Catriona “Cat” MacKenzie is mourning the loss of her beloved Aunt Zelda when a representative of the crown arrives and informs her father that the abbey Zelda used to house homeless women and children is being seized by the crown. Zelda was accused of treason for sheltering rebels after the battle of Culloden and therefore the abbey is being forfeited to England. Cat is furious, she had planned on continuing her aunt’s work and will not accept the loss of the abbey. Her mother suggests going to visit her uncle Knox, the Earl of Norwood, he knows everyone and might be able to help her.

Hamlin Graham, the Duke of Montrose is a murderer, if gossip is to be believed. Cat is fascinated by the tale of his marriage and the disappearance of his wife and decides to learn the truth. She doesn’t really believe he killed his wife, but the woman is missing, so something happened! She meets Hamlin and his delightful ward Eula when they pay a call to invite him to dine. Hamlin is taken aback by this vivacious woman, she is lovely and very bold, a combination that he is unwillingly drawn to.

Hamlin is basically an outcast, everyone believes he killed his wife Glenna, who was universally adored, but only a couple of people know the truth about her and her disappearance. Hamlin desperately wants to gain a seat in the House of Lords, a feat that seems almost impossible with the rumors of murder floating around. So when he is invited to dinner, his secretary insists that he attend, he needs to convince the voting members of the house, that he should be voted in. He reluctantly goes and is mesmerized by Cat – she is incredible!

They end up spending more and more time together and finally become lovers. Both know that theirs is not a happily ever after love story. He can’t marry someone with her tainted background if he wants to get a seat in the Lords and she has the abbey to manage. But neither can seem to walk away. They are so happy together and they begin to contemplate how they can stay together and what they are willing to give up for their love, when the truth of Hamlin’s first marriage comes roaring into his life.

Both Cat and Hamlin are heartbroken, but there is no way they can be together without hurting someone. They part and in a surprising moment of compassion, Cat makes an offer that will ensure they are never together, but will guarantee him a seat in the Lords. Hamlin is overwhelmed by Cat’s generosity and vows that she will never regret him – he will spend the rest of his life making sure she doesn’t.

I really enjoyed this book, but it will rip your heart out and stomp on it – it is entertaining, steamy, witty and heartbreaking. The love between Hamlin and Cat is a beautiful soulmate type love and your heart will break right along with theirs, the secondary characters are delightful, especially Hamlin’s ward Eula, the ending is completely breathtaking and sigh worthy! And if that was not enough, there is a wonderful epilogue as well as very informative Author notes and a glossary! While this is the fifth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone title and I am happy to recommend it.

*REVIEWED FOR BURIED UNDER ROMANCE*

An enjoyable read of two characters of noble birth long denied what they needed and deserved by virtue of their circumstances.
Catriona MacKenzie has worked all her life furthering and maintaining her Aunt Zelda’s life’s works. And now the sanctuary for displaced women and children, maintained in what’s left of an old abbey on MacKenzine land, has come under threat. The land is forfeit, and every last soul life bing there will be ousted if they don’t vacate by the deadline. Devastated by this news on the heels of her Aunt’s death, Catriona finds that her family’s support includes machinations to send her to her English Uncle for the summer.
There she meets the dark duke, as she dubs Hamlin, Graham, the Duke of Montrose, whose wife has been missing for a year. A wife much beloved by the locals, all of who presume the Duke killed the missing Duchess.
But Catriona doesn’t find Hamlin as forbidding as most, and is determined to learn the truth of the matter, for she refuses to believe the circumstances are as grim as they seem. She and Hamlin grow quite close, moving from neighbors to friends and eventually to lovers.
Lovers with a firm expiration date, for Hamlin is seeking a seat on the House of Lords, and Catriona is trying to save the abbey she must return to tend.
The only real question that arises through their tumultuous affair is if they’ll be able to let go when the time comes. And if either of them can return to the lives they lived before their passionate summer.

