Tempting the Laird

Julia London

Jun 2018 · The Highland Grooms Book 5 · Sold by HQN Books

About this eBook

Mystery and desire cloak the Scottish Highlands

Unruly. Unmarried. Unapologetic. Catriona Mackenzie’s reputation precedes her everywhere she goes. Her beloved late aunt Zelda taught Cat to live out loud and speak her mind, and that’s exactly what she does when Zelda’s legacy—a refuge for women in need—comes under fire. When her quest puts her in the path of the disturbingly mysterious Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, Cat is soon caught up in the provocative rumors surrounding the dark duke. Never one to retreat, Cat boldly goes where no one else has dared for answers.

Shrouded in secrets, a hostage of lies, Hamlin must endure the fear and suspicion of those who believe he is a murderer. The sudden disappearance of his wife and the truth he keeps silent are a risk to his chances at earning a coveted parliamentary seat. But he’s kept his affairs tightly held until a woman with sparkling eyes and brazen determination appears unexpectedly in his life. Deadly allegations might be his downfall, but his unleashed passion could be the duke’s ultimate undoing.

Ratings and reviews

I received this book as an arc from netgalley in exchange for a fair review, all thoughts and opinions are my own. The book started off a little slow for me but a few chapters in it hit its stride. I found it humorous and a nice entertaining by the pool read. I really enjoyed Catriona and Hamlin's story, and there were a few times reading where I got emotional for the characters and their struggles. I love reading books that can evoke emotions and this one really did the job! I definitely recommend it!

4.5* I’ve received this eARC at no cost to the author. I’ve read all the previous book on the Highland Grooms series and I have to say I really enjoyed reading this one. Catriona Mackenzie is so fierce, she is amazing. She... reminds me of myself, to be honest, so I really identified with her character throughout the book (with her wishes and desires at least). Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, was probably one of my all-time male heroes, because he was a great man, a great warden, and he is like that pretty much the whole time – even if others don’t see it. The story was so good, so well written (just like Julia London has gotten us used to) and it just made me want to know more, about what was going to happen to Cat’s shelter, to Hamlin’s life when things changed, to everything! I know I’m not saying much, but I’m trying not to spoil anyone. I can say it’s a wonderful story, with strong-willed, interesting characters, themes a bit different than what we usually see in historical romances but that I honestly loved seeing portrayed here. Definitely one of my favourite books of this series.

I totally enjoyed Tempting the Laird by Julia London, part of her Highland Grooms series. This is the “spinster from the Highlands”, Catriona MacKenzie’s story and she has waited a long time for that special someone to fall in love with. While visiting her Tempting the Laird is a passionate romance and the author swept me away with the storytelling. There was drama, mystery, passion and love, I could not have asked for a better story for one of my favorite characters. The love she has waited for has finally come and it is everything that she has wanted. I enjoyed Catronia and Hamlin; they are similar as well as passionate and it was wonderful seeing them find their happiness. I loved how honest she was with herself and with others. Catronia is a very relatable character, sassy, stubborn, independent and forward. Hamlin was quiet and stoic in comparison, yet together they were very compatible. Hamlin’s young ward definitely benefitted from their friendship. Ms. London wrote a wonderful story with relatable characters amid some difficult situations. I really enjoy reading this book and had trouble putting it down, turning page after page, wanting more once I turn that last page. I highly recommend this book to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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