Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Aleck McLaughlin has three major reasons to keep his hands off Delonna. One, he's her boss. Two, she's ten years younger. Three, he's sworn to never again leave his heart vulnerable. But then her ex boyfriend steals her money and skips town, leaving her with his gambling debt and a loan shark determined to collect. Aleck’s protective instincts kick in and he realizes he’ll do anything to keep Delona safe, even if that means moving her into his house and whisking her away to his ancestral home in Scotland. Delonna’s parents’ spendthrift ways taught her to work hard for her financial independence. She loves being a bartender on Whidbey Island and hopes to open her own pub one day. When her boss–her very hot and sexy boss–steps in to save her from themess and danger her ex left behind, Delonna says no. She’s as used to calling her own shots as she is pouring them…Too bad Aleck doesn’t take no for an answer when Delonna’s safety’s involved. But just as Delonna starts to say yes, they both find themselves in trouble that has nothing to do with a skipped debt. Previously titled Highland Fling

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 30, 2014

67 people are currently reading
342 people want to read

About the author

Shelli Stevens

71 books736 followers
Shelli is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author who read her first romance novel when she snatched it off her mother’s bookshelf at the age of eleven. She is a true pluviophile (lover of rain) who currently lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters. She loves Disney, taking sunset pics (follow her on Instagram), baking, nature walking, and spontaneously bursting into song. She’s written various genres of romance, but is most known for her contemporary series such as The McLaughlins, The Bro Code, Marshall Ranch, and A is for Alpha.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
259 (40%)
4 stars
231 (36%)
3 stars
122 (19%)
2 stars
20 (3%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
Profile Image for ♥ WishfulMiss ♥ .
1,439 reviews115 followers
May 14, 2018
Delonna and Aleck's romance springs during a perfect storm. Delonna's ex bails on her but not before stealing her life savings and leading an angry bookie straight to her demanding his money. When she gets threatened and manhandled by this guy, Aleck jumps at the chance to keep her safe. Working all day together and living under the same roof proves too much for these two. But there is something (someone) in Aleck's past that stands in the way of opening his heart all the way to Delonna.

The story line moved at a good pace and the characters were interesting if a bit stubborn. I wanted to really like it but a few things didn't work for me. The reason that Aleck has closed himself off from falling in love again seemed a bit too OTT. It was something that happened 20 years ago and if he's loyal enough to that memory for that long than it would have made sense to spend a bit more page time supporting the fact that he has emotionally moved on from that and was capable of giving himself wholeheartedly to Delonna. In the end, his declaration to Delonna instead came off as rushed and more a knee jerk reaction to the possibility of losing her so suddenly than anything else. It didn't ring as strongly since his lingering feelings regarding his past were so much stronger and constantly mentioned throughout the story.

It was hard to root for their budding romance when everyone was warning, cautioning or doubting a real relationship between the MCs was even possible. Her friend/his sister pushing them to sleep together one minute and telling the h not to get emotionally involved the next was a mood killer. Her advice that it should just be "for fun" was a big flaring warning sign. The fact that they all know why Aleck is anti-relationship but still push Delonna at him seemed kind of messed up. I get you want to see him move on but shouldn't you think of Delonna's feelings too?

After the huge, giant, enormous foot in mouth moments at the end, I expected some epic groveling from Aleck. I was bummed that it all gets pushed aside with a distraction. Again it would have felt more real if he'd come to his senses without an outside catalyst pushing him to declare his feelings. Delonna was really hurt by his actions and completely heartbroken and made to feel really vulnerable when it came to her feelings for him, I think she deserved to be first and the #1 priority, if to no one else, than at least to herself. I don't normally like separations in a romance, but in this case, Delonna should have made Aleck work to get back into her good graces a lot more than that rushed ending.

* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.


SAFETY INFO:
Profile Image for Emily.
5,876 reviews548 followers
December 15, 2014
Delonna is having a really bad day, her boyfriend, well ex now stole all of her money and his bookie is intent on getting what he is owed one way or another. If it means he has to take the date out on Delonna so be it. When her boss Aleck McLaughlin finds out, he steps into help. However, years of attraction are becoming hard to resist and Aleck doesn't do relationships, while Delonna is a relationship type of gal. Will she be able to keep her heart in tact if she goes down this road with Aleck?

Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=10324
Profile Image for Kiltsandswords.
229 reviews31 followers
September 8, 2014
Highland Fling: The McLauglins by Shelli Stevens
Overview by Amazon:
Sleeping with her boss can only lead to trouble. And pleasure.
The McLaughlins, Book 4
Delonna comes by her Scottish-style frugality honestly—her parents’ spendthrift ways once left her temporarily homeless. She’s been tending bar at McLaughlin’s Pub, looking forward to the day she can call her own shots. Until her now ex-boyfriend makes off with her hard-earned savings. Now she’s got a bookie breathing threats down her neck in an apparent attempt to squeeze blood from a turnip.
Aleck McLaughlin has three good reasons to keep his hands off the delectable Delonna. One, he’s her boss. Two, she’s a good ten years younger. Three, he’s sworn to never again leave his heart vulnerable.
Her predicament sends all those reasons out the window, and Aleck moves her in with him for protection, and then whisks her away on a whirlwind trip from Whidbey Island to Scotland.
The romance of being in Edinburgh only increases their need for one another. But it quickly becomes clear they’re facing a past that’s just as painful as the present is dangerous…

So I picked up this book to read today and was in for such a pleasant surprise! It’s a shorter story, but it packs an awesome love connection with a dash of intrigue and some travel into it!
Delonna is a bartender at McLaughlin’s bar. Her best friend and roommate is part of the Scottish family that owns the establishment. Just getting out of a bad relationship with a real shit, Delonna is having a hard day. Her boss, and Kenzie’s brother, Aleck comes to help her out and so begins such a fun and delightful romp.
Delonna and Aleck have worked together for years. They openly flirt, but until a stolen kiss a few months ago, no lines have been crossed. When Delonna inadvertently ends up in danger because her jackass ex-boyfriend can’t pay off his bookie, Aleck takes the opportunity to step into Delonna’s personal life. He becomes her shadow. This of course leads to intimacy. This leads to passionate, mind blowing sex.
When I read the title of the story, I thought it would be taking place in Scotland, not outside Seattle. However, it seems I got my way and the two of them make their way to Scotland to help out Aleck’s parents after his father’s hip surgery. Aleck takes Delonna with him because the danger to her is still very present after his bar got shot up and because he can’t keep his hands off her.
There is complexity to the characters – which is great in a story that is not full length! Delonna scrimps and saves for a future. She demonstrates great compassion to Aleck and his family. She doesn’t back down when her heart is on the line. Most women would just continue to be complacent with the situation hoping to get what they really want. Aleck has a big, brick wall around his heart. He lusts deeply for Delonna, but can’t identify that what he feels is love. He loses her as an employee and lover before he has an epiphany that he truly can put away his fears and be in a real grown up relationship with her.
I loved the imagery the author created on their journey to Scotland. It’s been years since I’ve been there myself. When Aleck takes Delonna on a tourist day, I felt like I was getting a lesson on Edinburgh myself. She describes the city and the highlands so vividly, that I was so sorry they had to get on a plane back home.
One thing that I really enjoyed about this book was the heavy accent Aleck and his family had. I love how the author didn’t Americanize his speech, but left the Scottish burr intact. It made the bedroom scenes even hotter – if a Scottish lover is your fantasy.
This book was the perfect escape. I enjoyed all the secondary characters and how they enhanced the storyline. Delonna and Aleck were a great couple and I couldn’t help but cheer when they figured out things. A quick read that is highly satisfying and made me wish I could have my own highland fling.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com Thank you to Net Galley for a copy
Profile Image for Ayekah.
1,123 reviews
May 4, 2018
I hate it when I am indecisive on a book. Generally for me it's because of the characters and not the plot so much. This has been a great series, and maybe I wanted the series to end the way it started, with a lot a sizzle and pop! Aleck was sorely lacking in that department. I loved Delonna and the whole family, the pub. Anything in the Whidby's is a great setting for me.

