Member Reviews
Oh, my word!! This is really stirring stuff, and with the best hero that I have come across this year. Suzanne Enoch is such a gifted writer she knows her craft and she uses that knowledge and experience well to create timeless and highly emotional romance stories time after time and this is – in my view – by far one of the best she has written.
The story starts in 1806 when numinous things happen that force Callum to leave his homeland forever, firstly Callum’s brother Ian becomes engaged to Rebecca – or Becca their childhood friend, Callum never realised until that moment that he wanted Becca for himself and he tries to steal her away from his brother. Ian finds out and soon he banishes Callum from their clan, Callum is seething not just by his brother’s banishment of him but of Becca’s attitude, she just stands there and doesn’t say a word – she lets it happen. Secondly his brother has gone into a deal with the McCreaths enemy – something that Callum knows will end up in trouble, the McCreaths and the have been at war for years, both never trusting the other and Callum knows that they are nothing but trouble. He vows that if anything should happen to his brother he will bring hell down in those responsible, and he also vows that what has befallen him is all Becca’s fault and he will take that anger to his grave.
Ten years later, Callum has now set up home in Kentucky he is a wealthy self-made man who has grown from the selfish rake to a man – and what a man!! What can I say about Callum that won’t end in me drooling? Well he is a damn sex god of a hero, that’s what he is! He has no intention of ever going back to his homeland again, he has finally found his place where he is happy and where he is someone, he has his Whisky distillery business, he has respect and peace and the ability to do what he chooses. He is never happier then when he is wondering around the wilderness, alone apart from his ever-faithful black wolf; Waya – Yes, I did say a wolf! Callum hasn’t had any contact with his family since the day he was banished, even when he started getting letters from them he burnt everyone until he sees an obituary in a newspaper, stating his brother Ian had died. That very day Callum returned to Scotland full of rage, he had a gut feeling that Ian’s death was no accident and he was going to prove it and then he was going to get his revenge.
The animosity between them in the beginning is evident, no matter how much they may still have desires for the other, the hatred that is palpable whenever they are in the same room – or for that matter whenever they think of each other – their shared distrust and dislike of each other pulsates. Their arguments are heated that at times you find yourself thinking; how on earth are these two firebrands going to ever have a happily ever after?
This is just so good, the plot is exciting, edge of your seat stuff. It’s funny exhilarating and highly sexy – well Callum is! 😉 This is infused with Enoch’s wonderful wit and charm, her writing for me is always flawless and this is by far the best. It’s like an episode of Ripper Street; a murder mystery, conspiracy and a hero that is so scorching hot your eyes burn just reading – plus it has some of the funniest scenes that I have ever read, there were moments when you think; did that just happen? Callum literally picking up a member of the Scottish aristocracy by his trousers and tossing him out of the window, is just one of them.
This is a brilliant book and one that I cannot recommend enough!
Callum McCreath could be called a devil- a sexy Scottish devil! His adventures take him to the colonies and back, as he matures into a man with real responsibilities, not the least of which is catching a killer and keeping his loved ones safe.
Captivating plot and likable characters make this a well tuned tale.
As a young man nearing 20, Callum MacCreath, lived for women and drink. When he finds out his brother has formed questionable alliance for business purposes that also includes marriage to his childhood friend, he becomes enraged. Only then does he realize that he wants Becca for himself.
Becca wants security and stability. She will have that with Ian MacCreath, not his brother who is ruled by his vices. After a major argument, Callum is forced from his home and he makes a new start in America.
Ten successful years later as a distillery owner, Callum heads home to seek revenge for his brother's murderer. Becca doesn't believe Callum's claims of murder and Callum doesn't know if Becca knows more than she is letting on. Regardless, Callum now has a niece to protect. As the proof of his theory comes to light will Becca still be able to settle for an unpredictable life and will Callum be a stable and reliable family man after a less than stellar track record?
I liked this book only after Callum started to find proof of his brother's murder. Until that time I was frustrated that Becca could be so gullible and naive. Callum was such a stand up guy that he didn't deserve anyone who would doubt him when the truth was so apparent. He didn't need to prove anything! Only after this factor was resolved was I able to like Becca. Once that happened the story was so much more enjoyable.
