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Clan MacKenzie #1
Devil in a Kilt
Linnet MacDonnell was the youngest of seven sisters, and not the family beauty. With her flame-bright red hair, sharp tongue, and strange gift of second sight, no man wanted her. But the devil would take her. Bartered as a bride to her father's long-sworn enemy, the nobly born Highlander, Duncan MacKenzie of Kintail, she had no choice but to enter a marriage with a man rumored to have murdered his first wife and said to possess neither heart nor soul. Forbidding and proud, Duncan MacKenzie wanted only one thing from his new bride -- to use her special gift to determine if young Robbie was truly his son. He never expected the MacDonnell lass to stubbornly follow her heart, chase away the darkness in his castle with light and laughter, and ignite a raging fire in his blood. How dare she defy him, and tempt a devil like him to feel what he feared most of all --- love!
Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2001
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About the author
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
86 books323 followersSue-Ellen MacDuffie Welfonder
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay
Sue-Ellen MacDuffie was born and raided in Florida. She is a card-carrying Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent (free) trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty year career with the airlines. Bi-lingual, she flew international all those years, working her flights as foreign language speaker. Her flying career allowed her to see the world, but it was always to Scotland that she returned.
Now a full-time writer, she’s quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She spent fifteen years living in Europe and used that time to explore as many castle ruins, medieval abbeys, and stone circles as possible. Anything ancient, crumbling, or lichened caught her eye. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity as each trip gives her inspiration for new books.
Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a four-hundred-and-fifty year old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle.
Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell Terrier in Florida. Readers can learn more about her and the world of her books at: www.welfonder.com.
aka
Sue-Ellen Welfonder & Allie Mackay
Sue-Ellen MacDuffie was born and raided in Florida. She is a card-carrying Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent (free) trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty year career with the airlines. Bi-lingual, she flew international all those years, working her flights as foreign language speaker. Her flying career allowed her to see the world, but it was always to Scotland that she returned.
Now a full-time writer, she’s quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She spent fifteen years living in Europe and used that time to explore as many castle ruins, medieval abbeys, and stone circles as possible. Anything ancient, crumbling, or lichened caught her eye. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity as each trip gives her inspiration for new books.
Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a four-hundred-and-fifty year old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle.
Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell Terrier in Florida. Readers can learn more about her and the world of her books at: www.welfonder.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
September 14, 2022
Read: 7/8/18
This was a good read! Unfortunately, the ending was a bit rushed. The h had the sight and I wished it could have been used more. It was worth the read as long as you don't go reading expecting the other reviews of great praise.
This was a good read! Unfortunately, the ending was a bit rushed. The h had the sight and I wished it could have been used more. It was worth the read as long as you don't go reading expecting the other reviews of great praise.
May 30, 2018
I wanted to like this book. Early on I was disappointed with the heroine who was brought into the story to use her "sight" to determine whether a child belonged to the laird or his bastard brother. She knew the answer as soon as she saw the boy but decided not to tell him because she wanted him to love the boy for himself not just because the boy was a rightful son. What a manipulating, controlling, pretending to be god, dishonorable character.
But, I kept reading. At times I felt between two people both suffering from bi-polar disorder they changed back and forth so quickly between being passionate for each other to cold and manipulating.
But, I kept reading. So, now I'm at the part where the bad guy, the bastard brother, is attacking the keep. The hero has been hit with an arrow so his number two has brought her out of the safety of a room up to the battlements to care for the man. He's, rightly, upset that she is in harms way and arrows are flying, he's hit again with a crossbow arrow and another has hit a young boy with deadly accuracy. Lots of drama going on and the two of them are still arguing about whether she should be up on the battlement or not.
Stopped reading. Too much of this story is set-up for drama. I have removed this author from my "Want To Read" list. Couldn't take the stress. Great premise, great promise, great disappointment.
But, I kept reading. At times I felt between two people both suffering from bi-polar disorder they changed back and forth so quickly between being passionate for each other to cold and manipulating.
But, I kept reading. So, now I'm at the part where the bad guy, the bastard brother, is attacking the keep. The hero has been hit with an arrow so his number two has brought her out of the safety of a room up to the battlements to care for the man. He's, rightly, upset that she is in harms way and arrows are flying, he's hit again with a crossbow arrow and another has hit a young boy with deadly accuracy. Lots of drama going on and the two of them are still arguing about whether she should be up on the battlement or not.
Stopped reading. Too much of this story is set-up for drama. I have removed this author from my "Want To Read" list. Couldn't take the stress. Great premise, great promise, great disappointment.
March 9, 2017
3.5 Stars
Though I wouldn't really re-read or recommend,sadly.
Though I wouldn't really re-read or recommend,sadly.
February 18, 2018
So, this may be the worst romance I've ever read, and I've read 50 Shades of Grey.
I bought this on a whim from a second hand bookshop for £1 (this copy had not previously been read!) and was going to give it to my mum as a joke because she loves Outlander so much. However, I couldn't resist reading it myself for the lols - only there were few lols to be had.
For starters the writer is very American. The word 'plaid' is used so many times in this book when really they should be saying 'Tartan' something that's a bit bizarre as an effort has been made to shoehorn in a lot of incomprehensible (and I'm assuming maybe accurate?) Scottish terms. Many of which are not explained and which cannot be translated via context.
But, it's a romance/erotica novel so, historical accuracy gets a pass.
What doesn't get a pass is the lacklustre and boring plot, which rambles on for over 400 pages!!! All that happens is - Two people get married for reasons other than love, those two people debate their feelings internally ad nauseum and for many MANY pages of insufferable drivel, then in the last 100 pages the castle is attacked and the woman is kidnapped for all of ten pages before she escapes and the Bad Man is killed. Happily every after.
400. Fucking. Pages.
400 pages of paragraph length sentences and at least one 'By the Rood!' or 'Lucifer's Knees!' per page. Most of which is brooding on whether the 'Black Stag' is capable of love. And on what Linnet's throbbing lady regions are doing.
