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Hot Scot Trilogy #2
Off Kilter
FIRE DOWN BELOW
Brash entrepreneur Roan McAuley has no problem getting naked. But being the only one in the room dropping kilt and giving plenty isn’t his idea of fun—even if it’s for the “Men of the Highlands” calendar and a good cause. However, getting feisty photographer Tessa Vandergriff all hot, bothered, and hungry is proving irresistible…even though she’s not his type. And even if the sizzling attraction between them is changing everything this roguish playboy thinks he knows about lust…and love.
Brash entrepreneur Roan McAuley has no problem getting naked. But being the only one in the room dropping kilt and giving plenty isn’t his idea of fun—even if it’s for the “Men of the Highlands” calendar and a good cause. However, getting feisty photographer Tessa Vandergriff all hot, bothered, and hungry is proving irresistible…even though she’s not his type. And even if the sizzling attraction between them is changing everything this roguish playboy thinks he knows about lust…and love.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
42 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
About the author
Donna Kauffman
147 books1,799 followersUSA Today bestseller and award winning author of the Cupcake Club series and the Blueberry Cove series, DONNA KAUFFMAN has been gratified to see her books get rave reviews in venues ranging from Kirkus Reviews and Library Journal to Entertainment Weekly and Cosmopolitan. She lives in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in southwestern Virginia, where she is happily working on the next book in her brand new Blue Hollow Falls series, set right in her mountain home area. When she's not writing, she can be found recapping the popular tv show NCIS for USA Today, or escaping into her garden to play in the dirt. Donna also works as a volunteer wildlife transporter for two local sanctuaries, giving orphaned and injured wildlife a second chance at survival. You can catch up on all of her adventures via her author page on Facebook, or on Twitter, or Instagram @writerchick. Donna loves to hear from readers!
Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.
Donna Kauffman passed away on April 9, 2020 of pancreatic cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 1, 2025
Silly but fun...
July 2, 2019
I liked reading this, but I don't remember a ton about it only two days later. I really appreciated the care taking aspect of it, though--the heroine is the one with PTSD and the hero is so gentle with her and it was lovely to read.
**Read for Ripped Bodice Bingo 2019, Kilts**
**Read for Ripped Bodice Bingo 2019, Kilts**
December 9, 2016
Très gros coup de coeur pour ce tome 2, l'histoire est tout choupinette et intense.
Ça aborde en finesse les difficultés du syndrôme post-traumatique et du chemin de reconstruction qui n'est pas facile. C'est Tessa qui en souffre, elle est photo-journaliste et a fait un burnout, ne supportant plus les images de guerre et de misère qui viennent la hanter chaque nuit. Elle vient se refugier chez une amie sur une petite île d'écosse...
Et là, elle est mise à contribution par les habitants pour la réalisation d'un calendrier de highlander sexy... #chocdescultures xD d'autant que le *highlander Mister December* qui tombe le kilt devant son appareil photo fait pas mal aux yeux ^^ même s'il est insupportable xD
Tessa et Roan vont se bouffer le nez, un peu, mais vont vite avoir envie de se bouffer tout court. Tessa étant en souffrance avec elle-même, Roan va la séduire étape par étape, et c'est le festival du couinage *_*
Petit papa noël, amène moi un Roan sous mon sapin, et les photos du calendrier aussi... parce que les descriptions, laisse tomber *bave*
Ça aborde en finesse les difficultés du syndrôme post-traumatique et du chemin de reconstruction qui n'est pas facile. C'est Tessa qui en souffre, elle est photo-journaliste et a fait un burnout, ne supportant plus les images de guerre et de misère qui viennent la hanter chaque nuit. Elle vient se refugier chez une amie sur une petite île d'écosse...
Et là, elle est mise à contribution par les habitants pour la réalisation d'un calendrier de highlander sexy... #chocdescultures xD d'autant que le *highlander Mister December* qui tombe le kilt devant son appareil photo fait pas mal aux yeux ^^ même s'il est insupportable xD
Tessa et Roan vont se bouffer le nez, un peu, mais vont vite avoir envie de se bouffer tout court. Tessa étant en souffrance avec elle-même, Roan va la séduire étape par étape, et c'est le festival du couinage *_*
Petit papa noël, amène moi un Roan sous mon sapin, et les photos du calendrier aussi... parce que les descriptions, laisse tomber *bave*
March 1, 2016
Very good book and more complex than I expected from the description. Roan is a native of Kinloch and the man in charge of running the island business of exporting artisan baskets. He's not too thrilled with being tagged to audition for a slot in the "Hot Scots" charity calendar. Though he could do without the audience watching the photo shoot, he's having a grand time giving photographer Tessa a hard time. Tessa came to the island to visit a friend and to try to deal with the things she's seen as a photojournalist. Shooting "fluff" pictures should be a piece of cake, but Roan's good looks, charm and teasing are getting under her skin. She has no interest in anything serious, but she wouldn't mind a little mutual stress relief.