He's got his own little mental list of why he should stay away from her and of course he breaks them all, but that's a good thing. He was as stiff as they come. The man was lucky to get his trousers on proper, one minute bemoaning his lot, the next pushing away anything and anyone that took an interest in him. What he does do though is take a protective interest in Lonna and that I liked. When the past gets too close, he takes her home to Scotland. Of course things grow from there, slowly. His parents were great and I loved his Mum. When he realizes he can't and won't face his past afraid of getting hurt, he plays tour guide the last few days they have left before they head back home.
Delonna, gets it. I really felt for the girl. He was such a dumb fook, and didn't seem to put forth the effort to even try. Talk about dry. His personality (lack of) almost ruined the story for me, I felt like even an ornery cuss would have been better. Then again that wouldn't have been Aleck, the fook. Of course you have to read the book to find out how the story ends and who ends up with who and what.

Otherwise, overlooking the H of the book, it's a great story and the Mc's are a great clan. Read this book and just ignore Aleck. Sadly I think this is the last book of the series. Great series from Shelli.
3.5 stars. I had to deduct half a star because of Aleck.

**arc from NetGalley and publisher for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own**
Profile Image for Linda.
887 reviews83 followers
September 10, 2014
Received book courtesy of Samhain publishing via Netgalley for an honest review!

We're to start. well , obviously Five stars!
I love a book that can elicit so many reactions from me and still have me smiling in the end.; which is just what this fast paced quick read did.
This is the first book I have read from this author and Ms. Stevens reeled me in, I fell in love with Aleck, what's not to love ? Tall , handsome ,green eyed , dark haired, Scottish brogue,occasional kilt wearing protective Alpha Male!
Maybe the fact that he is a bit of a commitment phoebe.the book is not all about Aleck, but give me an alpha male and good lord throw in an accent and I am done for.

Luckily for Delonna, she has a little more control than me. Delonna is the Beautiful, social , curvy twenty five year old bartender of McLaughlin pub and Aleck's employee , just one ofthe many reasons Aleck should leave her alone but a long time flirting and attraction between them brings put the Alpha male protector in him when he discovers her ex- boyfreind has up and left, stealing from her and leaving a bookie he owes money too threatening her. While the police seek to find her ex and the bookie Aleck insist that she come stay with him since it is not safe for her at home alone . Delonna tries to resist his bullying , she knows going to his home is going to complicate things, Delonna has an attraction to Aleck and she knows he is not indifferent to her , they had that one hot kiss she put a stop to a few months back.
Aleck resolve to behave himself is weakening as time goes by , he enjoys having Delonna in his home , eating together sharing conversation, watching tv together it is nice having someone to share things with, but Admit he may have feelings for her, never, it's just lust! The two become involved and Delonna is warned by her frind Kenzie (Alecks sister) to sheild her heart and not let herself get hurt, but add in a sick parent a trip to Edinburgh and the Romance of Scotland and the Castles , what's to prevent a girl from telling the many our sleeping with that your falling in love. The word for Aleck is like a bucket of ice, he will never allow himself to Love and be hurt like that again. Will Aleck realize what the rest of his family has before the best thing to happen to him walks out the door? Will it be a repeat of his past love lost?
I am not telling, go read this one and have fun!





Profile Image for Bette Hansen.
5,073 reviews40 followers
May 14, 2018
I've been a huge fan of this entire series and while I'm sad to see it end, this book was a great way to wrap it up. Aleck is the eldest of the McLaughlin siblings and he's definitely the most uptight. A tragic loss when he was younger has kept his heart locked up tight but Delonna may be the one woman who can break through his defenses. There has always been a spark between them but until now Delonna has be unavailable. Now her boyfriend is history as is the money he stole from her. Will Aleck step up to help her out? Will he let down his walls and give them a chance? When it becomes clear Delonna is in danger Aleck is determined to do everything he can to keep her safe. What she may need to protect the most is her heart.

A great read and one I would recommend.
2,354 reviews14 followers
August 27, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author (netgalley) We finally get Alex's book, the last of the McLoughlin and the oldest of the siblings. Alex and Delonna (his bartender) have flirted for each other for years but never acted on the attraction, they did not want to make it a sticky situation. Alex felt that Delonna was too young for him and also his employee, but when there is a threat to her life due to her loser boyfriend, Alex steps in and shows her his Alpha side and it is hot! Good bye guys we sure enjoyed your family!!
Profile Image for Heather 123.
954 reviews7 followers
June 4, 2018
It was a cute, fairly predictable story about two people who work together and try for something more. The banter between them kept the story funny and even though I hadn't read any of the other books in this series it was interesting reading about all the other family members.