(Fair warning, it gets a bit crude now)
There was a chapter of over 20 pages which was literally Duncan arguing with the ludicrously named Sir Marmaduke Strongbow over whether he could have his bed back. 20 pages. I could FEEL myself ageing.
OK, so plot and historical accuracy are no-gos but, at least it had some smokin' hot sex.
Is what I would be saying had there been ANY erotic scenes AT ALL.
Now, I am a gay woman, but in my teens I read a lot of Buffy fanfiction which was for the straighties and that revved my engine adequately. But this was just terrible. For one thing, there are only two scenes that involve sex - one is missionary sex where Linnet loses her virginity, and one is just before the battle when she gets fiddled with by hand a bit. Neither scene is very sexy, a lot of both is taken up with how Linnet and Duncan are FEELING so the sex takes a backseat to yet more emotional quandary. The bits we do glimpse are full of unsexy cliches and though descriptive there is no eroticism to them.
To add insult to boring sex, for the first half of the novel all Duncan seems to think about is having sex with his new bride - over a table, on his massive four poster bed... or he fantasises about going down on her (which he promises to do like 3 times and never does - men, sigh).
Then Linnet gets kidnapped and the Bad Guy says he's going to ravish her and then pass her around his men - which doesn't happen either. I mean, by this point it just feels like they're teasing this poor lass - she is just never going to get a good seeing to and we all know it.
I thought this was meant to be a fantasy for bored housewives? Yet the only sex poor Linnet gets is having her hymen torn (which is not what I'd call 'a sexual encounter to dream about') and a bit of underwhelming fingerbanging.
Who is this book for?? Surely this can delight no-one? I mean look at the cover, clearly we're not here for literature, we're here for cheap romantic thrills and sex to make our toes curl while the other half is watching 'Gardeners World' (I assume - again, not straight). But neither of those things is delivered. I wasn't expecting Austen level prose but if your brief is 'moisten some gussets and pluck at the heartstrings' you'd better deliver.
So, to finish - boring plot with wooden characters, no sexual chemistry or romance, no SEX and terribly written to boot. A waste of my £1.
(I am actually going to read Outlander now).
I bought this on a whim from a second hand bookshop for £1 (this copy had not previously been read!) and was going to give it to my mum as a joke because she loves Outlander so much. However, I couldn't resist reading it myself for the lols - only there were few lols to be had.
For starters the writer is very American. The word 'plaid' is used so many times in this book when really they should be saying 'Tartan' something that's a bit bizarre as an effort has been made to shoehorn in a lot of incomprehensible (and I'm assuming maybe accurate?) Scottish terms. Many of which are not explained and which cannot be translated via context.
But, it's a romance/erotica novel so, historical accuracy gets a pass.
What doesn't get a pass is the lacklustre and boring plot, which rambles on for over 400 pages!!! All that happens is - Two people get married for reasons other than love, those two people debate their feelings internally ad nauseum and for many MANY pages of insufferable drivel, then in the last 100 pages the castle is attacked and the woman is kidnapped for all of ten pages before she escapes and the Bad Man is killed. Happily every after.
400. Fucking. Pages.
400 pages of paragraph length sentences and at least one 'By the Rood!' or 'Lucifer's Knees!' per page. Most of which is brooding on whether the 'Black Stag' is capable of love. And on what Linnet's throbbing lady regions are doing.
(Fair warning, it gets a bit crude now)
There was a chapter of over 20 pages which was literally Duncan arguing with the ludicrously named Sir Marmaduke Strongbow over whether he could have his bed back. 20 pages. I could FEEL myself ageing.
OK, so plot and historical accuracy are no-gos but, at least it had some smokin' hot sex.
Is what I would be saying had there been ANY erotic scenes AT ALL.
Now, I am a gay woman, but in my teens I read a lot of Buffy fanfiction which was for the straighties and that revved my engine adequately. But this was just terrible. For one thing, there are only two scenes that involve sex - one is missionary sex where Linnet loses her virginity, and one is just before the battle when she gets fiddled with by hand a bit. Neither scene is very sexy, a lot of both is taken up with how Linnet and Duncan are FEELING so the sex takes a backseat to yet more emotional quandary. The bits we do glimpse are full of unsexy cliches and though descriptive there is no eroticism to them.
To add insult to boring sex, for the first half of the novel all Duncan seems to think about is having sex with his new bride - over a table, on his massive four poster bed... or he fantasises about going down on her (which he promises to do like 3 times and never does - men, sigh).
Then Linnet gets kidnapped and the Bad Guy says he's going to ravish her and then pass her around his men - which doesn't happen either. I mean, by this point it just feels like they're teasing this poor lass - she is just never going to get a good seeing to and we all know it.
I thought this was meant to be a fantasy for bored housewives? Yet the only sex poor Linnet gets is having her hymen torn (which is not what I'd call 'a sexual encounter to dream about') and a bit of underwhelming fingerbanging.
Who is this book for?? Surely this can delight no-one? I mean look at the cover, clearly we're not here for literature, we're here for cheap romantic thrills and sex to make our toes curl while the other half is watching 'Gardeners World' (I assume - again, not straight). But neither of those things is delivered. I wasn't expecting Austen level prose but if your brief is 'moisten some gussets and pluck at the heartstrings' you'd better deliver.
So, to finish - boring plot with wooden characters, no sexual chemistry or romance, no SEX and terribly written to boot. A waste of my £1.
(I am actually going to read Outlander now).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2014
3.5 stars
This was the first book in the MacKenzie series. Well-written although there was too much introspection that seemed to slow down the story and the actual romance. I loved the characters and will likely check out more books in the series.
This was the first book in the MacKenzie series. Well-written although there was too much introspection that seemed to slow down the story and the actual romance. I loved the characters and will likely check out more books in the series.
October 6, 2021
Story happened 1325 in Scotland.
Hero Sir Duncan, a grim giant, was called "The
Black Stag." He rarely smiled & was easily angered.
6 YO Robbie was allegedly his son? Heroine Linnet
(hereafter Lin for brevity) had 'the sight' & healing
skills. And recurring mortally wounded stag images.
