I received this book for free from Harlequin Books in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Wild Wicked Scot by Julia LondonAlso in this series: Sinful Scottish Laird, Hard-Hearted Highlander, Seduced by a Scot
Series: Highland Grooms #1
Published by Harlequin Books on December 27th 2016
Genres: Historical Romance, Scottish Highlands, Medieval Era
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: Harlequin Books
ISBN: 0373789661
Wicked intrigue unfolds in New York Times bestselling author Julia London's latest historical gem as an unlikely marriage leads to a path of risky desire in the lush, emerald Highlands.
WILD WICKED SCOT has earned three STARRED reviews! See below for the review clippings!
Born into riches and groomed in English luxury, Margot Armstrong didn't belong in a Scottish chieftain's devil-may-care world. Two years ago she fled their marriage of convenience and hasn't looked back--except to steal memories of moments spent in wild, rugged Arran McKenzie's embrace. But as their respective powerful kingdoms unite and political upheaval rings around them, she's forced to return to her husband in order to interrupt his secret plans to invade her country.
Red-haired, green-eyed Margot is a beautiful threat. The bride Arran lost has haunted him for ages. As the Highlands tremble with whispers of her people's plot to seize McKenzie territory, he must outmaneuver her in games of espionage...and seduction. Yet as their secrets entwine and their lands fall prey to a political war, there's nothing to prevent love from capturing them both and leading them straight to danger.
Kirkus STARRED review: "An absorbing read from a novelist at the top of her game. "
Publishers Weekly STARRED review: “Expert storytelling and believable characters make the romance between Arran and Margot come alive in this compelling novel packed with characters whom readers will be sad to leave behind.”
Booklist STARRED review: “With well-developed characters who experience genuine growth, London is at the top of her game in this thrilling tale of political intrigue and second chances. This absorbing and passionate romance bodes well for future Highland Grooms titles.”
Summary
Margot Armstrong, was shocked when her father forced her to marry a wild highlander, Arran McKenzie. She didn’t feel like she fit in, in a world she knew nothing about and a life she felt fear right around the corner. So against her better judgement, she abandoned her husband and returned to England. Its been three long years, and she has returned in a not so honorable way. Her father has coerced her that she must discover if her husband is a traitor to the crown. She she has been sent to win back his affection and learn the truth. But with each day that passes, Margot regrets everything she has done that has deceived Arran, a man that she admires and is starting to fall in love with. Arran doesn’t trust Margot or her “return” after being gone for three years. He had finally managed to get over losing his wife and now she has returned and he knows he can’t trust anything she says. But as desire flares between them and the lines of lust and love become blurred, there is a plot again Arran, and soon they will have to take a leap of faith in order to survive the treachery among those Margot’s loves the most.
Plot and Story Line
Wild Wicked Scot is the most latest novel from our esteemed Julia London and a great beginning to a new historical series. In Wild Wicked Scot I fell in love in a way that I never expected. Now I will say this, the heroine is the only aspect of the story I didn’t like. She was really difficult at times, and selfish and spoiled especially in the beginning. So I had a hard time liking her at least until the later part of the story. In Wild Wicked Scot, I feel like one of the major aspects of the story that makes you fall in love is how her character changes. She starts out as one you can’t stand but turns out to be quite wonderful in the end.
Uncle Ivor once told Arran that there was nothing more dangerous to man than a woman. “No beast, no plague, no pestilence,” he’d said jovially from his perch on a rock as they’d stalked red deer. “Men live and die for them, lad. You’ll see what I mean when you’ve come of age, aye? The trick is to find a steady one and keep her close.”
She changes through the story, and she does see the error of her ways and does what is right when it really matters. Now our hero….he is simple fantastic and sees right through Margot from the beginning. I liked that he didn’t just ‘believe’ she wanted a reconciliation since it had been three years and hadn’t heard a word from her. But we see through the story that he has always cared for it, but didn’t know how to show it. We see the various ways the characters are tested to their limits in this one. I loved the espionage theme we have going on here. It really added some intensity to the plot and the writing was superb in this one. I honestly read this in one sitting, it was so dang good. Even though I had some issues with our heroine, the writing just pulled me in and I didn’t want the story to end. I am very curious to see how the second book connects to this one.
“But in this, you must trust me. Arran, for heaven’s sake, you must, at last, trust me. I love you, and not because our fortunes are aligned. Because in this little lodge, you taught me what is important. You taught me what it meant to care for someone. I don’t care about balls and society. I care about how many potatoes the earth will yield, and how I might mend the hole I put in your shirt, and if you will love your child as much as you love those wretched dogs at Balhaire.”
He bowed his head, sighing in relief. “Margot…Diah–“
She took his face in her hands and made him look up at her. “You became the beginning and the end of my world here, and I choose you. I will always choose you.”
The Cover
Such a beautiful and tenderly romantic cover!! I really love the blue colors and the pose is sexy yet sweet too.
Overall View
Wild Wicked Scot is a vividly pictured romance that is a winning story that shows the tests of trust, desire and fighting for what is right. COMPELLING ON EACH PAGE!!
Yay for Scots
Glad you enjoyed this! I sometimes struggle with Julia London but this sounds like a lovely read!
Oh I have this scheduled for a review in mid-December. But now I want to skip ahead and read it!! Great review!
You know, I’m not sure I’ve read a book by Julia London! I wonder if I own any… I’m not sure. This one sounds great! I love HR involving the Scottish Highlands, and more so when it is the hero that is Scottish. 😀 I’m glad you enjoyed this book!
Wonderful review. =)
Alyssa @ The Eater of Books!
Aaaahhh good to know on the heroine. I’m okay not liking them in the beginning as long as they do at some point and not the very last page lol change for the better 😀
Nice review! Espionage and kilts–sounds like a good combo to me. LOL! Seriously, though, I do really like London’s writing so I can’t wait to start this series. Glad you had a great time reading this one!