One Night with a Laird
Nicola Cornick

Genre:
Historical
Heat Level: Hot
Rating:

Can true love be born from scandal?

She is young and beautiful and fashionable, Edinburgh's most flirtatious hostess. But within the merry widow beats a grieving heart. Lady Mairi mourns the husband she lost two years before—and no matter how accomplished a lover Jack Rutherford may be, their wanton night together was an encounter of the body only, and Lady Mairi would prefer to forget it.

But when Mairi is threatened by a blackmailer, Jack is the only man who can protect her. As they work together to uncover where the danger lies, their passion reignites. Little by little, the masks they wear burn away, and their most private secrets come to light….

Review

An evocative story with a very sensual start!

This story had an unexpected start for me and involves a widow, which I’ve encountered a lot of these in November releases, and the enemies to lovers trope. Enemies to lovers is so much fun, and Cornick does a wonderful job. 

Similar to her books Notorious, and Confessions of a Duchess this story contains a hero and heroine who clash as much outside of the bedroom as in. Both Mairi and Jack are incredibly strong characters with big hurts, and it takes a special kind of person to heal a hurt.

For Mairi it’s her personal image. She’s never really experienced a love that’s body and soul nor does she typically want to, but her first encounter with Jack proves to her she needs more than a future by herself. The only problem is Mairi’s the type of girl that wants things on her own terms. This heroine is easy to relate to; she likes to be in control, but finds those limits pushed whenever she’s around Jack.

Jack suffers from some past issues, and hasn’t found a way to deal with him. Being caught up with Mairi and her problems isn’t something he’s down for. He’s the guy who’s afraid of commitment, but he’d love a chance to get Mairi naked so he sets aside previous scruples if it means hitting the sack.

The underlying plot, a small suspense bit, enhanced the story and Cornick did have me guessing throughout the book for the bad guy. I didn’t believe who the villain was at first and yes, he meets all my requirements of being exceedingly wicked. Cornick also does a great job of keeping my interested in a Scottish hero. No fancy Scottish lilts to throw me off.

It’s a good read with decent pacing, great sexual chemistry, and a nice HEA. If you’re looking for a book that’s easy to read and won’t let you down One Night with a Laird is the way to go.

For readers who enjoy Kasey Michaels

Reviewed by Landra