After he finds out his too responsible older brother is marrying their childhood friend, Callum flies off in a drunken fit of rage and is banished. Ten years later, he finds himself back in Scotland to find out what happened to his brother.
This story had a pretty good plot and some interesting characters. My only real issue is that I’m not the biggest Callum fan. He’s pretty rash and impulsive, which got on my nerves. Overall it didn’t really deter from the book though. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
I liked this book, mostly because I fell in love with Callum. He had heart, courage and drive. He was a wonderful hero and yet Rebecca lorded over his past mistakes from years and years ago, instead of seeing him for who he is today. I found my dislike for her took away from a great story that had a great balance of romance, suspense and delight for a cute little girl who can win your heart!
I started this book when I was sitting on an airplane last week (right before I got the dreaded flu from one or more plague passengers), and I had to put it down. The prologue made me feel a bit like I was missing the backstory, so I was worried that this was not a series that you could read out of order. However, I gave it another shot today and I read it in one sitting! For anyone else who hasn't read the earlier books... you are fine reading the series out of order. The prologue confused me at first because you come into the story in the middle of an argument. But that was cleared up and I understood the structure once I got to the first chapter (which takes place 10 years after the prologue).
We first meet Callum McCreath in Inverness as a hot-headed and somewhat irresponsible young man as he is getting disowned from clan and kin, and hies off to America with only the clothes on his back. Now its 10 years later and Callum has become an absolutely captivating man. After building his life in the wilds of Kentucky, Callum has become capable, dangerous, and braw. When his brother is murdered, Callum arrives back in Scotland seeking to fulfill a vow of vengeance for those that have wronged his family, whoever they may be. I totally loved Callum. I had not one complaint or thing that I would change about his character. He has grown into a hard-working and fair man who seems to be a natural leader. I liked his business acumen and willingness to get his hands dirty or anything else that his business may require.
Rebecca Sanderson grew up swimming and climbing trees with the McCreath brothers, Ian and Callum. While she was closer to Callum, she made the safe bet for her future and decided to marry his older brother, Ian. After Ian's death, Becca certainly did not want Callum found or interfering in her life or plans. I had a really hard time liking this heroine. I didn't like how she treated Callum, and I thought she came off as somewhat cold and unemotional. She also seemed to be naive and played the ostrich when it came to her husband's mysterious death. I did thaw toward her as the story progressed, but she didn't do a lot to endear herself to me. I know some of this is likely my tendency to be a heroine hater... but also she was just really overshadowed by Callum.
I don't mind the hero overshadowing the heroine in this instance, because I just enjoyed Callum that much. The relationship between the two unfolded slowly over the course of the story. This isn't the first time I've read a story involving a relationship between a hero and his brother's widow... and they can be a hard sell sometimes. I didn't like Becca and Ian together, and do feel like she was a better match with Callum. It was just hard to get over the hurt feelings with how Ian and Becca treated a young Callum, and I got wrapped up in his resentment and hurt.
I absolutely loved Ian and Becca's daughter, Margaret. She was a precocious and endearing child, and she added a heartening aspect to the story. The whole pack aspect was a nice touch, particularly with Callum bringing his wolf with him everywhere.
I got sucked into Callum's investigation more than the actual romance, so I sometimes found myself chasing the mystery more than the love story. This was a great storyline and really helped to advance the plot. I'm glad I gave this book another shot.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, St. Martin's Press.
The dawning of desire...
1806, Scotland: Wild, reckless Callum MacCreath is in no hurry to become someone’s husband. But when his responsible, steady older brother Ian announces his engagement to their childhood friend Rebecca, Callum makes a startling discovery: he wants the lovely young lass for himself. But it’s too late, and when Ian banishes him for his duplicity, he’s only too happy to leave Scotland forever…
...is delicious and dangerous.
1816: Marrying Ian was the practical, logical thing for Becca to do. But once Callum sailed away to America, she missed his rakish charm and lust for life. Now, ten years later, Becca is a widow when a much-changed Callum returns to his Scottish homeland. Will he remember their spirited, fiery connection, or does he blame her for his brother’s unexpected death? This time neither of them can deny their scorching attraction, but will their hearts be burned in the blazing heat of scandal?
