The second book in the clever, sexy Desperately Seeking Duke series from USA Today bestselling and RITA award–winning author Caroline Linden.
An Officer and a Scotsman
Captain Andrew St. James always knew he came from a noble family, but his branch grew far from the wealth and status. Nothing shocks him more than learning that he now stands as heir presumptive to his distant cousin the Duke of … stands as heir presumptive to his distant cousin the Duke of Carlyle. There is much for Drew to learn and adjust to—but first he goes home to Edinburgh, to tell his mother and three sisters of their startling good fortune.
A Lady and a Temptress
Ilsa Ramsay yearns for some adventure and fun, not another husband. When she discovers the handsome soldier who sweeps her off her feet for a rollicking dance is her friend’s brother, soon to be an English duke, she tells herself he’s not for her, no matter how tempting he is. But one impulsive kiss, then another, and another… says otherwise.
An Irresistible Attraction
Drew means to marry a respectable, dignified Englishwoman—a very proper future duchess. The spirited Ilsa is none of that. Still, when she’s caught in a dangerous scandal, he leaps to her aid without hesitation. And neither family duty nor future obligation can make them ignore what’s in both their hearts.
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Series Overview – The Carlyle duchy is in peril and the current duchess is doing everything in her power to track down the possible heirs and begin their training in how to manage the rich and powerful duchy. The duchess has lost all of her children and the current duke was injured many years ago leaving him mentally and physically incapacitated. He is unmarried and has no children. The duchess has had their solicitor, Mr. Edwards, diligently searching the family tree and tracking down the possible heirs. They have identified three possible, and the duchess isn’t thrilled with any of them. One, Maximilian St. James, is a card sharp and someone the duchess certainly hopes will not be the one to inherit. Max was featured in the first book of the series – About a Rogue. The next is a Scot and a soldier, Captain Andrew (Drew) St. James (this book), and the third one – heaven forbid – is a Frenchman – who I assume will be featured in the third book, All the Duke I Need, releasing at the beginning of 2022.
Captain Andrew St. James knew he was very distantly related to a ducal family, but he never gave it any thought because the two branches of the family were estranged and they hadn’t communicated in a couple of generations. As he returned from a particularly nasty job of doing road repairs in the rain, he was shocked to be immediately summoned to Colonel Fitzwilliam’s home where he was given the shock of his life. Evidently, he is the heir presumptive to the Duke of Carlyle. UGH – definitely not on his list of things he wants to happen – but – it does offer the opportunity for him to provide a happier, more comfortable life for his mother and sisters. Yet, when he arrives at the ducal estate, it is to find there is another potential heir and that he has to make himself ‘respectable’. Drew is the closer heir, but if something happens to him, his cousin Maximilian would inherit. Drew is given a sum of cash and instructions to get his life in order so he can live on the Carlyle estate and learn to manage it. Drew sets off for Edinburgh to convince his mother and sisters they want to move to England, and then he has to resign his commission in the army. In other words – he has to uproot and turn his and his family’s lives upside down.
Ilsa Ramsay has been sheltered and treated like a child her entire life. Propriety and decorum have been drummed into her until she is absolutely chaffing from it. First, her father and her aunt kept her from doing anything she enjoyed. Then, being the dutiful daughter, she married the man her father told her to marry. That man also controlled her every move and he was even worse than her father and aunt. Now, she is a widow with a fortune and has every intention of enjoying her life. Not that it is easy because her aunt now lives with her and is still constantly on her about propriety. She just needs some freedom to do a few things she enjoys – things other young women get to do. She just has to rebel on occasion. On one such occasion, she dances with – and spontaneously kisses – the most handsome and intriguing man. Too bad she’ll never see him again.
Drew is instantly drawn to the beauty who had so much gaiety and life in her – and who spontaneously kissed him. Who is she? How can he find her again? What luck – it turns out she is a great friend to his sisters. The electricity between Drew and Ilsa just sizzles and no matter how hard Ilsa tries to fight it, she just can’t win. She knows there can be nothing between them – he is a ducal heir for goodness sake. However, when major trouble arrives and Ilsa’s safety and security are threatened, Drew will move heaven and earth to help her.