I knew it was going to take a special someone for Catriona MacKenzie to fall in love with and Tempting the Laird tells us that story of her finding the love she’s been long waiting for. Catriona MacKenzie has been sheltering women and children at an abbey after the Battle of Culloden and has recently been told that it is being seized by the English. She turns to her Uncle Knox for help and hopes he and his connections can get this act overturned. She meets her uncle’s neighbor, the Duke of Montrose, Hamlin Graham, and hears the rumors that he is a murderer for killing his wife. Is this the truth or is he holding another secret close to his vest? She’s going to do what she can to figure out the truth.

Hamlin Graham is about to get voted into the House of Lords and doesn’t want anything in his personal life to prevent him from getting accepted but rumors surround him. What he can’t escape is Catriona. When Catriona introduces herself and barges into his life every chance she gets he finds it harder to keep his feelings in check because she makes him want things he didn’t think he’d ever have in his life. Love, family and children. Catriona makes special effort to help him with his young ward, Eula, and Eula couldn’t help but to fall under the spell of her loving attention. Eula connected Hamlin and Catriona in the beginning but then they find any excuse to be together. Hamlin wasn’t a complicated man but had a big responsibility of his dukedom and felt the constraint society held him in check. Only with Catriona he allowed himself to feel as a man and not the Duke. His grand gesture at the end just shows me how much she meant to him to stand up for her and face any consequences.

Catriona is a wonderfully written character because she is more than the outspoken and independent woman and her depths are slowly revealed. You get glimpses of her many layers of this complicated woman. She may have the independent streak like her aunt Zelda but she wants a family and love of a man as well but the times made it difficult for her to find one. I love that she doesn’t feel sorry for herself but makes the best of her situation and moves on. Her love affair with Hamlin might have started as a summer romance but quickly turned into something more when she found herself falling deeply in love with him. Catriona is a lucky lady that she was allowed so much leeway growing up surrounded by family and loved ones. She has a big heart and wanted to help as many people as she can, even those that don’t deserve it.

Tempting the Laird is an all-consuming passionate romance and the author swept me away with the storytelling. There was drama and mystery, passion and love, and had me well engrossed into finishing it long into the night. I could not have asked for a better story for one of my favorite characters. The love she has waited for finally came and it is everything that she wanted for her life.

The latest in the Highland Grooms Series is the one I have been waiting for and it is a favorite for sure.

Catriona “Cat” Mackenzie’s place in the family has always intrigued me and I wondered how Ms. London would tell her story. At 33, Cat has pretty much accepted that she is not going to have the “happily ever after” of a husband and child. She’s attractive and receives offers, most certainly, but Cat is an independent woman who doesn’t quite fit in to societal norms ~ a typical man would never suffice for her. She swears, drinks, and speaks her mind. She is a woman of action, always seeking to help others. And, she secretly yearns for her own family – on her own terms or not at all. I also found her to be blessed with an abundance of curiosity. All of these characteristics when taken together would make her an unusual woman of her time and an intriguing heroine.

When the abbey for homeless women and children run by Cat and her late Aunt Zelda is forfeited to the Crown by order of the king, Cat travels to see her Uncle Knox, an English Earl, to enlist his help to save it.

This is where we are introduced to the Duke of Montrose, who lives nearby at Blackthorn Hall. Hamlin Graham lives under his own cloud of darkness. Although a duke, gossip and rumor follow his every step. Where is his wife? Did he kill her? Ms. London introduces us to him in a dark, seductive manner. And of course curious Cat finds herself attracted to him and determined to find out the truth.

It is an intriguing mystery. As we learn more about the Duke, we see the contradiction of his story. He is both dark and light. But, Cat is a good judge of character and she is drawn to him. Could she be wrong? He has a ward that he takes very good care of. Servants who serve him willingly. Where is his wife? Could Cat fall in love with someone who is evil?

While I usually recommend that readers start with the first story in the series before reading subsequent books, it isn’t necessary to enjoy Ms. London’s latest. It’s one of my favorites and I highly recommend it!
5 stars – Curl up with this one and enjoy!

I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book from the author through NetGalley. I also purchased my own copy from Amazon.

I've enjoyed each of Julia London's Highland Grooms. Tempting the Laird is the latest and my new favorite. I couldn't wait for Cat's story.

