I LOVED this book! The heroine, Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, is very believable and I was rooting for her, every step of the way. I loved the hero, Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale. I loved the way they fell in love with each other, enjoyed all the details of life in the Scottish countryside in that era. There is much here that is reminiscent of OUTLANDER, yet the story is original in its own right. The book was very well researched and well-written. I'll look for more books by this author.

Daisy has a problem, her late husband's will force her to marry within 3 years of his death, or their son loses his inheritance. All the men that surround her want her money not her. But when a letter arrives from a long ago love she must find a way to give him time to reach her before the Bishop marries her off. So, what does she do...she flees to the highlands and meets Cailean.

Cailean Mackenzie is stunned when he stops to help a carriage on the side of the road when he sees Daisy. Never has he wanted a woman as much as her. But he has secrets that no one needs to know and he knows that this woman has the power to draw them out of him. He cannot resist the draw and soon finds himself drawn in the family. From her cousin, to her uncle, to her timid and shy son...each one tugs at his heart. He knows that nothing but heartache waits for him, but he can do nothing to stop falling for her and her family.

When a sworn enemy arrives on their doorstep, he finds himself caught in a fight not only for himself, but to save Daisy as well. When he refuses to acknowledge that they have a future together, Daisy leaves and returns to England to marry his enemy. Now Cailean must find his way into the lion’s den to claim his woman and make up for his fool mistake, that is if he can survive on enemy soil.

Excellent installment to this series. Absolutely love seeing old characters from the previous novel.

I've always enjoyed Julia London's books but I take special delight in those set in the highlands of Scotland. London has a knack for capturing the rugged beauty of the land as well as the determination and fierce loyalty of her people. In Sinful Scottish Laird, she returns to the highlands with a story that combines humor, passion, witty banter, and heartfelt emotion in an enjoyable read that never lags.

London's characters are well developed and multi-layered with internal conflict that guides their actions and rings true, especially in the case of Daisy and Cailean. I cheered for them from beginning to end. But as much as I enjoyed the evolving relationship between the two leads, I was equally touched by the heartwarming relationship between Cailean and Daisy's son, Ellis. Cailean was born to be both a loving husband and father but a fickle woman had broken his heart and sent him on a different path. Will Daisy and her young son show him a different way or will his involvement with them bring danger to Cailean and his entire family? Daisy's parents' insistence that she marry the man of their choosing caused her to lose her first love. Now that she's a free woman and that lost love is on his way to her will he still be the perfect man of her youthful memories or does he have a hidden agenda? Will her heart rejoice at his return or yearn for a stubborn Scot? Or, considering her precarious situation thanks to her late husband's will, will the choice even be hers to make?

London rounds out this enjoyable story with an intriguing cast of secondary characters who add humor, intrigue, and conflict to the story. I'm looking forward to seeing some of them again in future books.

If you enjoy highland historicals with vibrant characters, intrigue, witty banter, and heartfelt romance then I recommend you give Sinful Scottish Laird a try. It's the second book in a series but stands well on its own. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I do love a resourceful free spirited woman and Daisy fills that position to a "T". Her sensual personality drew me into the plot as I watched her try to work her charms on Cailean. It was smile worthy, reading different scenes with various interactions between the two of them. Furthermore I loved her mother son relationship which was the main theme of this book.

This book was an enjoyable read with the back and forth bantering between Daisy and the very handsome Cailean. There were times I laughed and times I got so angry with Cailean I wanted to shake him but I always loved Daisy and admired her spirit. Cailean on the other hand was a sexy standoffish man and it took me a while to warm up to him but once I did I kept rooting for him to open up and realize Daisy's worth.

The pace of this book is steady and descriptions were very vivid drawing the reader into the storyline. My only thought is that at times it felt too simplistic to me but those times were few and my overall impression is that this is a very pleasant read and I look forward to reading more books from this author.

For this reason, I give it 4 STARS.