This was an interesting book because it's Tessa that is suffering from PTSD and is avoiding relationships, while Roan becomes intrigued with her and her layers and wants something real. I loved their first encounter, as the attraction between them sizzles and it looks like they're going to jump right in. But Roan has already seen that Tessa could be much more than just a romp and is determined to show her that. Unfortunately for him, Tessa is still running from anything that can make her feel and tries her best to resist his attempts to slow things down. Tessa is used to depending on just herself, and doesn't know how to deal with Roan's attempts to help her. She has come to the realization that she can't go back to what she was doing before, but is at a loss about what to do next. Her nightmares and fears have her feeling too broken to believe that anyone could want her.
I loved the development of their relationship. Roan is quietly and calmly determined that they will get to know each other before getting physical. That doesn't mean he isn't going to touch her. I loved all the sweet and gentle kisses that would heat up to more. He was also a very "touchy" guy, who loved to put his hands on her in non-sexual ways. I loved his explanation of why that is. He also listens and sees beneath the surface of what she says. I loved the way that Roan accepts that she has these issues and doesn't play them down. He encourages her to talk about them, but doesn't push too hard to get her to do so. I loved how he was there when she needed him, but not always sure that he was handling things the best way. He had moments of his own doubts but refused to give up on them. I ached for Tessa and the pain she was in. She's certain that a relationship is not possible, but she can't say no to Roan's persuasiveness. She surprised when she discovers that his attentions do have a beneficial effect on her. I loved seeing her start to look at the world through slightly happier eyes and what that means for her professionally. It was wonderful to see the way that she was able to share what she had seen with Roan and the effect that it had on her.
Even better was their acceptance that just admitting their love isn't enough to guarantee their happiness. Tessa warns him that she will be a work in progress for a long time, and he's equally honest that he isn't always going to know the right thing to do. They also have to find a way to meld their lives, as his is on the island and hers requires travel. I loved the solution that they came up with and how right it is for them.
I loved the secondary characters of Graham and Katie from the first book and their friends Shay and Kira. The men's friendship says a lot about them, with plenty of teasing but also support when it was needed. There was some more drama carried over from the first book, involving Katie's parents, but it didn't really seem to get resolved. Kira and Shay get their own story in Unwrapped.
This was an interesting book because it's Tessa that is suffering from PTSD and is avoiding relationships, while Roan becomes intrigued with her and her layers and wants something real. I loved their first encounter, as the attraction between them sizzles and it looks like they're going to jump right in. But Roan has already seen that Tessa could be much more than just a romp and is determined to show her that. Unfortunately for him, Tessa is still running from anything that can make her feel and tries her best to resist his attempts to slow things down. Tessa is used to depending on just herself, and doesn't know how to deal with Roan's attempts to help her. She has come to the realization that she can't go back to what she was doing before, but is at a loss about what to do next. Her nightmares and fears have her feeling too broken to believe that anyone could want her.
I loved the development of their relationship. Roan is quietly and calmly determined that they will get to know each other before getting physical. That doesn't mean he isn't going to touch her. I loved all the sweet and gentle kisses that would heat up to more. He was also a very "touchy" guy, who loved to put his hands on her in non-sexual ways. I loved his explanation of why that is. He also listens and sees beneath the surface of what she says. I loved the way that Roan accepts that she has these issues and doesn't play them down. He encourages her to talk about them, but doesn't push too hard to get her to do so. I loved how he was there when she needed him, but not always sure that he was handling things the best way. He had moments of his own doubts but refused to give up on them. I ached for Tessa and the pain she was in. She's certain that a relationship is not possible, but she can't say no to Roan's persuasiveness. She surprised when she discovers that his attentions do have a beneficial effect on her. I loved seeing her start to look at the world through slightly happier eyes and what that means for her professionally. It was wonderful to see the way that she was able to share what she had seen with Roan and the effect that it had on her.
Even better was their acceptance that just admitting their love isn't enough to guarantee their happiness. Tessa warns him that she will be a work in progress for a long time, and he's equally honest that he isn't always going to know the right thing to do. They also have to find a way to meld their lives, as his is on the island and hers requires travel. I loved the solution that they came up with and how right it is for them.