I think the story needed a little something more though. For Aleck to have stayed so far away from love, I expected the reason to be a little more recent than 20 years when he was only 17. Not doubting what happened but I think his reaction would have been more believable if it happened when he was 25.
Profile Image for Gingy's Book Collection .
365 reviews12 followers
May 16, 2018
The McLaughlins are back and this time we are focused on Aleck's story. Aleck is a pub owner that is scared to fall in love again. He still wants a no strings relationship with his waitress Delonna, who comes with her own set of problems.

This story is hot. Aleck is a demanding Scot who is protective of the ones he cares about. I really liked Delonna because she is a strong woman that is not afraid to say what she feels. The one element to the story that bothered me was that there were some scenes that felt rushed when it needed to be expanded. 3.5 stars

I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews870 followers
October 1, 2014
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

4 STARS

Review copy provided for an honest review


So yeah, I pretty much need to get a life because I started tearing up in the first chapter of this book because I knew it was the last of this series and I’m not ready to say good-bye to the McLaughlin family. That being said Highland Fling was everything I’ve come to expect from author Shelli Stevens; she made me laugh, made me cry, made me scream in frustration, and made me fall even deeper in love with this fictional family. Charming, sexy, and all around wonderful this book is a fantastic ending to what has been an amazing series.
After sharing a steamy kiss two months ago Aleck McLaughlin knows he has to steer clear of his best bartender and employee Delonna but when it appears she’s in trouble because of something her ex-boyfriend was caught up in Aleck pretty much takes over protecting her and finds he can’t leave her alone even when he tries his best.
From the very first book I’ve adored large and in charge Aleck McLaughlin; the big brother, the confidant, the protector, and the one everyone leans on when they need something. It’s been hinted that he doesn’t date yet he doesn’t lack for female companionship and he’s made it known that marriage, family, home and hearth are not for him. Yet he freely gives his time and love to his family members from his parents down to his nieces and nephews. We’ve only seen the confident and strong Aleck so it was interesting to see his vulnerable side; the side that most people have never seen and only a few know the pain that put it there.
Delonna is one of those people who is like a ray of sunshine the minute she walks into a room so seeing her hurt, confused, and scared was a little disconcerting but it also made me realize that even though she’s young she has had a hard life. Having her savings stolen by her ex and some bad men threatening her at every turn she has no choice by to lean on Aleck and his family for support.
There’s always been this flirtation between Aleck and Delonna but it was “safe” because Aleck has insisted he’s too old for her and she had a boyfriend. Now that the boyfriend is gone and Aleck begins to realize that Delonna’s life experience has made her older than her 24 years the balance has shifted. I very much enjoyed watching these two try to stay away from one another but somehow their lips and other body parts didn’t get the message and oh boy were their parts happy! Steamy, sexy, and a bit of kinky fun really heated this story up quickly.
These two had a lot of obstacles to overcome and it wasn’t easy for either one of them. Aleck if forced to deal with a past he had long buried and to realize that even if you don’t want to love someone it really isn’t your choice. Delonna had to let go of the fear and hate she had for her ex and to stand up for herself and protect her heart even when it about killed her to do so. While watching them destruct wasn’t easy, it was necessary for them to move forward. Of course the other McLaughlin’s were there to offer support, advice, and a swift kick in the arse when needed.
As sad as I that this is the last book in this series, I’m also excited to see what Ms. Stevens’ does next; she always manages to write amazing characters with so much personality, give them stories that showcase them perfectly, adds in some sexy fun and wrap it all up into a delicious romance and Highland Fling is a perfect example of her talent.
Profile Image for Romance Between The Sheets.
1,175 reviews66 followers
September 22, 2016
HIGHLAND FLING is the fourth and final book in The McLaughlins series and takes place a few weeks after LOCH AND KEY finished. Here we have the oldest McLaughlin brother, Aleck, and his young employee, Delonna, who have been flirting up a storm since they started working together. Their age gap, the fact that they work together and that they’re always dating other people, is what’s kept them apart…until now. When her life is threatened, she has no choice but to move in with Aleck until the threat against her is gone.

