ARC Book Review-The Devil's Heart: The Chattan Curse

The Devil's Heart
Chattan Curse (3)
Cathy Maxwell
Avon Books
ARC E Book
Published April 30 2013
384 Pages
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780062070272
Author's Website 

Synopsis
New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell returns with her most unforgettable novel about the Chattan family yet…

They call her the Unattainable. Lady Margaret Chattan spurned every suitor for her hand, vowing never to marry. The only way to break the curse plaguing her family for two centuries is this ultimate sacrifice. But now her brothers' lives are in danger. Determined to save them, she risks her very soul by traveling into the heart of the highlands to battle a force that has transcended time.

Heath Macnachtan is not superstitious. Laird of the most independent, nonconforming, madly infuriating clan ever to grace Scotland, he believes he has his hands full. And then, a woman lauded as one of the most beautiful in England, arrives on his doorstep with wild accusations and a mystical quest . . . one that just might help him discover who murdered his own brother.

But the real danger for Heath and Margaret is not a supernatural foe, but a very real love that could destroy them both.

My Review
Summary 
Margaret is on a most important mission...one that could mean life or death for both of her brothers. The Chattan Curse has been in their family for generations...whenever a male falls in love, he will die soon thereafter. With both of her brothers almost paralized, and close to death, she knows she must succeed on her mission, because they have never been so close to breaking it. With 'Fenella's ' book in her possession, she knows she has a real chance. Then her carriage crashes from a powerful wind, and she is rescued by Heath Macnachtan, who is a descendent of the one witch who cursed her family all those years ago. Heath doesn't believe in any curse, or witches, and cats that just appear out of no where. When he rescues Margaret, he senses something odd about her. Heath has many debts, and is barely staying afloat as it is. With the recent death of his brother, he is now Laird, and must take responsibility for his sisters and all those that are under his care. Even though his sisters are trying to push him into marrying Margaret, he knows the last thing he needs is marrying someone who is only here to break some curse he doesn't even believe in. However when he starts to lose his heart to her, he starts to realize that there are some things that are very real, and it will take a huge leap of faith to save the only woman that he loves more than the air he breathes...

The Hero (Heath Macnachtan)
Heath, was quite content with having his brother be the Laird. He decided on a life on the sea, and was quite happy that way. But when he hears that his brother has been murdered, he knows he has no choice but to assume his rightful place as heir and Laird. He never realized how daunting that task would be. Having the responisbility to handle the growing amount of the debts that have built up over the years, and with one problem or another with his people, and the worry of making sure his sisters have proper dowries...the last thing he needs is a lone woman trying to break some mysterious curse that she thinks he is the key to. Absurd right? Heath goes about to prove to her what real life is like....and before he knows it...all he wants to do is protect her with all he has...no matter the cost to himself.

The Heroine (Margaret Chattan)
Margaret, even though she comes from a family with a fortune, and has never had to worry about financial difficulties, it wears heavily on her mind that she will lose both of her brothers...both of whom she loves dearly. So when she is able to find a key to breaking it, she travels up north, to the one man that could be the key to everything. Only she never thought all of her party would be killed except for a servant, who believes in the curse just as much as she does. When Heath rescues her, at first she thinks he is vile and she must do everything in her power to save her brothers' lives. She just doesn't realize what a vital role he would play, which would include being her future, the one person that she could fall in love with easily enough, if the guard around her heart weakens.

My Thoughts 
I was given the opportunity by Edelweiss, Avon, and Harpercollins to read this ARC. I have just adored this series so far. Cathy Maxwell never disappoints...that is all that I have to say. Every time I read her, I just think to myself...she is one of the main reasons I love Historical Romance so much. She makes history come alive, along with the characters she portrays in her stories. Her writing is so addicting, that you can't help but feel yourself becoming enthralled in the story...so much so you can't put it down for one minute. For those of you, who have never read from this author or this series...you are missing out on a thrilling ride that will take you back through time, where magic is real, and love surpasses time and space. We start in the story with Margaret and Heath meeting, where he rescues her from a carriage accident on her way up to see Heath. Little does he know, that she would change his life forever. At the beginning, there is sparks flying here, there and everywhere....I felt like I was watching fireworks. They could be explosive together. But as we progress in the story futher, we see a gentle love start to build between them. Heath doesn't believe in any curse or witches or spells, but he softens toward Margaret...so much so that you just melt when seeing them together. The bed scenes were so "Sigh" lovely, and passionate, yet gentle in its simplicity. It made me want to trade places at times. I loved the paranormal theme we have going...its not a huge aspect, we see much more focus on the love story than anything else (which is always a plus in my book) however I did like seeing the focus on the curse.  As it got closer to the end, I was hoping it wouldn't be a cliff hanger or anything. Was I disappointed, shocked, or displeased in any way? NEVER!!! I was so happy I got a tear in my eye..I almost couldn't read for a minute. I loved the power of the love story that just climaxes in such a perfect way....that it leaves one grinning like a fool at the end. It did have some unexpected twists and turns that I never saw coming....and I was delighted to see how it turned out. It was the perfect end to a exciting trilogy that has kept me on the edge of my seat so far. If you are looking for a astounding romance that will delight you and make you believe that LOVE does conquer all....this is a MUST READ!!! A Classic tale of love, magic, danger, and passion that will curl your toes!!

First Line 
 Margaret moved deeper into the forest. 

Favorite Quotes 
His manner changed. He brought his hand to her waist, pulling her to him. His kiss became more intent, more purposeful. 
Margaret believed she'd known what a kiss was.
She now realized she hadn't
Heath Macnachtan's kiss robbed her of all reason. It felt good to be this close to him. It felt safe. 

My Grade 
5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In The Series 
The Lyon's Bride
The Scottish Witch