Review:
I can say this was my first book by this Author, but it will not be the last.
In this story Callum, the reckless rake is transformed into a reformed man. I really liked the story, it was exciting, heart-felt and fun to read. I thought the Author did a good job of writing an interesting story. I liked that Callum went to the wilds of Kentucky and made something for himself. He becomes such a stand-up guy. Then when he comes back and tries to take care of and protect Becca and her daughter made me like him even more. I loved that Callum and Becca have a shared past, it adds to them as a couple and made me root for them.
A very entertaining read.
4Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.*
A Devil in Scotland by Suzanne Enoch is book Three in the "No Ordinary Hero" series. This is the story of Callum and Rebecca. I have read (and Loved!) the other books in this series, but feel you can make this a standalone book. Callum and Rebecca once were best of childhood friends. But when Callum was around 20 years old he had taken to being a carefree man of drinking and taking women. After a night of this he returned home to find out that his older brother, Ian the Earl of Geiry has asked Becca to marry him. Callum soon learned that his feelings for Becca were more than that of childhood friend...but Becca wouldn't change her mind. Becca does care for Callum but felt that Ian was the safer more mature choice. Ian banished his brother away after Callum had tried to talk Becca away from him. But Callum learned that Becca's father, his brother and the Duke of Dunncraigh had entered into some partnership that may be trouble for his brother. Callum warned the Duke that if anything happened to his brother he would be back for revenge.
Now some 10 years later Callum has been in America becoming a rich man and no longer the young careless boy he used to be. But when he learns of his brother death he knows that someone has killed him and returns to seek justice for him. Callum no longer knows if he can trust Becca but her daughter / his niece has taken over his heart. Callum and Becca have to learn to trust one another again and to get to know the people that each became.
This story was very hard to put down...just loved it!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
If you’re a fan of Suzanne Enoch you won’t be disappointed in this book. It follows the classic historical romance “formula” so you know what to expect from the book. I gave it 3 stars because the Scottish dialogue she used was real distracting. I’ve read other books set in Scotland where they mingle Regency Era English with Scottish and that is a lot easier to read. There were times I was so distracted trying to figure out what she meant that I had to go back and reread the page. I give her credit for trying to make the dialogue authentic but it was still distracting to read.
While I liked the overall plot, and it was clear that Callum and Rebecca had much chemistry to build upon, I didn't like that he came back with all of these judgments about due to his bruised ego. Even to the point of trying to get custody of Mags because he was still angry at Rebecca for choosing his brother over him. So that means she had something to do with his death? Even though it got sorted out and we learn who really did it. Callum and his assumptions proved to me that he was still an emotionally immature boy on the inside. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
*Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin Press for this A/DRC.*
I am a sucker for a mystery in a romance novel.
Callum MacCreath, now Laird Geiry, returns to Scotland 10 years, just months after realizing his older brother has been dead for over a year and that his love of his life is a widow. Returning to find out how his bother died, because it wasn't a drowning like the paper, said and hoped maybe he could win over the girl he loved but too late in asking for her hand in marriage before his brother did ten years ago. Figuring out who is murdering people, including Lady Geiry Rebecca Sanderson-MacCreath's father shortly after her husband's death.
Vengence. Romance. A wolf who protects her pack. HEA. It's a good story.
If I had to nitpick a complaint, it would be more Hero-Centric than Heroine-Centric.
A unique take on the time with the Lord coming back from the colonies; lots of anger, misunderstanding.
A DEVIL IN SCOTLAND is the third in Suzanne Enoch's No Ordinary Hero series. Suzanne Enoch provides a brief epilogue that explains how Callum MacCreath became estranged from his family, the circumstances that surrounded him leaving Scotland, and the complicated feelings he has for Rebecca MacCreath. Because this story is told from alternating perspectives the reader is able to sympathize with, and understand, this hero and heroine better. The bulk of this story takes place after Callum returns to his native Scotland ready to settle old scores and seek vengeance for his brother's untimely death. One complication is Rebecca -- his former flame, and his brother's widow. A DEVIL IN SCOTLAND is a delightful mix of spaghetti western and THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO.