The hero was too condescending toward & too willing
to break Lin's spirit. At one point, he expressed
"disobey me again & I'll whip your bare arse."
Duncan came across as too distrusting & his ultimate
affection for Lin did not ring true.
Hero Sir Duncan, a grim giant, was called "The
Black Stag." He rarely smiled & was easily angered.
6 YO Robbie was allegedly his son? Heroine Linnet
(hereafter Lin for brevity) had 'the sight' & healing
skills. And recurring mortally wounded stag images.
The hero was too condescending toward & too willing
to break Lin's spirit. At one point, he expressed
"disobey me again & I'll whip your bare arse."
Duncan came across as too distrusting & his ultimate
affection for Lin did not ring true.
March 20, 2015
I’m on a Highlander historical romance kick. I’ve been searching high and low for a good Highlander series that has at a few books already written. I found this series and looked at the reviews to see if it was worth reading and the majority of readers liked it so I downloaded the first book.
The story and plot were pretty good but I had such a hard time getting used to the authors use of expletives, not because they were harsh but because they made me laugh. I think they were supposed to be meant to show how mad or excited the characters speaking or thinking was but instead it made me think of southern belles with big yellow dresses and parasols fluttering their fans saying things like, “Land sakes!” with their exaggerated southern accents. The author used various expletives a lot and I never really got used to it. Most of them had to do with religion; probably the Catholic Church since that was the dominant religion in Scotland at the time. Here’s a list of some of them that I started writing down in the last third of the book.
Staff of Columbaf!
By the Staff of Saint Columba!
By the Rood!
By the Saints!
Christ’s Blood!
God’s Blood!
Breath of the Apostles!
Saints, Maria and Joseph!
St. Margaret!
For the love of Saint Mungo!
As you can see, they were strange sayings and I had a hard time keeping a straight face even though the situations when the expletive was used was serious. Also, calling nether parts on the man and woman a manroot and sweetmeat made me cringe.
One more thing that drove me batty was the over use of introspection and self-dialogue. Anyone who reads my reviews knows I think less is more when it comes to introspection. If the characters keep repeating their inner turmoil, excuses and misgivings, it becomes monotonous to me. What really bothers me is when there are paragraphs and paragraphs of introspection while something important is happening like a romantic moment. It ruins the moment for me because instead of a moment, it becomes fifteen minutes of non-stop garbally-goop. There was a lot of it in this book and it annoyed me.
I’ll get to the point now and stop all my garbally-goop.
Linnet MacDonnell is the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter which gives her the gift of “sight”, where she has visions and is a bit psychic. She is the least beautiful of all her sisters who all have been married off by their drunken lout of a father. Now, her father is marrying her to their enemy. She listens in on a conversation between her nursemaid and her father about how she will be marrying a man is called the black stag and rumored to have killed his first wife. He only wants her for her gift of sight to tell him if the child born of his first marriage is his or his half-brother’s son and so she can warn him of any trouble coming to his clan.
Duncan MacKenzie has sworn off love after his first wife’s betrayal. She was one of the most beautiful women ever but she used her beauty for evil. She slept with his half-brother and killed both his mother and sister by poison. Before she died, she taunted him by telling him his son might not be his. He wants to know if he is the father or not so he decides to marry a woman for her gift of sight. He has heard she is not a great beauty and that is what he wants because he does not plan on bedding the lass. He wants the marriage in name only but when he sees her with her fiery red hair, he thinks he has been lied to by his kinsmen about her looks.
Linnet knows immediately that Robby is Duncan’s son upon meeting him but she decides not to tell him that she knows because she thinks Duncan should love the boy no matter who fathered him. I thought that was a bit manipulative on her part and I thought Duncan was a dick for ignoring his son. Since his wife’s death, (I think it had been two years) he put Robby on the other side of the castle and makes sure that he never sees him. The boy doesn’t even eat in the great hall with the rest of them. Before his wife told him that Robby might not be his, he spent a lot of time with him. I thought it was heartless to ignore the poor child. It wasn’t the boy’s fault that his mom was unfaithful.
Another dick move by Duncan was when he finally sleeps with Linette and right afterwards when he sees her look of adoration in her eyes, he gets scared of his own feelings so he tells her that he has no feelings for her but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy having sex together. The way he made it sound was like she was just a convenient piece of tail. It was really hurtful.
Duncan’s half-brother Kenneth wants what Duncan has. He is going around killing families on the outskirts of the MacKenzie lands trying to cause trouble. He threatened Linnet when she was outside the castle gates hunting for herbs and promised to see her again.
I like the secondary characters in the story especially the brief glimpse of some of Linnet’s brothers.
I am going to try the second book. Hopefully, I can get used to the expletives and the author will limit the use of introspection.
www.paranormalromanceslut.com
December 7, 2010
An excellent read for lovers of good Scottish Historical fiction with a good romantic situation. This author writes good stories, and I will be happy to read more of her books. Duncan of Kintail and his bride Linnet are wonderful characters who will draw you into their story.
Recommended
Recommended
December 15, 2007
For cheeeezy romance, look no further. I even learned a new vocabulary word: "manroot".
February 18, 2014
Boring, very very boring.......... i'm not even sure how I managed to read it without skipping.
June 25, 2025
Rating: 2.3 / 5
At first, I really liked this and liked where the story was going, convinced that it was going in a good direction and would end up in a good place. But then, the more I kept reading, the more it--and by 'it', I mean Duncan--pissed me off, until I finally chucked the thing aside, DNFed.
___________
So, the setup's pretty good: the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, Linett, has "the Sight", and so she's wed off to Duncan MacKenzie, who wants to use that Sight to determine if his son Robbie is really his, or his half-brother Kenneth's. As it turns out, Duncan's first wife was an A-class bitch, who literally taunted him that his son might NOT be his, right before she died. Suffice to say, everyone can rest peacefully knowing that she's NOT resting in peace, but dead and gone just the game.
Ahem.
