title: Hard-Hearted Highlander: A Sexy Scottish Historical Romance (The Highland Grooms)
author:  Julia London 
description: "London's new Highland Grooms series will be well worth following if this first novel is any indication; she achieves something very difficult in a genre that often follows a formula-a suspenseful plot with an unpredictable conclusion." - Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews on Wild Wicked Scot<br /><br />"Expert storytelling and believable characters make the romance between Arran and Margot come alive in this compelling novel packed with characters whom readers will be sad to leave behind." -Starred Review, Publishers Weekly on Wild Wicked Scot<br /><br />"This absorbing and passionate romance bodes well for future Highland Grooms titles." -Starred Review, Booklist on Wild Wicked Scot<br /><br />"London's well-honed storytelling skills carry the day."<br />-Publishers Weekly on The Scoundrel and the Debutante<br /><br />"London's writing bubbles with high emotion as she describes sexual enthusiasm, personal grief and familial warmth. Her blend of playful humor and sincerity imbues her heroines with incredible appeal, and readers will delight as their unconventional tactics create rambling paths to happiness."<br />-Publishers Weekly on The Devil Takes a Bride<br /><br />"This tale of scandal and passion is perfect for readers who like to see bad girls win, but still love the feeling of a society romance, and London nicely sets up future books starring Honor's sisters."<br />-Publishers Weekly on The Trouble with Honor<br /><br />"London's engaging series is recommended for all romance collections."<br />-Library Journal on The Scoundrel and the Debutante<br /><br />"A delectably sexy hero, an unconventionally savvy heroine, and a completely improper business proposal add up to another winner for ever-versatile London."<br />-Booklist on The Trouble with Honor
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  Dedication
  
  To my writers’ critique group—Marta, Scott and Bill—none of you read romance,
  yet you’ve steadfastly given me good advice and wonderful ideas.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Chapter One
  
  What a pity Jamie MacLeod had to be such a good-looking man. And so tall. With
  such broad shoulders.
  
  Because he was quite the most annoying male Marissa Barclay had ever met.
  
  He was doing it again. Mari tugged at the collar of her pelisse to cut the
  chill of the autumn air and sighed in exasperation as Jamie blocked the door
  to the carriage the footman held open for her.
  
  “I dinnae think Jillian will approve of ye leaving for London,” Jamie said.
  
  Mari refrained from rolling her eyes since it was quite unladylike. She might
  get by with such practices here at the Newburn country estate, but London’s
  ton would surely judge such action as boorish and common—terms she did not
  wish applied to her.
  
  “My sister is in Scotland, happily married to your brother, Ian, in case you
  do not recall.”
  
  A breez