing and desirable. Nothing could compare to Maura’s beauty plus her pleasant disposition compared to Sorcha’s sour one!
Calum had been Maura’s father's best friend. He was not prepared that his wife and daughter would resent his ward. As the moment his wife set her eyes on the beautiful child-it was instant, obsessive, hatred! Plus Calum was being paid a large sum of money for her care. So greedy Callum was not prepared to let his ward go on a permanent basis.
Mrs. Garbett took Maura’s beautiful clothes, belongings, pets and gave them all to their daughter Sorcha. She made sure she got the smallest room in the house and was treated like a servant. Plus anything new she would receive from others would be cruelly taken away and given to their daughter. Maura thought she was penniless, unknown of her father’s wealth, and Calum’s agreement of payment for her care.
Sorcha Garbett is extremely spoiled which matches her unattractive looks. Yet Maura always stayed in the shadows allowing Sorcha to shine, His daughter finally gets an offer of marriage-for her wealth obviously. This fiancé, Adam Cadell, is caught kissing Maura but lies and claims is was her wonton wickedness and wiles. Adam forced himself on her and did not accept her rejection, yet blamed her when caught. Now a scandal was brewing in front of his daughters finances family and friend, the Duke of Montrose.
As the men were working on the final kinks in the marriage contract. The greedy guardian agrees to send his ward Maura away, but only until it all blows over. The Duke of Montrose offered the name of a man, Nichol Bain who is his counselor. This man who can make problems disappear on a more permanent basis.
As Nichol’s solution is easy for the young fiancé’s, until he meets the enchanting, Miss Maura Darby. She was another set of problems completely. Now Nichols heart starts to become involved, something that never happens. Yes for Nichol Bain one who never gets attached to another or stays in one place for long!This is very unexpected, however due to their unusual, yet similar circumstances.
Both Maura and Nichol have undeserving and similar
abusive history. It is from adults who should be caring for them, not hurting and destroying them. A reason both mistrust others especially men in Maura’s case for the obvious reasons.
A cherished heirloom from a beloved family member was taken from Nichol similar to Maura’s royal heirloom. Nichol was discarded and separated from his brother at an early age like a piece of garbage. He was made to also feel worthless just like Maura. Of course Nichol physically desires Maura too, which is a major problem for him. As Maura has shared her abuse from men desiring her as a bed partner which she refused. Something she really resents and Nichol is trying to hold his physical desires back, yet he is only a mere man after all!
The choices and decisions and life’s direction made were decided early in life for Maura and Nichol. Due to secrets, lies, cruelty, resentment enviousness and spite. However thr attraction between Maura and Nichol is immediate and only grows. Though both suppress from acting on these feelings. In addition, Maura has no trust in the actions of men, from miserable past experiences. Nichol has no trust in people in general, choosing not to stay in one place for a long period of time. Yet they both feel the other is the most beautiful swoon worthy vision they have ever seen.
Will this couple with similar tragic backgrounds stay together or grow apart? Can they ever find a life together with a happily ever after? Plus possibly find a place they can actually call a safe, happy, home? Yet will all their suspicions, mistrust and complications split them apart? I suggest you read this sensational book and find out! Some parts reminded me of an original Cinderella type of story, which only made me love it more!
Julia London pens another masterpiece, in her sixth powerful, Highland Grooms series. I have read them all! A book you can read as a stand alone book or in series order. I suggest to read them all, as each one is extraordinary and exhilarating reads in my opinion . Again this author writes another quick paced, page turning, riveting adventure, with with vengeance, treachery, betrayal, lies, jealousy, cruelty, and spite. In addition, a beautiful love story with a swoon worthy hero and beautiful heroine. The story of two, heartbroken souls, and how they mend, nurture and warm each other’s ice cold hearts . In addition, a breathtaking setting, intricate characters and a delightful dialogue. Plus the phenomenal plotting with so many twists and turns will make you gasp for air! Not knowing what could actually transpire next! Totally brilliant!
A book readers won’t be able to put down and definitely don't want to miss! I positively and unequivocally highly recommend “Seduced by a Scot”Iby Julia London.
“Highland Grooms” series
by Julia London
#1 Wild Wicked Scot
#2 Sinful Scottish Laird
#3 Hard-Hearted Highlander
#4 Devil in Tartan
#5 Tempting the Laird
#6 Seduced by a Scot-TBR 10/30/2018
Pre-Order Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Seduced-Scot-H...
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sedu...
https://www.harlequin.com/shop/books/...
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/sedu...
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sedu...
https://books.google.com/books/about/...
https://www.bookbub.com/books/seduced...
