My first thought as I read the beginning of Julia London’s latest? “Hell hath no fury as a scorned woman!” Calum Garbett has a problem. The lucrative marriage he arranged for daughter is in jeopardy because the groom-to-be only has eyes for his ward, Maura Darby, the daughter of his oldest friend. With his “scorned” daughter having second thoughts and his household in an uproar, Calum brings in Nichol Bain, a gentleman known for his discretion and ability to “fix” any problem a member of the aristocracy may have. Mr. Bain’s plan to wed Miss Darby to another client of his who just happens to need a wife? Perfect! Or maybe not.

And then all of the best laid plans…Maura Darby is done with other people making her decisions for her. That includes Nichol Bain and his latest plan to marry her off to someone she doesn’t love. Thus begins the battle of wills between the fixer and the young lady who plans to solve her own problems.

This is the 6th book in the Highland Grooms series by Julia London. It can be read as a standalone but I have to tell you I’ve enjoyed the entire series. Historical romance at its best by an author who won’t disappoint.

This book was a fantastic read. As always, Julia London did not disappoint. It's a book that you don't want to put down until you get to the very end (even though life does tend to get in the way of that pursuit.) Nicol and Maura's story was an awesome novel that I really enjoyed. I'm really sad to know that this will be the last book in the series. When you find a good series, you never really want for it to end. The epilogue at the end of the book was a terrific wrap up to a great series.

... problem solved ... sort of!

A well to do Scottish family has a problem. Their ward has attracted the eye of their daughter's fiancé. Of course Maura Darby is to blame! Not! I fairly burned at the treatment this young woman had handed out to her by the Garbett family who was supposed to protect her. As for the weak willed groom who threw himself at Maura and was not man enough to own that it was he who made advances! Words fail me!
The family turns to Nichol Bain, a fixer of dilemmas the aristocracy finds themselves in.
His answer is very neat. He aims to kill two birds with one stone as it were by marrying Maura off to an older bachelor Nichol had been asked to find a wife for.
Only Nichol had not counted on Maura and her will!
I found this to be somewhat of a roller coaster read. I felt for Maura and her treatment by the family. I was appalled by their actions of taking her heirloom necklace, the only thing she had from her mother.
I enjoyed Nichol, but the chemistry between him and Maura was a non event for me.
There were however some intriguing and humorous moments despite my previous comment.

A NetGalley ARC

This was an average read. I had a difficult time with the heroine in this novel, she just didn't resinate with me and came across somewhat "flighty" and not much depth.

Hero I liked well enough.

Story line was lacking. First half wasn't much there, more dialogue then story in my opinion.

Nicholas Bain is closed off and guarded. He's protecting himself after being treated terribly by his horrible Father. Nicholas has a reputation or is well known as the "fixer". He has a gift or ability to do miracles in difficult situations or with difficult problems. He's been asked to take care of a problem, Maura. Maura is a ward that isn't liked or treated very nicely by her family members. Nicholas has come up with a solution that will be good for everyone. Maura will be well taken care of and will also satisfy her terrible family that she will be out of there hair. He has found someone for her to marry.

Maura is a independent spirit. She's also been treated terribly by family and guards herself. She learns about Nicholas and his ability to solve difficult issues. She learns his plan for her and isn't thrilled with the idea. She has her own ideas and plans.

Both Nicholas and Maura have past issues that are major hindrances to relationships. The two work through and figure out what each really wants for them as individuals and as a couple.

Though I like the story line and plot alright, I had to work on finishing the book. One major issue I had was the heroine. I couldn't connect with Maura and found some of her thought process and actions to be somewhat juvenile or silly at times. Towards the end of the book she seemed to evolve into more of a sensible character and made better choices.

Not my favorite read by this Author.

I have a soft spot for historical romances and Scots. There's a rogue-like brogue that is always appealing. I don't know exactly what that fascination is, but it's there. When I saw Julia London's next story in the Highland Grooms series, I knew that I had to read it. Her stories are fun, intriguing, and always full of delicious scenes.

Maura Darby has been alone for a long time. Taken in by a prominent Scottish family, things turn scandalous right before an advantageous wedding. The groom, Maura, and a disbelieving situation gone wrong leads to Maura removed from the house. Depicted as a maneater, she is relocated to a country house with unsafe lodgings until an arrangement can be made for Maura. Nichol Bain is a fixer for the upper class, and he can be depended on to smooth things over.

I loved Maura's personality. She is tenacious, strong-willed, and loyal to herself. What more can you look for in a heroine. I felt for her, her tragic past, and the unfortunate situation that she found herself in. The gall of the men around her, and the travesty of the times towards women! It's the only downfall of reading historical romance - seriously. But I enjoyed her so much.

