Victoria Roberts - X Marks the Scot

I chose this book because it was “right in my sweet spot!” It had all the earmarks of a perfect book for me - early 17th century Scotland, kilted warriors that were more bonny than the women, intrigue, nefarious plots, evil lurking around every corner… but I was disappointed. The idea was wonderful; the execution just fell a little short.

Declan MacGregor, third son and notorious rake was sent from Glen Orchy in the Highlands, to the King’s Palace at his brother, the Laird’s request. He was to watch over the woman who had saved members of his own family from death at the hand of her half brother, the Bloody Campbell, the Earl of Argyll. Declan’s brother Ciaran killed Campbell. So the woman, Lady Laidain Campbell, travelled to court to tell the king that the killing was in self defense. Now he was stuck here, watching after her like she was a bairn.

Lady Laidain Campbell no longer had a family since her half brother was killed, but he was an evil man and she had avoided him so much in life, that his death was a relief. Now she was a ward of the court and she was miserable. She wanted nothing more than to go home, but that was not going to happen. The king would decide her fate and he would find her a husband, even if she never wanted to marry. She was managing fairly well until a few things occurred. First, the man who 3 years earlier promised to marry her, showed up with his pregnant wife. Second, a horrid man and his evil companion seemed to be spreading rumors that she was a witch, and third… well an archery tournament should never settle anyone’s fate!

This is the 2nd book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series and I had a little bit of trouble understanding relationships at first and I didn’t understand how Declan and Laidain met. For a while, it felt like there was a party that I wasn’t invited to! I liked the idea of the book; however, I didn’t like Declan’s character until after the first half. Why? When I read a romance book, I want my hero to only think about the woman he will end up with. I don’t want him thinking of, or looking at, or fantasizing about other women. That is real life and we get enough of that! Reading is an escape from real life. I want a hero who doesn’t even mentally cheat… even if he doesn’t realize he loves her yet! When he finally decided he liked her, I liked him! :) We were however, told over and over how beautiful he was and each time, all I could think of was “pretty is as pretty does!” (If you are too young to understand that, what it means is - just because you look pretty doesn’t mean you are a good person!)

I love a book that weaves history in with fiction, and I realize that there will be historical inaccuracies. But during this era, the MacGregor’s were in hiding or even changed their names and would never be at court! But Ms. Roberts is correct, the MacGregor’s and Campbell’s have been at odds for a verra long time! One thing that bothered me was the use of “gods” as in “thank the gods” for example. This would have been very out of character for a Catholic or Protestant Scottish person…they killed witches you know!

I won’t be putting this series on my auto buy list. I may check back after a while to see how things are going. I did like James Montgomery, a side character… maybe I’ll keep an eye out for his book ;-)

Until Next Time!
xxoo Terree


Book: X Marks the Scot
Author: Victoria Roberts