After reading the first few chapters of this story, I initially worried that Callum wouldn't be able to let go of hurt feelings from the past where Rebecca is concerned. Thankfully, it doesn't take this hero long to figure out that Rebecca is innocent of any treachery. Although it's obvious from the start in A DEVIL IN SCOTLAND who the villains are, the mystery and pitch-perfect suspense come from the cat-and-mouse game between the good guys and the bad guys. Callum and Rebecca work together trying to pinpoint all the details of a financial and murderous conspiracy.
A DEVIL IN SCOTLAND is a magnificent tale of revenge that blossoms into a sensual gothic romance. Callum MacCreath has all the usual Highlander sexiness coupled with Mr. Rochester swoon-worthiness, and a smidge of dark and dangerous. That he has a pet wolf, and he's an instant doting uncle, is just icing on the cake and cements him as a top-notch historical hottie. As Callum reacquaints himself with Rebecca, he realizes that most of what he assumed about her was wrong. At a time when there were few options available to women, Rebecca chose to marry someone she liked and respected, provided financial security, and who had the parental seal of approval. When faced with a reminder of what a drunken wastrel he was as a young man, Callum can see Rebecca's perspective on why she picked his brother so many years ago. The sexual tension and sparks between Callum and Rebecca, after so many years apart, are something to behold. The time apart, after gaining much-needed life experience makes the romance that develops between them now so much richer. The scenes between Callum and Rebecca's daughter (and his niece) Margaret are adorable without being overly saccharine. I look forward to reading Suzanne Enoch's next historical romance.
I am an absolute sucker for a highland romance. I will fully admit to reading a book just because it is based in Scotland, my home away from home, even if the cover write-up sounds terrible. Lucky for me this book sounded very enticing AND I totally loved the first book in this series so agreeing to review it was not a hardship in the least. Once again, you don’t need to read the other two books in this awesome No Ordinary Hero series as this one can stand on its own but, some elements of this book are so much more delicious when you have a history with a few of the unsavory characters.
Ms. Enoch is a pleasure to read, her style and voice instantly flows for me rather than other novels where I find I need a chapter or two to adjust to the writer’s unique way of story-telling. I love the way she shows her readers the dark depths of her heros and villains so that you feel invested in every page that you turn. This book is no different but the beginning set an odd tone for me… I didn’t like either of the main characters until I was well into the story.
Callum MacCreath is a childish, degenerate boy as the story begins and you feel this overwhelming need to give him a smack in the head. Our heroine, Rebecca, is really no better, coming across as a selfish woman more interested in money and position than true friendship and love. Jump ahead 10 years and Callum is now a self-made man with no connections to his past and his family in Scotland. He has made a life for himself in Kentucky but the probable murder of his brother, Rebecca’s husband, sends him home in a flash of anger, regret and revenge. He may have matured and changed his ways but you still get glimpses of his old ways as the story develops but Ms. Enoch has written him so well that his frustrations and anger become emotions shared by the reader.
Becca, however, took far longer to endear herself to me. She holds several secrets and has aligned herself with the only people who know what has truly happened to both her husband and her father and it felt as if she went to the dark side too willingly. Grief plays a role but I found her to be a bit weak minded and too rigid for Callum. She absolutely redeems herself of course but I felt like that should have happened before she started sleeping with him. You feel the heat and desire that courses through both Becca and Callum but a part of me wishes they had waited just a little longer, let that heat simmer to a boiling point before jumping into a physical relationship together. If I could change one thing about this book, that would be it.
That being said, I truly enjoyed this last (?) book in the series. You have the highlands, of course, a hint of mystery and a forgotten love rekindled. A recipe for a wonderful and enjoyable book that I didn’t want to end.
~ Danielle
A Devil in Scotland by Suzanne Enoch is a great story that I highly recommend. It is book three in the No Ordinary Hero series but can certainly be read as a stand-alone book. The descriptions of the Scottish lands and its people were well developed. The characters were well developed and fit perfectly into this story. This story was full of both romance, hot chemistry and a lot of action. It was a good mix of both and held my interest until the end. Other characters in the story added further depth to the story especially the little girl Mags. Loved her and her humor. I recommend this book for a great read. Suzanne Enoch has a unique writing style that grabs your interest and does not let go.
