The Scot Beds His Wife is the next lush, captivating Victorian romance in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne. They’re rebels, scoundrels, and blackguards–dark, dashing men on the wrong side of the law. But for the women who love them, a hint of danger only makes the heart beat faster. Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, is a notorious Highlander and an unrelenting Lothario who uses his … Highlander and an unrelenting Lothario who uses his slightly menacing charm to get what he wants–including too many women married to other men. But now, Gavin wants to put his shady past behind him…more or less. When a fiery lass who is the heiress to the land he wishes to possess drops into his lap, he sees a perfectly delicious opportunity…
A marriage most convenient
Samantha Masters has come back to Scotland, in a pair of trousers, and with a whole world of dangerous secrets from her time spent in the Wild West trailing behind her. Her only hope of protection is to marry–and to do so quickly. Gavin is only too willing to provide that service for someone he finds so disturbingly irresistible. But even as danger approaches, what begins as a scandalous proposition slowly turns into an all-consuming passion. And Gavin discovers that he will do whatever is necessary to keep the woman he has claimed as his own…
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If I were able, I’d actually give it 3.5 stars because I really liked the premise of this story and was so excited to get to read it – but – once I started I was really disappointed. The story itself is good, but, in my opinion, it is a contemporary romance with horses instead of cars. I don’t know, nor have I ever known, anyone who is as foul-mouthed as the heroine in this story and I truly cannot believe you’d have found anyone in that time – male or female – who cussed like that. I think that the author might be trying to appeal to a newer, younger audience, but I don’t know about that. So, I’ll say that while I like the storyline itself, I don’t care for the characters – especially the heroine — or their language. It took me a week to read this book, and I usually read one in a day – two at most.
Both characters in this book had bad and sad beginnings, his much, much more so than hers. Her parents died and she was raised by a foster family who worked her hard, but they didn’t treat her any differently than they did their own children. It didn’t sound like she was starved or physically abused, just required to work hard. I don’t think that was particularly unusual for the time. He was born to a cruel, evil, abusive father who used his children as punching bags, whipped them (literally) and tried to make them as hateful and abusive as himself.
Both characters handled the pitfalls life threw at them very differently also. When her foster family arranged a marriage for her with someone she didn’t want to marry, she ran off with a handsome ranch hand. She loved him (at least she thought she did) and she thought he loved her. Turns out that he was a bank robber – and she went along with him and his brothers robbing banks. She was a part of the gang – she didn’t like it, but she did still go along with it. She could have left and made her own way at any time. No, it wouldn’t have been easy – but it wasn’t impossible – and she didn’t even try. Seems she made lots of poor choices for herself rather than life dealing her an impossible hand. She just floated along until lives were lost and she ended up shooting her husband between the eyes. Because of his father’s cruel and abusive treatment, Thorne learned to hide his real thoughts and feelings and to deny any emotion. He became a lothario constantly bedding different women – hundreds (maybe thousands) of them. He didn’t beat anyone, he didn’t rob anyone, he just didn’t allow himself to feel anything other than lust.
Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne wants nothing more than to distance himself from the legacy of his family name, MacKenzie. His father was a brute of a man who terrorized his family and his entire clan. He brutally beat Gavin and even threw him out a second story window of the castle and left him outside in the cold all night. Gavin managed to survive, but his mother ended up blinded. In order to emancipate himself from the MacKenzie name and clan, he has to have a way to earn income. So, he wants to purchase Erradale an abandoned neighboring estate, but the owner has told him very bluntly that she will never sell to him because his father killed her father. He is determined to challenge her however he can to win the estate.
Samantha Masters met Alison Ross during a train robbery. Samantha, her husband and his two brothers were going to rob the train, but not the passengers – and nobody was supposed to get hurt. Suddenly, there was gunfire – and then her husband was in the car with her and he’d just shot the male passenger in the car and had taken Alison hostage. He was going to murder Alison – so Samantha shot him between the eyes. Samantha and Alison had become friends during the train ride – so Alison came up with a plan to save Samantha in gratitude for saving her life. That meant Samantha had to travel to Scotland.