I absolutely LOVED Drew and Ilsa. He is the most honorable and upright man you’d want to meet. He loves his mother and sisters and treats them with humor, love, and respect. I also loved Ilsa who just wanted love and companionship, but never got anything except censure. I still don’t love the duchess though. She’s had Drew turn his entire world upside down with the expectation that he is the closest heir to the duke and is expected to inherit – when she knows there is one relative who is actually closer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, fast-paced story filled with delightful, entertaining, and relatable characters. I’ll be excited to meet the final potential heir in the third book of the series. I actually have a feeling he was introduced at the end of this book, but nothing in the book actually said that. A new steward, Mr. Montclair, was hired as estate manager. Could he be our French heir?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved Andrew, in the first book he sounded like a stick in the mud, so wound up his breeches would split, the other heir presumptive Maximilian St. James (first book About a Rogue) was so wicked…..well what a treat he turned out to be!
Ilsa Ramsay is free, free from the stifling rules of her family, finally after her husband’s untimely death she’s living her life for the first time as she sees fit.
An impulsive kiss from a mysterious lady is not far from Drew’s thoughts and fantasies until they meet again and the sparks ignite
I loved the banter and witty dialogue, the romance was slow burn and tastefully done without too much drama. Loved Ilsa she’s not the typical heroine she’s vibrant and full of life, not afraid to speak her mind. Drew and Ilsa are the perfect couple, I enjoyed reading this story. But my question is who’s the duke?
I wonder if it might be the Frenchman.
Great read! I highly recommend and I can’t wait for the next instalment to the series, I have a feeling it’s going to be the best one yet!
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. This is my honest review.
4.25/5
I really enjoyed this second offering in the Desperately Seeking Duke series.
Drew is an officer and a Scotsman whose family descends from nobility but has nothing to show for it as there was a falling-out in the past. He has worked hard to provide for his mother and sisters and is shocked when he discovers that he is the presumptive heir of the family’s English dukedom. He is charged with learning the responsibilities of his new position as well as finding a suitable wife to serve as his duchess.
Ilsa is a spirited young widow who has been controlled by both her husband and father and yearns for fun and freedom in her life. Little does she know that it is her friend’s brother, Drew, that she shares an impromptu kiss with during a rowdy tavern dance. There is an immediate attraction even though they both know that vivacious Ilsa is ill-suited to be a proper duchess. A scandal arises involving Ilsa’s father, and Drew and Ilsa must step in to uncover the truth.
I loved both mains. Drew is a wonderful character, filled with integrity/sincerity but also a little bit of mischief as well. Ilsa is rambunctious and an original in her thoughts and actions. They have both been “controlled” by outside forces (family responsibility, proper decorum) when all they crave is to live their lives as themselves. And they each bring out the best in one another.
Wonderful story and whole-heartedly recommend.
Much thanks to #Avon, the author and #Edelweiss for providing me the free early ARC for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
I had no idea that Drew would get his own story after meeting him in the previous book. We had only gotten Maximilian’s thoughts about Drew in that book and it wasn’t necessarily glowingly orated. It’s nice to get a true account of what was happening with Drew while Maximillian was getting his happy ever after. Especially since we learned some of Drew’s outcomes in book one.
Although this might not be the biggest standout for me amidst the flurry of historicals I’ve devoured this year, there were a few aspects to the story that replayed in my mind as I read. They felt singular to this book compared to so many others.
Ilsa is a young, wealthy widow who is now living life with freedoms and opportunities she didn’t have while being raised by a single father and then in an arranged marriage. She’s now living her life on her own terms until waylayed by rumors and the love of a potential Duke.
Drew is a captain in the military and now heir to a dukedom. While he learns the responsibilities of his future inheritance and seeks a suitable wife, he meets Ilsa. Maybe not the best match for his title, but definitely the perfect match for this lovely man’s heart.
I really enjoyed the circumstances of how Drew and Ilsa meet and also the time they spend getting to know each other. Ilsa is a fabulous heroine, but her post-widowhood life is often misunderstood by society when it veers from society’s norm. She remains sweet and thoughtful while refusing to be led by the strictures of family, society, and gender. Her money, her decision. Her life, her choice.
I’m not sure that I’ve read a more perfectly matched couple than Drew & Ilsa. I felt contentment with each of their steps from friendship to desire to love. They were both simply wonderful human beings and it was a delight to follow.
The secondary characters were also enjoyable. I really liked how Drew’s mother was portrayed. Her communication with Drew was perfect. She wasn’t judgmental about Ilsa, only concerned for her oldest child amongst the Ilsa rumors.