London continues this series with irresistible characters that will immediately draw you into their story. I loved the pairing of the independent Cat and very mysterious Hamlin. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen with their story.

Tempting the Laird is another great Julia London romance. I love that she gives readers wonderful characters that come to life in a way you don't want to see end. I'm looking forward to that next JL read.

Mari ♚♥★'s review Jun 23, 2018 · edit
really liked it
bookshelves: 2018reads, arcs

I liked this one better than the previous book in many ways. Though I've only read a couple of books in this series I can say I liked this one best of them. Catriona is an interesting character, outspoken, fierce, a bit brash yet reclusive. Both she and Hamlin share this sadness about them. Hamlin is secretive, he earned a reputation from the death of his wife, lonely from past events becoming an outcast of sorts. Catriona is intrigued by this man and wants to find the truth behind these claims.

I like that in a way they are kindred spirits yet Catriona is that lovely feeling he needed again. She believes in him despite what people think if his rough appearance. Hamlin is actually great nothing like people assume actually the opposite of his reputation, he may be brooding but definitely good looking but no less kind and giving. There's a depth to him that may come off dark but he and Catriona get each other so it works.

I'm more engaged with this story and makes you keep on reading wantingto know want happens next. Watching Catriona and Hamlin's relationship grow is wonderful. The storyline is not your usual but it's well done and makes you root for the main characters. I grew to like Catriona and her distinctive personality, honest yet a bit different and still likable.

Catriona Mackenzie is a woman on a mission. She needs to save the abbey and the women who are sheltered there. The English King wants it forfeited as a punishment. Can this fiery woman accomplish her goal? Catriona leaps off the page and pulls you in with her passion for life and her desire for social justice. I cared for her. I wanted her to be successful. When she meets the dark Duke, she's intrigued by the mystery surrounding the disappearance of his wife. She doesn't believe the rumors that he killed her. Hamlin may be a Duke but society has shunned him. I sympathized with him. I disliked how he was treated. The way he cared for his ward showed the Duke's real character. Catriona brought love and laughter into his life. Their dialogue was humorous and sassy. These two are perfect together. They deserve happiness. I wasn't sure it was in the cards. Julia London has a writing style that makes these characters come alive. I couldn't put down Tempting the Laird. I fell in love with Catriona and Hamlin.

Catriona (Cat) Mackenzie lives her live on her own terms and does not care what polite society thinks. She, along with her Aunt Zelda, runs a shelter for less fortunate woman: those that society turned its back to. However, when Zelda passes she not only loses her mentor and partner, Cat discovers the British Crown is going to repossess their make-shift home. Petitioning her English uncle to help with the cause, Cat finds a new mission to occupy her time until she can return home; she plans to uncover the truth about what happened to the Duke of Montrose’s beloved wife.

Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, stays in his home with his loyal servants and young ward. The town folks all believe that Montrose sent his darling wife away, or worse… he murdered her! However, the truth is much less thrilling, and more damaging to his reputation, so he lives with the gossip in order to win his bid to enter the House of Lords. Life continues as is until Cat blows into his world, turning it upside-down and breathing new life to his existence.

Tempting the Laird is a lovely standalone romance set in Ms. London’s Highland Grooms world. Although we’ve met Cat in previous titles, readers know nothing of this dynamic heroine. She lives in the shadow of her vast and powerful family, doing work that no others would even consider. She is passionate and kind, with little time for gossip and cruelty. Although this book is set in the past, Cat is very much the modern woman, making her relatable to most current-day readers. I love her strength and the way she can laugh at those who criticize her work and beliefs to her face. And while she is content with her lot, she is also strong enough to understand that in her heart she would like to find the love and happiness her siblings have enjoyed.

Hamlin makes for a wonderful historical hero. A duke of some note, he is shrouded in mystery and carries the burden of gossip over the disappearance of his much beloved wife. No one dares visit his estate, never mind confront him, until Cat arrives. She convinces her uncle that they should pay visit to his closest neighbor, and Cat is instantly taken my Hamlin’s direct ways. He’s dark, mysterious, a gentleman, and stands up for Cat when others would dismiss her: all very swoon-worthy! Plus he cares for and loves his former wife’s abandoned young cousin. He covets his time with Cat and although both know it can’t lead to anything, it doesn’t keep them from being together and falling in love.