I received a complimentary ARC copy from Harlequin publishers through netgalley. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2019
Fun read. Two people without a home, without someone to love. Mr. Bain was sent to fix a problem. Maura was thought to be that problem. Her so called family, which was her disgusting uncle, a conniving cousin and a mean spirited aunt. Her family thought she was flirt, breaking up engagements. She, was totally innocent and a victim. She is outspoken, a little flighty, but doesn't back down from a fight. Nichol, is a man without a family,
February 7, 2022
All in all, I did enjoy several aspects of this book (especially the nose to nose, just try & make me banter between the strong willed main couple.. .but ... this back and forth, protective of her but also very concerned with his own best interests (whom we are naturally meant to feel sorry because of his childhood) had me lowering my rating. I know... I know... He did save her several times and befriended/acted on her half a lot. It just frustrates me greatly when a hero gives into physical temptation with the leading lady, who has clearly fallen for him, knowing his steadfast resolve & end game is repetitively declared to walk away. Not feeling worthy isn't a good enough excuse, IMO. Goodness, at one point I even pictured him whipping out a cigarette, taking a long drag from it afterwards in bed, saying, "It's for your own good, baby" then exhaling a long plume of smoke. Maybe it especially irked me because they were in the guest bedroom of the eccentric, manchild, weirdo she was being pushed to marry at the time that image popped into my head. At least the hero did genuinely appear to lament inevitably losing her to another.
Fighting for love didn't seem to be the cards on the table ... til contrived circumstances presented a somewhat predictable hand to do just that... after stomping on her heart, of course. However, I was forewarned of most of this in the synopsis, right? Even as a lover of relationship angst, I still reserve the right to be nit-picky, folks. Including selective enough I started skimming over sections near the end due to overly lengthy conversations and a stalled plot.
Sassy but a perpetual damsel in distress (due to others' treatment of her) seems to be this verra bonny lass's lot in life. She did have enough spunk she usually fought back and/or tried to think her way out of her predicaments. Like the eyebrow raising choice she almost made to get out of everyone's clutches once and for all. However, those contrived circumstances I just referenced did ultimately save her from that risky, uncertain fate and forced both of them to choose each other over themselves. She was already there, my fellow romance book loving friends, just took the hero quite awhile to listen and trust his own heart.
As usual, this author emerges you into the time period very effectively. Yes, I've read several of her books. She continues to be a favorite author of mine and remains on my romantic read radar.
Romance safety gang:
Title: Seduced by a Scot, Series: Highland Grooms (Book 6), Author: Julia London, graphic steamy scenes, determined hardheaded knucklehead at times hero, his own worst enemy, sassy but perpetual damsel in distress, skimmed over parts near the end, virgin heroine, HEA.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed a library edition of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not rewarded or compensated for this review.)
Fighting for love didn't seem to be the cards on the table ... til contrived circumstances presented a somewhat predictable hand to do just that... after stomping on her heart, of course. However, I was forewarned of most of this in the synopsis, right? Even as a lover of relationship angst, I still reserve the right to be nit-picky, folks. Including selective enough I started skimming over sections near the end due to overly lengthy conversations and a stalled plot.
Sassy but a perpetual damsel in distress (due to others' treatment of her) seems to be this verra bonny lass's lot in life. She did have enough spunk she usually fought back and/or tried to think her way out of her predicaments. Like the eyebrow raising choice she almost made to get out of everyone's clutches once and for all. However, those contrived circumstances I just referenced did ultimately save her from that risky, uncertain fate and forced both of them to choose each other over themselves. She was already there, my fellow romance book loving friends, just took the hero quite awhile to listen and trust his own heart.
As usual, this author emerges you into the time period very effectively. Yes, I've read several of her books. She continues to be a favorite author of mine and remains on my romantic read radar.
Romance safety gang:
Title: Seduced by a Scot, Series: Highland Grooms (Book 6), Author: Julia London, graphic steamy scenes, determined hardheaded knucklehead at times hero, his own worst enemy, sassy but perpetual damsel in distress, skimmed over parts near the end, virgin heroine, HEA.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed a library edition of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not rewarded or compensated for this review.)
November 6, 2018
Guest Review by mom, romance fanatic, and (someday) published author Summer Raines!
I used to be a historical romance addict with a penchant for consuming several novels of that subgenre alone per week. In the last few years, I’ve had to try five or so at a time before I found one I liked. I was beginning to think I’d outgrown historicals altogether until this adorable adventure fell in my lap. (Thanks Jennifer!)
