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Clan MacAlpin #1
Devil's Highlander
They share a haunting past...and an unspoken passion.
FIRST IN THE ALL-NEW CLAN MACALPIN SERIES.
After Scotland's Civil Wars, the orphaned brothers and sisters of the MacAlpin clan reclaimed the abandoned Dunnochen Castle as their birthright. Now they must rely on each other as they right the wrongs of their troubled history...
Tormented war hero Cormac MacAlpin gets a chance at redemption-and romance-when former love Marjorie Keith asks him to help her find the missing child who was in her care.
FIRST IN THE ALL-NEW CLAN MACALPIN SERIES.
After Scotland's Civil Wars, the orphaned brothers and sisters of the MacAlpin clan reclaimed the abandoned Dunnochen Castle as their birthright. Now they must rely on each other as they right the wrongs of their troubled history...
Tormented war hero Cormac MacAlpin gets a chance at redemption-and romance-when former love Marjorie Keith asks him to help her find the missing child who was in her care.
335 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 3, 2010
15 people are currently reading
490 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Wolff
25 books535 followersVeronica Wolff is an award-winning, bestselling author who likes monsters, fight scenes, and first kisses. Sometimes all at the same time. She lived everywhere from Texas to Hawaii to India before settling in Northern California, where she shares a home with her husband and her black cat familiar, Josie.
She writes across genres, including Scottish historical romance, time travel, contemporary romance, and young adult fiction. She may or may not have a top-secret alter ego named Ron Wolff, who writes gonzo sci-fi thrillers.
She writes across genres, including Scottish historical romance, time travel, contemporary romance, and young adult fiction. She may or may not have a top-secret alter ego named Ron Wolff, who writes gonzo sci-fi thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 2, 2015
Good story of love and redemption. Cormac and Marjorie had been good friends as children, along with Cormac's twin brother Aidan. When they were ten, Aidan was kidnapped as they were playing. Both Cormac and Marjorie felt responsible and it affected them deeply. They turned away from each other and moved on alone. Marjorie devotes herself to good works, spending her time caring for orphaned boys. Cormac took himself off to fight in Scotland's wars and has returned scarred and bitter. When Marjorie comes to him for help finding a missing boy he refuses, feeling that it's no use. But he can't let her attempt it on her own, so off he goes to help.
I was a little torn about Marjorie. I liked the way that she's so intent on helping the boys of the city, especially to keep them safe. She's never forgotten what happened to Aidan and blames herself for the game they were playing at the time. When one of her boys goes missing she's sure that it's the same thing that happened to Aidan, so she heads off to ask Cormac for his help. She'd always been in love with him and expected to marry him, but feels that he blames her for Aidan's disappearance. She's willing to deal with that to get Cormac's help. When he refuses to help her she tells him she'll do it without his help and stalks off, but is secretly relieved when he agrees to help after all. There's a lot of heat between them now that they're grown, but they attempt to resist it at first. Marjorie is trying to concentrate on saving Davie. I got rather frustrated with her at times because she asked for his help but then argued with him every time he tried to do something. Being around him so much brought her feelings back to the surface and they got stronger throughout the book. I did like the way that she tried to show Cormac that Aidan's disappearance wasn't his fault. She also worked hard to show him that what he did during the war doesn't affect the way she feels about him. But it seemed like every time they made progress in their relationship something would happen to cause them to pull apart. I often felt like she didn't really have enough faith in him. She nearly ruined everything at the end, but they managed to pull it off.
Cormac had always loved Marjorie and planned to marry her when they grew up. After Aidan was kidnapped he felt so guilty that he couldn't be around her. After he returned from fighting he felt especially damaged by the things he had seen and done. They left him seeing only the bad things in life. He spends his time fishing, a job he can do alone so he doesn't have to inflict himself on other people. He's surprised by her request for his help, but feels that it's too late to do anything. He can't stand the idea of her trying it on her own, so he goes along to keep her safe. But being with her all the time is hard on his heart as his love grows stronger, but his guilt won't let him hope for happiness. It was kind of fun seeing him try to resist her as she pulls out all her tricks to get him to admit his feelings. I felt kind of sorry for him as he tried so hard to keep Marjorie safe and she kept walking right into trouble. I also enjoyed seeing the way that she broke down his walls and finally got him to accept that he wasn't responsible either. Just as it looked like everything was going to work out there was a surprise twist that threw his plans completely off. I really worried for a bit that it would go horribly wrong, but it didn't. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I was a little torn about Marjorie. I liked the way that she's so intent on helping the boys of the city, especially to keep them safe. She's never forgotten what happened to Aidan and blames herself for the game they were playing at the time. When one of her boys goes missing she's sure that it's the same thing that happened to Aidan, so she heads off to ask Cormac for his help. She'd always been in love with him and expected to marry him, but feels that he blames her for Aidan's disappearance. She's willing to deal with that to get Cormac's help. When he refuses to help her she tells him she'll do it without his help and stalks off, but is secretly relieved when he agrees to help after all. There's a lot of heat between them now that they're grown, but they attempt to resist it at first. Marjorie is trying to concentrate on saving Davie. I got rather frustrated with her at times because she asked for his help but then argued with him every time he tried to do something. Being around him so much brought her feelings back to the surface and they got stronger throughout the book. I did like the way that she tried to show Cormac that Aidan's disappearance wasn't his fault. She also worked hard to show him that what he did during the war doesn't affect the way she feels about him. But it seemed like every time they made progress in their relationship something would happen to cause them to pull apart. I often felt like she didn't really have enough faith in him. She nearly ruined everything at the end, but they managed to pull it off.