In the end, Tempting the Laird is a lovely historical romance sharing the unlikely pairing of a Highland lass and imposing duke. Their journey is filled with joyous times and difficult decisions. The story flows smoothly from start to end, finishing with an HEA.

My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot

“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

The shadowed duke!

What a great read! I loved the character of Catriona Mackenzie, aka Cat. Her passion for her cause, her humor, her way of disarming a situation. The brooding yet resigned duke, Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, who the neighborhood is convinced murdered his wife. His ward Eula is such a poppet. It was charming the way Eula insisted on calling him Montrose and each time he would patiently correct her. As when Eula was tying the Duke's silk neckcloth,
' “You look very fine, Montrose,” [Eula] said, eyeing him closely. “Your grace,” he reminded her. “Your grace Montrose,” she returned with a pert smile.'
To be applauded and noted is that Cat is older than most leading ladies, in her early thirties, and, 'For whatever reason, fate had not seen fit to lead her to drink from the trough of marital bliss, and now, frankly, it was too late.' So Cat turned her energies elsewhere.
As I said before Cat is stout hearted and particularly passionate about those she's set out to help. Cat and her Aunt Zelda have sustained Kishorn Abbey as a safe place in the Highlands for abused and discarded women. When her aunt dies, the English authorities want to seize the abbey (the Culloden retributions continuing). Cat is in Edinborough visiting her uncle and trying to fight that decree.
In the midst of all this happens the troubled Montrose. Our Cat is ripe for falling in love. Montrose is a brooding man with a tender heart, and Cat is drawn to him like a moth to flame.
Their dance is lively, with lightening flashes and despairing shadows when trouble comes calling.

A NetGalley ARC

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 ~

As with each of her novels Julia London brings her characters to life. I admit her books often move me to emotions, whether it is laughter or tears...and this book was no exception. In it we revisit the Mackenzie clan. Catriona is morning the death of her dear Aunt Zelda with her family. When an unexpected visitor causes her to see help from her Uncle in order to save the abbey that her aunt established to help the less fortunate. Little does Cat know that it will set her on a path that will change her life forever.

Hamlin, the Duke of Montrose, has been an social outcast every since he wife disappeared. He knows that everyone thinks he done something to her, but it is better to let them think that then to let the truth be known. Life can be lonely, but he will survive. That changes as soon as he meets Catriona. He has never met someone like her, bold and daring she ignites something in his soul that he cannot deny.

As the two begin a summer love affair, both try to not think of the future. They are living in the moment. When they both come to love each other dearly, they are at a loss of how to move forward given their different paths in life. When Hamlin's past comes back to haunt him, Catriona steps forward and sacrifices in order to save him. Returning to the highlands without him and nursing her broken heart. But Hamlin is determined to come clean with all the secrets. It is the only way he can live with himself and salvage a chance to be with his love.

Great book! Hamlin is the strong silent hero. Not willing to make others look bad, even if it reflects negatively on him. Catriona is trying to save the women and children at the Abbey, but she still longs for a husband and family. Book is the 5th in a series, but can be read as a standalone.

I really enjoyed this book. I believe this is the first book by Julia London that i have read, but it won't be the last one. I found that Hamlin very loving once Catriona got past his barriers. Catriona is one unique woman and I loved her strength and how bold she was. She didn't fight falling for Hamlin, even though their story appeared to not have a happy ending. This story had a wonderful complexity to it while also having an ease to reading it. I really enjoyed this book and want to go back and read the rest of the stories in this series.