Aleck is your standard tortured soul who is unwilling to fall in love and get married because of one (albeit tragic) incident that happened twenty years ago. He knows his feelings for Delonna are strong, but he refuses to acknowledge them and therefore hurts Delonna in the process. Of course, when tragedy strikes and he thinks he’s lost her forever, he quickly changes his tune and is suddenly more than ready to give her the world. I can’t say much about Delonna because I can’t remember much about her. I’m not saying she’s bad or anything, she’s just not very memorable.

HIGHLAND FLING is told in dual POVs, with part of the final chapter being told in Debra’s POV (The McLaughlin matriarch) and takes place a few years later, where we see every couple is still living happily ever after. As with the previous books, the story moves quite fast and the ending seems to come out of nowhere. Overall, I thought the entire series was nice and easy to read.

For more reviews, please visit our website: http://romancebetweenthesheets.com/re...
Profile Image for Brenda.
206 reviews8 followers
October 1, 2014
I have been waiting... not so patiently for Aleck's book! Honestly I knew that Aleck was going to be the McLaughlin brother that tore my heart strings out and I was right.
Aleck is the brooding, alpha male older brother in the McLaughlin clan who run the pub. Delonna has worked at the pub for numbers years and has been roommates/bff's with Aleck's younger sister Kenzie for quite a while now.
However their attraction has always been on what can best be described as a simmer ready to boil since the beginning. Delonna's ex decided to liberate her of her safety money and she is now in danger from someone far worse that her ex.
Aleck takes it upon himself to protect Delonna, but how far can she get into their man's heart when he's decided that he can never let himself be venerable again.
These two are that perfect blending of boiling hot passion, and the rage that can make passion so violent in a fantastic way.
I absolutely loved this book and I'm so sorry to have to let the McLaughlin family go.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,113 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2014
I am a little saddened to have read this book because this is the fourth and final book of the series. I have been anticipating reading it because Aleck intrigued me from the first book. The oldest of four siblings, dark and broody, totally alpha, how can anyone resist. Then there was the flirty spicy banter her had with Delonna and wow I could not wait for their story. This story has such a sensual smooth feel to it as I read it. It was hot and sexy for sure but also more to it. I loved the way Aleck wanted to protect her and jumped at the chance, no hesitation. And I loved the way Delonna let him take care of her even though she was very independent. There were some funny times, sweet times and three huge heartbreaking times. My heart literally hurt when I got to those parts. Always a good story when that happens.