Sinful Scottish Laird is the second book in Julia London’s Highland Grooms series. Julia takes us back to the Scottish Highlands where we meet Cailean Mackenzie, the son of Arran & Margot Mackenzie who were the main characters in book one. Because of the time in history, England and Scotland are very wary of each other…Jacobite uprising, harsh taxes by the British government, etc … We also meet Daisy, an English widow whose late husband stipulated that she must marry within three years of his death so as not to lose her young son’s inheritance. Time is running out as she travels to a hunting lodge that belongs to the estate that of course, is located in the Highlands of Scotland. Here she comes across Cailean, and the initial attraction is overwhelming, at least on her part. The ensuing story is a delight. Both characters are obviously smitten with each other, but Julia London really knows how to make her characters work for their happily ever after. This book had everything I love in a romance…not too much sex, history, intrigue, and family love. Oh, and the cover is gorgeous! This was a solid 4 star read for me. I’m now patiently waiting for this series to continue as Cailean has two brothers!!

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy of this one!
Anyone who has checked out my blog so far will notice I have featured Scottish themed romance novels often, and I admit I have a weak spot for them. I just can't help it, men in kilts, what can I say? After reading the first book in the series, Wild Wicked Scot, I couldn't wait to read the second book. I wasn't disappointed when I picked up Sinful Scottish Laird. Although it took me a little longer to fall into this story, when I did I couldn't put it down.

Julia London writes a wonderful story that makes any reader (me included) feel like part of the story. This story features Lady Chatwick, Daisy, and her young son. They set out to journey to Scotland to escape the many suitors who are after her Daisy's inheritance. Daisy has to marry within three years of her husband's death or all is lost, and all of England know it.

While waiting for the man she thought she would like to marry she meets her handsome neighbor Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale. There is an instant attraction between the two. When her sea Captain arrives and she sees the two men side by side and interacting with her son it becomes clear to Daisy that what her head wants and what her heart wants are two totally different things.

Cailean and Daisy's match seems impossible, and it's oh so much fun to watch them figure out their way. I was also enchanted by Daisy's family and young son. This book is so much fun and it has a great ending!

4/5 stars on Goodreads (only because it took a few chapter to suck me in).

This was a really fantastic book. Daisy and Cailean are both well thought out characters. Julia London does an awesome job of making you want jump right into her stories whether it's historical or contemporary. The relationship that Cailean is also forming with Daisy's son through the book was very believable. I love that Arran and Margot were brought back from the first book in the series (Wild Wicked Scot). Bottom line....I have never read a Julia London book that I didn't love.

Summary from Goodreads:

"Widowed and forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance, Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, has plenty of suitors vying for her hand and her fortune. But a letter from a long-lost love sends Daisy and her young son to her Scottish Highland estate to buy time for his return. Along the way she encounters the powerful Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale and a notorious smuggler, and she is utterly and unwillingly bewitched.

Cailean has no use for any Sassenach in his glen. But Daisy's brazen, flirtatious nature and alluring beauty intrigue him. When her first love appears unexpectedly at her estate, Cailean knows that a passionate woman like Daisy cannot marry this man. And to prevent the union, Cailean must put his own life at risk to win her heart."

My Thoughts:

I am so glad that I picked this book up and finally gave this author a try! I've got numerous books by Julia London on my TBR list but this is actually my first book by her. It won't be my last though as I really enjoyed this book. This series is titled The Highland Grooms series and I can honestly say that I haven't read a lot of highlander books. Why not though? This book had everything that I enjoy in a good historical romance including that feeling of just being swept away to another time and place. I loved how easily I was able to immerse myself in this world where a widow is being forced to marry in order to not lose her son's inheritance. Something that doesn't seem possible nowadays but back then was probably the norm. Crazy! I felt for Daisy so much because of all the struggles that she had to deal with because of this. She couldn't trust any of the men that paid attention to her in any way without wondering if they were just trying to get at her money. It was just sad and it was a reminder on how lucky I am.

I haven't even talked about how much I loved the relationship that developed between Daisy and Cailean yet. Oh goodness but I adored them together so much! Daisy especially was a character near and dear to my heart because she was so strong willed. She did what she wanted and didn't apologize ever for who she was. I especially loved this about her but I also appreciated how comfortable that she was with her sexuality. She was a widow and never pretended to be some innocent who didn't know her own wants or desires. What a refreshing change of pace from the historical romances with virginal heroines or those who need the hero to bring about their sexual awakening. I just liked everything about Daisy's character and then you add in a strong hero like Cailean and it equaled perfection. I also really liked the fact that I didn't know how their happy ever after was going to happen. The author did a really amazing job of creating realistic obstacles to their happiness- there was a point where I didn't see how it could possibly work itself all out. The ending of this book was just perfect though and I was sad to see it end. What a great romance and great read!

