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Temptation
383 pages
A spirited, opposites-attract romp through the Scottish Highlands where fierce independence collides with rugged charm.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like stepping into a lively, banter-filled clash of wills set against the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The pacing is brisk and engaging, driven by the fiery, comedic friction between a fiercely independent, city-bred heroine and a gruff, nature-loving hero. The mood balances cozy domestic chaos with sweeping, passionate romance, creating an atmosphere that is both playful and deeply earnest. The prose is accessible and dialogue-heavy, perfectly capturing the exasperation and eventual tenderness of their evolving dynamic. It is a delightful, comforting read for anyone who loves classic historical romances where stubborn independence slowly melts into an overwhelming, unexpected partnership, proving that sometimes the greatest adventures happen close to home.
- Mood
- lively
- cozy
- passionate
- sweeping
- Tone
- playful
- spirited
- humorous
- romantic
- earnest
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- opposites attract · fish out of water · female independence · unexpected domesticity · clash of cultures
- The writing
- Engaging and dialogue-heavy, with a warm, accessible flow that highlights the characters' fiery banter.
- The arc
- A journey from stubborn, comedic defiance to a tender, overwhelming surrender to unexpected love.
- Who it's for
- Readers who delight in classic, banter-filled historical romances featuring fiercely independent heroines and rugged, gruff heroes.
Content notes
- period-typical sexism
- mild sexual content
About the book
The year is 1909, and Temperance O’Neil is a woman ahead of her time. At 29, she is happily married to her work helping single mothers on the streets of New York. Unfortunately, Angus McCairn – her new stepfather – controls the purse strings to her substantial inheritance. Angus insists she quit her career and live in his house in Edinburgh. Temperance heads to Scotland with one mission – to drive Angus crazy. Angus asks that she pose as housekeeper to Angus’ nephew, James, in a secret attempt to find him a wife. If she succeeds in matchmaking, she will be allowed to return to New York.
Although James McCairn is Laird of Clan McCairn, he’s no cultured gentleman – he’s a strapping, rough-mannered giant interested only in farming. His stables are immaculate, his horses gleam with care, and he lavishes personal attention on his sheep – but there are pigeons roosting in the kitchens and chickens in the bedrooms.
Temperance is determined to win her return passage at any cost. But the cost may be her heart...for as Temperance O’Neil attempts to open James’ eyes to the wonders of love, it is she herself who is liberated – by the power of an overwhelming passion.
Description from Open Library.
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