The only thing I would want to change would be to have more in the end. I have enjoyed this series from start to finish so it is hard to realize it is the end.
Profile Image for Abigail Books Addiction.
1,140 reviews
September 15, 2014
I definitely love reading book because it had so much emotion throughout the story. The story has so much that it made it a quicker read. I definitely fell in love with Aleck. Aleck is so hunky and passionate that it makes total sense for reader to fall in love with. Who does like Scottish man? Delonna is definitely the perfect women for Aleck. She is totally beautiful and a great personality that it was no surprise for Aleck to fall for her. They definitely had a rough start but it was worth to be together. Delonna definitely have a rough start because her ex left her completely broke and a bookie on her tail. Aleck have found out and insist to help her because he secretly have a thing for her. They both begin a hilarious and romance journey together. Another great book.
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews162 followers
January 9, 2015
Aleck he's the type of man that's an alpha he takes care of his family and those he loves and he's not afraid to go into the unknown which happens to be Delonna's panty drawer, "purely clinical mode as I did so, I assure you. Though I was partial to the tiny white knickers with the pink stars so I put them in there. Anyway, shall-" Like his sibling the boy holds nothing back and is blunt, "ah, so that means I should want to bury my c*** in any available hole at all possible times?" Lana she cracks me up, "and I'm crying because one, you're an a**hole. And two, I'm out of ice cream - I had to resort to yogurt. I effing hate yogurt..." she trailed off. "Wait, why are you crying?" I was so happy Shelli saved these two for last because it was my favorite book of the whole series.
1,623 reviews28 followers
May 14, 2018
Last Call by Shelli Stevens
Aleck McLaughlin has three major reasons to keep his hands off Delonna. One, he’s her boss. Two, she’s ten years younger. Three, he’s sworn to never again leave his heart vulnerable. But then her ex boyfriend steals her money and skips town, leaving her with his gambling debt and a loan shark determined to collect. Aleck’s protective instincts kick in and he realizes he’ll do anything to keep Delona safe, even if that means moving her into his house and whisking her away to his ancestral home in Scotland.
Delonna’s parents’ spendthrift ways taught her to work hard for her financial independence. She loves being a bartender on Whidbey Island and hopes to open her own pub one day. When her boss–her very hot and sexy boss–steps in to save her from themess and danger her ex left behind, Delonna says no. She’s as used to calling her own shots as she is pouring them…Too bad Aleck doesn’t take no for an answer when Delonna’s safety’s involved.
this is Delonna and Aleck's story.
“Delonna? Are you okay? I got your text.”
Her friend and roommate appeared in the doorway a moment later. Kenzie just stared at her, before approaching slowly.
“Oh, honey, what’s going on? Are you crying?”
Delonna couldn’t even blink and her lower lip began to tremble. “Yeah. Actually, I’m pretty much on the verge of a full-scale breakdown.”
“What happened?
James stolen her money. Not penny change, but a substantial amount. The thought circled around her head again, sinking in and growing more outlandish and shocking by the moment.
Aleck, Kenzie’s oldest brother, might be a little more inclined than any of them to take a personal interest in the situation. Only because Aleck was Delonna’s boss, of course.
Aleck glanced around the pub, which was only moderately busy this time of night. Fewer than half the tables were occupied and a few regulars lingered at the bar counter, sipping their beers and watching the game on the flat-screens.
It was the calm before the storm. He knew this town, and his pub, well enough to realize it would be standing room only in a few hours.
But just as Delonna starts to say yes, they both find themselves in trouble that has nothing to do with a skipped debt.
Last Call by Shelli Stevens is a 3 star book.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Shelli's Books with Tule:
Protect Me, Cowboy
Marshall Ranch
The 78th Copper Mountain Rodeo
Falling for the Hometown Girl
Marshall Ranch
One More Round
The McLaughlins
Straight, No Chaser
The McLaughlins
Top Shelf
The McLaughlins
Last Call
The McLaughlins


Profile Image for LJT.
1,258 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2018
4.5 Stars!

Last Call by Shelli Stevens, is the fourth and final book in the McLaughlin series. It is a hot, well-written romance, that I read in less than a day because the plot was fast-paced and captivating. The McLaughin’s are an extremely close-knit and loving family, and they will do everything and anything to ensure the safety of those they care for. Whidbey Island is the home of the Scottish siblings, Colin, Ian, Kenzie and Aleck McLaughlin. Each book focuses on one of the McLaughin children and Last Call is all about Aleck, the serious and handsome pub owner with a heart of gold.

Delonna is a fantastic bartender and she enjoys her job in Aleck's pub. Her dream is to own her own pub someday. Delonna rooms with Aleck's sister Kenzie, so she is quite friendly with all the McLaughlin siblings. When her ex boyfriend steals her money and leaves town in order to avoid paying his huge gambling debt, the loan sharks come after her. Aleck comes to the rescue and ensures her safety. Overtime, they give into the sexual chemistry which has been slowly simmering, and evolve their working relationship into much more.

Ms. Stevens is a talented writer and her books are always interesting, hot, and exciting. Last Call is a terrific addition to the series and it can be devoured as a standalone. I found Aleck's dominance in and out of the bedroom to be beyond steamy. If you are looking for a solid romance with just the right combination of originality, emotion, and steam, then pick up a copy of Last Call. I have read books two through four and I can't wait to read book one.