Cormac had always loved Marjorie and planned to marry her when they grew up. After Aidan was kidnapped he felt so guilty that he couldn't be around her. After he returned from fighting he felt especially damaged by the things he had seen and done. They left him seeing only the bad things in life. He spends his time fishing, a job he can do alone so he doesn't have to inflict himself on other people. He's surprised by her request for his help, but feels that it's too late to do anything. He can't stand the idea of her trying it on her own, so he goes along to keep her safe. But being with her all the time is hard on his heart as his love grows stronger, but his guilt won't let him hope for happiness. It was kind of fun seeing him try to resist her as she pulls out all her tricks to get him to admit his feelings. I felt kind of sorry for him as he tried so hard to keep Marjorie safe and she kept walking right into trouble. I also enjoyed seeing the way that she broke down his walls and finally got him to accept that he wasn't responsible either. Just as it looked like everything was going to work out there was a surprise twist that threw his plans completely off. I really worried for a bit that it would go horribly wrong, but it didn't. I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 22, 2011
I don't know why I didn't like this book more, as it had all the elements of a good Highland romance. Maybe it was the TSTL heroine. Or maybe the hero with the same tired "I'm not good enough for you" trope. Or perhaps the childish way the two acted around each other. Regardless, this was a huge disappointment for me as a fan of the author. The two main characters were the ONLY ones I didn't like! i am looking forward to Aiden and also Gregor's story though.
September 7, 2010
Marjorie Keith has loved Cormac MacAlpin forever. She and Cormac used to be best friends when they were children, but that ended the day Cormac's twin brother Aidan was mistaken for a beggar boy and forcibly sent to Barbados when he was only ten. Both Cormac and Marjorie blame themselves even though they were just children. Cormac went off to fight for his country while Marjorie suffered silently. Now thirteen years later, Cormac has come back and spends his days fishing. Marjorie aches for Cormac and wants more than just a fragile friendship between them. She comes to him for help. Marjorie tends to the children that are in a poorhouse, and one small lad in particular, five-year old Davie has gone missing. She thinks he has been taken much like Aidan was and wants Cormac’s help to find Davie.
Cormac longs to lose himself in Marjorie's arms, but he feels he is not good enough for her. He's damaged and has been since that day he couldn't protect Aidan. He's done some horrible things since then, and if Marjorie knew, she would turn away from him. When he refuses to help Marjorie, she has no choice but to investigate herself, which will lead her to the dangerous docks where ruffians lurk in the shadows. Cormac thinks Marjorie is stubborn and not thinking correctly. She tries his patience, and because he doesn't want any harm her to come to harm, he decides to help.
Cormac and Marjorie maneuver through a dark world of child slavery with shocking results. Marjorie may think Cormac is the very devil at times, but she wants nothing more than to give him peace. She sees such despair and loneliness in his eyes and will do whatever she can to make him see that he is deserving of love.
Cormac is one lusty Scotsman in Devil's Highlander, and the underlying sexual tension between him and Marjorie is hot and very sexy. These two have always had a deep bond starting from childhood that grew into adulthood. Because of a tragedy, Cormac turned away from Marjorie. But his "Ree", as he likes to call her, won't let him walk away from her. She wants Cormac, faults and all.
This is a typical story where the tortured hero thinks he isn't worthy of the heroine because of something that isn't necessarily his fault. Cormac is more than depressed over the loss of Aidan, but soon he lightens up when he and Marjorie pretend to be husband and wife. Those scenes are sweet and funny and these two are not afraid to share affection with one another, which leads to some wonderful love scenes.