Tempting the Laird is an incredible love story that demonstrates how finding true love is worth the wait - even when all hope of finding it is gone. The heroine of the book is Catriona MacKenzie, whom we've grown to love throughout four other books in the Highland Grooms series. She is as much a free-spirited tomboy as she is a beautiful redhead with a smart wit and sharp tongue. Catriona wants nothing more than to live the life that her brothers and sister enjoy with a loving spouse and children to raise. However, living in the Highlands made it hard for her to find a suitable husband, especially after the Battle of Culloden where so many young men lost their lives. Now being 33-years old, Catriona is resigned to never marrying. Instead she's devoted her life to sheltering women and children at a rundown abbey.

The story essentially begins when Catriona is informed that the abbey is being seized by the English in a few months. In an attempt to save the abbey, she visits her English Uncle who has vast connections in parliament. It is at her uncle’s summer home that she meets his neighbor, Hamlin Graham, the intriguing dark Duke of Montrose. It doesn't take long before Catriona's vivacious personality breaks down the walls that Hamlin's built around him, his home, and his heart. [Despite having been in a love-less marriage for 8 years, Hamlin demonstrates an extremely good-hearted nature in his interactions with his ex-wife's young cousin. Despite being of no relation to the young girl, Hamlin finds the time to visit with her and teach her proper etiquette. I think Catriona fell in love with Hamlin when she realizes he loves the young girl. And I, in turn, fell in love with him.]

Julia London has a way of writing that doesn’t give away secrets easily. Rather, juicy tidbits are parceled out throughout the book, which makes you eager to listen faster and long past your bedtime! For example, from the very beginning we know the Laird’s charismatic wife went suddenly missing and all the town’s folk believe he killed her. We slowly - very sporadically - learn the truth of what happened to her. While I don’t want to give too much away, I am happy to report the Laird is not a murderer. :)

I listened to the audiobook of Tempting the Laird, which is narrated by the highly talented Derek Perkins. He is simply amazing, providing varying voices for both male and female characters and inflecting just the right amount of emotion in all the right places. I can't wait to listen to other audiobooks in this wonderful series!

This was my first Julia London book and I can't say it will be my last, but I was disappointed by the execution of this romance. Immediately I was intrigued by a heroine in her 30s and a hero in his 40s. I enjoy reading about mature main characters especially historical romance.

Our hero, Hamlin, a mysterious or "dark" duke as he was described many times is rumored to have killed his first wife. Catriona or Cat is an independent and strong minded woman with a passion for helping prostitutes and displaced single mothers. Hamlin is a beta hero to the extreme. He is often steamrolled by the people in his life and comes across as weak and indecisive. Cat is a better character but her strong will and constant laughter (I swear the woman laughed more than she talked) were buried in this story.

There were too many subplots and erroneous characters detracting from the Cat and Hamlin's relationship. At the beginning of the book we meet Cat's large and extended family who we never discuss again besides her mother and her aunt. She spends the majority of the book at the worst house party ever. With the sole exception in her jovial uncle, the cast of supporting characters lends almost nothing to the plot and seemed like page fillers. Along with that, the supporting characters were awful people. I had no interest in reading about them.

Off the top of my head, there were 4-5 subplots throughout the novel. Many of them were relatively unexplored or too simplistically solved for the amount of attention that was paid to them. My head was spinning trying to keep track of the people and problems Cat and Hamlin were dealing with.

Overall, I think the writing was good and as I mentioned I liked the mature ages. Hamlin and Cat were low-drama characters emotionally and their love story made sense to me. Hopefully the next book in this series is a little more focused.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

Man this book will keep you on your toes and I had forgotten how uch I love historical fiction and this one was a doozy my friends..So we have Catriona "Cat" Mackenzie who if you ever read a historical know that at the age of 33 you are on the shelf, considered and old maid and Cat is just that but she is an awesome commendable lady who to me is beyond her time, she lives her life and doesn't really care what anybody thinks, good for Cat. She ends up meeting and falling in love with the "Dark Duke", who has that name due to rumors...There is just so much I can say about this book, but I am going to implore you to read it, you will not be bored..Enjoy!