NetGalley provided me with an advanced copy for my honest review.
Oh this one is good. It has all the highland hallmarks (grassy hills, loyal clansman, and fierce Scottish warriors) you'd expect, plus wonderful intrigue and a hot, childhood sweethearts (sorta) romance.
So good! I highly recommend A Devil in Scotland.
Awesome book! This held my interest from beginning to end, with plenty of action, romance and great characters. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
My review may be affected because I have not read the other two books in the No Ordinary Hero trilogy, I treated this book as a standalone. I did enjoy the slow burn romance and the characters did have chemistry together. Callum’s progression from a “drunk child” as Becca calls him to a successful businessman was well thought out and made sense. Becca’s choice for a first husband was logical and time period appropriate. For me though, the best character by far was Mags. She is the definition of precocious and quite frankly I hope she gets her own book with Waya.
I understand the author has to create drama and make sure the reader follows the character’s thought process, but what slowed down the novel a bit for me was when the characters constantly brought up the night with the fight. As a reader, it felt like it happened every chapter, but otherwise the pacing was good and it was a unique twist on the “whodunnit” aspect because we knew who killed him, Callum just needed proof.
I also enjoyed that Callum had to choose between his revenge and his family, that is something I had not seen in historical romance before.
A pesar de ser una grande en el género del Romance Histórico, no había leído nada de Suzanne Enoch pero Netgalley me prestó una copia de A Devil in Scotland, el tercer volumen de la serie No Ordinary Hero y me dieron muchas ganas de conocer su escritura.
No tardé mucho en quedar prendada de la historia. En el prólogo conocemos a los jóvenes protagonistas, Rebecca y Callum han sido amigos desde pequeños pero la idea que cada tiene de lo que desean para su futuro es muy diferente. Rebecca termina casada con el hermano de Callum y este se ve camino a América.
Diez años han pasado de esto y Callum se ha visto obligado a volver cuando descubre que su hermano ha fallecido. El escocés está convencido de que su muerte no fue un accidente y ha jurado vengarse de quien sea que haya asesinado a su hermano,
La sinopsis no llamaba tanto mi atención pero me he dado cuenta de que con este género las historias suelen ser mucho más interesantes y complicadas de lo que la sinopsis describe y en las páginas de A Devil in Scotland personajes fuertes y cautivadores que me mantuvieron leyendo página tras página.
Me enamoré de Callum y su espiritu y me encantó que Becca no tratara de aplacarlo. Ambos han cambiado en esos diez años que no se vieron (es algo de lo que se hace mención a cada rato) y ha sido para bien. Ahora si están listos para iniciar una relación. Aunque primero Callum tiene que obtener su venganza.
I really enjoyed reading A Devil in Scotland by Suzanne Enoch, book three in her No Ordinary Hero series. As a twenty-year old Callum, being the second son, had no responsibility so he lived recklessly by indulging in whiskey and women, and as presented was not very likeable. Becca, two years younger, grew up with Callum and his older brother Ian as playmates and best friends. She is already considering her future, wanting security and a family. Upon hearing that Becca is to marry his older brother’s marriage offer, Callum while upset, rashly proposes that she run away with him instead and insults everyone from his brother to their clan chief. Everything he says is overheard by his brother who furiously banishes him.
Fast forward ten years and we find Callum a wiser if not cynical man who through hard work built an empire in America with a successful whiskey company. When Callum accidently learns from a scrap of newspaper that Ian had died in a tragic drowning accident, he knows that foul play must be involved and returns to Scotland intending to seek revenge for his brother. The adult Callum is more likeable and honorable. Upon his return with his pet wolf, Waya, he discovers he has a six-year old niece, Mags, who he feels very protective of and the clan chief’s son courting Becca. As Becca and Callum reconnect they find a strong and powerful chemistry between them. This powerful story contains humor with the antics of Mags, Waya the wolf, and the family Skye Terrier Reginald, known as Mop along with some steamy sex scenes. Becca and Callum need to trust the other as they work together in figuring out who killed Ian.
I enjoyed reading this story. Ms. Enoch is an excellent storyteller, keeping me interested in this story so that I had trouble putting it down. I recommend this outstanding book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.