The Devil Wears Kilts
Grade : A-

There are so many books out there it is hard to figure out what to read. Reviews help, but not everyone has the same opinion - sometimes you read a book that’s been highly recommended, and something in it just doesn’t work for you. And then sometimes you get a book you expect to be cliched, and everything just works so beautifully you can’t remember why you didn’t read it the moment you picked it up the first time. The Devil Wears Kilts is like that - a bit cliched, but it works so well.

Ranulf MacLawry, Marquis of Glengask, has a problem. He has an eighteen-year-old sister who desperately wants a Season in London. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem, but Ranulf has an intense hatred of the English, something that has been both bred into him as a Scottish noble and reinforced by his experience with the English nobility. Unfortunately, his sister Rowena doesn’t listen to his order to stay home, and runs away to get her Season, forcing Ranulf to travel to London. He fully expects Rowena to put up a fuss. Meeting Lady Charlotte Hanover, however, was not part of his plan.

Ranulf is everything Charlotte dislikes in a man - after losing her fiance to a senseless duel, she abhors violence and the men who think it's a viable way to settle their problems. She can’t stop herself from being fascinated by him, though, or keep herself from their flirtatious battle of wits. But as she learns more about his world and his past, she starts to wonder if her way is the only way, or even the right way.

Well, Ranulf may be everything Charlotte dislikes in a man, but he’s everything I want my Scottish historical hero to be - smart, strong, loyal, and just a touch dangerous. He agrees to let his sister stay in London, as long as he is there to protect her, because she so desperately wants to experience everything. He makes concessions for Charlotte as their romance progresses, because he’s not willing to lose her. He is, however, willing to put everything that he is and wants on the line to make those he cares about happy.

And Charlotte doesn’t disappoint either. She is witty and opinionated without being annoying or mean. While I was frustrated with her trying to push her ideals onto Ranulf, it was wonderful to watch her realize the problems with that, and to begin to understand why he is the way he is. She’s smart - it doesn’t take much for her. I love how she is willing to stand up to Ranulf from the very beginning, something that no one else is able to do. I love how she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stand up for her friends and family, but also able to do so within the confines society allows her.

I loved this book. I flat out loved it. It was fun, and both silly enough and just serious enough to keep my attention for all 300-plus pages. The only reason it got an A- and not an A is that reading the Scottish accent was a bit jolting at times, but not enough to take me out of the story. Ranulf’s family is loud and boisterous and wonderful, and it is easy to see how the author has set this up to become a series, and I am excited to read all of them. Fans of Scots and historical romance, join me!

Reviewed by Melanie Bopp
Grade : A-

Sensuality: Hot

Review Date : January 10, 2014

Publication Date: 2013/12

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Melanie Bopp

New Orleans native living in Boston. Yeah, it's a bit cold. Hello, winter.
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