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Clan MacAlpin #2
Devil's Own
After surviving slavery, Aiden MacAlpin has nothing but thoughts of vengeance. When his tutor Elspeth learns a secret to his past, it thrusts them both into a game of passion and deception that neither may survive.
338 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 25, 2011
12 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Veronica Wolff
24 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 20, 2013
Great storyline with a to-die-for hero and a too stupid to be believed heroine. I get naive and I even get sheltered but this gal was a piece of work. Aiden deserved better.
AIDEN. *sigh* Swoonworthy, made-me-cry, sexy, determined, honest.....he is the best tortured hero (literally) that I have read in ages. He saved the book. 3 stars
AIDEN. *sigh* Swoonworthy, made-me-cry, sexy, determined, honest.....he is the best tortured hero (literally) that I have read in ages. He saved the book. 3 stars
February 23, 2015
Good sequel to Devil's Highlander. Aidan returned to Scotland just in time to help his brother Cormac, and is now trying to cope with being back. After thirteen years away, he no longer knows his family members, and their hovering is driving him demented. All he can think about is finding and destroying the man responsible for his captivity. But in order to do that he has to be able to act the part of a man who wants to get into the slaving business - hard to do when you can't even read.
Elspeth is a young woman who has given up on finding love of her own. Instead she spends her days running the small farm where she and her father live. Her father is incompetent and spends his days drinking and thinking up ways to get rich quickly, leaving her to do all the work. Her only happiness comes from the adventure stories she loves to read. When her friend comes to her and begs Elspeth to tutor her brother Aidan, she can't resist. Aidan is much more interesting that any book hero.
I have to admit that Elspeth irritated me for most of the book. Her mind kept wandering to made up fantasies involving Aidan and herself, causing her to be easily flustered. She's really very smart, and intuitive when it comes to Aidan, but also very naive about what the world is really like. She constantly expects things to be like one of the stories she reads. I did like the way that she was determined to help Aidan learn and worked hard to make it happen. As she learned more about why he needed to learn to read, she was determined to help him, whether he wants her help or not. Her naivete has her walking into all kinds of trouble. Her heart is in the right place, but her methods are dangerous.
Aidan's quest for vengeance has him angry all the time. He is frustrated and embarrassed by his lack of education, but knows that learning is the only way to get what he wants. At first he sees Elspeth as something of a boring and colorless means to an end, but it isn't long before he sees signs of passion under the quiet facade. I loved seeing him tease her, trying to get the spirit to show. He soon discovers that her quiet intensity soothes the anger in him, making it easier for him to concentrate on what he needs to do. He tries to keep her out of his business, but finds that she's much more tenacious than he first gives her credit for. Trying to protect her just makes her more determined to be involved.
I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Elspeth knew what she wanted and was determined to get it, but Aidan was equally determined to resist. He feels that he is too damaged to be a suitable husband for her, and she is determined that he should see that he is a far better man than he thinks. Some of their encounters are pretty funny, and some are simply heartbreaking. And when she gets into some real trouble, Aidan is the only one who can save her.
Aidan's quest for revenge is understandable. What we learn about his life is certainly motivation for it. Without the ability to read, pursuing it is much more difficult. I liked following what he and Elspeth did, and seeing how they put together what they learned. The way it all came together was very nervewracking and I wondered if all the bad guys would get what was coming to them.
Elspeth is a young woman who has given up on finding love of her own. Instead she spends her days running the small farm where she and her father live. Her father is incompetent and spends his days drinking and thinking up ways to get rich quickly, leaving her to do all the work. Her only happiness comes from the adventure stories she loves to read. When her friend comes to her and begs Elspeth to tutor her brother Aidan, she can't resist. Aidan is much more interesting that any book hero.
I have to admit that Elspeth irritated me for most of the book. Her mind kept wandering to made up fantasies involving Aidan and herself, causing her to be easily flustered. She's really very smart, and intuitive when it comes to Aidan, but also very naive about what the world is really like. She constantly expects things to be like one of the stories she reads. I did like the way that she was determined to help Aidan learn and worked hard to make it happen. As she learned more about why he needed to learn to read, she was determined to help him, whether he wants her help or not. Her naivete has her walking into all kinds of trouble. Her heart is in the right place, but her methods are dangerous.