Devil's Highlander doesn't have many memorable secondary characters and relies mainly on Cormac and Marjorie to keep the reader interested as they team up to take down some rotten individuals. There is a small twist at the end that some may not see coming that sets the stage for the next Clan MacAlpin novel, Devil's Own.
This was my first book by Veronica Wolff and a very enjoyable read. I look forward to her next Scottish romance with a hero who may be damaged and finally set free by the love of his heroine.
Cormac longs to lose himself in Marjorie's arms, but he feels he is not good enough for her. He's damaged and has been since that day he couldn't protect Aidan. He's done some horrible things since then, and if Marjorie knew, she would turn away from him. When he refuses to help Marjorie, she has no choice but to investigate herself, which will lead her to the dangerous docks where ruffians lurk in the shadows. Cormac thinks Marjorie is stubborn and not thinking correctly. She tries his patience, and because he doesn't want any harm her to come to harm, he decides to help.
Cormac and Marjorie maneuver through a dark world of child slavery with shocking results. Marjorie may think Cormac is the very devil at times, but she wants nothing more than to give him peace. She sees such despair and loneliness in his eyes and will do whatever she can to make him see that he is deserving of love.
Cormac is one lusty Scotsman in Devil's Highlander, and the underlying sexual tension between him and Marjorie is hot and very sexy. These two have always had a deep bond starting from childhood that grew into adulthood. Because of a tragedy, Cormac turned away from Marjorie. But his "Ree", as he likes to call her, won't let him walk away from her. She wants Cormac, faults and all.
This is a typical story where the tortured hero thinks he isn't worthy of the heroine because of something that isn't necessarily his fault. Cormac is more than depressed over the loss of Aidan, but soon he lightens up when he and Marjorie pretend to be husband and wife. Those scenes are sweet and funny and these two are not afraid to share affection with one another, which leads to some wonderful love scenes.
Devil's Highlander doesn't have many memorable secondary characters and relies mainly on Cormac and Marjorie to keep the reader interested as they team up to take down some rotten individuals. There is a small twist at the end that some may not see coming that sets the stage for the next Clan MacAlpin novel, Devil's Own.
This was my first book by Veronica Wolff and a very enjoyable read. I look forward to her next Scottish romance with a hero who may be damaged and finally set free by the love of his heroine.
August 3, 2010
Devil’s Highlander by Veronica Wolff
Historical Romance- Aug. 3, 2010
4 stars
Cormac’s twin Aidan was kidnapped when he was 10 years old. The cruel loss of Aidan caused his family to crumble. For years, Cormac, haunted by guilt, unsuccessfully searched for his brother. After years of fighting wars and staying abroad, Cormac comes home hardened and scarred. Marjorie, his childhood sweetheart, comes to him asking for his help to find a kidnapped orphan. Marjorie, too, blames herself for Aidan’s disappearance. Can the two of them learn to care for each other despite the lingering guilt over Aidan’s kidnapping?
The premise for Devil’s Highland is interesting and sad at the same time. Cormac blames himself for not keeping watch over Aidan and for being the one that survived the kidnapping. Marjorie blames herself for getting the boys in the situation that led to Aidan’s kidnapping. With so many traumatic events going on, one cannot help but root for Cormac to find redemption through saving another orphan. I enjoyed these characters so much I wanted Marjorie and Cormac to get together.
What I also enjoyed about this book is its historical depth. In the past, little boys were used to clean the chimneys. Some of them died trapped in the chimneys when they got too big. Unwanted orphans, beggar children, and these chimney boys were often kidnapped and send to work in the plantations of the new world. Set against such deeply inhumane background, Wolff’s novel has such potential and realism.
Wolff’s rich details and brisk pacing keeps the action fast and frantic. The chemistry and tension between Cormac and Marjorie also adds to the tense atmosphere. I kept wondering when is the love scene going to happen? Wolff is an engaging writer who creates two believable characters. Albeit, the characters are nothing new really: gruff, tortured hero and spunky, spitfire heroine. But, Wolff is a talented writer who gives Cormac and Marjorie their own unique voice.
Devil’s Highlander is definitely a recommended read especially for those who love the Highlander genre. This book has it all: romance, swashbuckling, and a rich historical background.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Historical Romance- Aug. 3, 2010
4 stars
Cormac’s twin Aidan was kidnapped when he was 10 years old. The cruel loss of Aidan caused his family to crumble. For years, Cormac, haunted by guilt, unsuccessfully searched for his brother. After years of fighting wars and staying abroad, Cormac comes home hardened and scarred. Marjorie, his childhood sweetheart, comes to him asking for his help to find a kidnapped orphan. Marjorie, too, blames herself for Aidan’s disappearance. Can the two of them learn to care for each other despite the lingering guilt over Aidan’s kidnapping?