Although I’ve only read a few, this is my favorite book by the author, so far. Great characters and a truly heartwarming romance with a little mystery and adventure for good measure.
I love family-oriented stories. Andrew really loves his family and falls for Isla. This is a nice story and who can resist a Scot.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
*** A Father’s Love ***
Con: The ending felt like a cliffhanger although it was not. The reader has to decipher what is actually happening and what will happen.
PRO: I loved reading this book. From the very beginning I was intrigued, deeply absorbed and intent on finishing this book in one sitting. The storyline was original, tense, confusing, shocking, freeing, romantic, principled and noble. The main characters Drew and Ilsa were amazing. Ilsa’s personality was eccentric but after years of unhappiness following society’s dictates, she freed herself and lived the way she wanted to. To her aunt’s dismay. She proved herself fiercely loyal and loved unconditionally. I liked her honest approach to life. She was true to herself and to others. Drew did not spurn his opportunity to become heir. His first thought was not for himself but of his mother and sisters and what he could do for them. When Ilsa entered his life, he felt a connection and let things unfold as they may. Soon it became abundantly clear Ilsa meant more to him than any other woman.
CONCLUSION; An excellent book, well written, with enough drama and suspense to satisfy. The unpredictable twists and turns in the story took me off guard and really surprised me. A must read. I highly recommend it.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I read the first book in this series last year and loved its premises: the powerful Duke of Carlyle title now needed to be passed on to the long lost distant cousins, who were all caught by surprise, expected to improve themselves so they could take on the responsibilities that came the dukedom. This book is about the heir presumptive Captain Andrew St. James. He’s not a reformed rake like his cousin from book 1, but straight up a nice and sweet guy, responsible for his mother and 3 younger sisters. When he knew about his inheritance, he took it seriously and rose up to the challenge. When he met the heroine, Ilsa Ramsay, he was captivated by her boldness and sunshine personality.
Ilsa is a young widow who lived with her aunt and had a close relationship with her father. She had always been the obedient woman, to her father and her first husband. Now wealthy and independent, she decided to live her life and followed her heart as she wished.
I like the close relationships Andrew had with his family and close friends. We get to see how Andrew and Ilsa formed their bond through fun activities in the first half of the book, and how they strengthened that bond to weather the scandal and hardship in the second half. It is a pleasant read with some steam and a surprised twist at the end. I just wish the romance is stronger and has more sparks. We still haven’t got a glimpse of the last candidate for the dukedom, so I’m intrigued to see what will be in store for us in the last book of this series!
* Special thanks to Avon Books for sending me the ARC via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.*
Release date: June 29, 2021.
A Scot to the Heart, the second book in Caroline Linden’s Desperately Seeking Duke series, is just as good as the first! Andrew St. James is the presumptive heir to the Duke of Carlyle, but he’s just an army captain, and not prepared for the role at all. The Duchess of Carlyle gives him six months to become a respectable gentleman, and he is determined to do just that. When he gets to Edinburgh to tell his family, however, he meets the vivacious widow, Ilsa Ramsay. Ilsa has lived her whole life under the thumb of first her father, then her husband. Now, she’s finally free to do what pleases her, and intends to live her life to the fullest. When she meets Drew, her friend’s brother, though, all her plans might go out the window.
This book was very fun – the characters are great, both are infinitely likeable and very believable as well. Their path to falling in love is filled with such joy that it’s a pleasure to read. The climax of the story is unexpected and very riveting. There is no third-act breakup common in novels, which felt unusual – I kept waiting for it to happen but it didn’t – and it didn’t need to, which is nice. Because the majority of the conflict was external, they could just be together. I love it.
Overall it’s a great story. Great characters, unexpected plot, and a good amount of steam. Also, ghosts! Definitely read this book if you like Linden’s other work. I am for sure looking forward to the next book in this series!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I did not read the first book in the series, so all the characters are new to me. The Carlyle duchy is in need of an heir and the current Duchess has to dig deep down to find Captain Andrew St. James (Drew). Years ago he had to forgo his ambition to going to university when his father passed and left debts. So he joined the Army to support this mother and 3 sisters. Now he is called to the castle and given an opportunity and lessons on becoming a duke. But he must take a break to return to Edinburgh to give his family the good news in person and resign his commission. In Edinburgh he meets Mrs Ilsa Ramsay, a friend of his sister, to who he soon becomes enamored. Although she returns his feelings she is not too keen on losing her freedom to a man, but soon her very life is in danger,
I like the characters, the banter, the description of the setting and time period and the story line. I read an ARC provided by NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I got this book when it came out but my TBR read is powerful so it’s taken me a hot minute to get to it. And now I wish I had read it before!! It was so fun and interesting and also filled with difficult ethical/moral questions. Can I just say, Ilsa is freaking awesome. She loves her family and tries to make them happy, but she’s also trying to figure out what makes herself happy as well, which isn’t something she’s ever been able to do. I love her!!