Anyway, she's left Duncan a pretty broken man, which is unfortunate for Linett, who can't help but want what every normal person wants: true love. And Linett honestly tries and does believe that she can find this with Duncan, but because he's such a dolt that refuses to believe that love even exists, although he's fine sleeping with her and whatnot, he WILL NOT (not cannot, mind you, but just nonsensically WILL NOT) admit that he's in love with her.
It was frustrating to get through, quite frankly, and what made it too much to be was around the two-thirds mark when Duncan apologizes to Linett for hurting her feelings, but then just outright asks and expects her to "accept him as he is" with pretty much a guarantee that he'll never love her. Linett agrees (lying, of course) because she sees it as her only choice and...I'm sorry, but NO. That was too much for me. How am I supposed to support this couple, let alone believe in their true love for each other, under these circumstances?
I honestly think that it would've helped if maybe they had a bit more character development, but Duncan especially, despite all the introspective details we get from his point of view, doesn't develop AT ALL. He starts off as a man rejecting his own heart, and he continues on in the same vein even when he should be changing--a dynamic character, Ms. Author, NOT a static one if he's the hero, if you please. Also, that being said, I didn't really get why Linett fell in love with Duncan either, as there aren't really that many scenes of interaction between them.
Come to think of it, I expected this to be a thing where Duncan would eventually come to care deeply for Robbie as well over time, regardless of whether Robbie's his true son or not, except that He. doesn't. spend. time. with. Robbie. EITHER! It really makes me wonder what the heck the author used up all her word count on, as certainly there isn't much of a plot progression or even very much happening, other than Duncan going around in circles but ultimately not moving anywhere in his introspections.
Linett deserved better is the bottom line of it; although, that being said, SHE didn't have much of a personality that made sense either. On the one hand, she wants true love; but on the other hand, she's also quite lustful after Duncan, and even touches him when she thinks he's asleep. A lot is said about how she's so passionate, and yet other than showing that she's not afraid of Duncan, she doesn't do much. Like...even her Sight, which I thought would be a major plot point, kind of gets pushed to the side, and doesn't make much of an influence on the plot. At one point, I thought that she could sense people's auras and emotions, as that's kind of hinted at, but then all that seems to fly out the window where Duncan's concerned, where Linett honestly takes him at his word that he can't love and blah blah blah bullshit.
It feels like a bad soap opera come to life in a Scottish Highlands setting and....
...yeah, I'm not for it.
At first, I really liked this and liked where the story was going, convinced that it was going in a good direction and would end up in a good place. But then, the more I kept reading, the more it--and by 'it', I mean Duncan--pissed me off, until I finally chucked the thing aside, DNFed.
___________
So, the setup's pretty good: the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, Linett, has "the Sight", and so she's wed off to Duncan MacKenzie, who wants to use that Sight to determine if his son Robbie is really his, or his half-brother Kenneth's. As it turns out, Duncan's first wife was an A-class bitch, who literally taunted him that his son might NOT be his, right before she died. Suffice to say, everyone can rest peacefully knowing that she's NOT resting in peace, but dead and gone just the game.
Ahem.
Anyway, she's left Duncan a pretty broken man, which is unfortunate for Linett, who can't help but want what every normal person wants: true love. And Linett honestly tries and does believe that she can find this with Duncan, but because he's such a dolt that refuses to believe that love even exists, although he's fine sleeping with her and whatnot, he WILL NOT (not cannot, mind you, but just nonsensically WILL NOT) admit that he's in love with her.
It was frustrating to get through, quite frankly, and what made it too much to be was around the two-thirds mark when Duncan apologizes to Linett for hurting her feelings, but then just outright asks and expects her to "accept him as he is" with pretty much a guarantee that he'll never love her. Linett agrees (lying, of course) because she sees it as her only choice and...I'm sorry, but NO. That was too much for me. How am I supposed to support this couple, let alone believe in their true love for each other, under these circumstances?
I honestly think that it would've helped if maybe they had a bit more character development, but Duncan especially, despite all the introspective details we get from his point of view, doesn't develop AT ALL. He starts off as a man rejecting his own heart, and he continues on in the same vein even when he should be changing--a dynamic character, Ms. Author, NOT a static one if he's the hero, if you please. Also, that being said, I didn't really get why Linett fell in love with Duncan either, as there aren't really that many scenes of interaction between them.
Come to think of it, I expected this to be a thing where Duncan would eventually come to care deeply for Robbie as well over time, regardless of whether Robbie's his true son or not, except that He. doesn't. spend. time. with. Robbie. EITHER! It really makes me wonder what the heck the author used up all her word count on, as certainly there isn't much of a plot progression or even very much happening, other than Duncan going around in circles but ultimately not moving anywhere in his introspections.
Linett deserved better is the bottom line of it; although, that being said, SHE didn't have much of a personality that made sense either. On the one hand, she wants true love; but on the other hand, she's also quite lustful after Duncan, and even touches him when she thinks he's asleep. A lot is said about how she's so passionate, and yet other than showing that she's not afraid of Duncan, she doesn't do much. Like...even her Sight, which I thought would be a major plot point, kind of gets pushed to the side, and doesn't make much of an influence on the plot. At one point, I thought that she could sense people's auras and emotions, as that's kind of hinted at, but then all that seems to fly out the window where Duncan's concerned, where Linett honestly takes him at his word that he can't love and blah blah blah bullshit.
It feels like a bad soap opera come to life in a Scottish Highlands setting and....
...yeah, I'm not for it.
April 6, 2013
When Linnet MacDonnell was the youngest in her family, but now her father has decided to give her to Duncan MacKensie, a enemy to her father, as wife, despite her protests to the contrary. Throughout her young life, she is spirited but also has a gift for a second sight, which has prevented her from any man from wanting her, except for Duncan MacKensie who needs her gift more than he needs her, but is willing to marry her to know certain truths. At first Linnet is nervous around her new husband, who has made it clear he only needs her for her sight. Duncan MacKensie, after being betrayed, has doubts about his son being truly his son, so he needs the talent of Linnet to know the truth. When Linnet knows the truth behind Duncan desiring her for a wife, so knows she needs to get Duncan and his son Robbie to connect again once more, but she knows that it will much harder than she will ever realize, because she starts to realize that there is a lot more to Duncan than her first impressions of him, and knows that she could be falling in love with the man who has captured her heart.
