Mystery and desire cloak the Scottish HighlandsUnruly. 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 … 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.
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What a great adventure!!!
I loved this book
So glad to continue reading about this family.
Catriona is adapt at making the best of her situation.
Lesson is this story, don’t always listen to rumors.
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.
Tempting the Laird by Julia London is book Five in the Highland Grooms series. This is the story of Catriona ‘Cat’ Mackenzie and Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose. I have read the previous book but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Cat is mourning the loss of her Aunt Zelda when they get word that the abbey that Zelda housed women and children to help they is being taken by the Crown because Zelda was thought to be a treason for sheltering rebels after the battle of Culloden. Cat’s mother speaks of Uncle Knox, the Earl of Norwood might be able to help her. This puts her on a path to meet Hamlin who is rumored to have killed his wife and lives on the fringe of society now. Hamlin is taken back by the outspoken Cat who doesn’t seem to hold or believe his reputation against him. Cat always thought that she was happy but meeting Hamlin has awoken a need in her that she didn’t know she had.
This was a book that was so hard to put down…you just wanted to know what would happen next and would they get their happy ending.
Loved it!
Tempting the Laird (Highland Grooms, #5) by Julia London I have read all five of Julia’s Highland Grooms ..thanks to Julia and #NetGalley.. I have enjoyed each book and this one does not disappoint .. There are laughs and tears..steamy sex.. and plenty of drama. Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose.. tall dark, handsome, brooding…Catriona Mackenzie ….33 single(on the shelf) add in a vanishing wife.. Uncle Knox.. Eula..Aunt Zelda..homeless women and children..the House of Lords..and you have a real page turner till you get to the HEA. I am looking forward to the next book SEDUCED BY A SCOT. I highly recommend this series.
It’s been awhile since I’ve read this but anything by Julia is superior.
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 enjoyed Hamlin, Duke of Blackthorne and Miss Catriona MacKensie’s story. It is always an eye opener to see how women were treated back then. How an unhappy woman can destroy a marriage and how a determined woman can sacrifice so much for others. This was one of those books you can’t or don’t want to put down. I very rarely give 5 stars but this book deserves everyone of them.
Humor, sizzle and plenty of plot twists
Book 5 in the Highland Grooms series, this was my first book by this author. Though there were quite a few characters crossing over from previous books (more on that later), you don’t need to have read those books to enjoy this one.
I liked both of these characters a great deal, and I loved how the author gave them so much in common when it comes to the things they value. At 33, Catriona has resigned herself to spinsterhood, consoling herself with taking up the charitable cause championed by her dearly loved and recently departed aunt. Spirited and independent, she’s intrigued rather than frightened by the Duke of Montrose, Hamlin Graham. Rumors that he murdered his wife have destroyed Hamlin’s reputation, making him a pariah and his aspirations to the House of Lords seem all but out of reach. Even as he’s striving for that almost unattainable goal, Catriona comes into his life like a tempest and a beam of sunshine all at once, and he finds her just as intriguing as she finds him. I admired both Catriona and Hamlin’s attempts to do the right thing even as my heart hurt for them both.
There were some great secondary characters here as well, including Catriona’s uncle and Hamlin’s Ward as well as a couple of the servants. I have to admit to being a little overwhelmed with all the secondary characters that were introduced right at the very beginning (my assumption is most if not all of these were from previous books). While I’m sure it pleased established fans of the series, from my point of view, it was too much, too fast–and most of it information that wasn’t needed for this particular story, imo.
An intriguing story with plenty of plot twists to go along with the mystery and suspense, there were some nice touches of humor as well as sizzle between the engaging main characters. This is definitely an author I’ll be keeping an eye out for in the future. 4.5 stars
B2B Kelly
This is book five in the series, but can easily stand alone. Catriona has been allowed to do as she wishes and, as such, has not been pressured to marry. When circumstances send bring her to spend a few weeks with her Uncle, she is brought into direct contact with the mysterious Hamlin, Duke of Montrose. Hamlin has had his own issues, and as Catriona determines to unravel the mystery surrounding him, they both realize what they have been missing in their lives could be right in front of them, if they can overcome the hurdles and grab onto their future happiness.