Aidan's quest for vengeance has him angry all the time. He is frustrated and embarrassed by his lack of education, but knows that learning is the only way to get what he wants. At first he sees Elspeth as something of a boring and colorless means to an end, but it isn't long before he sees signs of passion under the quiet facade. I loved seeing him tease her, trying to get the spirit to show. He soon discovers that her quiet intensity soothes the anger in him, making it easier for him to concentrate on what he needs to do. He tries to keep her out of his business, but finds that she's much more tenacious than he first gives her credit for. Trying to protect her just makes her more determined to be involved.
I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop. Elspeth knew what she wanted and was determined to get it, but Aidan was equally determined to resist. He feels that he is too damaged to be a suitable husband for her, and she is determined that he should see that he is a far better man than he thinks. Some of their encounters are pretty funny, and some are simply heartbreaking. And when she gets into some real trouble, Aidan is the only one who can save her.
Aidan's quest for revenge is understandable. What we learn about his life is certainly motivation for it. Without the ability to read, pursuing it is much more difficult. I liked following what he and Elspeth did, and seeing how they put together what they learned. The way it all came together was very nervewracking and I wondered if all the bad guys would get what was coming to them.
July 10, 2011
Aidan MacAlpin was kidnapped into slavery as a young boy. He escapes 13 years later and returns to a family he no longer feels a part of. His caring sister realizes he doesn't know how to read and arranges for tutoring with a neighboring spinster, Elspeth, who slaves away for her drunken farmer father, who is trying to marry her off to the high bidder.
Shy Elspeth comes out of her shell to involve herself in Aidan's plan to gain revenge against his captor and endangers herself in the process.
I got into this book more than I expected to. I liked Aidan and Elspeth and the growing relationship between them was well paced. The premise, however, that Aidan could not read anything as a boy of eleven, I found impossible. Surely, a boy of his social standing would have been well tutored in reading long before eleven, so this made no sense.
Another issue was Elspeth's father, who, while angry at Aidan's presence in her life, did nothing to really stop it and even left them alone more than once, a scenario I found most improbable for the time.
I did enjoy most of the book. I liked how Aidan had problems and conflicting emotions in dealing with his own family. His transition emotionally seemed well thought out.
My favorite thing was Elspeth's fantasies. These fade away as she becomes romantically involved with Aidan - I was sorry about that, I would have liked to see them change, rather than disappear. She had a quiet strength yet still fantasized a lot. I really liked that about her. Many writers don't strike a good balance when writing strong female characters.
I did begin to lost the book a bit when her father tried to marry her off to Fraser. The father seemed a bit too one dimensional and the ending was too easy and neat. I will look for more books by this author as there was plenty here to like.
Shy Elspeth comes out of her shell to involve herself in Aidan's plan to gain revenge against his captor and endangers herself in the process.
I got into this book more than I expected to. I liked Aidan and Elspeth and the growing relationship between them was well paced. The premise, however, that Aidan could not read anything as a boy of eleven, I found impossible. Surely, a boy of his social standing would have been well tutored in reading long before eleven, so this made no sense.
Another issue was Elspeth's father, who, while angry at Aidan's presence in her life, did nothing to really stop it and even left them alone more than once, a scenario I found most improbable for the time.
I did enjoy most of the book. I liked how Aidan had problems and conflicting emotions in dealing with his own family. His transition emotionally seemed well thought out.
My favorite thing was Elspeth's fantasies. These fade away as she becomes romantically involved with Aidan - I was sorry about that, I would have liked to see them change, rather than disappear. She had a quiet strength yet still fantasized a lot. I really liked that about her. Many writers don't strike a good balance when writing strong female characters.
I did begin to lost the book a bit when her father tried to marry her off to Fraser. The father seemed a bit too one dimensional and the ending was too easy and neat. I will look for more books by this author as there was plenty here to like.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2019
Gorgeous hero (more Poldarkian than Poldark), a really stupid heroine and a plot that could easily have been lifted from a 70s bodice ripper. Melodrama? Oh yes. Decisions so daft you almost stop reading? I lost count. Dubious time-period? Of course. But... for all that, there were enough moments to keep me reading and the middle section which is full of gentle banter I enjoyed. The end I had to skim.