I found Devil In A Kilt to be the kind of historical romance that I desperately fall in love with. I just love Scottish Historicals, and this one was filled with adventure, passion and love. We have Linnet who is loved by all of her brothers, but her father would do anything to be rid of her, so when he barters her into marriage with his sworn enemy, she yearns for love and a place that is truly home, but knows that she may never find such a place, until she finds herself married to the Highlander Duncan MacKenzie, who just wants to use her for her gift. But when passion flares between them, she knows that there is a whole lot more potential than she ever realized would happen. Duncan after being betrayed, has drifted away from his son Robbie, whom he doubts was ever his son, but is desperate to know the truth. So when he married Linnet, he views her as a means to a end, however he never expected Linnet to be so beautiful and passionate, and finds the ice around his heart melting, both in her and in Robbie. I found this to be such a delectable romance, that I couldn't get enough of it. The plot, the characters, the emotions conveyed so vividly, wraps this lovely scottish romance into a gem of a read!!!
I found Devil In A Kilt to be the kind of historical romance that I desperately fall in love with. I just love Scottish Historicals, and this one was filled with adventure, passion and love. We have Linnet who is loved by all of her brothers, but her father would do anything to be rid of her, so when he barters her into marriage with his sworn enemy, she yearns for love and a place that is truly home, but knows that she may never find such a place, until she finds herself married to the Highlander Duncan MacKenzie, who just wants to use her for her gift. But when passion flares between them, she knows that there is a whole lot more potential than she ever realized would happen. Duncan after being betrayed, has drifted away from his son Robbie, whom he doubts was ever his son, but is desperate to know the truth. So when he married Linnet, he views her as a means to a end, however he never expected Linnet to be so beautiful and passionate, and finds the ice around his heart melting, both in her and in Robbie. I found this to be such a delectable romance, that I couldn't get enough of it. The plot, the characters, the emotions conveyed so vividly, wraps this lovely scottish romance into a gem of a read!!!
March 22, 2019
Hoy os traigo esta reseña de uno de mis libros de highlanders.
Os va a tocar leer unas cuantas de este género porque tengo unos cuantos de mi pequeño arrebato de enero xD
Duncan MacKenzie es un guerrero highlander, Laird de uno de los clanes más temidos. Es un hombre resentido, duro y muy cabezota. No busca amor y la verdad es que tampoco una esposa.
Pero decide que si debe casarse su esposa no puede ser cualquiera, por eso elige a Linnet MacDonnell una esposa que le pueda advertir de los problemas y peligros que le acechan. La joven es séptima hija de séptima hija, con poderes visionarios.
Duncan Mackenzi, él sabe de los poderes de Linnet y es claro con ella desde que la trae para casarse. El Venado negro es el apodo por el que lo conocen, quiere saber si Robbie es su hijo o no.
Linnet, es una mujer fuerte y valiente. Con un carácter bastante marcado y una parte dulce que te atrapa pero desde que llega al castillo toma la decisión de confesarle a Dunkan aquella verdad únicamente cuando sea capaz de abrir su corazón y querer al pequeño sin los tapujos de creer que no es su hijo.
La boda no fue como Linnet esperaba. Esperaba un marido galante, atento, que al menos quisiera pasar la noche de bodas con ella... pero se encontró sola. En un matrimonio de conveniencia, con un hombre que solo la quería por sus visiones. En un castillo en el que nadie la quería y tampoco la tomaba en serio.
Pero todo empieza a cambiar cuando ella empieza a tomar sus propias decisiones a las espaldas de su marido y a marcar su propio territorio.
Marmaduke me encanta, el segundo libro es todo para él y tengo que confesar que después de esta lectura lo devoré, es un personaje que quitando a los principales se merecía su propia historia.
La verdad es que me gusta toda la historia, los personajes secundarios tienen muchos puntos positivos. El malo me gusta, tiene su carácter marcado.
La pluma de la escritora es genial aunque si tuviera una cosa de la que quejarme es que tiene a la mitad del libro le baja un poco el ritmo pero lo recupera de nuevo al final.
No os quiero hacer un resumen mucho más grande. Porque entonces destriparía el libro entero. Es de esos que cualquier pequeño detalle es spoiler.
Os va a tocar leer unas cuantas de este género porque tengo unos cuantos de mi pequeño arrebato de enero xD
Duncan MacKenzie es un guerrero highlander, Laird de uno de los clanes más temidos. Es un hombre resentido, duro y muy cabezota. No busca amor y la verdad es que tampoco una esposa.
Pero decide que si debe casarse su esposa no puede ser cualquiera, por eso elige a Linnet MacDonnell una esposa que le pueda advertir de los problemas y peligros que le acechan. La joven es séptima hija de séptima hija, con poderes visionarios.
Duncan Mackenzi, él sabe de los poderes de Linnet y es claro con ella desde que la trae para casarse. El Venado negro es el apodo por el que lo conocen, quiere saber si Robbie es su hijo o no.
Linnet, es una mujer fuerte y valiente. Con un carácter bastante marcado y una parte dulce que te atrapa pero desde que llega al castillo toma la decisión de confesarle a Dunkan aquella verdad únicamente cuando sea capaz de abrir su corazón y querer al pequeño sin los tapujos de creer que no es su hijo.
La boda no fue como Linnet esperaba. Esperaba un marido galante, atento, que al menos quisiera pasar la noche de bodas con ella... pero se encontró sola. En un matrimonio de conveniencia, con un hombre que solo la quería por sus visiones. En un castillo en el que nadie la quería y tampoco la tomaba en serio.
Pero todo empieza a cambiar cuando ella empieza a tomar sus propias decisiones a las espaldas de su marido y a marcar su propio territorio.