I loved the secondary characters of Graham and Katie from the first book and their friends Shay and Kira. The men's friendship says a lot about them, with plenty of teasing but also support when it was needed. There was some more drama carried over from the first book, involving Katie's parents, but it didn't really seem to get resolved. Kira and Shay get their own story in Unwrapped.
March 15, 2011
This is not the first book I've read by this author, but it is the first book I've liked. I can't remember what it was that I didn't like about the others, but I've always steered clear away from this author even though the book blurb sounds intriguing. I finally decided with OFF KILTER to give Ms. Kauffman another try. I really enjoyed this book! Roan is a sexy man who knows what he wants out of life and isn't afraid to make the move if the woman is right. I loved this character and how understanding he was of Tessa's fears and doubts. Tessa is suffering from PTSD and isn't necessarily in the place to enter into a new relationship. Although she has a lot to deal with Roan is just the man to help her. Roan doesn't discount her issues and doesn't press for her to get over them. There is a lot of emotion to this story as he promises himself to a woman he doesn't really know exactly how to help. I'm happy that I gave this author another try, because I found a romantic and emotional story with characters that I loved.
December 25, 2015
Just such a good story - more than a light, funny read that you normally get from Donna Kauffman. The heroine has come to the small Scottish island looking for a place to relax and regroup from her war photographer career. The hero seems like the village bad boy - charming and only out for a good time, but it turns out he's actually serious and one of the main people keeping the village/clan's way of life intact.
I love that he's committed to the relationship early on and won't let her make it just about sex and a way for her to decompress. I also like that they can see that love won't be enough if they can't work out a way to live together. And Ms Kauffman works that out very realistically. She actually manages that for all of her "small town in the middle of nowhere Scotland" novels. Interesting career paths for some characters, but nobody is left just living on love!
I love that he's committed to the relationship early on and won't let her make it just about sex and a way for her to decompress. I also like that they can see that love won't be enough if they can't work out a way to live together. And Ms Kauffman works that out very realistically. She actually manages that for all of her "small town in the middle of nowhere Scotland" novels. Interesting career paths for some characters, but nobody is left just living on love!
September 14, 2018
Roan McAuley is exactly what you think of when you think of a gorgeous kilt-wearing scot. He has the thighs and tight behind and the arms that could hold you up when you need it. He is also a nice guy which is why he is getting his picture taken for a calendar for hunky Scotsman to bring money to his town. And Tessa Vandergriff taking his photo is leaving him hot and bothered. Even though her hair is blowing her face and her clothes are rumpled while being loaded down with camera equipment. She is not the usual girl he is attracted too. But he can’t help imagine what her hair would look like on his pillow. So he pursues and she runs. She wants a good time. He wants spring more with her. He wants a future. So he helps break down her walls one patient day at a time.
This guy Roan has the most amazing patience with Tessa. She has some impenetrable walls and she has no idea what she wants. She can’t seem to let him in until he is literally walking away. But he stays by her and becomes every romantic fiction girl’s dream. I think I liked his house more than anything. I want a man living in Scotland now.
This guy Roan has the most amazing patience with Tessa. She has some impenetrable walls and she has no idea what she wants. She can’t seem to let him in until he is literally walking away. But he stays by her and becomes every romantic fiction girl’s dream. I think I liked his house more than anything. I want a man living in Scotland now.
June 2, 2019
I loved Donna Kauffman's first book, "Some Like it Scot" with Graham and Katie, so much that I bought this, the second one, before I finished the first. What can I say? Ms. Kauffman did it again! This book was just as spicy and sexy as the first with the two main characters, Roan and Tessa, having amazing chemistry, but a totally different story line. They are both misfits, of a sort, with Roan not knowing who his family was and was raised on Kinloch Island just north of Scotland and Tessa, who knew her family, but they died early in her life where she lived in England who ends up on Kinloch Island due to PTSD from her job. Roan is a best friend of Graham's and Tessa is a friend of Kira's, who lives on the island, from a school they went to in England. Loved, loved, loved this book. Guess I'm going to have to buy the last book in this series, which is an anthology of three stories, "Unwrapped" Hot Scot Trilogy 2.5, by different authors. This book has a story called, "Santa in a Kilt" by Donna Kauffman, which features Graham's (from the first book) other best friend, Shay and Kira. I can't wait!!
February 1, 2023
Brash entrepreneur Roan McAuley has no problem getting naked. But being the only one in the room dropping kilt and giving plenty isn’t his idea of fun—even if it’s for the “Men of the Highlands” calendar and a good cause. However, getting feisty photographer Tessa Vandergriff all hot, bothered, and hungry is proving irresistible…even though she’s not his type. And even if the sizzling attraction between them is changing everything this roguish playboy thinks he knows about lust…and love.