Oh, and the first time sex? Really? No. She’d have been walking bow-legged for days!
Oh, and the first time sex? Really? No. She’d have been walking bow-legged for days!
March 11, 2024
This is one of those books that just hits right every time I read it. It's not a masterpiece of writing, but I love how sweet it is. And Elspeth is my favourite type of heroine: sweet, steel spine and non-judgmental. The perfect counter to the scarred, handsome rogue.
I will never not love this book.
I will never not love this book.
November 5, 2022
Not your typical Highland romance. Certainly not a "Highland clan" type of book, as the series claims. More "pirate" than "Highlander".
Lots of intrigue, angst, and emotion. I loved the devotion between the hero and heroine. I didn't care for the irreverence the author threw in once or twice.
Lots of intrigue, angst, and emotion. I loved the devotion between the hero and heroine. I didn't care for the irreverence the author threw in once or twice.
August 28, 2011
Devil’s Own by Veronica Wolff is an exciting and emotional historical romance novel that is simply impossible to put down. With sparkling dialogue, perfect characters and an unforgettable love story, this novel is nothing else but a ‘Must Read.’
Aidan has recently been returned to his large Scottish family after spending the last thirteen years as a slave. His homecoming is awkward, but more than anything else, he wants revenge on the man who stole him from his home all those years ago. When his sister insists that the neighboring farm girl tutor him in order to teach him how to read and write, Aidan is reluctant to agree. Especially after he meets the shy young girl, Elspeth Farquharson, and realizes she is quiet the distraction. Aidan needs this education and these lessons with Elspeth in order to hunt down his enemy, but she quickly becomes wrapped up in his dangerous plot. Now all Aidan has to figure out is what has become more important...Elspeth or his revenge?
For fans of tortured heroes (Me! Me!), Aidan is your man! As a slave for the last thirteen years he certainly has a lot of baggage, but he is still a stunning leading man. His need for vengeance is strong in the beginning, but what was striking was how Elspeth dramatically changed him. You see a tortured man who wants to be cruel and uncaring, but his relationship with Elspeth improves his character on so many levels that you can’t help but be in awe of this dashing man. It’s no wonder the heroine is madly in love with him.
Elspeth was absolutely charming and adorable as a heroine. She has romantic and fanciful notions that lead her to day dream for most of the day. Of course she wants Aidan to be the hero in those day dreams, but she is so unsure of herself that she constantly doubts her feelings towards him. As much as Elspeth changes Aidan, he changes her as well. Taking a lesson from the romance novels she loves so much, once she comes to know the true Aidan, she realizes she will do anything for her hero. It’s impossible not to love that.
The dialogue was clever and gave a distinctive voice to the characters. This smart and powerful romance novel introduced delicious passion, witty exchanges and stunning emotion. Along with the drama and the romance were light touches of humor, which was a wonderful addition to make this a somewhat lighter romance. What was perhaps most amazing to me was the build up of passionate tension between the hero and heroine. I don’t ever remember reading a book where I anticipated the first kiss more than in this novel. Then waiting so long to read about it and not even caring because it was that priceless. The build up and execution was breath taking and perfectly written by Wolff. As an author, she delivers on many levels with this novel....producing an exciting storyline, well crafted characters and a vibrant romance. She takes you on a fulfilling journey to a different time and place to experience a love full of tenderness and hope.
I truly cannot find anything that I did not like or love about Devil's Own. It was pure romance through and through. With Devil’s Own being book two of the Clan MacAlpin series, I hope the series is far from the end. Since there is a large cast of secondary characters, the MacAlpin siblings, I hope each will get their own story. Wolff has crafted a wonderful historical romance novel that I loved from the very first chapter and that I read in one sitting! It truly doesn’t get much better than this. If you are looking for a quality historical romance with a tortured hero who finds his heart, an adorably insecure heroine who discovers her courage and an exciting romantic journey look no further than Devil’s Own. It’s definitely a keeper!
Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
Aidan has recently been returned to his large Scottish family after spending the last thirteen years as a slave. His homecoming is awkward, but more than anything else, he wants revenge on the man who stole him from his home all those years ago. When his sister insists that the neighboring farm girl tutor him in order to teach him how to read and write, Aidan is reluctant to agree. Especially after he meets the shy young girl, Elspeth Farquharson, and realizes she is quiet the distraction. Aidan needs this education and these lessons with Elspeth in order to hunt down his enemy, but she quickly becomes wrapped up in his dangerous plot. Now all Aidan has to figure out is what has become more important...Elspeth or his revenge?
For fans of tortured heroes (Me! Me!), Aidan is your man! As a slave for the last thirteen years he certainly has a lot of baggage, but he is still a stunning leading man. His need for vengeance is strong in the beginning, but what was striking was how Elspeth dramatically changed him. You see a tortured man who wants to be cruel and uncaring, but his relationship with Elspeth improves his character on so many levels that you can’t help but be in awe of this dashing man. It’s no wonder the heroine is madly in love with him.
Elspeth was absolutely charming and adorable as a heroine. She has romantic and fanciful notions that lead her to day dream for most of the day. Of course she wants Aidan to be the hero in those day dreams, but she is so unsure of herself that she constantly doubts her feelings towards him. As much as Elspeth changes Aidan, he changes her as well. Taking a lesson from the romance novels she loves so much, once she comes to know the true Aidan, she realizes she will do anything for her hero. It’s impossible not to love that.
The dialogue was clever and gave a distinctive voice to the characters. This smart and powerful romance novel introduced delicious passion, witty exchanges and stunning emotion. Along with the drama and the romance were light touches of humor, which was a wonderful addition to make this a somewhat lighter romance. What was perhaps most amazing to me was the build up of passionate tension between the hero and heroine. I don’t ever remember reading a book where I anticipated the first kiss more than in this novel. Then waiting so long to read about it and not even caring because it was that priceless. The build up and execution was breath taking and perfectly written by Wolff. As an author, she delivers on many levels with this novel....producing an exciting storyline, well crafted characters and a vibrant romance. She takes you on a fulfilling journey to a different time and place to experience a love full of tenderness and hope.
I truly cannot find anything that I did not like or love about Devil's Own. It was pure romance through and through. With Devil’s Own being book two of the Clan MacAlpin series, I hope the series is far from the end. Since there is a large cast of secondary characters, the MacAlpin siblings, I hope each will get their own story. Wolff has crafted a wonderful historical romance novel that I loved from the very first chapter and that I read in one sitting! It truly doesn’t get much better than this. If you are looking for a quality historical romance with a tortured hero who finds his heart, an adorably insecure heroine who discovers her courage and an exciting romantic journey look no further than Devil’s Own. It’s definitely a keeper!
Overall Rating: 5/5
Heat Level: 4/5
Lisa @ Once Upon A Chapter
July 29, 2011
In the previous book Aiden MacAlpin returned to Scotland after being kidnapped 13 years prior. He’s trying to deal with his many siblings and the differences in his life that came to be while he was a slave. Aiden’s one purpose in life is to find the man who kidnapped all those years ago but he knows nothing of the man except that he wears a black pearl earring. Determined to find him he submits himself to his sisters friend, Elspeth, for tutoring. But he has no money to pay for her assistance so he trades her for help on the farm that she runs.
Elspeth is a dreamer. Yes, she works hard on the farm that she lives on with her father, but she loves to read and dream about herself in a heroine’s role and when she meets Aiden she quickly puts him into her head as the hero. She comes off as clumsy and bookish but she soon charms Aiden with her mind and her kindness.
Elspeth’s father has different plans for his daughter and that is to marry her off to a rich man that can keep him in the life that he’s not accustomed to, but wants desperately. The man that he betroths her to, however, is none other than the man behind the slaver ship and the partner of the man that Aiden seeks to kill.