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Profile Image for patrick Lorelli.
3,768 reviews37 followers
August 10, 2018
Out of all of the books that I have read in this series I found this one to be the roughest to finish. Delonna and Aleck have flirting with each other in the other books so it would seem only natural that they would get together right. Well it begins with Delonna coming home to find her place torn up and all of her money missing. The only suspect her lousy ex-boyfriend now. Going to Seattle to find him Aleck when he hears about this goes to find her. When he does and they make it back to the island he feels he needs to protect her. She fights at first until someone shots up the bar while just the two of them were inside. Now she agrees to stay at his place. After spending time with him and the family she overhears him saying that he does not want a relationship and she comes in later and quits. Now the end or the story picks up because Aleck must decide what he wants to do and if he wants to be with her? I felt like there was so much more this book could have been. They go to Scotland, but after each event when I thought something was going to happen nothing. At least for me. When you get to the end and to the epilogue it makes up for it slightly and only if you read the other books. Guess I was just expecting more. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 3 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Profile Image for Shelagh.
1,795 reviews25 followers
January 19, 2019
Book four in The McLaughlins, Last Call is Aleck McLaughlin’s story. The oldest of the four siblings, Aleck owns McLaughlin’s Pub on Whidbey Island near Seattle. He’s a confirmed bachelor though he’s also very much a protector, both of his family and of Delonna, his best barmaid, to whom he’s far more attracted than he wants. She’s focused but also light, friendly and flirty, making her extremely popular with his customers. She also finds Aleck a lot more appealing than she’d like and the two have agreed to keep things platonic. Of course that all works well until Delonna finds herself in a world of trouble courtesy of her ex-boyfriend, at which the attraction between these two ramps up very fast.
There were things I loved about this book and other things that made me cringe big time, one of them being Aleck’s Scottish “accent”, which sounded far more Irish than Scottish to me. His protective streak, which stuck out a mile, was something I loved, along with Delonna’s focus on her end-goal and her ability to pick herself up and get on with life even when life kicks her in the guts.
I started off enjoying this book a lot more than I enjoyed it at the end. I think of the four books in this series this one appealed the least, though it’s still a reasonably good read and if you loved the other three then this one will tie up all the loose ends nicely.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
May 14, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

I’m really torn on Last Call. Here on my own blog it gets a 3.5 star rating, which I’ll round up for the other sites I post reviews at. I simply could not connect with Aleck. And since he’s half the couple, that makes things awkward. From the first book Aleck and Delonna have been flirting, doing an “I like you” dance in the background of the rest of the family’s stories. So I wasn’t quite expecting how Aleck (or some of his siblings) acted in Last Call. I adored Delonna, but she deserved more of Aleck than she got, even in the ending of the story.

So, I’ll make this brief and simple. While I liked Last Call I wasn’t in love with Aleck and that affected how I viewed his and Delonna’s romance. It’s a good story, simply one that I didn’t really connect with. I believe this story is going to be personal in how each reader views Aleck’s actions and reasonings. Overall, I’ve enjoyed The McLaughlins series and I’m glad to have gotten to know this amazing, at times crazy family.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
4,138 reviews21 followers
May 11, 2018
Last Call by Shelli Stevens is Aleck and Delonna’s story. These two have been dancing around each other all through the McLaughlin Family series. Aleck, the older brother and now owner of the family pub, is responsible and family oriented but he is also a stick in the mud at times. I thought from the previous glimpses of him in his siblings’ books that he would eventually break free. Delonna is his positively opposite, younger and less restricted in her emotions and actions. If the danger had not come calling Aleck may have never made a move, but of course, it does.

I enjoyed the change in scenery in this book along with Aleck finally, and I mean finally, deciding to do something about the hot attraction between Delonna and him. Of course, this only happens because Delonna never gives up on him. I always wondered if her jerk of a boyfriend was only to make Aleck jealous. Who knows. Fun read with a vibrant woman and a thick-headed male.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3,556 reviews40 followers
May 4, 2018