I’m a new reader to Caroline Linden and she is going on my must read list! The characters and plot are heart warming and complicated. The plot’s don’t focus around gentry and I love that! I love this series about distant cousins who are in line to inherit a Dukedom, or are they? Can’t wait for the next installment.
In A Scot to the Heart, we follow Andrew St. James, an army captain. James recently learns he is heir to a Dukedom and returns home to Scotland to inform his mother and sisters. On his first night home he shares an unexpected kiss with widow, Ilsa Ramsay. I loved Ilsa right away. Against the slave trade, finding her own way as a woman and trying to shrug off her family’s oppression. There is also a light mystery in the book which is my JAM!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#AScottotheHeart #NetGalley #CarolineLinden #Avon #Harpervoyager
Slow moving story that had a slight mystery to it. No real drama. Just a sweet read. Characters were likable. I did have a hard time keeping my interest in the book due to the slowness but I think many would enjoy it.
Honestly could not finish and have given up half way through. Nothing is happening. There is no story here! First chapter was engaging but then ….. snooze.
Didn’t know how this was going to turn out, right up until the end. Just when you think all bridges are burned, there is another passage to consider.
If you are looking into reading books with Scottish heroes without them getting overwhelmingly Scottish (with lingo, clan wars, etc.), if you are tired of romances with unnecessary third act conflicts, or if you are looking for a simple palette cleanser, this is the book for you! It is a perfect mix between a Regency and Scottish romance. I would especially recommend this book to you if you are a beginner to the genre.
Tropes:
– Scottish Captain hero
– strong heroine who does not want to get married
– sexy, honorable gentleman hero
– steamy, unexpected kiss leads to something more
– hero fighting for dukedom and needs a wife
– best friend’s brother
Summary:
While running home to figure out how to claim his dukedom, Captain Andrew St. James has a passionate encounter with Ilsa Ramsay. Ilsa didn’t mean to impulsively kiss her best friend’s brother, she was yearning for adventure and fun after being freed from the captivity of marriage. She tells herself he’s not for her, no matter how tempting he is. But one impulsive kiss leads to another, and another. Spirited Ilsa is none of the things Drew needs in a duchess. Still, when she’s caught in a dangerous scandal, he leaps to her aid without hesitation. And neither family duty nor future obligation can make them ignore what’s in both their hearts.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! If you are tired of reading unnecessary third act conflicts, want to start reading books with sexy Scotts without throwing yourself in the deep end, or want a good pallet cleanser, this is the book for you!
This book definitely helped me slowly get out of my reading slump. It had a great mix of adventure, mystery, and romance
Both main characters were so refreshing, and I loved watching them fall in love with each other. I will admit, I wanted more romance and intimacy from the book, but what we did get was really good. I loved the dynamic and the chemistry between the main characters. I loved watching the two of them be their own person outside of their relationship all while falling so sweetly in love with each other. Ilsa was super independent and fun, I loved her as a heroine. I also love a good sexy, honorable, gentleman hero; Drew was a great hero. You know that sexy, abiding-by-his-moral-code, honorable knight-in-shinning armor vibe? Drew was giving me that the whole time. We don’t see heroes that like often enough!
As I said earlier, I do wish that we had gotten more intimate moments and more scenes of them falling in love. The subplot was well developed but it did come in the way of their relationship around the end of the book. It was clear that the subplot of the book was definitely taking priority at many points in the book. I honestly didn’t mind it too much. There was crazy fun adventure, mystery, criminals, pillaging, and ghosts! So I was actually very happy with the subplot for most of the book because I was not expecting it at all. I will admit though that the sub-plot did start to lose its spark at the 75% mark; it was mostly written well and weaved nicely into the romance.
But I am super pleased to report that there is no unnecessary third act conflict! The conflict in the book was all external. I am so glad we are seeing books that are straying from the unnecessary third act conflict. I root for a couple all the more when they want to be together but their situations are stopping them from being together. It is so much more impactful! This book did a great job with the conflicts and building a believable external barrier in their relationship.