Overall, I obviously really enjoyed this book and am left ready for more. Luckily I have the next book ready for me on my Kindle so I won't wait too long before continuing on. I'm also lucky enough to have many more books by this author to look forward to so I'm excited about that. This was the perfect change of pace in between the mysteries and thrillers that I've been reading. I really loved every minute of it! I would recommend this book to both romance and historical romance fans alike. If strong heroines are your romance cat-nip then definitely give this book a try!

Bottom Line: A wonderful read and I want more books just like this!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley as part of a TLC Book Tour.

Oh man, was this ever a good book! I read it on a plane and I was totally absorbed in it, I didn't even notice. I did make a bit of a mistake and read this book first, which is really book #2 in The Highland Grooms series. I do have the first book, but I guess I didn't read the cover very closely. Maybe I was just distracted by the couple on the cover 😋. I think it could be read as a stand alone. We will see when I read the first book.

Daisy, Lady Chatwick, is the heroine in this book. She has recently been widowed, but was not able to collect an inheritance. Her late husband made it so that would would have to get remarried to see any of his money. Daisy wants to enjoy her freedom for as long as she can, so she goes to Scotland to visit the property her young son inherited with his new title. Turns out, it is in the middle of nowhere in the Highlands of Scotland. It was a tough road to get there and fraught with a bit of danger. Daisy brings her cousin with her, who is always a bit of a downer. We are introduced to Belinda Hainsworth as a woman who points out all of the negative things in a situation. There is a bit of Jacobite history written into the story (which I enjoy). It is during the trip north that Daisy runs into Laird Arrandale or Cailean. They do not hit it off, although Daisy can't stop thinking about him and then our romance starts to evolve.

The author does a great job with setting up the story. There is conflict between the characters, there is tension, there is adventure and a hint of danger; mostly between the Scots and English. Cailean is not looking for a wife. He has resigned himself to living the life of a bachelor. As Daisy and Cailean get to know each other, the sexual tension and chemistry surrounds the reader. Then throw out lines like this "...I shouldna kiss you, either..." and readers will be fanning themselves. I like that Daisy was a strong character. She left London and is able to survive in Scotland with a minimal household staff. She likes to work, which is unusual for a Lady of her status. I also like that Cailean liked her son and they really hit it off. As far as secondary characters go, I see Ms. Hainsworth falling for a hot Scottish man sometime soon. All in all, I loved this book. Hot sex scenes, a good story and an HEA. Everything I expected and more! Looking forward to the next one.

This is the second book in the Highland Groom's series but can be read as a standalone book. There is a HEA with no cliff hanger.

Overall I enjoyed this book and how Daisy and Cailean's relationship came to be. It was just a little to slow for me to start, which made it hard for me to get into. Once I got farther into the book, I did really like it. But that was a definite drawback for me. I loved Daisy's character and how she would do anything for her son! I also loved how you got to see Cailean's parents from the first book-I especially love to revisit previous characters to see what happened later with them. I loved how Cailean treats Daisy's son. There were some twist's and turn's along the way but they made it through and it was beautiful to read! Overall this book was a very sweet read and I look forward to the next book in the series to see where this author takes us next!

Well, I wasn't sure if I should admit this because it makes me look a little bit like a dork, but oh well, it worked out quite nicely, so I will. My confession is that after I read Julia Quinn's Because of Miss Bridgerton and loved it, I went looking for more of her books - only I had a total brain fart and I looked for Julia London instead. I might have come by Sinful Scottish Laird and Ms. London by mistake, but it was without a doubt the best case of mistaken identity I've experienced! I absolutely loved Sinful Scottish Laird, it was amazing!

Daisy is so fun! She's playful and merry and teasing. She almost always has a smile on her face and a laugh just waiting to be let out. That's not to say that Daisy doesn't have a serious side to her because she does. She is passionate, strong, and she's willing to do whatever to make the best life for her son even if that means she can't have what she wants. Daisy is a lovely, lovely heroine and I positively loved, loved, loved her!

Cailean amused me greatly at the beginning of the book because he was trying to deny his attraction to Daisy and trying to resist her charms. He was so serious and so no-nonsense, it was fun to watch Daisy tease him. There is more to Cailen than that stuffy attitude though. He can be incredibly sweet at times, playful at some, and utterly heart melting at others. Cailean is wonderful and he complete captured my heart!