Catriona Mackenzie always intended to marry and to have children but she never found the right man for her. Cat always admired her cousin, Zelda, for her work with abused and abandoned women but their sanctuary is in danger now and Cat needs to travel to present her case before authorities. She meets her uncle's neighbor, the mysterious and reclusive Duke of Montrose, Hamlin Graham, and she cannot resist the need to learn more about this man. Cat learns that the rumors surrounding the Duke and his wife are false and when the former duchess reappears, nothing is what it seems, and both lives are changed.

This is part of the Highland Groom series, but it is easily read as a standalone. I recommend it if you love stories about the Highlands.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

The next installment of Julia London’s Highland Grooms series, Tempting the Laird, was one of my favorites so far. I know I say this for all of Julia’s books, but she just has a way to make me feel so comfortably engaged from the first chapter. This story, of Catriona Mackenzie, can be a modern day tale, with a very independent woman who hasn’t needed a man to make her life complete. Of course, in 1800’s Scotland, she is looked upon as “on the shelf” since she is in her early 30’s. Nonetheless, she provides shelter to women and their children who have no place else to go after the Battle of Culloden. Because of politics, the future of the shelter is threatened. This turn of events leads Catriona to meet the Duke of Montrose, who has a very dark past. The relationship between two people who are set in their ways makes this story flow so wonderfully. Two very strong and interesting characters, as well as a cast of secondary characters made this such a delight to read. I highly recommend this book and this series.

What can I say? Of course I loved Tempting the Laird. Julia London has the ability to pick an issue, make a statement and entwine it all in a thoroughly engrossing and entertaining story.
In this story we get to know the feisty, outspoken, passionate and unorthodox Catriona Mackenzie, a woman who is determined to save Kishorn Abbey, her aunt Zelda’s legacy, and the women and children who call it home.
While Cat is fiercely independent, she also secretly longs for a husband and family though at thirty three she is resigned to never finding her soulmate. That is until she meets Hamlin Graham, Duke of Montrose, a man shrouded in mystery, shunned by society and yet offering a potent attraction for Cat from the moment she meets him.
Hamlin is a complex man. He is desperate to secure a seat in the House of Lords, an achievement that is dependent on his winning a vote for the position. Outwardly he appears surly, unfriendly and just plain rude, though as I learned more about him I discovered that this was a front to cover the hurt he carries over his failed marriage.
I loved the way the story unfolded, gently drawing me into the problems facing both Cat and Hamlin, and slowly revealing solutions for each. I loved that even though blind Freddy could see these two belonged together it didn’t seem to be possible until the very end of the story. Julia London is a consummate professional when it comes to weaving a compelling story and this, the latest instalment in the utterly enthralling Highland Grooms series, is one of the very best she has ever written.

Catriona Mackenzie has a reputention as being unruly, unmarried, and unapologetic. Her aunt Zelda, who taught her how to stand up for herself, has recently died, and now the Crown has come calling, threatening to take possession of the abbey that Zelda (and Cat) were using to house homeless women and children, accusing Zelda of sheltering rebels after the battle of Culloden. Cat goes to visit her uncle Knox, the Earl of Norwood, who knows everyone and might be able to help her save the abbey.

While in Edinburgh, Cat runs into Hamlin Graham, the Duke of Montrose who is being called a murderer, if gossip is to be believed. Cat is fascinated by the tale of his marriage and the disappearance of his wife and decides to learn the truth. She doesn’t really believe he killed his wife, but the woman is missing, so something happened! Her uncle has a dinner party where she meets Hamlin and his delightful ward Eula. Hamlin is unwillingly drawn to Cat as she is lovely and very bold, a combination that he is unwillingly drawn to.

Hamlin is basically an outcast as everyone believes he killed his wife Glenna, who was universally adored, and wants to gain a seat in the House of Lords, a feat that seems almost impossible with the rumors of murder floating around. So when he is invited to dinner, his secretary insists that he must go as he needs to convince the voting members of the house that he should be voted in. He goes and is totally taken in by Catriona.

But before they reach their HEA there are so many questions to be answered (is his wife dead or alive?) and problems to be solved (what happens to women at the abbey?). It's great fun watching the ups-and-downs of their relationship.

I received an ARC copy for an honest review -- I loved this addition to the series!
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