I have come to love this series, and was looking forward to Aleck’s story. Though I didn’t love it as much as the previous stories, it still was a touching ,at times heartbreaking but also heartwarming story with some suspense thrown in.
The series centers around 4 siblings whose parents owned a pub in an island off Seattle , and have not returned to Scotland, the home of the patriarch. Aleck, now is the one in charge and the owner of this pub.
Aleck, the oldest very protective sibling, has been watching his brothers and sister fall in love . He’s happy for them, but is not interested in marriage and children. He and Delonna/Lana , his very pretty and young waitress , have been flirting for years. When the need comes to help her, he takes it upon himself to be the one to offer that support. All in all , an entertaining story with complex characters.
If you have not read the previous books, I would highly recommend it.
I voluntarily read this ARC copy thanks to Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
981 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2018
This is another in Stevens’ series about a family of Scottish immigrants living on Whidbey Island near Seattle. This novel features the oldest brother, Aleck McLaughlin who owns a bar and is attracted to his bartender, Delonna. But she’s just had one boyfriend disappear with all the cash she’d been saving up and now his loan shark is threatening Delonna for the money. The only answer is to move in with Aleck to protect her and, well, you can guess where it goes from there between two hot people attracted to one another. Aleck has to get over his problems with having a relationship after a bad experience when he was much younger. In a charming interlude, the two of them take a nice detour to Edinburgh to visit Aleck’s parents.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Profile Image for Shelby.
1,679 reviews37 followers
May 7, 2018
If I could, I would rate this book as a 3.5 out of 5 stars. however, I feel like only giving it 3 stars would be too low, so I'm rounding up to 4. I love the McLaughlin siblings, and have enjoyed reading the love story of Kenzie, and now Aleck. (I have not read the first 2 books of the series yet!) I enjoyed this book, just as I did with book #3 in the series. I love the Scottish dialogue and slang. Aleck and Delonna made a cute couple, but I wish he would have gotten his act together sooner. I felt like the ending was a little rushed, and would have enjoyed reading more of what comes next before it jumped so far into the future. Overall I enjoyed this story but I did like the Kenzie/Brett romance better from book #3.
Thank you very much to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for the advanced copy!
Profile Image for Becky Wise.
2,840 reviews52 followers
May 19, 2018
Last Call is amazing. I love the McLaughlins clan. How can you not love this Scottish family. The flirty banter between Delonna and Alec through out this series has just been an amazing slow build of a tease. The chemistry between these two is amazing and you can't help but to fall in love with them. Delonna is put in a terrible position by her ex and once Alec finds out man does he step up. I love how protective Alec is of her. You can't help but wonder what his back story is and once you find out you just hope he can heal. It takes facing the unimaginable for something to make Alec face things head on. The love between them is beautiful. I love this family so much.
Profile Image for Shea.
106 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2018
I loved the flirty banter between Aleck and Delonna so after reading Top Shelf I was eager to read this one too. When Delonna finds herself in danger Aleck wants to protect her of the two find their attraction is too strong to deny. Aleck is not a relationship guy and Delonna knows it but she finds herself falling for him anyway.

Aleck and Delonna have heat and chemistry to spare. I enjoyed getting to know all the McLaughlins and I look forward to reading more books from Shelli Stevens.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
437 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2018
Last Call is the fourth book in the McLaughlin’s series, each book focuses on one of the four siblings and this one is Aleck’s story. Delonna has worked The McLaughlin’s pub since book one and has been friends with Kenzie. While Delonna and Aleck and flirted off and on through out the series it has been just in fun. But now with both of them free and Delonna having been scared, Aleck steps up to help, but this only brings them closer and the flirting to raise to a new level. With Alecks vow to stay since and Delonna being so young, will something grow between them or will they just continue with the flirting forever.
Profile Image for Laura D.
1,113 reviews
June 1, 2018
Aleck innocently flirts with his employee Delonna. She is off limits because 1. she works for him, 2. she is 10 years younger 3. he really likes her and he doesn't ever want to be in a serious relationship ever again. When her ex steals all her money and puts her in harms way he steps in to protect her. The more time they spend together the more he wants to do nice things for her. A lot of things go wrong in a big way. Can Aleck see past all the drama and danger to realize that what he was always looking for is right in front of him? Sometime loves makes us realize that the one thing we thought we never wanted is actually what we really need when we find the right person. Great read.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Francis.
Author 3 books41 followers
May 7, 2018
This book, set to release on May 14, 2018, is a fantastic installment in Shelli Stevens' series. I absolutely adored the hero and heroine. The plot was fast-paced, full of drama and intrigue, and really kept me going. The characters are fully developed and I quickly fell in love with them! The love scenes were just the right amount of steamy and sexy, and I will definitely continue to read this author and her series. I just can't resist a hot Scot!

*NetGalley provided me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.