Sinful Scottish Laird was sexy and fun, it made me laugh and smile so much. It made my heart ache and made me want to cry a little bit, it made me angry and want to yell sometimes too. Sinful Scottish Laird was beautiful, entertaining, heartwarming, and marvelous. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and just more of Ms. London in general!

Sinful Scottish Laird is the second book in the Highland Grooms series but you can read it as a standalone, it's told from Cailean and Daisy's POV, and yes, they do get their happily-ever-after!

~ A Hopeless Romantic's Booklandia, 5 Stars

In the second book of the Highland Grooms series, Julia London takes us back to Scotland. In the first book, the main characters were Margot Armstrong and Arran McKenzie. Now, this is the story of their son, Cailean Mackenzie, and an English lady, Lady Daisy Bristol.

Daisy is a widower with a young son. When she discovers that he has a small property in Scotland, she decides to take him there, to be away from all her suitors, but also to try and improve the boy’s health.

The attraction between Daisy and Cailean is almost instantaneous, but what I really liked was that although that attraction was there, it was more than that. Their relationship was a mix of friendship, love and support. Cailean is great with Daisy’s son, and he really likes him, independently of who his mother is.

The possible relationship between Daisy and Cailean is threatened by the Scottish rising (the Jacobites) and the English, which makes it hard for them to be friends, even harder to be more than that. But both Cailean and Daisy are stubborn and know how to fight for what they want. How they manage it, you’ll have to read the book to find out. And believe me, you’re going to like it.

Romance, friendship, some passion and lust – these are the perfect ingredients that make the book so easy and pleasant to read. I like Julia London’s books more and more every day.

Love lost and love found!

1742. Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, has a problem. Widowed for over two years she finds herself in an alarming position. Her husband's will declared that she must marry within three years of his demise or else forfeit her son's inheritance. Not only that but his friend Bishop Craig must approve the union. Unfortunately, the rather unworldly Bishop has taken that to mean that he is to take a hand in bringing forward suitable suitors. However, all she's been presented with thus far are hardened rakes needing money and elderly bachelor gentlemen. Besides Daisy wants to enjoy her freedom and marry with her heart this time, not be governed by any man's will. It seems her dead husband has reached from beyond the grave to order her life. Men!
A letter from her first love, Robert Spivey, now an English naval captain, declaring his intentions sends Daisy and her son to the Scottish Highlands ostensibly to view her son's Scottish estate, but really to buy time until the return of her lost love, Rob. Any infatuation with her handsome neighbor is only temporary until her true love joins her.
Daisy encounters Cailean Mackenzie, the laird of Arrandale, and finds herself strongly attracted to him. Cailean has his own affairs to attend to, smuggling included. Maintaining his lands and building up his clan's prosperity in the face of English taxes is a burdensome enough task. A flirtatious Sassenach has no place in his life.
When Cailean learns who Daisy's heart is set on, his takes a blow, not that he has any time for this beguiling English widow, but Captain Spivey is a figure he's had dealings with before--none of them kind!
A love story with a few intriguing twists set against the rugged highland backdrop. Complete with a handsome Laird and a bewitching and troubled widow. What's not to like!

A NetGalley ARC
(February 2017)

Julia London returns to the Scottish Highlands in the region of Balhaire for Sinful Scottish Laird, the second book in her Highland Grooms series. Like the previous book, Wild Wicked Scot, the story takes place during a time of great unrest, with the Jacobites who are loyal to the deposed Stuart kings still actively trying to topple the Hanoverian monarchy installed just over three decades earlier. Unlike that book, however, the political background here is much more low key, even though there is the ever present discontent among the Highland population at their treatment by the English, especially when it concerns the ridiculously high taxes that are being levied on the basic goods that are needed to survive.

Shortages and high taxation rates naturally encourage the growth of “Free Trade” – smuggling – and Cailean Mackenzie, oldest son and heir of Laird Arran Mackenzie (hero of Wild Wicked Scot) and his brother Aulay frequently cross the seas to France in order to bring in cargoes of necessities as well as the finest French wines and brandies that can be sold at a tidy profit.