Marmaduke me encanta, el segundo libro es todo para él y tengo que confesar que después de esta lectura lo devoré, es un personaje que quitando a los principales se merecía su propia historia.
La verdad es que me gusta toda la historia, los personajes secundarios tienen muchos puntos positivos. El malo me gusta, tiene su carácter marcado.
La pluma de la escritora es genial aunque si tuviera una cosa de la que quejarme es que tiene a la mitad del libro le baja un poco el ritmo pero lo recupera de nuevo al final.
No os quiero hacer un resumen mucho más grande. Porque entonces destriparía el libro entero. Es de esos que cualquier pequeño detalle es spoiler.
June 9, 2020
A wonderful 20th anniversary edition! So first lets make that clear. This is a reissue of a previously released book. As the author notes she made very few changes.
Now for the story.
First thus us a medieval Scottish historical romance. The story is well written with characters you'll love or love to hate. The villain I still wondered even though I read this one 20yrs ago, I still wondered if he could be redeemed. There are many secondary characters you will love and be eager to see again. The 2 main characters, Duncan and Linnet, are outstanding. Duncan has long been a favorite hero of mine. And young Robbie well, he'll melt your heart. These are flawed, wounded characters, they are not perfect, they are human. They make mistakes. They learn. Linnet is a strong heroine who I have always at times wanted to shake yet I've always understood her actions. Duncan is an alpha hero who doesn't believe he is redeemable. These two lost souls find a love neither expected. Fans of true medieval historical romances especially Scottish ones, not fluff historicals, but true historically based romance will enjoy Devil Ina Kilt. There is a sensualty to this story that is very well written. So this is not a sweet romance. There is violence, danger, romance, love, peace, sensualty and more. And I'm so happy to see this 20th anniversary edition available. Highly recommended.
Now for the story.
First thus us a medieval Scottish historical romance. The story is well written with characters you'll love or love to hate. The villain I still wondered even though I read this one 20yrs ago, I still wondered if he could be redeemed. There are many secondary characters you will love and be eager to see again. The 2 main characters, Duncan and Linnet, are outstanding. Duncan has long been a favorite hero of mine. And young Robbie well, he'll melt your heart. These are flawed, wounded characters, they are not perfect, they are human. They make mistakes. They learn. Linnet is a strong heroine who I have always at times wanted to shake yet I've always understood her actions. Duncan is an alpha hero who doesn't believe he is redeemable. These two lost souls find a love neither expected. Fans of true medieval historical romances especially Scottish ones, not fluff historicals, but true historically based romance will enjoy Devil Ina Kilt. There is a sensualty to this story that is very well written. So this is not a sweet romance. There is violence, danger, romance, love, peace, sensualty and more. And I'm so happy to see this 20th anniversary edition available. Highly recommended.
January 4, 2011
I don't read much fiction, but I love men in kilts. My BFFs added this to a Scottish-themed gift basket they made me for my birthday. I've never read a romance novel. Never read historical fiction. I expected this to be cheesy but it really wasn't. The story was well written and believable (except, maybe, for a little magic) and you grew to really care about all the characters. The sexy parts were not over the top but were nice... I just got online and tracked down used copies of the next two books in the series. I don't have anything to compare this to yet, but all the other reviews are really good. I feel very confident recommending this to anyone who likes Historical Romance, especially Highlander Romance.
July 10, 2014
As usual it was adorable
I loved the main characters, and like lennit I loved how Duncan was awkward with words, he kinda pissed me off most of the book, cause how he distanced himself from her and through that made her feel worthless.
I loved marmaduke XD I kinda feel guilty cause when lennit had that two headed guy vision and said its a friend who is good with words and will betray u, I instantly thought if marmaduke I didn't want him to be the traitor and thankfully he wasn't
I specially loved the ending but if it was more elaborate and they talked more about their happy life..ect
I loved the main characters, and like lennit I loved how Duncan was awkward with words, he kinda pissed me off most of the book, cause how he distanced himself from her and through that made her feel worthless.
I loved marmaduke XD I kinda feel guilty cause when lennit had that two headed guy vision and said its a friend who is good with words and will betray u, I instantly thought if marmaduke I didn't want him to be the traitor and thankfully he wasn't
I specially loved the ending but if it was more elaborate and they talked more about their happy life..ect
March 14, 2008
This book is a favorite of mine. it was wonderful!! she is a great writer, she is one of my favorite Author's & I have alot of favorites. this book is a keeper, like all the others that I have kept. anyone that loves to read romance books I recomend this one & all her otheres boos!! Happy reading!!
July 27, 2011
Normally I read historical romance but with a twist of paranormal such as time travel, fay or something. I read the sample on this book and thought I would give it a try. I fell in love with the characters, the story line is well written, and it keeps you wanting more.
April 9, 2022
I had a hard time rating this book. I mean, on the one hand, I read over 400 pages in three days. On the other hand, it felt like a hard slog half of the time.
I didn't really like either of the main characters. I know that Duncan had been hurt (and badly) by his prior wife, but he treated his second wife like dirt for much of the book. He'd offer her one bit of tenderness, and then he would not only backtrack on it, but smash it to smithereens because he was afraid of having tender feelings for her.
I really did want to like Linnet, but the whole thing pissed me off to the extreme.
Honestly, the character I liked the most was Sir Marmaduke, and the only reason I'm continuing on with this series is because his book is next. I hope the author does him justice. I want more books with chivalrous and gallant knights as the heroes, please. ;)
I didn't really like either of the main characters. I know that Duncan had been hurt (and badly) by his prior wife, but he treated his second wife like dirt for much of the book. He'd offer her one bit of tenderness, and then he would not only backtrack on it, but smash it to smithereens because he was afraid of having tender feelings for her.
I really did want to like Linnet, but the whole thing pissed me off to the extreme.
Honestly, the character I liked the most was Sir Marmaduke, and the only reason I'm continuing on with this series is because his book is next. I hope the author does him justice. I want more books with chivalrous and gallant knights as the heroes, please. ;)
June 25, 2020
Devil in a Kilt by Sue-Ellen Welfonder. Book 1 in the (Clan MacKenzie),
(MacKenzies of Kintail)
series and what an awesome series!