The premise for Devil’s Highland is interesting and sad at the same time. Cormac blames himself for not keeping watch over Aidan and for being the one that survived the kidnapping. Marjorie blames herself for getting the boys in the situation that led to Aidan’s kidnapping. With so many traumatic events going on, one cannot help but root for Cormac to find redemption through saving another orphan. I enjoyed these characters so much I wanted Marjorie and Cormac to get together.
What I also enjoyed about this book is its historical depth. In the past, little boys were used to clean the chimneys. Some of them died trapped in the chimneys when they got too big. Unwanted orphans, beggar children, and these chimney boys were often kidnapped and send to work in the plantations of the new world. Set against such deeply inhumane background, Wolff’s novel has such potential and realism.
Wolff’s rich details and brisk pacing keeps the action fast and frantic. The chemistry and tension between Cormac and Marjorie also adds to the tense atmosphere. I kept wondering when is the love scene going to happen? Wolff is an engaging writer who creates two believable characters. Albeit, the characters are nothing new really: gruff, tortured hero and spunky, spitfire heroine. But, Wolff is a talented writer who gives Cormac and Marjorie their own unique voice.
Devil’s Highlander is definitely a recommended read especially for those who love the Highlander genre. This book has it all: romance, swashbuckling, and a rich historical background.
Reviewed by Pauline from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
August 5, 2010
3.5 Stars
Marjorie and Cormac have loved each other since they were children.
When a childhood dare goes horribly wrong and results in Cormac's brother Aidan being kidnapped, Marjorie and Cormac go their separate ways both consumed by shame and guilt. Marjorie now needs Cormac's help. A young child she cares for has disappeared and she fears the boy has suffered the same fate as Aidan. Though 20 years have passed since they last laid eyes on each other, the passion between them still blazes out of control.
As Cormac and Marjorie set out to find the boy they must also come to terms with what happened to them so many years ago. And decide if redemption is possible.
The Devil's Highlander is a passionate and poignant tale of love and redemption. Well written with a smooth flowing storyline, we are transported back in time to the Scottish Highlands. The story's back ground revolves around an old practice similar to pressing. Boys thought to be beggars were often taken (kidnapped) and transported to plantations to work as slave labor. Though it was argued that they were better off in the healthier environment it was still kidnapping and forced slavery.When Cormac's brother is mistaken for a a beggar, he is kidnapped and transported to the islands. Cormac and Marjorie loved each other even as children; but the guilt and shame over what happened to Aidan causes them to go their separate ways. Marjorie now volunteers at an orphanage. When one of her charges is taken she runs to the one man she knows can help her-Cormac. But Cormac is damaged. Back from the war, his heart is filled with nothing but shame and disgust for himself. Marjorie bullies him into helping and they soon find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy that reaches farther then they could ever imagine.
Read the rest of my review at Smexy Books.
Marjorie and Cormac have loved each other since they were children.
When a childhood dare goes horribly wrong and results in Cormac's brother Aidan being kidnapped, Marjorie and Cormac go their separate ways both consumed by shame and guilt. Marjorie now needs Cormac's help. A young child she cares for has disappeared and she fears the boy has suffered the same fate as Aidan. Though 20 years have passed since they last laid eyes on each other, the passion between them still blazes out of control.
As Cormac and Marjorie set out to find the boy they must also come to terms with what happened to them so many years ago. And decide if redemption is possible.
The Devil's Highlander is a passionate and poignant tale of love and redemption. Well written with a smooth flowing storyline, we are transported back in time to the Scottish Highlands. The story's back ground revolves around an old practice similar to pressing. Boys thought to be beggars were often taken (kidnapped) and transported to plantations to work as slave labor. Though it was argued that they were better off in the healthier environment it was still kidnapping and forced slavery.When Cormac's brother is mistaken for a a beggar, he is kidnapped and transported to the islands. Cormac and Marjorie loved each other even as children; but the guilt and shame over what happened to Aidan causes them to go their separate ways. Marjorie now volunteers at an orphanage. When one of her charges is taken she runs to the one man she knows can help her-Cormac. But Cormac is damaged. Back from the war, his heart is filled with nothing but shame and disgust for himself. Marjorie bullies him into helping and they soon find themselves embroiled in a conspiracy that reaches farther then they could ever imagine.