When he isn’t engaged in piracy, Cailean spends most of his time at his estate, Arrandale, working upon the house he is building for himself there. A youthful romance-gone-wrong has left him shy of emotional involvement and preferring to keep his relations with women informal and short-lived. At thirty-five, he has decided that love and marriage isn’t for him; he has grown to like his own company and solitary pursuits and is content to leave it to his brothers Aulay and Rabbie to secure the Mackenzie succession.

Daisy Bristol, the widow of Viscount Chatwick, has travelled to the Highlands to hide out at the hunting lodge of Auchenard, which is part of her late husband’s estate and now belongs to her nine-year-old son, Ellis. In his will, the late viscount stipulated that Daisy must marry within three years of his death, or her son’s inheritance will be forfeit – meaning Ellis will inherit the estate, but not the money to support it. Naturally, Daisy is furious; her husband actually told her to her face that he believed she would mismanage their son’s finances, which is why he added that claue to his will AND instructed Bishop Craig to help find Daisy a suitable second husband. Not wishing to subject herself to the control of another man – at least, not straight away – Daisy has put off marrying again for the past two years, but now realises the error of her ways as her time is running out. But then, out of the blue, news reaches her that she thinks will solve her problems. Before her parents made the match with Chatwick, Daisy had fallen in love with a young naval officer, Robert Spivey, but because he was not of her rank, was not allowed to marry him and he went away to sea. But now he has returned, and Daisy hopes that perhaps they can rekindle their romance with a happier outcome this time. But the bishop is eager to arrange a betrothal for her, and because her situation is widely known and there is no shortage of men eager to marry her money, Daisy decides it will be safer for her to get away from London and all those fortune-hunting potential suitors in order to await Rob’s return.

She, her son and their entourage are not far from their destination, when their carriage wheel breaks and they are stuck in the middle of nowhere. A group of riders approaches and offers help, but the English party is suspicious and believes they are about to be set upon – all except Daisy, who keeps a clear head and engages the leader of the men in conversation. Inside, however, she’s anything but calm. The big, handsome Scotsman with the piercing blue eyes stirs her blood and steals her breath, and it’s all she can do to politely send him on his way. But she can’t stop thinking about him, and the strength of her reaction; she’s been a widow for two years, and even when her husband was in good health, she’s never experienced such intense desire.

Over the next days and weeks, Daisy and Cailean encounter each other frequently, and while he is initially grumpy and downright hostile towards her, he gradually begins to admire her spirit and to enjoy spending time with Ellis, a quiet, but friendly boy who, Cailean realises, has had no proper male role model in his life. I liked that it’s Daisy who makes no secret of her admiration of Caliean and her attraction to him, while he’s adamant that he isn’t interested in her flirtation and doesn’t want to be “trifled with” – although as he comes to know her, he certainly does flirt back a little, and shows that beneath his guarded exterior is a man possessed of considerable warmth, charm and humour.

Of course, Cailean eventually discovers that Daisy has laid waste to all the barriers he’d erected around his heart, but there is more separating them than the fact that he’s a Scot and she’s English. It’s true that the English are not looked upon kindly by the Scots – and vice-versa – but there’s also the fact that with Ellis holding an English title, he needs to be educated and brought up in England so that he can make the connections he will need later in life. And complicating things still further, there’s the unexpected appearance in Scotland of Robert Spivey, formerly Captain Spivey of the Royal Navy – and the man who has been trying to apprehend Cailean and Aulay for more than a year.

I confess that I’m not the greatest fan of books with the words Highland or Scot in the title, as many of those I’ve read seem to have recycled the same plots and characters, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this series so far. Sinful Scottish Laird is an extremely readable, character-driven romance in which the relationship between Cailean and Daisy remains front and centre throughout. The obstacles they have to face are very real, and although they are perhaps overcome a little too conveniently by the end, the journey on which the author takes us in order to get there is well put-together and contains moments of poignancy and heartbreak. There is a well-drawn secondary cast, and the background of hardship and political instability against which the tale is set permeates the story without being intrusive or detracting from the main storyline. The romance is lovely, the central characters are likeable, and the writing is infused with warmth and humour, making this a book I’d certainly recommend to others.

This was not my favourite book by Julia London. I struggled reading it at first but then about 20% into the book I started getting into it.
I find the plot a little repetitive but I did enjoy it and I will keep reading this series and other books that Julia London writes.