When I read back on the blurb and what I’ve written it sounds like the book is much more complicated than it truly is but that’s a good thing. A good thing because the major enjoyment for me with this story was the fact, that for the most part, it was just a simple love story. Aiden and Elspeth meeting, seeing each other on the farm, coming to know each other and falling in love. It’s just a sweet story and I very much enjoyed reading about two simple people falling in love without any angst. I love a good angst story as much as the next person but sometimes it’s just nice to read a simple boy meets girl love story. That’s not to say that there wasn’t some excitement going on in the book and toward the end especially there was some intense moments with Elspeth’s future but there was definitely an HEA.
I think if you’re looking for a historical romance without a Duke or an Earl or a Laird and just want to read about two regular people falling in love this would be a great book to read.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
Elspeth is a dreamer. Yes, she works hard on the farm that she lives on with her father, but she loves to read and dream about herself in a heroine’s role and when she meets Aiden she quickly puts him into her head as the hero. She comes off as clumsy and bookish but she soon charms Aiden with her mind and her kindness.
Elspeth’s father has different plans for his daughter and that is to marry her off to a rich man that can keep him in the life that he’s not accustomed to, but wants desperately. The man that he betroths her to, however, is none other than the man behind the slaver ship and the partner of the man that Aiden seeks to kill.
When I read back on the blurb and what I’ve written it sounds like the book is much more complicated than it truly is but that’s a good thing. A good thing because the major enjoyment for me with this story was the fact, that for the most part, it was just a simple love story. Aiden and Elspeth meeting, seeing each other on the farm, coming to know each other and falling in love. It’s just a sweet story and I very much enjoyed reading about two simple people falling in love without any angst. I love a good angst story as much as the next person but sometimes it’s just nice to read a simple boy meets girl love story. That’s not to say that there wasn’t some excitement going on in the book and toward the end especially there was some intense moments with Elspeth’s future but there was definitely an HEA.
I think if you’re looking for a historical romance without a Duke or an Earl or a Laird and just want to read about two regular people falling in love this would be a great book to read.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
February 23, 2011
Devil’s Own by Veronica Wolff
Scottish Romance- March 1st, 2011
4 ½ stars
Aiden MacAlpin was kidnapped and enslave in the tropics. This life has scarred him mentally and physically. Years later he finds his brother on a chance meeting and is returned safely home. But Aiden has changed and the home that he remembered is no longer there. His parents are dead and his brother is now happily married. Hollow except for the need to take revenge against his kidnapper, Aiden’s vengeance drives him. He plans to infiltrate the smuggling network, and he will do almost anything to murder his kidnapper. But his loving and meddling sister wants more for him. She hires Aiden a tutor so he can learn how to read and write. And then the unexpected happens.
Aiden captures the imagination of the bookish and shy Elspeth Farquharson’s. Elspeth has always known that she is rather plain and her timidity has never brought her suitors. When her friend suggests she tutor Aiden, she is thrilled. She can only reflect on the circumstances that have shaped him. The tutoring job will give her much needed money and it is the closest a woman like her will ever get to such a handsome and vivid man. But surprisingly, both soon grow to care for each other. But Aiden’s single-minded determination to find his abductor brings untold danger.
This is a wonderful, romantic book. I liked how the author slowly brings Aiden and Elspeth together. Many times, authors rush the two main characters and I don’t understand what they have in common except their physical attraction. In this story, both main characters are very sympathetic and even cute together. As they grow to care for each other I could feel their wonder in their new found love. Elspeth is a dreamer who is sweetly naïve and untarnished. In contrast, Aiden’s harsh past has made him a bit cynical. He is strong and fierce. But when he meets the timid Elspeth he can’t help wanting something more. He is soon attracted to her gentleness. But Elspeth also has depth and courage. The two main characters balanced each other very well.
Devil’s Own is a tender romance between two misunderstood people who find friendship and love.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Scottish Romance- March 1st, 2011
4 ½ stars
Aiden MacAlpin was kidnapped and enslave in the tropics. This life has scarred him mentally and physically. Years later he finds his brother on a chance meeting and is returned safely home. But Aiden has changed and the home that he remembered is no longer there. His parents are dead and his brother is now happily married. Hollow except for the need to take revenge against his kidnapper, Aiden’s vengeance drives him. He plans to infiltrate the smuggling network, and he will do almost anything to murder his kidnapper. But his loving and meddling sister wants more for him. She hires Aiden a tutor so he can learn how to read and write. And then the unexpected happens.
