The Devil Wears Tartan

THE DEVIL WEARS TARTAN KAREN RANNEY Historical Romance Avon Historical Romance Sensuality Level: Sexy ISBN# 978-0061252426 384 Pages $6.99 Paperback--Available Now Rating: 5 Enchantments Davina McLaren is set to be wed to the Earl of Lorne, other wise known as `the Devil of Ambrose', a man she has never met. Of course, with her reputation, it is the best match a girl could hope for--or so her aunt Theresa keeps telling her. And so Davina finds herself walking down the aisle at Ambrose towards a life she knows nothing about. Earl of Lorne, Marshal Ross, the supposed `Devil of Ambrose' is haunted by nightmares, visions of bloody men, of blood pouring down his walls all courtesy of his time held as a captive in China. Fearing he's doomed to go mad, he sent his solicitor out to find him a wife, hopeful for an heir before madness consumes him completely. What he doesn't expect is Davina. She challenges him in ways he never expected and in turn, he finds himself feeling something he never thought possible. I loved this couple! Davina, despite being plagued by the scandal of her past, hides her fear of her new, unknown situation well and from the first moment these two meet at their wedding, the chemistry is quite apparent. Marshall, plagued by what happens at night, fights his attraction for his newfound bride, not wanting anyone, especially her to know the depths of his torment. But things begin to happen and Marshall soon finds himself in danger. What I loved most though was the different feel this story had compared to a typical historical romance. I thought Davina and Marshall were a most well matched couple. My absolutely favorite scene in the book, takes place the morning after the wedding when she goes out in search of her new husband. The banter back and forth between the two then and throughout the book is quite enjoyable. Readers looking for a great historical romance won't go wrong picking up THE DEVIL WEARS TARTAN. Karen Ranney began writing when she was five. Her first published work was The Maple Leaf, read over the school intercom when she was in the first grade. In addition to wanting to be a violinist (her parents had a special violin crafted for her when she was seven), she wanted to be a lawyer, a teacher, and, most of all, a writer. The violin discarded early, she still admits to a fascination with the law, and she volunteers as a teacher whenever needed. Writing, however, has remained an overwhelming love of hers. Lisa Enchanting Reviews November 2008

Despite the clearly Scottish-themed title, this book wasn't particularly Scottish in feel; instead it was an exploration of how a young woman, married to a man she doesn't know, begins to chip away at her husband's reserve and to try to forge a future with him. The husband in question is the Earl of Lorne, a Scotsman who had a distinguished career in the foreign service until he was imprisoned by the Chinese and tortured. Since his return to England he has shunned society and lives alone in his castle, finding himself succumbing to visions and fearing the onset of madness. Because of his responsibilities to his title he realises he needs to get an heir and so arranges a marriage with a local woman, Davina McLaren, whose reputation was ruined by an indiscretion and who is likely to remain a spinster. Davina isn't the shy, retiring type of young lady, however. She finds herself wed to the Earl of Lorne, otherwise known as The Devil, and yet she barely sees him. Davina is something of a bluestocking and rather direct in her speech and she tries to learn about her husband and to forge some kind of a friendship. As she uncovers his secrets she may also uncover love, and she may be called upon to fight for the future of her marriage and even the life of her husband. I very much enjoyed this book with its central romance, initially not particularly encouraging but gradually becoming something of warmth and understanding. There are occasional nods to the Scottish setting and the Victorian era, with reference to the opium trade with China, but overall this is a romance developing from an arranged marriage. There were some rather unfortunate errors in the text, including likening a character to a chipmunk (an animal not seen in the UK) and various characters speaking American words in the Scottish setting, and the habit, oft-found in American-authored novels, of the heroine retaining her maiden name as a middle name after her marriage - something that almost never takes place in the UK. I was also not entirely convinced by some of the behaviour of the characters, certain plot elements seemed rather too unlikely and the siege of the lunatic asylum at the end felt pretty far-fetched. However this was overall a good read and Davina was a rather unusual heroine and one to whom I warmed. Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book © Helen Hancox 2008

I just loved this book. The characters were complex. Davina was one of the most fascinating and compelling heroines I've read in a long time. She was fearless, funny, candid and just fun. She wasn't cowering or whinny like most heroines would have been in her situation. The ending is surprising. The love scenes were beautiful, especially when Davina and Marshall are in the Egyptian house- I believe. It was just a great read. My only complaint is the model on the cover does not match Marshall's discription. He has brown eyes while the model obviously has blue/ green eyes.

Scandal forced Davina McLaren to marry a stranger. Desperation led Marshall Ross, the Devil of Ambrose, to Davina. Davina is quickly captivated by her new husband. His kisses enthrall her, but his mysterious absences leave her heartbroken and curious. Marshall wants his lovely wife but he fears what he might to do her. Marshall's demons come to him at night so he must keep his distance. Davina knows there is something wrong with her husband. She's convinced he's not crazy, but who is this man that she married? Is he a reclose or a lunatic? Devina's fight to save their marriage and Marshall's sanity seems futile but she isn't giving up. She'll fight for him, even when the fight is against someone they trust. The Devil Wears Tartan is an intriguing story with dark secrets, deep passions, and intense emotions. Davina is innocent and yet bold. She's intelligent, witty, and always speaks her mind. Marshall is truly a tortured hero. His brooding mysteriousness is compelling. Davina and Marshall are very well suited. They are perfect together. They match each other in intelligence and fit like a glove in bed. In most stories the hero saves the heroine, in The Devil Wears Tartan, the heroine saves the hero. Devina's unrelenting support of and care for Marshall save him, literally and figuratively. The Devil Wears Tartan is an excellent story filled with sensuality and suspense. Nannette reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Karen Ranney has outdone herself. I've read some of her other books, but they are average compared to The Devil Wears Tartan. This is a marvel! The silly book jacket and title are misleading. Ranney's story is deep, dark and fascinating. Her characters are real and extremely sympathetic. Davina, her heroine, is that curious, obstinate, courageous yet endearing type of character that has been used over and over in Romance. But, Ranney somehow makes Davina completely original. I loved her. And Ranney's hero, Marshall, is a mysterious, tortured individual with a dark past. But, he's also an interesting, intelligent and thoroughly original character - not cookie cutter at all. Ranney is masterful with her descriptions of Scotland. But, she sets the story in the Victorian era with both characters fascinated with ancient Egypt. Truly unique. This book was very reminiscent of Deanna Raybourn's Victorian mysteries. But, this was wholly a romance too. The story centers on Davina and Marshall's growing relationship, which in the end, transcends the darkness. The Devil Wears Tartan is marvelous. Don't pass this up because of Avon's ridiculous book jacket. Ranney has written a smart, wonderful novel.