These two characters are so much fun, and the secondary characters, especially Knox and Eula, were just as interesting. I enjoyed London’s writing and characters, and the humor kept me giggling. This was a fun quick read and pleasurable historical romance set in Scotland, one of my favorite locales.
#JuliaLondon #TemptingtheLaird
I loved how strong willed and independent Catriona was. I liked that she was so invested in her good works and cared little about what others thought. It was a breath of fresh air to have a heroin that wasn’t just out of the school room. As for Hamlin, there is nothing I love more than a brooding Duke that is taught how to love and be loved by someone like Catriona. When everyone else thought the worst of the Duke, Catriona held fast in her beliefs that he was a good man. This book was well written and very good all the way through the end.
“Tempting The Laird” by Julia London 2018 (Highland Grooms #5)
Catriona MacKenzie was an independent Highland gal with a sparkle in her eye and the truth on her tongue. Unmarried (she found herself) and having just lost her favorite Aunt Zelda, she was manipulated into going to her Uncle Knox (Lord Norwood) for a visit.
While visiting her Uncle at Dungotty, she met the Duke of Montrose whose seat was the great estate Blackthorn Hall. There were rumors that he killed his wife. Being as she was sooo bored and curious she decided she wanted to know what really happened. We all know what curiosity does- it kills the cat- but in this case curiosity stirred passions in Catriona that she never believed she would experience and Hamlin Montrose was the man for the job. Great Book!
Happy Ready! ReadingGenie
Cat has devoted herself to helping her Aunt Zelda give refuge to women in need. Now that her aunt has died, Cat takes her place, but a controversy over the land finds her on the path to find answers to keep the home for the woman and children. Enlisting the help of her uncle leads her on the path to an introduction to Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose. Rumors that he killed his wife make him keep a low profile, but his affection for his ward Eula and the attraction Cat feels for Hamlin makes her question the lie.
Laugh out loud moments.
The Highland Grooms series has been my favorite Julia London series yet! Catriona “Cat” has been a part of the series from the beginning. Strong and independent, like her aunt Zelda, she is bold and strong, yet compassionate! As she attempts to carryon her aunts good work, just must seek support from her uncle. While visiting her uncle she meets Hamlin, Duke of Montrose. Hamlin is surrounding by mystery and some accuse him of murdering his first wife. Cat is intrigued by Hamlin’s story and the two grow close as she digs into his story. The attraction between the two is strong, but Hamlin’s desire for a seat in Parliment and Cat’s reputation do not mix well. Emotions swirl as the two determine they are better apart. Will their love overcome their circumstances for a happily ever after? You must read this steamy and heart-wrenching book to find out.
As a side note-if you are reading this series: Cat’s Character is all that I could hope it would be and I love her story!
“But when the sun came up, all she could think of was seeing Hamlin again …. He was the pull of the moon on the sea of her longing . . . “
Tempting the Laird
p. 249
If that little quote doesn’t get your interest, then I despair for you, dear romance reader.
Julia London’s Tempting the Laird is the fifth book in her Highland Grooms series and it’s delicious. Oh, it’s the usual “brooding Scotsman brought back to life by Highland lass” trope, but in the masterful hands of author London, Tempting the Laird is anything but your usual Highland romance.
Independent Catriona “Cat” Mackenzie has long given up on her dream of having a husband and children. At age thirty-three (!), the beautiful, intelligent woman has long embraced her reality, and along with her Aunt Zelda, Cat has spent her years caring for the abandoned woman and children of the Highlands. Upon Zelda’s death, Cat learns that the property used to shelter those helpless souls is to be seized by the Crown. Cat is ready to fight, but intercession by her family finds her instead spending her summer with her Uncle, the Earl of Knox. Uncle Knox apparently has all sorts of connections and there is some hope that he can persuade the Crown to abandon its plan regarding Cat’s shelter.