"Special 20th Anniversary Edition". *An re-issue of her previous book*
I read this book 20 years ago. Ms. Welfonder, is one of the reasons, I enjoy Scottish Historical Romance.
This is Linnett MacDonnell and Duncan MacKenzie, the Black Stag of Kintail. And what they story! Their Sensuous relationship along with mystery, danger, colorful and adventurous.
Medieval Scotland at it's best. The characters are engaging and believable. The storyline will keep the reader intrigued, turning pages and on a wild ride through Scotland. Ms. Welfonder, has a way with her vivid descriptions and her powerful knowledge of Scotland. Highly recommended for fans of Scottish Historical Romance, Medieval era, sensuality, yes, it is sensuous, but well told. A must read for adventure, suspense, love and a little bit of magicical deliciousness. I loved as much today as I did 20 years ago, maybe, a more. Definitely a keeper!! Well done Sue-Ellen Welfonder!!
Thank you for bringing your stories to your readers. ❤
Rating: 5
Heat rating:Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
(MacKenzies of Kintail)
series and what an awesome series!
"Special 20th Anniversary Edition". *An re-issue of her previous book*
I read this book 20 years ago. Ms. Welfonder, is one of the reasons, I enjoy Scottish Historical Romance.
This is Linnett MacDonnell and Duncan MacKenzie, the Black Stag of Kintail. And what they story! Their Sensuous relationship along with mystery, danger, colorful and adventurous.
Medieval Scotland at it's best. The characters are engaging and believable. The storyline will keep the reader intrigued, turning pages and on a wild ride through Scotland. Ms. Welfonder, has a way with her vivid descriptions and her powerful knowledge of Scotland. Highly recommended for fans of Scottish Historical Romance, Medieval era, sensuality, yes, it is sensuous, but well told. A must read for adventure, suspense, love and a little bit of magicical deliciousness. I loved as much today as I did 20 years ago, maybe, a more. Definitely a keeper!! Well done Sue-Ellen Welfonder!!
Thank you for bringing your stories to your readers. ❤
Rating: 5
Heat rating:Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
June 28, 2021
I read this when it first came out but I loved reading it again and the special 20th anniversary edition was a real treat! The story has everything you want in a Scottish historical – fierce Highlanders, a beautiful and resourceful heroine, an amazing castle and a truly heinous villain. What’s not to like? Thoroughly enjoyed this all over again!
Read
November 28, 2017DNF 50%
June 6, 2020
Me gustó, pero no ha sido lo mejor del género que he leído y la protagonista podría haber sido un poquito más lista.
January 10, 2020
j'abandonne à quelques chapitres de la fin car c'est très très pourri, et autant au début je trouvais ça marrant tellement c'était nul, autant maintenant c'est insupportable xD
May 4, 2012
Entertaining 1st in the Series
Set in 1325, at the time when Robert the Bruce ruled Scotland, this is Welfonder’s first book and the first in the Highland Warrior series. It tells the story of Laird Duncan MacKenzie of Kintail who is bitter, angry and surly because his first wife cheated on him with his half brother, a man who looks like his twin. The rumor is that Duncan murdered his first wife. He wants to know if his 6 year old son, Robbie, is his own or his half brother’s, so he decides to wed Linnet MacDonnell who he hears has the gift of “sight” that will reveal the truth about his son. Linnet’s father, a selfish drunkard who cares little for his last unmarried daughter, gives her to Duncan to redeem his own men captured in a raid on MacKenzie cattle.
Duncan wanted a docile, plain bride; instead Linnet is a feisty beauty with spectacular red hair. The night before they marry, the first time she meets Duncan, he tells her he wants only two things from their marriage: her gift and her care for Robbie—he has no intention to consummate the marriage. Linnet knows instantly Robbie is Duncan’s son, but she keeps it to herself, hoping her new husband can come to love the boy even without that knowledge.
For the most part it is well written, capturing the feel of the time and drawing you in from the first chapter. And there is lots of action even if it takes place in one castle. But there are negatives that kept me from giving it full marks: the improbability of Linnet having no idea if her husband consummated their marriage on their wedding night (please; at least he was drunk); and the introspection that at times went on far too long, even pages, which slowed the story. Still it’s a good tale and sets the stage for her MacKenzie series, so I can recommend it.
Welfonder said the story was inspired by her visit to the Eilean Donon castle (pictured on my blog). It’s my favorite Scottish castle so I had no trouble imagining the scenes almost all of which took place there.
Here are the books in the McKenzie Series, should you want to read more:
Devil In A Kilt (2001)
Bride Of The Beast (2003)
Only For A Knight (2005)
Until The Knight Comes (2006)
Bride for a Knight (2007)
Seducing a Scottish Bride (2009)
A Highlander’s Temptation (2009)
Set in 1325, at the time when Robert the Bruce ruled Scotland, this is Welfonder’s first book and the first in the Highland Warrior series. It tells the story of Laird Duncan MacKenzie of Kintail who is bitter, angry and surly because his first wife cheated on him with his half brother, a man who looks like his twin. The rumor is that Duncan murdered his first wife. He wants to know if his 6 year old son, Robbie, is his own or his half brother’s, so he decides to wed Linnet MacDonnell who he hears has the gift of “sight” that will reveal the truth about his son. Linnet’s father, a selfish drunkard who cares little for his last unmarried daughter, gives her to Duncan to redeem his own men captured in a raid on MacKenzie cattle.
Duncan wanted a docile, plain bride; instead Linnet is a feisty beauty with spectacular red hair. The night before they marry, the first time she meets Duncan, he tells her he wants only two things from their marriage: her gift and her care for Robbie—he has no intention to consummate the marriage. Linnet knows instantly Robbie is Duncan’s son, but she keeps it to herself, hoping her new husband can come to love the boy even without that knowledge.