I enjoyed this book very much, I loved the characters, Daisy's feistiness and Cailean's humor ! Daisy is a young widow whose dying husband put a stipulation in the will decreeing she marry with in three years of his death or forfeit her son's fortune. Daisy flees to their lodge in Scotland to get away from unsolicited marriage proposals and to bide her time until her young love, Robert, comes back to her after his commission with for the crown was finished. In the mean time she meets her neighbor, Cailean, a handsome Scottish laird. Now Daisy has warring feeling for both her new lustful highlander and her old young love, which will she choose?

This was an exciting and wonderful read for all those who adore highland romances. The author sure knows her stuff when writing highland men who are handsome and brawny. I just love her style of telling a tale of love. I could not put it down from the start. Oh, it was really had me going since I love this series.
Daisy, Lady Chadwick, must marry or lose her son's inheritance which was written in her late husband's will. She has lots of suitors who only want her for her money. She must do right by her son who deserves her attention, so she goes to her late husband's hunting lodge in Scotland to think things though.
Then she meets her neighbor Cailean MacKenzie who doesn't trust English women very much because he had his heart broken when he was a young man. The girl he wanted to marry made it clear that she had no interest in him as a mate. So Cailean makes a vow not to trust in love in any form.
Daisy is very sure her previous love will return to her since he left for a naval career and then be together. She doesn't want to like Cailean but he gets under her skin being kind to her young son who now thrives in the highlands. As they both become better acquainted, they see each other finest qualities, and it turns intimate. Cailean knows that Daisy is not really sure of herself in the area of love, but he knows what it is, and it's love. Daisy turns down her former love and let it be known that she felt was just a kind of puppy love.
Cailean goes after what he wants, and it' s Daisy and her only. You will just have to read and find out if they have a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “Had she been any other place, Daisy might have fanned herself. As it was, she was on the verge of swooning […] in that moment of lust and fear, she could not think of a single other time she has ever been so completely enthralled by one man.”

Daisy Bristol, Lady Chadwick, dutifully married the man her parents choose for her despite her love for another. An arranged marriage to a much older man, Daisy grew to care deeply for him. When he contracts an illness right after the birth of their son that confines him to bed, ending all any and all engagements, Daisy chooses to stay faithful and by his side. Having developed an affectionate relationship with him and assuming he felt the same, she was shocked when he tells her that she would have to remarry within three years of his death or their son would forfeit his title and inheritance.

Enjoying the attentions of eligible men vying for her affections, Daisy soon realizes none of them are attracted to her but more her money. Besieged by fortune hunters, Daisy takes to hiding in her townhouse, until she receives a letter from her first love, Captain Robert Spivey. He declares his love for her has never died and is resigning his commission and coming home to her. Unable to remain in London to wait for him, Daisy packs up her household and travels to Scotland to her husband’s hunting lodge, Auchenard, for some peace and quiet until Robert arrives in London and they can meet. On the way there, a broken wheel forces her party to stop and there she meets a man who sets her heart pounding and her fantasies racing.

“She closed her eyes and imagined being kidnapped by him, carried off on the back of his horse, tossed onto a bed in some rustic castle. She imagined his hands his rather large hands on her body.”

Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale, is the future Laird of the Clan MacKenzie. Fans of this series will note that his parents were the hero and heroine of book one-Wild Wicked Scott. A serious, brooding man, he has sworn off marriage after a woman played with his affections only to turn down his proposal of marriage due to his heritage. He is not pleased to see a Sassenach entering his glen and living so close to his family, his home, and his secrets.

“You should is no’ safe for Sassenach women and children. Repair your wheel, turn about, and head for the sea.”

Daisy is once again besieged by suitors once news of her fortune gets out; except by the man she wants. Cailean goes out of his way to avoid Daisy. He and his family have secrets that could spell disaster should the English catch wind of it. He has no need for women, especially not an English one and But he soon finds himself unwillingly drawn to her, seeking her out time and time again much against his will.

Sinful Scottish Laird is the second installment in Julia London’s historical Highland Grooms series but is structured to be comfortably read as a standalone. This sensual, heartfelt, and amusing story brings together a young widow who is determined to live her life on her own terms and a conflicted Scotsman whose former dealings with the English and women has left a bad taste in his mouth. Witty dialogue and an and interesting foray through the Scotland countryside and the political intrigues of this era adds to the appeal and conflict of the story-making the actions of the characters far more believable.

