Review: Scoundrel in a Kilt by Nicole North

Scoundrel in a Kilt
Author: Nicole North
Part of: Secrets: Desires Unleashed, Vol. 30 Anthology
Genre: Paranormal/Shifter Erotica Romance

Publisher: Red Sage

Pub. Date: July 31, 2011
Received By: Author for review
Rating: 4.5/5
Heat: 3.5-4/5

*Scoundrel in a Kilt*
Blurb 

Brodie, Chieftain of Clan MacCain is a dark, sexual scoundrel living in 1621 Scotland. He loves nothing more than being a selkie shape-shifter even if he has been cursed by a dark witch. He embraces his selkie powers and their sensual lifestyle, but his human clan disapproves.

After a high fashion photo shoot in the Scottish Highlands, modern day model Erin Schultz is trying to recuperate from one of the worst days of her life when a hot, kilted warrior invades her dreams. He inflames her desires but refuses to satisfy them. In the next instant, she finds herself stranded on an icy rock in the dark ocean. The delicious Highlander from her dream comes to her rescue, but this time he’s far more than a fantasy.  He’s real and he’s naked. When he accidentally gives her a lust potion, will he appease her intense arousal or leave her in torment?

Because of a past betrayal, Brodie dares not trust another woman, especially one as beautiful, spellbinding and wanton as Erin. If he takes her as he yearns to do—as she begs him to do—will he no longer be a selkie? When Erin realizes she has time-traveled four hundred years into the past, a time of powerful witches and barbaric enemies, she’s determined to return to her normal life in present day. Though leaving Brodie will devastate her, she can’t give up her dreams, ignore her responsibilities or go back on important promises she’s made. By giving her what she wants most, will Brodie destroy himself?

Nicole North breaths erotic romantic life into the Scottish folklore of selkies. And the alpha, Chieftain hero who can shed his seal skin to once again become human is nothing short of hot in Scoundrel in a Kilt! Let kilts, Scottish brogue, paranormal spins, and love that transcends time bewitch you in a novella lengths time.

American model, Erin Schultz, is having a rough photo shoot in the Scottish highlands. But when a sexy, irresistible man in a kilt shows up during an emotionally dark moment to seduce her, suddenly Erin is left consumed by desire -- and instantly and mysteriously abandoned on a rock off the shore of a seventeenth century Scotland. Only who should come to her rescue but the sexy kilted man from her dreams. Or was it a dream??

Brodie, Chieftain of Clan MacCain, has his own problems -- mainly those that involve being cursed into his selkie skin by a dark witch. But when a beautiful blond woman who speaks funny is suddenly thrust into his care, his problems start to grow. Now Brodie is caught between his cursed life as a selkie, the Chieftain of a human clan, and his undeniable and growing desire of a woman who is not of his time. However, when the dark witch who cursed Brodie sets her sights on Erin, Brodie must decide between what's important to him, and what's real, including his new found love for Erin. But is there love enough to transcend the bounds of time?

Nicole North delivers a highly captivating, very sexy, time traveling, paranormal, highlander novella in Scoundrel in a Kilt. Whew, that's a mouthful! :) Her ability to create dimensional and believable characters shines through in Brodie and Erin. You could sense their struggles with their personal obligations, and the conflict of falling in love with someone from a time period of four hundred years difference.

The paranormal aspects were fantastic! I truly enjoyed the unique and fun spin on the Scottish selkie folklore. Who would have thought shifting seals could be so damn sexy? The sexual tension sizzles and flares to an explosive outcome between the brooding, alpha hero and the determined, misplaced heroine. The cold Scottish waters can't douse the heat between these two!

Having a story set against the backdrop of seventeenth-century Scotland creates an air of romanticism and mystique that comes alive in Scoundrel in a Kilt. Additionally, the author clearly knows her Scottish history and geography of the land, allowing the story to take on a more authentic presence.   

Scoundrel in a Kilt captivates with an easy, consistent writing style, dynamic characters, yumminess sure to seduce, all set against an ancient Scottish backdrop. I hope Nicole plans on bringing back these yummy selkies in future books.

Make sure to stay tuned for the interview with Nicole North tomorrow, when she stops by to talk more about her sexy story, gifts readers with a yummy little teaser and also comes bearing a gift for a lucky reader! :)