Katie MacAlister is a new author for me, having only read IMPROPER ENGLISH before this one.  However, She’s going right down on my list of authors to look for because MEN IN KILTS is simply too enjoyable not to be out finding for more of her books.  Like IMPROPER ENGLISH, MEN IN KILTS is a contemporary, humorous romance set in a country halfway around the world from myself.   

Kathie Williams is a thirty something (thirty seven) year old American, who also happens to be a mystery writer attending a writer’s convention, Murder in Manchester, in London.  The trip suddenly takes a whole new turn when she happens to meet a gorgeous, honest to goodness, Scot at the convention, whose accent takes the substance out of her knees.  Iain McLaren spends a few minutes with her until he has to leave her to her convention duties, but not before she becomes hopelessly infatuated with him.  Imagine her spine tingling surprise when he shows up at the signing the next day and asks her out.  Imagine more of her surprise when she suddenly finds herself heading to Scotland with her mouth watering Scot to visit his home.  

Iain McLaren owns and runs a sheep farm in the Highlands.  Bringing Kathie home with him will prove interesting as she meets one of his sons (who takes an instant dislike to her), his neighbor Bridget (who also happens to be his ex-lover), his brother (a man who has melted many a woman’s heart) as well as his prickly charlady (housekeeper, cook, etc).  With a relationship that seems too good to be true, Kathie and Iain discover more about each other as her time in Scotland draws to a close.  Is Iain in this for love or just a good time?  

The first thing you will notice is that MEN IN KILTS is written in the first person.  I say this because some people find that they don’t like first person stories.  They are not my favorite either, but once you get into the story, it really ceases to make a difference.  MEN IN KILTS is a fun, face paced and witty adventure in the Scottish Highlands.  Iain is so sexy, it makes me want to hop on the nearest plane to Scotland and find myself a real, honest to goodness Scot myself.  Everything about this story is clearly felt and seen, from the picture MacAlister paints of the Scottish countryside, to hearing the accents of the people who live there.  

The only problem I had with this book is that the relationship instantly starts with a bang and there isn’t any explanation of why Iain was so enamored with Kathie.  It’s just automatically assumed he falls head over heels for her at first sight, but we don’t know that for sure.  Kathie gives us every thought of what she feels, so we understand why she follows a man she just met to the Highlands to stay with him.  Heck, would you turn down an invite from a breathtaking Scot?  Hm?  Be honest now.

It’s no stretch of my imagination to do something like that.  With that aside (and bear in mind this happens within the first few chapters of the book), the rest of the story flows and is so quaint and charming, I instantly got attached to all these characters.  I love when that happens!  

Iain’s heart tugging actions speak louder than words and I found myself sighing with pleasure at some of the things he does for Kathie.  Kathie in turn does things for Iain, that all show you how much these two care about each other instead of just telling.  MEN IN KILTS is so utterly delightful, I read this book nearly all in one sitting.   

Oh, and I’m hoping that Ms. MacAlister doesn’t leave Iain’s charming older brother Ewen out there to suffer alone.  He needs a good woman for himself.  

Where do I sign up, Katie?  I’m ready to go to Scotland.