Though all the characters are charming and well developed, Daisy is the strongest and most compelling of the lot. She is a contradiction with her vivacious, bold, and seemingly flighty personality that is at odds with her intelligence, strength, and sheer willpower. She is still reeling from the betrayal of her husband and the discovery that she was nothing more than a womb for his child. She is angry that her agency has been taken from her by her late husband and is determined to find her happiness while securing her child’s legacy. At times she seems a little too modern for this time period but her widowhood grants her much leeway.

Meeting Cailean and indulging in her attraction to him is at first a way to pass the time. As she spends more time with Cailean, she sees the strength and loyalty that resides within him and falls in love. She holds a faint bit of hope that Cailean will be her knight in shining armor, giving her the life she wants but she knows deep down that there is only one choice she can make to ensure her son’s future.

“She was losing him, losing herself. She was losing everything. Her freedom. Her garden. Her heart. Everything was lost.”

Cailean is quite the curmudgeon at times whose past and future hold tight to him. Building his home and planning on taking over the clan when his father steps down is both a blessing and a weight upon his shoulders. Daisy annoys him at first with her playfulness and brazen flirting. She reminds him of a prior lover and he refuses to play her games. As he gets to know her, he sees the brilliant witty woman who lights up a room with her smile and laughter. He sees a loving mother and a caring friend. Delightful scenes brimming with wit and charm only serve to further fuel the burning chemistry that exists between this couple.

“You bewitch me, Daisy.” He said gruffly. “From the first moment I laid eyes on you, you have bewitched me.”

Though the romance is what certainly will capture readers attention most, the relationship that truly commanded a large part of this reader’s heart is between Cailean and Ellis, Daisy’s son. Cailean takes a young boy who’s scared of his own shadow and begets a friendship that gives this child joy, strength, and confidence.

“Rest assured when you come back, I’ll be right here, just over those trees, waiting for you to come round and tell me your adventures.”

“Do you swear it”

“I give you my word as a Highlander and a Mackenzie.”

Sinful Scottish Laird is an appealing addition to London’s Highland Grooms saga that offers readers an amusing and heartfelt romance swirling with intrigue, conflict, and reluctant hearts. Perfect for all those who love an emotional historical romance that champions the indomitable will of love and family.

Grade: B

I have liked books by Julia London in the past, so when I found this on Net-Galley, I eagerly requested it. Sinful Scottish Laird is an interesting read, although it is slow in the beginning. In fact, the pacing is a bit slow for me throughout the book, and the romance lacked luster. I did enjoy the secondary characters, especially her son Ellis and her cousin, Belinda. The servants lightened the overall mood of this novel and help move the story along.

Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick packs up her young son and flees the unwanted advances of her many suitors while she awaits the return of her lost love. Although she must remarry or lose her son’s fortune, she wants love if possible. What she does not count on is the overwhelming attraction for Cailean MacKenzie, the laid of Arrandale, her closest neighbor.

Cailean is determined to remain a bachelor, and while the lassie on his neighboring estate is bonny, he has no use for her–after all, she’s English–but the attraction is too strong to ignore. Her suitor turns out to be a captain in the Royal Navy bent on bringing his smuggling days to an end. He cannot stand the thought of the man touching Daisy or any man for that matter, but he could never consider marrying a Sassenach.

Can she convince him to change his mind, or will he staunchly remain a stubborn Scot to the end and deny them the chance of everlasting happiness?

I struggled with Daisy’s character for much of the book. I just never connected to her, except when she was involved with her son. Her love for him comes through loud and clear. She came across as somewhat of a flake in her dealings with others, and she seemed indecisive as well, vacillating between her feelings for Cailean and Robert, the man she thinks she wants to marry.

Cailean is a hero I could love. His tender care for Ellis won me over big time. His relationship with his family speaks well of his character. However, I did not feel the chemistry between him and Daisy, nor could I understand why he wanted her.

I guess my main problem with this story is the chemistry between Daisy and Cailean. For me, it just wasn’t strong enough. One thing I love about historical romance is the slow build of sexual tension between the hero and the heroine, and it was missing, for the most part, in Sinful Scottish Laird.

Nonetheless, I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It did have an excellent ending. I also quite enjoyed Ellis, her son. He had surprisingly good character development. This book has several great secondary characters, so future books in this series should be entertaining. Happy reading!