Nichol. It took a bit of time to enjoy Nichol. I felt I was blinded by my anger towards the whole situation completely, that I didn't stop to look at who Nichol was until much later in the book. It's my own fault why I couldn't connect to him until the end, but I'm glad that I was able to eventually enjoy who he was.

Overall, I enjoyed this story and these characters. I'm looking forward to more in this series and in this world!

*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*

No col Bain never met a problem he couldn't solve, until he met his match with Maura. She was the ward of a prominent gentlemen, who's daughter despised Maura. Maura was a beauty, the daughter, not so much, and the daughters fiance noticed too. But, Maura was not to be "solved" like everything else he did, she wanted to have a say in her own life and completely confounded and confused Nicol.

This is a really great story in this series, I loved the characters and their tale

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I was hooked, I didn't want to put it down.
Maura had so much go wrong, yet she never lost her personality.
As for Mr. Bain, he found himself.

Nichol Bain has made a life for himself as a “fixer” but with this latest “job” things don’t go quite as he planned. Maura hates that she has no control over her own life, and, now it seems Nichol has the planned the rest of her life. Determined to have more of a say, she starts making decisions counter to what Nichol wants for her. The more time they spend together, the more they fit together. Maura has her work cut out for her, convincing Nichol that she knows what is best for her future – him.
London writes fun stories with entertaining characters, and this was no exception. Both characters had baggage, and I enjoyed watching them discover what made them happy and how much more important that was in life, even if it wasn’t exactly “the plan.”
If you haven’t read the rest in the series, you won’t be lost this one works well as a stand-alone novel. It’s an entertaining page turner you will want to keep reading until the last word.
#SeducedbyaScot #HighlandGrooms #JuliaLondon

I was intrigued by Nichol's career as a "fixer" for the rich and powerful--I mean, I guess they had to have them back then too, right? I just never thought about it :) Either way, it turned out to be an ideal life choice for him--and not just because it put Maura in his path. He's the kind of guy who thinks outside the box and gets things done; unfortunately (fortunately?) for him, so is Maura! ;)

The two of them were so much fun on the page together--I loved that she never waited around for a rescue but instead made things happen herself. And of course she's the one who figures out how to fix a dangerous situation for the fixer--absolutely perfect! The epilogue, where Nichol does what he can to repay her sacrifice was spot on, and brought tears to my eyes :)

This one worked very much as a standalone--previous series characters get brief mentions/made even briefer appearances in the epilogue, but you definitely don't have to have read their stories to enjoy this one.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Nichol Bain is a fixer for the influential members of society. He's made his own way ever since his father banished him when he was a child. He doesn't need anyone. No one can touch his heart until he meets Maura Darby. She's mistreated by the family who are her guardians. When she is turned out he arranges a marriage for her. She doesn't want to become the wife of a man that she's never met. Nicol realizes that he can't let her go. It touched me how life has drawn these two together. The connection between these two is very powerful. Julia London has written characters with such heart. They have endured pain and rejection. I loved how they have found the person who completes them. Their journey to happiness touched me. Their strength and ability to keep trying was impressive. The dialogue was sharp and witty, the setting perfect and the story well written. I can't wait to see what's next in The Highland Grooms series.

Great story, Maura and Nichol have great chemistry. Enjoyable read! Would like more interaction with Ian and Nella

Seduced by a Scot is a delightful read and pulled at my emotions right from the start. Nichol Bain has been called to fix a problem between two families who are negotiating a marriage and a business deal between them. He sees the problem when the groom- to- be has fallen for the family’s ward, Maura Darby, and not his intended bride. Immediately Nichol knows he needs to remove Maura from the household and get her married to someone else. Knowing he can kill two birds with one stone, he proposes she get engaged to an elderly gentleman and escorts her to his home. The journey there was anything but normal when she runs away and he’s chasing after her. Along the way she behaves not like any ordinary maiden and catches Nichol off balance with her righteous indignation talk and beliefs. I was immediately drawn to Maura and loved her spunk. She was just born in the wrong century and her beliefs were ahead of her time. Nichol was a fixer and found himself falling for her but unable to fix himself from taking Maura for his own. He’s amazed by her willingness to take charge of her own way and astounded when she makes things happen to save him. Nichol Bain was another interesting character because he had a horrible past himself and never considered the true cause of his pain until it was revealed. Revelations have a way of freeing oneself and for Nichol it put things into perspective. Nichol and Maura together were more alike and so right for one another. They just needed a way to find a way to be together and the author brilliantly worked her magic and made it happened. A thoroughly entertaining story and a great addition to the Highland Groom series.

Having already met the hero of this story, Nichol Bain, in London's previous book, Tempting the Laird, I was not predisposed to view him with fondness as I began reading his story. It didn't take long, however, before London began slowly peeling back his layers to reveal the heart, soul, and vulnerability residing within this man who is paid to fix the problems of others while carefully hiding his own. He wasn't at all what I had expected him to be and as the twists and turns of the story revealed the secrets and events that had brought him to this point in his life, I began to be more and more in his corner. Until he let his stubborn male nature take the reins, of course. Then I just wanted to toss him out the castle window! Don't worry, he eventually won me over again.