For the most part it is well written, capturing the feel of the time and drawing you in from the first chapter. And there is lots of action even if it takes place in one castle. But there are negatives that kept me from giving it full marks: the improbability of Linnet having no idea if her husband consummated their marriage on their wedding night (please; at least he was drunk); and the introspection that at times went on far too long, even pages, which slowed the story. Still it’s a good tale and sets the stage for her MacKenzie series, so I can recommend it.
Welfonder said the story was inspired by her visit to the Eilean Donon castle (pictured on my blog). It’s my favorite Scottish castle so I had no trouble imagining the scenes almost all of which took place there.
Here are the books in the McKenzie Series, should you want to read more:
Devil In A Kilt (2001)
Bride Of The Beast (2003)
Only For A Knight (2005)
Until The Knight Comes (2006)
Bride for a Knight (2007)
Seducing a Scottish Bride (2009)
A Highlander’s Temptation (2009)
January 18, 2014
Linnet MacDonnell is sent to marry Duncan MacKenzie, an enemy of her clan who negotiated their marriage because he wishes to make use of her sight and have her be a mother to his son Robbie. Ever since his first wife died after telling Duncan that Robbie was his half-brothers son and not his, Duncan has been plagued with doubt and unable to look at the boy. Upon her arrival Linnet immediately realizes that Robbie is Duncan's true son but keeps that fact to her self as she believes that Duncan must first come to terms with his own beliefs before he could truly accept Robbie into his heart.
Meanwhile Kenneth, Duncan's half brother, is once again stirring up trouble. And for as much as Duncan tries to stay away from his new wife he finds it hard with his own brother-in-law plotting against him. Linnet at first struggles with feelings of inadequacy when she compares herself to Duncan's first wife, coupled with his seeming disinterest. Once those fears are put to rest though she has a up hill battle in reaching Duncan's heart and getting him to open up to her.
I'm not certain if I have read this before though it almost feels like I have. Some parts were completely new to me and others had me going 'oh-yeah I remember that', not sure if it was the book or the plot line that lead to that though. over all I give it 4 stars
Meanwhile Kenneth, Duncan's half brother, is once again stirring up trouble. And for as much as Duncan tries to stay away from his new wife he finds it hard with his own brother-in-law plotting against him. Linnet at first struggles with feelings of inadequacy when she compares herself to Duncan's first wife, coupled with his seeming disinterest. Once those fears are put to rest though she has a up hill battle in reaching Duncan's heart and getting him to open up to her.
I'm not certain if I have read this before though it almost feels like I have. Some parts were completely new to me and others had me going 'oh-yeah I remember that', not sure if it was the book or the plot line that lead to that though. over all I give it 4 stars
November 21, 2011
This was the review I added to Amazon when I read the book.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Scottish Medieval. A MUST BUY!, December 20, 2001
This review is from: Devil in a Kilt (Mass Market Paperback)
To be Sue-Ellen's first book... she came out with a BANG! She drew me in from the first page and I couldn't put this book down. Great historical information and a wonderful love story. The secondary characters related to each other perfectly and were such a hoot. I'm looking forward to Marmaduke's story with a passion! Linnet took an emotionally wounded Duncan and drew out his inner qualities that lay hidden and he became the man she had been longing to love with all her heart. She is a beautiful woman who doesn't feel she's beautiful like her sisters, therefore she fears she will never have a true love.
This is a book about two people who find love. One who was looking for love, and another who wasn't. Don't let this book pass you by.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Scottish Medieval. A MUST BUY!, December 20, 2001
This review is from: Devil in a Kilt (Mass Market Paperback)
To be Sue-Ellen's first book... she came out with a BANG! She drew me in from the first page and I couldn't put this book down. Great historical information and a wonderful love story. The secondary characters related to each other perfectly and were such a hoot. I'm looking forward to Marmaduke's story with a passion! Linnet took an emotionally wounded Duncan and drew out his inner qualities that lay hidden and he became the man she had been longing to love with all her heart. She is a beautiful woman who doesn't feel she's beautiful like her sisters, therefore she fears she will never have a true love.
This is a book about two people who find love. One who was looking for love, and another who wasn't. Don't let this book pass you by.
October 13, 2009
OK now ladies.... here is a real bodice ripper!!!! ;)
You know that one of these... maybe 2 or more.... are necessary every once in awhile so why try and hide it! Just laugh!
As far as trashy romance novels go... Devil In A Kilt is definately a saucy read!!!!!! Setting... Scotland. Situation at hand- Drunken father marries daughter to an angry neighboring lord (hence- the Devil in a Kilt!). She has the sight- he has the bod! Ok... sorry- let me be serious. His previous wife did him very wrong and now he vows to nevere love another HOWEVER- he marries the drunk neighbors daughter so she can tell him (using her gift) if his son really is his son. In the midst of the drama laden castle antics.... a lot of something happens! And I will say no more! :P
You know that one of these... maybe 2 or more.... are necessary every once in awhile so why try and hide it! Just laugh!
As far as trashy romance novels go... Devil In A Kilt is definately a saucy read!!!!!! Setting... Scotland. Situation at hand- Drunken father marries daughter to an angry neighboring lord (hence- the Devil in a Kilt!). She has the sight- he has the bod! Ok... sorry- let me be serious. His previous wife did him very wrong and now he vows to nevere love another HOWEVER- he marries the drunk neighbors daughter so she can tell him (using her gift) if his son really is his son. In the midst of the drama laden castle antics.... a lot of something happens! And I will say no more! :P
September 27, 2016
Devil in a Kilt wasn't a bad book but it also could have been so much better. I really liked the premise but then the book was just so predictable and the main characters annoyed me a lot. The neverending rehasing of the issues and too much details about unimportant things took away from my enjoyement in the story. It felt like the author was writing just to reach the word count. Also I felt like the romance was lacking - I never felt/saw genuine love develope and I think there should be more scenes with Robbie.
It's not as good as some other highlander books I've read but it had the potential to be as good if not better. I'm not giving up on this author (or this series) just yet.
It's not as good as some other highlander books I've read but it had the potential to be as good if not better. I'm not giving up on this author (or this series) just yet.
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