REVIEW: Kill or Be Kilt by Victoria Roberts

In Kill or Be Kilt (Highland Spies #3) by Victoria Roberts, Lady Elizabeth Walsingham finally has the chance to go to England to be presented in the King’s court, hopefully finding a suitable match. She spent years wishing she could tame Laird Ian Munro, a Highlander who makes most people run for cover, but Elizabeth has come to terms with her dreams not coming true. Imagine her surprise when Laird Munro accompanies her and her companions traveling to London and begins to show interest in her at long last. She’ll have to decide whether his intentions are true or if it is just jealousy over the attention she is getting by her peers.

“You’re the man who holds my heart. The only man who can ever make me alter my views of you is you. And if you stop acting like an arse, everything else between us will work itself out.”

Ian thought himself blessed when Elizabeth’s crush on him seemed to go away, knowing how stubborn the Walsingham women can be. But while getting to know the grown up woman she’s become once they arrive in London, he realizes how much he’s come to care for her. Ian knows Elizabeth could do better than a less-than-handsome grumpy Highlander, but he decides to try for her hand anyway. And as he keeps her under close protection while the court is in an uproar over attacks on the King’s council members, Ian can’t wait to get back to his beloved Scotland and to hopefully make Elizabeth his bride.

“Having lived under the same roof as all the Walsingham sisters, more often than nae, they’re angry with us men most of the time. If ye think Elizabeth is cross with ye, offer her an apology.”
“And what the hell do I apologize for?”
Fagan shrugged. “I donna know. Mayhap being a man, being born. I’d start with one of those.”

What fun! Kill or Be Kilt was a Highland novel with intrigue, fun family dynamics, and a romance that had been simmering away for about three years. Elizabeth and Ian finally dealt with their chemistry head-on and the results were well worth the wait.

“Gradh geal mo chridhe.”
She have him a look of amusement. “Gaelic, Laird Munro?”
He briefly closed his eyes and prayed for strength. “I needed to say the words in my own tongue first because I needed to find the courage to say…” He lifted his hand and gently brushed his fingers against her cheek. “Ye’re the bright love of my heart, Elizabeth.”

Although this can be read as a standalone, if you’ve read any of the other novels in the Highland Spies series you’ve undoubtedly seen the attraction between our hero and heroine. Grouchy Laird Munro and lovely Lady Elizabeth had been circling each other for a while so here we finally got to see how things would pan out for them. I thought author Victoria Roberts detailed their emotions and interactions perfectly, blending humor and passion together in a believable and highly entertaining way.

Ian was a big old grumbly teddy bear of a Highlander when it came to Elizabeth. He had no idea how to woo her once he realized his feelings and it just made me like him that much more, seeing him try so hard. Too hard, actually, because he kept sticking his foot in his mouth. I thought Ian was an endearing character and exactly what I’ve come to love about Highland heroes. He was loyal, beyond rugged, protective, and head over heels for Elizabeth even though he didn’t want to be.

Elizabeth was similar to her sisters in that she was headstrong and stubborn, but she had her own unique personality. I liked that she was rather soft-spoken until she got riled up. Then she showed just how much of a backbone the Walsingham women truly had. There was a bit of a mystery as to who was harming the King’s council while she was there at court for the first time, making her part of the story weave around the harmful doings. I had my guesses as to who was behind everything but there was a tad more to it than I had expected, which was great.

A sweet and delightful love story set against the tension of the King’s court, Kill or Be Kilt hit all of the bells and whistles I look for in a Highland novel. Definitely recommended.

Book Info:

Publication: May 3rd 2016 | Sourcebooks Casablanca | Highland Spies #3

“A master of Highland romance.”-Becky Condit of USA Today on My Highland Spy

It’s been three years since Lady Elizabeth Walsingham ended her childish crush on Laird Ian Munro, the fierce Highlander who scared everyone but her. She’s a grown woman now, heading to London to find a proper English gentleman. But when the wild Highland laird walks through the door, she’s that breathless youth all over again.

Ian tries hard to avoid the young lass who’s confounded him for years. But now that they’re attending court, he must keep watch on her night and day. Danger is at every turn and advisors to the Crown are being murdered. Ian soon realizes the girl he’s been protecting is a beautiful lady who needs his help, almost as much as he needs her.

The Highland Spies Series:
My Highland Spy (Book 1)
Kilts and Daggers (Book 2)
Kill or Be Kilt (Book 3)

Praise for My Highland Spy:
“One of the best… an outstanding Scottish romance.”-Romance Reviews, 5 Stars
“An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love.”-Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master