Aiden captures the imagination of the bookish and shy Elspeth Farquharson’s. Elspeth has always known that she is rather plain and her timidity has never brought her suitors. When her friend suggests she tutor Aiden, she is thrilled. She can only reflect on the circumstances that have shaped him. The tutoring job will give her much needed money and it is the closest a woman like her will ever get to such a handsome and vivid man. But surprisingly, both soon grow to care for each other. But Aiden’s single-minded determination to find his abductor brings untold danger.
This is a wonderful, romantic book. I liked how the author slowly brings Aiden and Elspeth together. Many times, authors rush the two main characters and I don’t understand what they have in common except their physical attraction. In this story, both main characters are very sympathetic and even cute together. As they grow to care for each other I could feel their wonder in their new found love. Elspeth is a dreamer who is sweetly naïve and untarnished. In contrast, Aiden’s harsh past has made him a bit cynical. He is strong and fierce. But when he meets the timid Elspeth he can’t help wanting something more. He is soon attracted to her gentleness. But Elspeth also has depth and courage. The two main characters balanced each other very well.
Devil’s Own is a tender romance between two misunderstood people who find friendship and love.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
October 4, 2011
I reviewed this book for Romance Reader At Heart.
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
This is my first time reading a Veronica Wolff novel, and I found the characters of DEVIL'S OWN to be one dimensional, the dialogue flat and unbelievable, and the voice through the story too cartoonish and not attuned to the time or place. The pace at which the story moved was excruciatingly slow, and the romance between Aidan and Elspeth forced to a point that no chemistry materialized.
To be fair, this is a second book in a series, so I'll admit that I felt a bit adrift. Aiden MacAlpin's kidnapping is explained in the prolog of the book; however, even that didn't help me connect to our hero. I wanted to feel for him as his life at the hands of his captors was no bed of roses, but again, I was left wanting more. I also found him to be churlish and boorish most of the time. Try as I might to read between the lines and give Aiden an excuse in acting the way he did, yet still, I couldn't connect.
And then we have our heroine Elspeth Farquharson, a bookish, plain, and timid girl who's drafted by our hero's sister to tutor him. While the job is welcomed for the money it will bring, Elspeth is happier at the prospect of spending time with Aidan and getting to know him better. This is the part of the story that I was looking forward to, their budding romance and consequent passion. Some authors rush and throw the couples into the relationship too quickly, some take their sweet time, and some know how to balance the pace of it. This author literally dragged the romance.
Now we come to the plot: Aidan's revenge on a man that kidnapped him seventeen years ago. One word: boring. What killed this story for me is Elspeth's `woolgathering', which the author felt to convey to us in italics that read as a `novel' in Elspeth's mind. That was unnecessary. It sounded false.
DEVIL'S OWN was supposed to be a tender love story set during the Restoration period in Scottish history, between two people who have nothing in common, yet find themselves drawn to each other. What a lost opportunity to enlighten us with the rich history of that era.
Suffice it to say, I won't be reading the book that preceded it.
Melanie
RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:
This is my first time reading a Veronica Wolff novel, and I found the characters of DEVIL'S OWN to be one dimensional, the dialogue flat and unbelievable, and the voice through the story too cartoonish and not attuned to the time or place. The pace at which the story moved was excruciatingly slow, and the romance between Aidan and Elspeth forced to a point that no chemistry materialized.
To be fair, this is a second book in a series, so I'll admit that I felt a bit adrift. Aiden MacAlpin's kidnapping is explained in the prolog of the book; however, even that didn't help me connect to our hero. I wanted to feel for him as his life at the hands of his captors was no bed of roses, but again, I was left wanting more. I also found him to be churlish and boorish most of the time. Try as I might to read between the lines and give Aiden an excuse in acting the way he did, yet still, I couldn't connect.
And then we have our heroine Elspeth Farquharson, a bookish, plain, and timid girl who's drafted by our hero's sister to tutor him. While the job is welcomed for the money it will bring, Elspeth is happier at the prospect of spending time with Aidan and getting to know him better. This is the part of the story that I was looking forward to, their budding romance and consequent passion. Some authors rush and throw the couples into the relationship too quickly, some take their sweet time, and some know how to balance the pace of it. This author literally dragged the romance.
Now we come to the plot: Aidan's revenge on a man that kidnapped him seventeen years ago. One word: boring. What killed this story for me is Elspeth's `woolgathering', which the author felt to convey to us in italics that read as a `novel' in Elspeth's mind. That was unnecessary. It sounded false.
DEVIL'S OWN was supposed to be a tender love story set during the Restoration period in Scottish history, between two people who have nothing in common, yet find themselves drawn to each other. What a lost opportunity to enlighten us with the rich history of that era.
Suffice it to say, I won't be reading the book that preceded it.
Melanie
August 24, 2011
Aiden MacAlpin appreciates that he has survived hell on Earth and has his brothers and sisters to thank for that. But right now he is not feeling like kin; he feels like a stranger. His ambition to exact revenge on the man who sold him into slavery, into hell; he wants to make him suffer like he has suffered. His family cannot comprehend that.
Elspeth Farquharson has already resigned herself to a life of being alone and a spinster. That is before she meets the brooding Aiden. He is a real-life hero just like out of her adventure books. But she wants to prove to him that she is more than a book nerd who stutters a lot. Maybe Aiden has what it takes to bring out the heroine inside Elspeth so she can save Aiden’s angry soul.
Devil’s Own by Veronica Wolff is romantic, sweet, and has a hot Scottish man in it so I was in love from page one. Then I got to meet the awesome characters. Elspeth might think she is nothing more than a book worm and spinster but get her in the position to protect those she loves and she becomes more—she becomes what she dreams of being—a heroine. She has charm, class, and a fiery passionate nature that I adored completely.
Aiden is a yummy, brooding, emotionally scarred Scot. He needs someone to really love him, be on his team no matter what, and bring out the lover and hero inside of him. His Beth does it with one kiss and one hug at a time. He doesn’t even know she has taken over his heart until it is too late. He does have issues but together these two prove love really can conquer all.
Ms. Wolff wrote a passionate story that drew me in and made me want much more in the future. I love a story I can feel a part of and Devil’s Own will be on my keeper shelf for sure. This is part of the Clan MacAlpin series. I picked this up without having read the previous book and was not lost at all. I would like to go back and see what I missed though because I am so in love with the MacAlpin family.
September 14, 2011
I was quite pleased that I branched out of my normal circle of authors to try this book. I love tortured heroes especially if the story line is well written. The heroine was just as lovely too, talk about a cherry on top!
Unfortunately, it is not the first in the series (I hate when I do that!) but it read quite well as a stand alone. Looking forward to going back and reading the previous book, Devil's Highlander.
The dialog was engaging and lively which is my favorite part of a book. The characters were complex and interesting.
Definitely worth the read.
Unfortunately, it is not the first in the series (I hate when I do that!) but it read quite well as a stand alone. Looking forward to going back and reading the previous book, Devil's Highlander.
The dialog was engaging and lively which is my favorite part of a book. The characters were complex and interesting.
Definitely worth the read.
April 2, 2014
Loved this book! I only wish they would have all stopped remarking on how "plain" looking she was. Other than that, it was something new and different. Aidan was so the perfect hero, strong, manly, funny, flirtatious. Nice to see a woman in a book that was smart. The fathers character was ridiculous and unbelievable. And the twin brother pops in and out the story a little too fast. Other than that it was an excellent read, great plot.
May 14, 2011
4.25 out of 5
March 18, 2011
Enjoyed this one much more thn the first book. Flowed easier, not as abrupt and jerky in the first book. Sweet, simple little romance.
April 19, 2011
blah till about the middle...
July 4, 2011
This book was much less enjoyable than I thought it would be. I was expecting a lot more quirk and plot.
October 6, 2012
A great idea for a story but I found this book boring.
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