To Tempt a Scotsman

Fragmented plot, unlikable characters. No humor and a ‘heroine’ who throws herself (and that is a gross euphemism) at the ‘hero’ at their second meeting and then pursues him to a distasteful degree. I rarely leave a book unfinished but I found myself totally indifferent to the fate of these two.

TO TEMPT A SCOTSMAN After making a promise to his dying father, Collin Blackburn has scoured England and France in search of the scoundrel that killed his half brother, John in a duel. His search brings him to Lady Alexandra Huntington, the daughter of a Duke, the woman directly responsible for his John's demise. What he finds, is not the spoiled, femme fatale he has envisioned, but a fresh and beautiful, forthright girl, who is unbelievably outspoken and daringly shocking by her manner of dress and behavior, as she wears men's clothing and runs her brother's estate. Alex was a pawn at the hands of the killer and is completely socked when she realizes that Collin believes her directly responsible for his John's death. Her reputation once ruined, she has retreated to her brother's estate where she does and says as she pleases. Wearing breeches and working alongside the laborers is something that makes her forget the censure an cruelty of the Ton and is her way of rebelling against dictated society. Sparks fly between Collin and Alex from the moment they meet. They are both immediately attracted to each other, yet it is Collin who shies away from any association with Alex. In turn, Alex sets her cap for Collin and decides that she is going to seduce him, good and proper!! Some readers may be shocked by Alex's wanton behavior and how she practically throws herself at Collin at every opportunity. Yet, as the story develops, you realize her motives. As a fallen woman, believing she is going to be alone for the rest of her life, she decides that having Collin Blackburn wouldn't be a bad thing! The combination of being born a bastard and being a Scotsman to boot, creates a resistance that makes Collin feel unworthy for Alex. He has fallen in love with her and because he doesn't realize what his feelings are for Alex, he becomes excessively jealous and possessive - and at times he is down right mean in his verbal delivery. I became very aggravated with Collin's personality change in the third part of the book and his constant jealousy and mistrust in Alex. But that was the only spoiler in an otherwise marvelous first novel. There is plenty of action, excellent dialogue and witty repartee, great secondary characters and plenty of steamy, sensual love scenes that will leave you panting!! I cant wait to read Dahl's next installment in the manner of Alex adoring older brother.... The duke! I highly recommend TO TEMPT A SCOTSMAN! (Oh, and forgot to mention... Zebra's introductory $3.99 price ain't bad either!) ;-) Enjoy! [...]

I'll be brief and not re-state the entire plot here. Let me just simply say that this book was extraordinarily well-done. Scottish romance is one of my favorite romance categories to read, and Dahl's work very strongly reminded me of Julie Garwood's historicals...which I LOVE to distraction. I highly recommend this book, and I will be keeping an eye on this author in the future!

I liked both the hero and heroine in this book. Even when they made some pretty messy mistakes, their regret was genuine. They each had a lot to learn about how to be a couple. Their fears for the future were realistic, and their resulting actions made sense. Dahl never fell into any of the typical, overused themes that we read repeatedly. The characters were not built like gods/ goddesses. Neither was totally right, while the other was totally wrong. Both were, to put it simply, human. Alexandra is a recluse. During her coming out season, she was caught kissing a man. Her reputation destroyed, there was nothing for her to do but retreat from society. Rather than wallow in self- pity, Alex has found happiness in caring for her older brother's estate. She may be the sister of a duke, but she is not afraid to get her hands dirty in the stables. Loving his sister, no matter what her faults might be, the duke gives her the freedom to live as she pleases. Collin resents having to leave Scotland in search of his brother's killer. The last thing he wants to do is speak with the woman who caused his younger brother, John, to be shot to death in a duel for her honor. He believes the same as the rest of society... that she must be a harlot. Upon meeting her in person, he begins to doubt what he has heard about her from the gossips. When she agrees to help him capture John's killer, Collin knows that she can't be the selfish wench he thought her to be. Alex can't stop thinking about Collin. Even after he has returned to Scotland, she decides she will have him. Men of honor have been rare in London society. She doesn't want to give up her freedom, but wants to experience physical affection. Her reputation already destroyed, Alex feels she has nothing to lose. Collin has spent his life behaving with honor and good judgement. When Alex tempts him into meeting with her, he decides that just this once he will put his restraints aside and live for his own happiness. What can it hurt? She's certainly no innocent. As circumstances of the meeting unfold, both Alex and Collin find it hard to keep their physical relationship and their emotions separate. When Alex falls ill, Collin will not leave her until he knows she is safe and well. Once she is healed, he will do all he can to convince her to marry him. Neither has ever professed their love for one another, but both feel it to their very souls. They will soon learn how foolish it is to keep such a secret. Resentment and suspicion threaten to destroy their fragile bond. All the while, John's killer hides close by, waiting for a chance to get revenge for his exile. Love a wee Scottish tale? These are some that I enjoyed: Scotsman One of my absolute favorite romances ever! The Pride of Lions and Blood of Roses A two book series that will knock you off your chair. Bring the Kleenex for the last 100 pages. You will be deeply effected. Sweet Release Carnal Gift Ride The Fire

Victoria Dahl's debut novel sparkles with wit, emotion, and sensuality. More than just a novel of love won, lost, then won again, this is an examination of personality that is both insightful and surprising. The characterizations are consistently rich and believable, and as a reader, I literally couldn't put the book down until I found out how Lady Alexandra got her Scotsman. Collin's jealousy isn't supposed to be reasonable; it comes not from the intellect, which knows better, but from the dark side of personality which whispers evil doings in one's ear. Despite being ruined and loving every minute of it, Alexandra, a fiery rebel, occasionally succumbs to the insecurity of being a misunderstood female who marches to the tune of a different drummer. Both of these dark sides lead to the conficts that the hero and heroine must overcome to be deserving of love. And, in some of the most touching scenes in the book, we realize that all Alexandra really wants is to be loved for who she is. Collin is the man to do it, although he must address his own flaws and insecurities first. When these two finally unite, the reader will feel as though these characters have earned the right to call love their own. I adored this book, and I'm happily awaiting Dahl's next story. What a wonderful read!

Right from the first page we are thrown into Lady Alexandra's world of wit, strength, and determination to not only survive dire circumstances and a horrid reputation, but to actually try to live a rather "normal" life. Of course, Collin Blackburn shows ups and well..you'll have to read the book!!! I loved every moment of To Tempt a Scotsman. Victoria Dahl's prose is beautiful, enchanting, and will take you away to a whole other world that is filled with realistic, fiery characters that are absolutely to die for.