Heather's Notes
I did not like this story as much as the other two, but it was not bad. I feel overall that things were left out that really should have been explained. Even in a short story, you still have to tie up lose ends and make the story cohesive. This was not a bad story and I enjoyed it, I was just with unanswered questions - that will not be answered.
Heather's Notes
I did not like this story as much as the other two, but it was not bad. I feel overall that things were left out that really should have been explained. Even in a short story, you still have to tie up lose ends and make the story cohesive. This was not a bad story and I enjoyed it, I was just with unanswered questions - that will not be answered.
January 23, 2018
This is the second book in the Hot Scot Trilogy by Donna Kauffman. I haven't loved this series nearly as much as the first one I read even though it is set in Scotland. The story is fun and entertaining but a little to unrealistic for me.
September 22, 2020
Cute story
I really liked how this story shows that people aren't always perfect, that each one of us has scars that we are trying to work through. All each of us need is someone who sees all of who we are and accepts that person. Nice twist of a love story.
I really liked how this story shows that people aren't always perfect, that each one of us has scars that we are trying to work through. All each of us need is someone who sees all of who we are and accepts that person. Nice twist of a love story.
April 14, 2019
Cute but man, so these two overthink.
March 15, 2022
3+ stars
April 10, 2012
I must say that I'm not usually disappointed with Donna Kauffman's books but this one just didn't do it for me. It started out really good with lots of the humorous dialogue Ms. Kauffman is known for but quickly morphed into gagaland (I love you, no I love you more, repeat). I liked the tension and verbal sparring between Roan and Tessa. She had many personal issues that Roan found a way to get around and help her resolve them at the same time but
The first half of the book was devoted more to Katie and Graham's wedding and family issues with Tessa and Roan really playing second fiddle. Then this plot just stops and is only vaguely mentioned towards the end of the book. Shay didn't feature much but I liked what I read and would like to read more of his story. And Blaine might be gay but he needs one too, as does Kira. These are all dropped or unfinished storylines. Since reading this book, I've checked out the reviews for the first book in the series and will not be reading that but if there is a third (hopefully Shay's story), I will pick that up and give this series another try.
The first half of the book was devoted more to Katie and Graham's wedding and family issues with Tessa and Roan really playing second fiddle. Then this plot just stops and is only vaguely mentioned towards the end of the book. Shay didn't feature much but I liked what I read and would like to read more of his story. And Blaine might be gay but he needs one too, as does Kira. These are all dropped or unfinished storylines. Since reading this book, I've checked out the reviews for the first book in the series and will not be reading that but if there is a third (hopefully Shay's story), I will pick that up and give this series another try.
March 12, 2011
Off Kilter is a charming tale that pits a no-nonsense photographer against a man who is used to turning on the charm and getting what he wants. I love how Ms. Kauffman chose these two characters as the main focal point of this book. The dilemmas, obstacles, and opposition both characters have are evident in the pages and gives credit to the author’s true writing talent as she shares it with her fans. The emotional pull that this novel has is stunning and allows us to see into the heart of a man who many think of as “a pretty face” or “just a charmer”. What a brilliant depiction of contemporary romance this is as we once again visit Kinloch and all of its inhabitants. I for one cannot wait to see where the author takes us next!
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
Danielle
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
Full Review: http://coffeetimeromance.com/BookRevi...
January 23, 2011
I do not usually read romance novels, but I was pleasantly surprised that this one actually had some depth and a decent storyline. I did not read the first in this series and was concerned that I was at a disadvantage, I don't think I was, it took a little longer to be introduced to characters who were likely introduced in the first in the series, however it was easy to catch up. This was not a traditional romance filled with wild sex and intense descriptions but more a relationship that was tested and then flourished. It was at times wordy and descriptions were lengthy that wasn't in my opinion necessary. If you are looking for a romance novel that is not filled with mindless smut and has a story and a realness to it, I suggest you pick up this one.
February 28, 2013
This was probably my least favorite Donna Kauffman book, but only because it was so serious. This is me being extremely picky and having a certain expectation when i pick up a particular author's book. In this case, I wants a whimsical, happy-go-lucky love plot. What I got was a seriously traumatized heroine and a sage (yet still quite delectable) hero.
Don't let this review deter you from reading each and every Donna Kauffman book. She is an amazing author! Just know that this book has a serious tone to the majority of the book which requires the reader to become invested into the happiness of Tessa, the heroine who has escaped her previous occupation to hide and attempt to recover in the Highlands.
Don't let this review deter you from reading each and every Donna Kauffman book. She is an amazing author! Just know that this book has a serious tone to the majority of the book which requires the reader to become invested into the happiness of Tessa, the heroine who has escaped her previous occupation to hide and attempt to recover in the Highlands.
