Sandy M’s review of X Marks the Scot (Bad Boys of the Highlands, Book 2) by Victoria Roberts
Historical Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca  5 Feb 13

I really liked Declan MacGregor in the first book in this series, Temptation in a Kilt. He was a real bad boy – drinking, wenching, and rebelling against older brother Ciarnan’s rule. I had high hopes for that bad boy to give us a good time in his own book.

And while he does deliver on one level a good story, it’s not as the bad boy I’d hoped for. In fact, in the beginning he’s a tad on the mean side, but he does realize that early on and tries to tone down. He’s at court looking out for Liadain Campbell, sister of the recently deceased Earl of Argyll and now a ward of the court. Having his drinking and wenching curtailed some, he still partakes when he gets the chance, which is a relief to be away from the healer for a while. The woman pushes his buttons something fierce.

Liadain is nervous about her future, now knowing what the king will decide to be done with her. More than likely she’ll be married off, though she hopes it’s not to a stuffy English lord. She misses her Highlands and her home and realizes she may never see either again. MacGregor is as vexing as a man can be, despite his charm that hides behind his arrogant attitude. Having just made a breakthrough with the man so they now enjoy each other when together, the king drops a huge bomb on them.

Declan is known for his prowess with a bow and is a competitor. So when a contest is set up, he’s the winner hands down. The king’s prize is Castle Campbell, and Declan is elated. A home of his own – without his pushy brothers. This is the beginning of a life he never thought he’d have, and having a family in that house might not be a bad idea. Then another bomb explodes. Not only does the winner get Castle Campbell, he also is commanded to wed Liadain. Declan is mad as a wet hen at the twist fate has taken his life and Liadain isn’t super happy, but she’s willing to try to make things work.

This is where some of the fun comes in. It’s amusing to see them argue and flirt their way to love. Declan begins to take all his new responsibilities seriously, while realizing his new wife is exactly what he needs. But then mystery and intrigue interrupt – Declan is arrested and carted back to court to face the king. Both he and Liadain begin to realize how deep their feelings truly go and what the future will be like without each other. Liadain is one of those heroines who doesn’t do as the menfolk demand, like stay home and out of danger, so she’s right in the thick of things trying to free her husband, right along with his brothers.

Though Declan isn’t a downright bad boy, as was my nitpick about Ciaran in the first book, he has his moments. That, along with the banter and court intrigue, make this story a bit better than the first. I still wonder, though, if I’ll get my total bad boy of the Highlands yet. There’s still hope with another book in the series due out later this year.

Grade: B

Summary:

He was a Highland rogue—
wicked with a bow and just as wicked with the ladies.

Declan MacGregor hadn’t a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and willing woman…until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can’t just abandon her to that vipers’ nest without protection.

She never asked for a bodyguard…

Liadain wasn’t thrilled to be left in the care of her clan’s archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows ever sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only one she can trust…

No excerpt available.

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