Though I did not enjoy this book as much as I did the first one, I really did enjoy myself and am excited to read the next installment in the series (If you liked The Viscount Who Loved Me, you have to read the first book in the series!)
.5/ 5 stars | / 5 steam
Thank you Avon, NetGalley, and Caroline Linden for an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
His family’s distant nobility is no surprise to Captain Andrew St. James, but his father was disowned by the ducal branch of the family, and he’s never known or expected anything from them. Drew is shocked to learn that he is now the heir to his distant cousin, the current Duke of Carlyle. With his simple soldier’s life upended, Drew has a stiff learning curve to face with all these new expectations and responsibilities, but first he’s taking a trip home to Edinburgh to visit his mother and three sisters and tell them the news.
Widowed Ilsa Ramsey is ready to seize her independence and have a little adventure, not settle down into a second marriage. When she learns that the handsome soldier she danced with at a raucous tavern is in fact her friend’s brother and heir to an English dukedom, she reminds herself of all the reasons she could never be with him, despite their strong mutual attraction. But as Ilsa’s friendship with his sister puts her in the same orbit as Drew more and more frequently, they struggle to stay apart.
Drew knows the Duchess expects him to marry an Englishwoman with a sparkling reputation and training befitting the title, and lively Ilsa if far from that expectation. Even so, when Ilsa finds herself embroiled in scandal, Drew steps in to help her even as she attempts to push him away. Soon neither of them is willing to forsake their feelings for any duty or expectation.
It took a while for me to really get into this book, but I did wind up enjoying it. I loved the Scottish setting as well as the fact that Ilsa and Drew’s relationship begins fairly early on in the book and develops with a fair amount of open honesty and not much game playing. Andrew was a great hero as he seemed to just be a genuinely good man, devoted to his family, and trying to do right by Ilsa, his newfound responsibilities, and his own heart. He was easy to root for. I also found myself cheering Ilsa on, but this was a source of great frustration for me when she refused to stand up for herself and truly assert her status as an independent woman to her aunt and father. I won’t say much more because I don’t want to give anything away, but I wanted more vindication for her and more comeuppance for the villain. I liked that the conflict was mostly external, but Ilsa said some awful things to Drew that she could’ve done a better job of apologizing and making up for, especially after everything he was willing to sacrifice for her. I also thought that the final conflict was cleared away rather quickly and in a manner that wasn’t wholly satisfactory for me, especially after how much of a big deal it was made out to be. Nonetheless, I really enjoyed this story and both the main and supporting characters, and I look forward to the next installment in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspot.com/2021/07/a-scot-to-heart-by-caroline-linden-arc.html
Scot Found!
Oh, I just loved the way The widow Isla Ramsay has Capt Andrew St James twirled around her little finger. Together they make a formidable pair who know just what they want and move forward together to get it overcoming obstacles and uncovering truths as they do.
This is an entertaining tale with a bit of heat and with lots going on and I enjoyed reading it very much.
My review follows my reading of an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the book and is based on my own thoughts about it.