Enter Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose. Dark, handsome, fortyish, Hamlin is a neighbor to Knox. Immensely wealthy, Hamlin is also married— although his wife, the Duchess, has gone missing. Rumors abound concerning her disappearance; some even suspect that the Duchess was murdered by her husband.
Cat, a free-thinker, hears the rumors regarding the Duke and decides to solve the mystery of the missing Duchess. Upon meeting Hamlin, Cat is certain he did not kill his wife, leaving her more intrigued. Finding Hamlin attractive and compassionate, Cat cannot understand why the Duke allows the continued speculation that he is a murderer to continue.
Hamlin is struck by Cat’s generosity, intellect and beauty. Her wit and confidence appeal to him, and soon his thoughts regarding Cat take a deliberately passionate turn. The depth of his feelings for her shake Hamlin to his core — he’s never experienced the sort of desire he holds for Cat.
Luckily for both of them, Cat, realizing at her age it may be her last chance to experience passion in her life, goes for it and soon Hamlin and Cat are riding more than their horses. Lost in her feelings for Hamlin, Cat lets go of her worries — the shelter, the missing Duchess — she revels in her stolen moments with Hamlin. But soon, reality sets in and both Cat and Hamlin are forced to reveal the truth of their lives. As secrets come to light, is there any chance of a HEA for the two lovers?
I loved Tempting the Laird. This story had everything a good Highland romance should contain — the misunderstood, lonely Laird, the strong, independent woman who loves him, the fierce loyalty of clan, mysteries hidden in the moors — all wrapped up in a tartan of passion.
Wonderfully written, Julia London keeps the story at a fluid and smooth pace — no filler, no fluff, no extraneous characters or unresolved minor arcs. London’s storytelling is entertaining, her characters are engaging and the plot is engrossing.
Julia London’s Tempting the Laird gets my highest recommendation. If you’re a lover of the Highland romance genre, you will not be disappointed.
Five Stars
This is one of those books in a series that you anticipate from the very first book, yet have to wait until the end or near end to get it, but it is always so worth the wait. Catriona, the outspoken, determined sister of the Mackenzie clan finally get’s her story but not with out great cost to her emotionally.
I adored this story because it gives us a headstrong woman who is not afraid to live her life by her own rules. A woman who is not afraid to fight for those she loves and for those who can not fight for themselves. She is a woman who has a gentle soul, a woman who fears that she will never have the dreams she aspired to as a young woman, but will create new dreams for herself and will not be put ‘on the shelf’ just because she is a grown woman with no wanted prospect for marriage. I also love that her family standby her though they worry for her. There could not be any easy love for dear Catriona, it would take a man just as head strong, just as compelling, just as beautiful inside and out to capture this characters heart and wow do we get him, Hamlin, the Duke of Montrose!
Hamlin, is a man who is living a lie…a lie that he allows to be perpetuated because he can not tell the truth. While a dark cloud may surround him do to secrets untold Hamlin is a bright spot in this story. I instantly fell in love with his heart and soul, his compassion for his ward and the people who rely on him.
Hamlin and Catriona’s story is one of fighting against their times societal expectations, rules, and norms. It was at times heartbreaking to see their love suffer because of the ideals of other people but I love how they still managed to come together, to find a way to make not only their love work but also their dreams for the future of their country and it’s people, especially the disenfranchised. I loved the passion of these two, both that they had for each other and also that they had for making their world a better place. It’s hard to really put into words how wonderful I think this story is for not only the romance but for what the author is showing us about the shaping of society, as well as a reminder of how we need to be more gracious in our own dealing with people who have ‘lost all’ and have no one left to turn to, especially toward the ones that deserve your grace the least..though I will say my vindictive side wouldn’t have minded a little less happiness in the end for a certain some one, but again, this book is a nice reminder of why I need to set that little devil on my shoulder to the side. 😉
On top off all that there is Uncle Knox, oh Uncle Knox, how I adore you. His gregariousness, his love for his family, his honor, his generosity…but even more now, how I love him for what he gave up. I wish that we could see him getting an HEA especially knowing now all that he walked away from so he could be the man he is ‘today’. It is a bit heartbreaking in truth and I wonder how much pain he hides behind his boisterous personality.