Maura snagged my interest and my heart immediately. I grieved for the young girl who was sent to live with people who resented and mistreated her after her beloved father's death and shared her anger over the circumstances of her departure from their home. But I cheered her on with gusto when, pushed beyond her limits, she finds her strength and lets her inner woman roar. If Nichol thought he was in for an easy job with this one, he was sadly mistaken and if he thinks he can hand her over to another man and walk away after giving her his heart...well, Maura just may have something to say about that.

This final book in the Highland Grooms series had me eagerly turning pages from beginning to end. I so enjoyed it! London has penned an engaging, fast-paced story with vividly crafted characters, witty dialog, adventure, emotional vulnerability, surprising twists and turns, and an ending worthy of a smile and a sigh. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.

Fans of the series will enjoy reuniting with characters from other books in the Epilogue while readers new to the series should have no trouble enjoying Seduced by a Scot without having read the other books first.

4.5 stars

This book is book 6 in the Highland Grooms series.



I do love Julia London's book and yes I have read a few over the years.



I did like this book. It is an easy read and I very much liked the story and the characters.



Giving this one 4 out of 5.

Maura has become tired of everyone telling her what she can’t do. Now she is like an angry and fierce cat with her back arched and ready to lash out at anyone or anything that gets in her way. Unfortunately for Nichol he is the the one obstacle that seems to be blocking her. As they travel and spend time together they realize they have many things in common. They fall in love and realize they were just what each other were searching for to make their lives complete.

Everytime i read a historical romance i'm always left feeling a bit angry with the way how women were treated back then. This story is about a girl trying to find a way to live in a world that seems to be against her and a man who hides himself while resolving other people's problems. It broke my heart to see that everyone was looking out for their own intrest insted of hers. That was until Nichol gets to know her. I loved how their love progresed in the stroy. Its filed with both characters having to overcome their fears and let themselves be hold and most importantly be loved.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

I was given an ARC via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I have read the entire series, and I have to say I was not looking forward to Nicol Bain’s story. He was first introduced in the previous book – Tempting the Laird – and I did not find his character likeable in the least. Imagine how pleasantly surprised I was to read Seduced by a Scot and find him an absolute delight! There’s a big ole softie hiding under that crusty outer shell, and it took an outspoken heroine like Maura Darby to draw it out of him.

Maura was sassy and witty when needed, but also vulnerable and loving. She’s the perfect counterpoint to Nichol’s prickly demeanor, which turned out to be a front to protect his own vulnerable heart. Their initial animosity gave way to grudging friendship, and eventually a deep love that you could feel from the pages. They faced many obstacles, but they did it together and are the stronger for them.

Overall, I think this ended up being my favorite of the series. It stands on its own, but taken with the others it gives a lovely sense of closure to the story of Clan Mackenzie. A must for anyone who loves historical romance with a heavy dose of Scotland.

I was initially drawn to want to read this book by it's beautiful cover and it's blurb but I really do feel that they were both very misleading of what the story was going to be about. I was expecting to read about hot highlander but what I found was Nichol who is a nice enough character but nothing like a scottish warrior as portrayed by the book cover model. He was more of a scholar type of man and it kind of put me off him a little as he wasn't what I'd normally like to read about as a romantic hero. Maura on the other hand was a stubborn and often far to annoying character that made me lose a lot of sympathy with her and the situation that she finds herself in.
I don't know if it's just my perception of the book but it made me not enjoy the story as much as I should have. The story was ok if you like a lot of drama that goes back and forth between the characters, and with them having to travel around a lot from one setting to another it did make me feel that they really didn't have that much chemistry between them to make their romance believable. By the end of the book I did kind of get to like both Maura and Nichol but I can't say that I loved their story. This was just an ok read for me i'm afraid.

This was an absorbing story concerning Maura and Nichol. Both had a troubled background and they were initially attracted to each other, I enjoyed how their relationship grew and developed into something deeper. I liked the fact that Maura and Nichol were both able to rise above their situations and their banter was engaging. There were a number of interesting secondary characters that all had their part to play. This was a read that I really enjoyed. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Nichol has been such an enigmatic character throughout the Highland Grooms series. I thought it was wonderful to finally learn more of his story and to see him get a romance of his own. While this is part of a series it can definitely be read on its own; however it's a lot more fun if you read the first books before this one because you'll get a true picture of how untouchable and aloof Nichol is before Maura comes into his life. This book was so enjoyable rhat it is definitely the best of the series. I unequivocally recommend it!

* I recieved an ARC of this book through NetGalley *