**From New York Times bestselling author Julia London, comes TEMPTING THE LAIRD—the fifth standalone novel in her Highland Grooms Series!**

TEMPTING THE LAIRD is now available where all fine books are sold. Grab your copy today!

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Author: Julia London

Publication Date: 26 June, 2018

Publisher: Harlequin Books

Series: Highland Grooms, book 5

Genre: Historical Romance

Age Recommendation: 16 and Up

Rating: 5 Stars

~ I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~

Book Description:

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.

My Review:

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.

~ HAPPY READING ~

TEMPTING THE LAIRD

by Julia London

“Criosd, Cat, no one has spoken ill of you!” Rabbie said. “But for the last few months, you mope about and drink your fill of wine and brandy every night, aye?” Rabbie said. “You donna attempt to have any society about you.”

“What society?” she exclaimed loudly. “Where is it, Rabbie, do point me in that direction, aye? And in the course of it, perhaps you might point to something that I might do.”

He frowned. “Do you no’ see what we all see? You’re letting your life slip between your fingers, you are.”

She felt strangely exposed. Uncomfortable. Not angry, really, but…but she didn’t like this, not at all. What did they expect of her? None of them had ever been a spinster, with nothing to look forward to, without any hope of ever being a mother, or a wife. “What would you have me do? I’ve no occupation, no’ a bloody thing to do with my time but mope about and drink wine and brandy!” She felt on the verge of tears. She felt annoyed, she felt betrayed, she felt as if they’d all left her behind. Every one of them had families and loves and occupations, and purpose, for God’s sake, but she, by virtue of being born female and at a time when suitable men were scarce, could do nothing but float from one gathering to the next, looking for something to do with her time.

The only meaningful thing in her life at present was the abbey. Zelda had given a purpose to Catriona’s life, and they would take it away?

Blast it, but the tears began to slip from her eyes again.

“Diah, I didna say it to make you cry,” Rabbie said gruffly.

Her mother walked to Catriona’s seat and wrapped her arms around her daughter. “Go to your uncle Knox, allow him to help you, and please, darling, take a bit of time to care for yourself.”

“I canna leave them,” she said tearfully, and took the handkerchief Daisy offered her and blew her nose.

“Aye, Miss Catriona, you can.”

Catriona stilled. The mutiny was complete, then. “You, too, Rhona?” she asked in a whimper.

Rhona colored slightly. “We’ll be quite all right for the summer, aye?” she said nervously. “Your lady mother, she…well, she’s right, she is. You deserve happiness, Miss Catriona. You’ve no’ had it at Kishorn.”

Catriona wanted to argue that she was happy, but it was a lie. She was desperately unhappy with her situation, and apparently, in spite of her best efforts to hide it, they all knew it.

About Julia London: Julia London is the New York Times and USA TODAY best-selling author of more than thirty romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular Cabot Sisters historical romance series, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch and The Perfect Homecoming. She has over 100,000+ Facebook followers, is the recipient of the RT Book Reviews for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. You can visit her website JuliaLondon.com. She lives in Austin, Texas.

Julia London’s TEMPTING THE LAIRD – Review & Excerpt Schedule:

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June 28^th

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