It was lovely getting a small glimpse at all the couples that came before Catriona, to see how they thrive and continue to grow. I have come to love this little Scottish (or not so little) family, their loves, and their trials. Tempting the Laird is a truly sweet romance, with a touching story that transcends the ‘simpleness’ of romantic love and gives us a story of suffering and triumph over other’s expectations. If you are a fan of Historical Romance these books are a must read and they can be read as standalone, though as I often say, you might as well start at the beginning because when you finish this one and fall in love with these characters you’ll want to go back and read them all.
Tempting the Laird by Julia London
Tempting the Laird (Highland Grooms, #5)
by Julia London (Goodreads Author)
49074073
Barb’s review Jul 04, 2018 · edit
it was amazing
bookshelves: 2018-challenge
Absolutely love Catronia and Hamlin story.
Catronia was always a hellion running after her older brothers. She was happiest when she riding and fighting with her father men, caring her the women at abbey who had nowhere else to go.
Catronia was unlucky in love neither finding the right man.
She went to visit her uncle Lord Norwood to get his help to save the abbey from being taken away from by the Crown. During her visit she met Hamlin Graham.
Hamlin is trying to put his life back together after his wife demanded a divorce and to go life with her lover. Hamlin quietly divorce his wife only problem everyone in community was convinced he murdered his wife because he refused to say what happen to her.
When it came time Hamlin decided to run for a set in the House of Lords his past troubles came to light. He had to decide how to deal with his wife disappearance.
Cat was determine to find out what really happen Hamlin’s wife. While investigating she met Eula Hamlin’s ward and learned the truth of Hamlin past.
During this time Hamlin and Cat found love. Hamlin realized he had to take care of past to have a life with Cat.
Hamlin got his seat in the House of Lords and told them everything that happen. Hamlin went to find Cat to marry her. They married and had twin boys.
Again Julia London has created wonderful strong characters in the Highland Grooms series and this book is no exception. I loved Catriona her spunk and passion and her jumping in feet first. Hamlin is strong and dark yet his softer side shows in his affection for his ward. Catriona has hard choices, feeling herself pulled between following in her aunt’s work and the new feelings she developed for the duke. This story was entertaining, funny and feel good, what a great read!
Catriona Mackenzie helped her now deceased Aunt Zelda give women and children shelter after the battle of Culloden as they had no other place to go. They lived at Zelda’s Kishorn lodge far into the Highlands and used a partially destroyed abbey for the women and children. While celebrating her Aunt’s life, Rhona MacFarlane who works in the abbey, arrives to tell her they have visitors. Years after Culloden, it seems that the crown wants the Abbey and she has 6 months to vacate. Her father informs the government agent that they were loyal subjects and there has been no aiding or abetting on his land. Her mother advises her to go to her Uncle Knox, an English Earl who has a small estate in Scotland and is currently there with several guests. Her Aunt had left a letter for him and when she delivers it, he may be able to help her keep the Abbey.
While visiting her uncle, she meets the mysterious Duke of Montrose, Hamlin Graham, and his 10-year-old ward, Eula Guinne. Eula is a cousin to his deceased wife. She likes the Duke and wants to solve the mystery of his wife. Eula adores her, and Catriona spends time with her, and Hamlin. She likes that his politics align with hers and other things about him. But there are questions to be answered (is his wife dead or alive?) and problems to be solved (what happens to women at the abbey?) before they reach their HEA. You’ll have a roller coaster ride of emotions. I think this is one of Julia London’s best and it will be on my keeper shelf. I loved it and can highly recommend it.