When Captain Andrew St. James learns that he is heir to the Duke of Carlyle, the Duchess gives him and his cousin six months to settle and prove they are worthy to inherit. Following several weeks of instruction from the duchess and her solicitor, Drew goes to Edinburgh to tell his family the news. They are shocked, but start planning for the future they hope to have. He meets Ilsa Ramsey, a young widow. Ilsa has always been controlled by her family, including her rake of a husband. Out of mourning, she is testing her freedom for the first time. There is a strong attraction between Drew and Ilsa. They are a little uncertain, but enjoy spending time together. Before long, they fall in love. When a scandal involving a string of burglaries threatens Ilsa’s family, Drew will not let her face it alone. When he presents her to the Duchess, she is skeptical (it’s her way), but Drew and Ilsa convince her that the best way for Drew to take up his responsibilities is to do it together. Before they leave the Carlyle Castle, Mr. Edwards hints that there might be another possible heir. Nothing certain, just a possibility? He also tells him that the Duchess has a wonderful surprise for him, as a wedding gift. I really enjoyed this story. The romance was funny, sweet, and a little sexy. The characters were great. I look forward to the next story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Book: A Scot to the Heart
By Caroline Linden
Series: Desperately Seeking Duke, Book #2
Publisher : Avon
Release Date: June 29, 2021
Book Rating: 5/5 stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
1787
Fort George
Ardersier, Scotland
Àird nan Saor is Gaelic
Captain Andrew St. James, known as Drew to his friends and his family except for his Mum of course. He had always been aware he came from a titled family, but it was a poor relation with no heir. As the current Duke is in poor health and with no children, his heir was a brother who died. So Drew is the next heir in line to inherit as he has no wealth or status, so he is shocked to learn he is the heir of the wealthy Duke of Carlyle! He has to investigate, but goes home to Edinburgh to inform his mum and three sisters of their new soon to be status and wealth! As Drew assumes his family would be thrilled with this surprising news. Drew thinks of all he could do to help his family, but not everyone in everyone in his Scottish family is happy about it! Especially about moving to England who many still think as the enemy with relatives being butchered and lost by Cumberland’s Redcoat’s in Culloden. Of course Drew understood he was not the only one in the running for the Duke but it was obvious the Duchess thought him the best choice, but hinted a good English wife should be best and the sooner he got married and settled down the better his chance to assume the title. As his competition was a gambling womanizer who would be on no hurry for a wife! Now the Duchess wanted him to look at one of the the Duke’s ignored properties in Scotland the other reason her was in Edinburgh. He just didn’t expect to meet the woman of his dreams here. A woman who was the exact opposite of what a future Duke should desire in a good English wife! The first thing being this woman was very Scottish, beautiful, independent and free!
Ilsa Ramsay’s a widow whose former husband was murdered in a duel. It causes a great scandal even though it was husband who rarely let her out. Only did for appearance as this was no great love affair at all. Her father had picked this man to marry as she followed all the rules and it her name still ended in scandal. Even if it was all untrue people like believing the worst. So after her mourning period was over she decided to live her life much as she decided she painted a room like her favorite area in Edinburgh Calton Hill. This included taking her drapes down, allowing her pony to live inside her home, wearing whatever color she desired and going to the Oyster tavern . For once in her life she wanted to have fun in her life! She decided it’s worth having fun and decided to kiss this handsome stranger she meets at the tavern not realizing it is her new friend Agnes brother! The one who was to be inheriting Ducal title and all that goes with it. So Ilsa she is not to be any future Duchess plus she had no desire to live in England. Even though she tries to fight it they at like moths to fame she and Drew. Plus it was not one sided by any means and you watch them both fall helpless in love. Ilsa does let Drew know she is not a by his tile or fortune and not to feel obligated to her in any way. Then a big scandal hit involving Ilsa’s family which reminds her of the one her dead husband caused ! Except someone she loves might be caught and executed for a crime he did not commit! Will this scandal destroy any future happiness or future for Drew and Ilsa? Read and find out.
A wonderful book from start to finish and the chemistry between Drew and Ilsa is off the charts. I love Ilsa being so open, honest and free. Plus having a pony named Robert was brilliant and the animal lover in me loved that Robert was a rescue pony and lived in Ilsa’s home! This book also hinted at Drew’s sister Agnes and his best mate Felix Duncan. It shows a lot of their animosity but also chemistry too. Setting up readers to read their story next in the novella How the Scot Was Won, I definitely want to see if and how they obtain a happpily ever after too. I loved this book very much from start to finish plus I found the story itself very refreshing and unique. I also feel in love with the St, James family. Winnie and Bella were hilarious too. Even their mum who seemed to know when things were going to happen before her children did. Definitely highly recommend this book! It is filled with all the elements that historical romance readers will absolutely love.
Caroline Linden is a phenomenal storyteller and knows exactly how to draw her readers in. You can read this as a stand alone book or in series order. A book readers will absolutely love! It is a riveting fun page turner laced with spicy dialogue, passionate tension, and witty but heartwarming escapades. A delightful romantic story not to be missed! This is a book I highly recommend.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader’s copy from Avon publishing. I voluntarily agreed to do an honest, fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.
An heir to a dukedom.
Is most definitely in want of a wife. I really enjoyed Drew, an army captain, who has suddenly become an heir to a dukedom. He’s responsible. decent, takes care and supports his mother and three sisters. I liked that his first thought was what a most unexpected change in fortune would mean for his sisters’ futures. First item on the list? Find a suitable wife.
One kiss later, he’s smitten with IIsa, who is a mystery to him, first her identity and then her character.
Recommend.
4.5