Samantha meets Thorne as soon as she steps off the train in Scotland and she’s determined NOT to have anything to do with him. He’s amazed that there is a female that can resist him. Thus begins a battle of wits, lust, and determination! Then you add in two brothers bent on revenge and you have quite a tale.
I can’t enthusiastically recommend the book, but I will tell you that the premise of the story is a good one. If you don’t mind that a historical ‘feels’ like a contemporary read, and having two foul-mouthed main characters, you might enjoy it – I do see many 5-star reviews.
“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
Although I don’t usually read Scotland-based historicals, I loved this one. A feisty heroine, a scarred but determined hero, and a great supporting cast came together into a perfect and very satisfying story.
Kerrigan Byrne has delivered another amazing installment in her Victorian Rebels series!
The blurb for this book doesn’t even begin to skim the surface of this book and in my opinion is a tad misleading. Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne is a man-ho – he is a gorgeous man and takes full advantage of his effect on women. He uses his “wiles” to get what he wants and right now he wants Erradale and the only thing standing in his way is Alison Ross.
When Samantha Masters met Alison Ross traveling to Scotland was the last thing on her mind, after all, it isn’t every day that you rob a train and kill your husband. Desperate to get away, she agrees to Alison’s outrageous scheme. Go to Erradale, assume Alison’s identity and prevent Gavin from claiming her lands. Alison doesn’t’ really want Erradale, she just doesn’t want Gavin to have it or an Mackenzie for that matter – understandable considering Gavin’s father killed hers.
It is impossible to give an in depth review of this book without spoilers, so all I am going to say is – READ THE BOOK! The writing is stellar, the story flies, there are secrets upon secrets, steamy love scenes, heartbreak, deception, betrayal, life and death moments, a heroine with a very dirty mouth and a hero who likes it. There are wonderful secondary characters, cameos from Liam and Mena and the introduction of “the Rook” – who may or may not be another brother – but after reading about him, I am going to re-read the Highwayman to see if I can find the connection! The book is a little dark, but not as dark as some of the previous books and of all the heroes she has written, Gavin is the only one that I would consider “reformed” at the end of the book.
I can’t recommend this series highly enough – this book is the fifth book in the Victorian Rebels series, but it could be read as a stand alone title, however, you will enjoy it much more if you have at least read the previous book “the Highlander”.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*
Tense!
There was a delicious sense of tension throughout this whole book that I loved! You know things are going to go off the rails horribly for Gavin and Sam, but you don’t know when or how. I didn’t expect that, though! Well, done, Kerrigan!
One of my favorite series
Gavin St. James, the Earl of Thorne, has spent his life looking for a way to distance himself from the MacKenzie clan and his cruel father’s despicable reputation. Gavin has developed his own reputation as a lover, though that means he’s known for being debauched and charming women, regardless of their marital status. Now as part of emancipating himself from the MacKenzies and ridding himself his need for financial support from his share in their distillery, Gavin has set his sights on cattle farming and must purchase the neighboring estate, Erradale, to begin. When the fiery, American-raised heiress who owns the land arrives in Scotland, Gavin sees the perfect opportunity to put his charm to work, and gets much more than he bargained for.
Through an unlikely turn of events, American Samantha Ross has found herself venturing to the Scottish Highlands, posing as Allison Ross, to claim her new friend’s land and enable both herself and the real Allison to escape unwanted dealings. But Sam is running from a particularly dangerous set of circumstances herself and they soon follow her to the new home she’s trying to establish in Scotland. Now in rather desperate need of protection, Sam agrees to a rushed marriage of convenience with Gavin. Their scandalous marriage is mutually beneficial, giving Sam the protection she needs and ensuring Gavin gets the land he so wants. But soon their business alliance evolves into more than either ever anticipated and as Sam’s past and lies catch up to her, Gavin discovers just where his priorities truly lie and just how far he’ll go to protect what’s his.