Maura Darby is an impressive heroine. As a ward of the family, she does everything society dictates, yet she’s constantly beaten down and blamed for everything. Including the latest debacle in this household. The family is trying to marry off their daughter, but the intended groom keeps harassing Maura! And of course, it’s HER fault for seducing him. (I’m glad she escapes this cruel “family”)
Since the groom can’t keep his hands off Miss Darby, and the mother and daughter are screaming she’s always beguiled the potential suitors, the father calls in a highly recommended fixer. The marriage between his daughter and the son of his partner must happen to cement their new business partnership.
Nichol Bain thinks the fathers should’ve been able to put an end to this nonsense themselves. Therefore, he quotes a pricey fee and thinks of an easy fix. He’ll marry Maura off to one of his bachelor friends. She’ll have a fine home and husband, the arranged wedding can go forward once she’s out of the house, & Mr. Bain collects a tidy sum for his efforts. But Miss Darby is more than he bargained for.
Maura has had enough of people ruling over her with no regard to what she wants or needs. Every decision thrust upon her, has made her life more difficult with every passing day. She decides she can make better choices for her life. As Mr. Bain escorts her to her future home, Miss Darby expresses her thoughts and feelings- rather adamantly. Nichol admires her spunk, but patiently explains that she can’t. In the 1750’s, a man must be responsible for her.
He’s too sweet, too understanding. Maura sees him as a good man who would respect her opinion if they were together. Their friendship has captivated her heart and she doesn’t intend to let him go. Nichol, who loves a challenge and a woman with moxie, is drawn to the raven-haired beauty in ways he never thought possible. He soon finds himself on a magnificent estate, trying to give away the only woman to ever touch his heart.
This book was such a joy to read. It had villains I could raise my fist in anger to. It had a heroine who I respected and could root for. It had twists, surprises and action. And let’s not forget the hunky Scot who actually stands up for poor Miss Darby. Friendship, esteem and loyalty are slowly earned by both the hero and heroine’s actions, making the love that eventually develops real and lasting.
I really don’t think you have to be a fan of historical romance to enjoy this book. If you ARE a fan, you’ll LOVE it.
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the author, free of charge.
And don't forget to follow the Romance Rehab blog for more rants, raves, and other fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
I used to be a historical romance addict with a penchant for consuming several novels of that subgenre alone per week. In the last few years, I’ve had to try five or so at a time before I found one I liked. I was beginning to think I’d outgrown historicals altogether until this adorable adventure fell in my lap. (Thanks Jennifer!)
Maura Darby is an impressive heroine. As a ward of the family, she does everything society dictates, yet she’s constantly beaten down and blamed for everything. Including the latest debacle in this household. The family is trying to marry off their daughter, but the intended groom keeps harassing Maura! And of course, it’s HER fault for seducing him. (I’m glad she escapes this cruel “family”)
Since the groom can’t keep his hands off Miss Darby, and the mother and daughter are screaming she’s always beguiled the potential suitors, the father calls in a highly recommended fixer. The marriage between his daughter and the son of his partner must happen to cement their new business partnership.
Nichol Bain thinks the fathers should’ve been able to put an end to this nonsense themselves. Therefore, he quotes a pricey fee and thinks of an easy fix. He’ll marry Maura off to one of his bachelor friends. She’ll have a fine home and husband, the arranged wedding can go forward once she’s out of the house, & Mr. Bain collects a tidy sum for his efforts. But Miss Darby is more than he bargained for.
Maura has had enough of people ruling over her with no regard to what she wants or needs. Every decision thrust upon her, has made her life more difficult with every passing day. She decides she can make better choices for her life. As Mr. Bain escorts her to her future home, Miss Darby expresses her thoughts and feelings- rather adamantly. Nichol admires her spunk, but patiently explains that she can’t. In the 1750’s, a man must be responsible for her.
He’s too sweet, too understanding. Maura sees him as a good man who would respect her opinion if they were together. Their friendship has captivated her heart and she doesn’t intend to let him go. Nichol, who loves a challenge and a woman with moxie, is drawn to the raven-haired beauty in ways he never thought possible. He soon finds himself on a magnificent estate, trying to give away the only woman to ever touch his heart.
This book was such a joy to read. It had villains I could raise my fist in anger to. It had a heroine who I respected and could root for. It had twists, surprises and action. And let’s not forget the hunky Scot who actually stands up for poor Miss Darby. Friendship, esteem and loyalty are slowly earned by both the hero and heroine’s actions, making the love that eventually develops real and lasting.
I really don’t think you have to be a fan of historical romance to enjoy this book. If you ARE a fan, you’ll LOVE it.
Full disclosure: We received an ARC from the author, free of charge.