June 3, 2015
Well now. I chose this for the 'guilty pleasure' square for the Book Riot Read Harder Challenge (come on that description is too much), but this was actually really fun and great.
Kauffman's two main leads defy typical romance tropes. Tessa is suffering from PTSD related to her war photographer career and Roan is running an artisanal basket weaving coop on a small Scotish island. Tessa is on a holiday to hopefully recover when she is asked to photograph the men of the island (including Roan) for a Hot Scot calendar. Sparks fly, and while Roan wants Tessa for forever, she doesn't know if she can be healthy enough to give her all.
A bit repetitive at times but great Scottish dialogue.
Kauffman's two main leads defy typical romance tropes. Tessa is suffering from PTSD related to her war photographer career and Roan is running an artisanal basket weaving coop on a small Scotish island. Tessa is on a holiday to hopefully recover when she is asked to photograph the men of the island (including Roan) for a Hot Scot calendar. Sparks fly, and while Roan wants Tessa for forever, she doesn't know if she can be healthy enough to give her all.
A bit repetitive at times but great Scottish dialogue.
January 27, 2015
3.5 stars, it wasn't great, but it wasn't bad. It had some great aspects. I fell in love with the location and the main characters. I think the secondary characters needed a little more. I realize this is a series, but I still want to feel more connected to all the characters. I want to know more about Shay, Blaine, and Kira, but not enough to hunt down the other books in the series.
The book also had some humor and some sexiness, but it was just ok. The beginning was my favorite. I loved their initial interaction.
The book also had some humor and some sexiness, but it was just ok. The beginning was my favorite. I loved their initial interaction.
May 27, 2012
I wanted to love this book. I enjoyed the first one so much, and Roan's story had so much potential. I liked him, and I even liked Tessa as his match. Unfortunately, the entire book was a rehashing of how opposite they were, how they shouldn't want each other but they did, and how Roan wanted to be there for her but Tessa didn't want to let him in. In addition to that, Tessa was most likely leaving, so what was the point? That is basically the entire book.
June 18, 2012
This started out as a fairly light-harted, fast, enjoyable read.
It got a little slow, and more bogged down, once the two main characters, Tessa & Roan decided they'd try to work together to be a happy, healthy couple. It seemed to me, Roan was really open-honest, and it just not the way the stories usually go. They usually question their feeling just a bit more, and I don't know any guys that would be so open & honest with a prospective girlfriend.
It got a little slow, and more bogged down, once the two main characters, Tessa & Roan decided they'd try to work together to be a happy, healthy couple. It seemed to me, Roan was really open-honest, and it just not the way the stories usually go. They usually question their feeling just a bit more, and I don't know any guys that would be so open & honest with a prospective girlfriend.
January 5, 2011
I liked this MUCH better than the first book in this series. All of the things I didn't like in the first one were absent in Off Kilter. Roan and Tessa were very real, likeable characters and I loved their interactions. My only negative was that there was SO much dialogue that I found myself skimming it at times because it failed to hold my interest.
September 30, 2011
I wanted a fun, cute read to distract myself from grad school reading - and this was the wrong book. Disappointing, REALLY dragged, and the dialogue just seemed to repeat itself on and on for most of the book. Plus nowhere on the copy I picked up at the library did it say it was the second in a series, and I did feel early on like I was missing something.
October 3, 2014
Stayed up all night reading this book and loved every minute of it. I love how Roan, our hero, knew he was in love before our heroine, Tessa, did. She had so much trouble believing she could fall in love because she thought she was broken emotionally but Roan knew she was capable and didn't give up on pursuing her. *sigh* Must read for sure!
July 9, 2012
Powerfully emotional and motivated brilliantly. Donna did an incredible job of balancing a deeply wounded character with a strong counterpart. Near the end, when Roan helps Tessa realize the power and purpose of her heart, your heart will melt into a delicious, gooey puddle, too.
October 15, 2017
The first book in this series was awesome, so this one was quite disappointing. There were still some very good and interesting parts, but it dragged on and on with too much emotional back and forth that was the same stuff over and over. Hoping the next will be better.
January 30, 2011
More of a 3.5 than a 3 overall a good read. I love finding sequels to other books I have read without knowing they would be coming out. All in all a great read for a snowy/rainy weekend.
February 27, 2011
I like this author because her books are usually light and humorous. In this one, she tries to write the relationship and emotions. It just doesn't work for me.
March 5, 2016
Not one of her better efforts, I don't think. OK, but kind of drones on and on. AND the heroine is just too too dramatic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews