Devil in Tartan

Julia London

Feb 2018 · The Highland Grooms Book 4 · Sold by HQN Books

About this ebook

Peril and passion on enemy seas…

Lottie Livingstone bears the weight of an island on her shoulders. Under threat of losing their home, she and her clan take to the seas to sell a shipload of illegal whiskey. When an attack leaves them vulnerable, she transforms from a maiden daughter to a clever warrior. For survival, she orchestrates the siege of a rival’s ship and now holds the devilish Scottish captain Aulay Mackenzie under her command.

Tied, captive and forced to watch a stunning siren commandeer the Mackenzie ship, Aulay burns with the desire to seize control—of the ship and Lottie. He has resigned himself to a life of solitude on the open seas, but her beauty tantalizes him like nothing has before. As authorities and enemies close in, he is torn between surrendering her to justice and defending her from assailants. He’ll lose her forever, unless he’s willing to sacrifice the unimaginable…

Ratings and reviews

I struggled with Devil in Tartan by Julia London, book four in her Highland Grooms series. Lottie is a strong, courageous, fearsome woman, who was trying to do her best to save the family business, albeit illegal. I’m not sure she lived up to or did justice to her descriptions. She appeared to be intelligent enough to use her pretty face to fool men, but that didn’t make me like her more, it actually made me like her less. Aulay is a ship captain trying new adventures despite his father’s lack of belief that it would be successful. In addition he was a painter which I thought was great but it wasn’t explored enough. I liked that Julia London mentioned his role in the family and how he felt as that gave me some information so I could connect with him more, but it just felt like it was not enough. Lottie starts off hating Aulay or rather what he represents which turns into distrust of him. Unfortunately Aulay can’t wait to string Lottie up for pirating his ship. I think the scenes where they are bickering are some of the best in the book, I liked how they seem to bounce off each other, how their personalities were conflicting and yet they are quite sensual. Julia London’s writing isn’t being put into question rather this story just didn’t have that renowned London shine that I am so used to in her books. It felt like she tried to put too much in one book and ended up not focusing enough on what was really necessary. I still recommend this ‘Enemies to Lovers’ Historical Romance to other readers who might have better luck. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I used to love reading historical romance, and this book reminded me why. It took me a little while to get into this book, but when it did it grabbed me and didn't let go. I think every character had their high and low points, there were things I loved and hated about all of them, I think that's what made them even more relate-able . I really didn't think these characters were going to get their HEA and I can admit I was losing faith, but sticking with this book to the very end was so worth it. I spent a large part of this book with my heart in my throat and fighting back tears, again it was worth it! I haven't read any of the other books in this series and now I have to!

When I was younger, I read historical romances all the time. But now, my tastes are a more contemporary romances. When I saw the opportunity to read Devil in Tartan, I was intrigued by the blurb. So, I read my first Julia London book. I was not disappointed. It's a great story with powerful characters. Aulay and Lottie make an interesting duo, of course it takes a while for them to get there.

About the author

Julia London is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty novels of historical and contemporary romance. She is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award. She lives in Austin, Texas. Find her at www.julialondon.com.Or visit Julia online:www.julialondon.com/newsletterwww.facebook.com/julialondonwww.twitter.com/juliaflondonwww.instagram.com/julia_f_london