And don't forget to follow the Romance Rehab blog for more rants, raves, and other fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/
November 8, 2018
***Received a gifted copy during a Blog Tour with TLCBookTours in exchange for an honest review***
Holy moly, fried chicken nuggets that was amazing! I mean, amazing! I love a good historical fiction, especially in the romance world. It is something about the world the author creates, whether a little off, a smidge more, or even rather captivates the essence of that time frame, historical fiction is one of my favorites. Seduced by a Scot really had me just with the synopsis, I drool for that forbidden, unwanted attraction because it just makes the drama and connections that much more juicy.
Jumping right in, I will admit when I saw this, I knew it was a series but I found out that it can be read strictly as a standalone without spoilage on other books within the series, so that did not deter me from diving in head first in book six without reading the others. Though now that I fell head over heels in love with this one, I have to go back and read them all anyways!
The main characters for me in Seduced by a Scot were amazing. I absolutely loved Maura and Nichol. Maura was just a flipping spitfire, she was witty, intelligent and for all reason very much dominant personality, there was zero inferiority in her step. As a matter of fact, even when she was being punished by Mrs. Garbett (evil step mother who really isn't a step mother but I will dub her this) in front of an incident which Maura clearly was not the root cause off, Maura was still very much defiant. She held her ground, even when being told she was in the wrong, I seriously loved her spunk. Nichol on the other hand just made me drool. I liked his personality from the moment he entered the storyline. He had this charismatic presence, an understanding in his manor of attitude and just a mutual respect for Maura that really shined through the pages with his personality.
And speaking of Maura and Nichol together - whew. Between their relentless banter, Maura's ability to completely dictate the conversation in her passionate rants while Nichol sits there waiting, honestly just perfection. Though there was an attraction based right off the front of their meeting, it wasn't even really until their interactions became more and more developed between their traveling shenanigans to their actual dialogue did you really start feeling the connection growing. It is one of the many historical romances I can honestly say that the romance build wasn't rushed, it was very much beautifully paced, believable and utterly captivating.
Putting even Maura and Nichol aside, I really enjoyed both the drama, surrounding events and the secondary characters. They really had a great additive to the story that did not once overshadow the main romance of the main characters but also didn't get overlooked enough to create definite plot holes in the build of the story itself.
It was just a really great, beautiful romance read, one that really took me in a choke hold. Once I got started I could not put this down! Julia London has a new stalker and I promise you this weekend I am finding as many books as I can of hers and binge buying them all!! MUST HAVE MORE.
Holy moly, fried chicken nuggets that was amazing! I mean, amazing! I love a good historical fiction, especially in the romance world. It is something about the world the author creates, whether a little off, a smidge more, or even rather captivates the essence of that time frame, historical fiction is one of my favorites. Seduced by a Scot really had me just with the synopsis, I drool for that forbidden, unwanted attraction because it just makes the drama and connections that much more juicy.
Jumping right in, I will admit when I saw this, I knew it was a series but I found out that it can be read strictly as a standalone without spoilage on other books within the series, so that did not deter me from diving in head first in book six without reading the others. Though now that I fell head over heels in love with this one, I have to go back and read them all anyways!
The main characters for me in Seduced by a Scot were amazing. I absolutely loved Maura and Nichol. Maura was just a flipping spitfire, she was witty, intelligent and for all reason very much dominant personality, there was zero inferiority in her step. As a matter of fact, even when she was being punished by Mrs. Garbett (evil step mother who really isn't a step mother but I will dub her this) in front of an incident which Maura clearly was not the root cause off, Maura was still very much defiant. She held her ground, even when being told she was in the wrong, I seriously loved her spunk. Nichol on the other hand just made me drool. I liked his personality from the moment he entered the storyline. He had this charismatic presence, an understanding in his manor of attitude and just a mutual respect for Maura that really shined through the pages with his personality.
And speaking of Maura and Nichol together - whew. Between their relentless banter, Maura's ability to completely dictate the conversation in her passionate rants while Nichol sits there waiting, honestly just perfection. Though there was an attraction based right off the front of their meeting, it wasn't even really until their interactions became more and more developed between their traveling shenanigans to their actual dialogue did you really start feeling the connection growing. It is one of the many historical romances I can honestly say that the romance build wasn't rushed, it was very much beautifully paced, believable and utterly captivating.
Putting even Maura and Nichol aside, I really enjoyed both the drama, surrounding events and the secondary characters. They really had a great additive to the story that did not once overshadow the main romance of the main characters but also didn't get overlooked enough to create definite plot holes in the build of the story itself.
It was just a really great, beautiful romance read, one that really took me in a choke hold. Once I got started I could not put this down! Julia London has a new stalker and I promise you this weekend I am finding as many books as I can of hers and binge buying them all!! MUST HAVE MORE.
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