Early Book Review: Temptation in a Kilt by Victoria Roberts

Temptation in a Kilt by Victoria Roberts is the first book in the historical romance series, Bad Boys of the Highlands. It is scheduled for release on September 1 2012. In this novel Rosalia Armstrong is a lady of poor means and less than pleasant family life. Her mother's scheming to get coin results in Rosalia being engaged to a man that would surely be the death of her. Words of defiance lead to a beating, and Rosalia runs to a distant grandmother to escape a marriage and life she does not want, death in the Highlands would be a more acceptable option. On her journey she meets one Laird Ciaran MacGregor, who finds her unconscious and in serious need of help. He is already struggling to fill his father's shoes; protecting his land from the Campbells and getting his youngest brother to change his ways but cannot ignore his honor and leave her in danger. Neither had the hope or desire to fall in love, but life in the Highlands is rarely predictable.

Temptation in a Kilt is a solid highland romance. While the attraction between the two main characters is almost instant, there is not the instant tumble into bed, not the focus on that portion of their relationship when they move towards that kind of intimacy. Ciaran is the duty bound, tortured hero that does not seen the opportunities around him because he is too focused on certain aspects of his life. He is not a new character, but he does not feel stereotypical or boring while reading. Rosalia is a strong female character, at least until it comes to her appearance. I did occasionally get annoyed at her for he insecurities, but they rang true with the childhood that she endured. There are significant amounts of character building and outlines set into place for future books in the series, which might be bothersome to some readers. However, I found most of the side characters just as interesting as Ciaran and Rosalia.

Temptation in a Kilt is a good read, but not a great one. There were moments of the book and aspects of the characters that were very well done, however overall it was just good. I enjoyed the read, and if I run across the sequels I just might pick one up. But, I have to admit that I will not be buying or hunting for the series. This would be a good library pick, or something for vacation reading, but not something I would recommend adding to the permanent collection.