I enjoyed this book overall, especially the narration by Derek Perkins, but it’s most definitely not my favorite and not quite on par with the other books in this series for me. Gavin has been such an intriguing character in the other books and I knew there was so much more to him, and there was, but I was left feeling like he somehow deserved a bit more out of his happy ending than he got. I did not like Sam as a heroine at all. She only grew on me in the very last chapter when she finally started being open with Gavin. She kept unforgivable secrets and for way too long. Even after Gavin opened up to her and she had the perfect opportunity to confide in him, she still didn’t. The climax of the danger and drama here wasn’t quite as satisfying as I’d hoped and I think this was another chance for Gavin to redeem himself that was a bit lost. Sam’s excessive use of crass language didn’t make her seam tough and capable to me, just rude, obnoxious, and a “stereotypical” gun-slinging American. (And I say this as someone who quite likes the f-word). I didn’t find it charming and it just made her unlikable, especially given how this behavior didn’t improve at all even after she and Gavin’s relationship had developed into more. In fact, given how rude, obnoxious, and hateful she was to Gavin before she even knew his name, I’m not really sure how thy ever got close at all. Not that Gavin was a peach either, especially given the ridiculous number of women he’d slept with, but I think there was a big missed opportunity with the fact that his reasons for his behavior were never explored. There was plenty of excellent steam here, but it never felt as emotionally intense as some of the other couples from this series and that made their relationship feel a bit flat for me. This one was a bit of a disappointment for me, but the side characters were very interesting. I enjoyed the reconciliation between Liam and Gavin and the growing relationship between Eamon and Eleanor. I could’ve read much more about both of those. I’m looking forward to Callum’s story now and hoping he’ll get a book of his own soon.
One thing That I like about Kerrigan’s storytelling, is that she does a great job of setting up the scene for the big reveal. This book is about a marriage of convenience, in which both the mc’s have many secrets to unveil, but in my eyes…they are both heroes!
What Gavin St. James wants most in life is to be emancipated from the Mackenzie name and family and he sees the way to do that is through acquiring the Erradale property currently owned by absent heir Alison Ross. She’s lived in America since her father was killed by Hamish Mackenzie the elder and Gavin has found a loophole where he can get the land if she doesn’t return and live in Scotland for a year. Samantha Masters meets Alison in the most unusual and dangerous circumstances that created trust in a matter of moments. Samantha needs to quickly leave America to escape her past and as Alison has no interest in going back to Scotland, she engages her to assume her identity and return in her stead. That sets the stage for even more interesting events to come.
Have I said lately how much I love this series? Only every month when I read another book with our group. This time it’s Gavin at the center, Liam Mackenzie’s half brother who diddled with his first wife. So, we already know he’s no saint but, as with the other Victorian Rebels, we know he has other redeeming qualities that has us rooting on his behalf. Samantha lands in Scotland with Gavin putting on the pressure for her to sell her land to him but he was unprepared to be so utterly captivated by the coarse but resourceful young woman.
There’s so much more that happens in this story but rather than have me tell it, you should read it for yourself. I adored both Gavin and Samantha but loved them even more when they were together. Both have private agendas but Samantha’s are pretty explosive. Their encounters are lively and they are surrounded by a host of even more colorful and interesting characters that provide humor, intrigue, heartbreak and excitement. The narrator just continues to nail these stories and characters and I am still in awe of how well Derek Perkins captures the nuances of them all. I’m thrilled my library has all of the audiobooks because listening to these stories is a delicious experience, making great stories fantastic. Word of caution though…Samantha’s salty language adds quite a lot surprising spice. 4.5 stars
Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, is a notorious Highlander and an unrelenting rake who uses his slightly menacing charm to get what he wants. Samantha Masters has come back to Scotland, with a whole plethora of dangerous secrets from her time spent in the Wild West trailing behind her. When she fears she’s been followed her only hope of protection is to marry & quickly. Gavin is only too willing to provide that service for someone he finds so disturbingly irresistible.
Gavin is handsome, brooding & angry having suffered from a brutal father but he’s fiercely protective caring for his mother & everyone he holds dear. Sam is a feisty gun toting American. The pair verbally spar with each other from their first meeting but there’s also attraction there. The characters have plenty of depth & in their different ways are very likeable. The pace is very good & I found the time flew whilst I was reading & I read well into the night to finish it. I also liked the secondary romance which simmered in the background, also the teaser which I hope will be the next in the series, Callum deserves his HEA! My only criticism is Sam’s language which was definitely from the gutter & dampened my enjoyment of an otherwise very good book
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I really liked the characters and story-line. Flawed characters from lives that were tough, coming together and needing each other, but fighting it. A bit too much “bad” language and sex for me, but i rushed through that part! HA!
I live all of the books written by the writer. Romantic historical novel with great characters
Kerrigan Byrne always has my vote. Her books are some of my favorites.
Wonderful book. I couldn’t put it down!
The book opens with Gavin’s tragic past and then jumps to Sam’s unfortunate turn of events that results in her trip to Scotland. And then things went south and I found myself skimming. Things perked up the last 30ish% of the story when the romance finally clicked among other problems, but by then, Sam’s deception had dragged out too long and the emphasis on Gavin’s prowess had my eyes rolling.
I’ve enjoyed most of the Victorian Rebel series, but Gavin and Sam are my least favorite couple! I think maybe it’s because I didn’t get the attraction vibes from these two like the rest of the group early on since all they did was clash. I did like glimpses of the Rook and seeing Liam and Mena in a different capacity, but I can’t get over how disappointed I am with Gavin and Sam.
Very good
Could not finish this book, it is a book written by formula. Conflict that you know is going to a lot of sex. Just to predictable
Gavin was such an arrogant jerk. But I loved him anyway!! Samantha was bada$$ and really put him in his place. More than once. He really didn’t know what to do with her because she wasn’t like anything he had experienced before. Watching him evolve and earn her was a pleasure. This is such an incredible series.
The Scot Beds His Wife, the 5th book in the Victorian Rebels series, was an okay read for me. It was slow going. I didn’t start to really enjoy it until right after they were married, and that was 200 pages into the book. So for 200 pages I was zoning out, and kinda bored. My problems with this read was the overly flowery words that felt like filler.
The last 190 pages were really good. I just wished I could have gotten into it sooner. I still love Kerrigan Byrne and I can’t wait to see who’s book is next!
I love love LOVE this series. I was so thrilled to win it in a Goodreads Giveaway. And while the book was very good, I found it to be the weakest in the series. The prologue was absolutely heartbreaking, as is usual for our Victorian Rebels. Gavin was, of course, delicious. There were two men who worked for Sam that were hysterical; they made me think of older versions of Outlander’s Rupert and Angus. My issue was with Sam. Yes, she was an American from the Wild West. However, I think her potty mouth was a bit much for this era regardless. It took me a long time to warm up to her. She and Gavin were steamy together.
The best parts of the book were the interactions between brothers Liam and Gavin. Those were the parts that made me cry. Except when I was laughing hysterically when Liam was officiating a wedding.
I have one question…when is Morley getting a book?! I am eagerly awaiting his story, and I can’t wait to find out more about The Rook and Callum.
Even though this wasn’t the best in the series, no one does dark historical romance quite like Kerrigan Byrne! She is truly awesome.
“Life has a way of turning us into strangers, even to ourselves.”
A bit slow to start, but once straight shooting and talking Samantha Masters hits the shores of Scotland and becomes a thorn in the Earl of Thorne’s side, the story takes off and I loved every minute of it! Gavin and Samantha’s love story may start off on being built on a lie, but with a whole lot of love and an ounce of forgiveness, it’s a recipe for an enjoyable romantic read! “Ye were what taught me the difference between a desire, and a necessity. Ye are necessary to me, as I am not a whole man without ye by my side.”
I absolutely love Kerrigan Bryne’s Victorian Rebels series and highly recommend!