Read the rest of my review at Smexy Books.
July 31, 2010
Two people who were childhood friends and secretly enchanted with one another are not re-connecting after being torn apart by the disappearance of a twin brother to the hero, Cormac. After Aidan was gone--kidnapped by slavers--both Cormac and Marjorie carry a load of guilt that has impacted their entire growing up years as well as their early adulthood. Now, another boy has disappeared and Marjorie goes to Cormac as the only one she truly trusts to understand her deep agony over this loss from a home for boys that she assists with her charity work. An excellent novel embracing the issues of slavery and the enslavement especially of youngsters who are from poverty stricken situations, or who are simply trying to assist their families as chimney sweeps or errand boys. Some great emotional content, good exposure of social issues, and just an all-round good love story.
October 3, 2012
loved the main character, Cormac . He is the way I like all my kilted men big, brooding and brawny. The main female character of the story , Marjorie well she was another story. I started to like her and then she became what I have really not liked about my highland books. She doesnt take direction too well and when she gets in trouble all she can do is wish her big, brawny, highlander was there and she should have listened to him and wrings her hands and bemoans her fate on and on and on....util the next time.
April 29, 2022
DNF. Too much inner monologue and not enough action.
August 14, 2025
Not what I expected, felt like a great enemies to lovers book! Absolutely enjoyed the scene setting and tone of the characters! A quick read, and definitely one I would recommend to anyone that loves Highlanders!
April 2, 2023
3.5 stars
August 1, 2010
Marjorie Keith needs help. Someone has taken a young boy she has been caring for and nobody will help her find him. Marjorie has spent her time trying to care for the children who live on the streets, the ones who have no family to care for them. To her this is the most important thing she can do with her time. When she was a child she was great friends with two twin boys, Cormac and Aidan MacAlpin. During a visit the children were left alone while their mothers went to the market. Someone broke into the house and took Aidan away. Everyone always thought that Cormac and Marjorie would grow up and marry each other, but all that changed after Aidan was taken. Now thirteen years later Cormac has come home from the war and all he wants is to fish and live his life is peace. When Marjorie shows up asking for help in finding a lost child, Cormac turns her down. When he finds out she will search for the boy with or without him, he has no choice but to go and keep her safe. But who will keep her safe from him? The feelings they had for each other as chldren have grown into a very adult attraction. Each blame themselves for Aidan being taken and they thing the other one balmes them. Will they be able to forgive themselves and allow their love to grow?
This is the first installment in Ms Wolff's new Cllan MacAlpin series. This series is about the orphaned brothers and sister of the MacAlpin clan. This is a great start to a new series. Ms Wolff writes a story that will grab you from the first word and not let go until the end. You find yourself caring what happens to the hero and heroine. I can not wait for the next story in this series. The next one is Devil's Own which will be out in March of 2011
This is the first installment in Ms Wolff's new Cllan MacAlpin series. This series is about the orphaned brothers and sister of the MacAlpin clan. This is a great start to a new series. Ms Wolff writes a story that will grab you from the first word and not let go until the end. You find yourself caring what happens to the hero and heroine. I can not wait for the next story in this series. The next one is Devil's Own which will be out in March of 2011
June 23, 2024
Thoughts: An interesting read. Cormac and Marjorie are childhood friends who never could figure out their emotions. During a childhood game, Marjorie and Cormac were unable to stop the kidnapping of his twin. Marjorie calls for help from her childhood friend when another boy is kidnapped similarly; he is hesitant to let her come along to help as he worries about her. Solving the mystery of the kidnappers allows Marjorie and Cormac to grow closer. I will say that the book was a slow read in regards to the romance, Cormac spends a lot of time resisting.
February 6, 2025
I found Veronica Wolff thanks to Monica McCarty. :) Veronica writes wonderful Scottish historical romance. I wish she would publish more of them! Her Scottish time travel romances are also lovely! :) Please write more! <3
August 2, 2010
3.5 out of 5
August 28, 2010
New series by the author, a bit slow and drawn out, but pretty good.
March 5, 2016
Excellent Scottish romance/mystery. It's Book 1 of a series, and I'm looking forward to book 2.
May 24, 2011
It was very very good!!!!! Beautifully written love story that starts out with young love losted and they come together to live happy everafter!!!!
January 22, 2014
had a more interesting and historical-based plot than many romance novels. i liked it.
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September 20, 20149781101188989
July 26, 2010
Reviewed for The Season: http://theseasonforromance.com
October 19, 2014
Wow, there was actually a plot to this one.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews