Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unraveled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Now broken beyond repair, she hides her misery behind a perfect Society mask…even from her childhood friend, Alec.Dr. Alec McGuiness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman … only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder.
Now on the run, Connie feels a freedom she only ever dreamed about, and an unexpected attraction to the man who is keeping her safe. But even if they can win her freedom and clear her name, could she ever open her heart up to someone again?
** Content & trigger warning: this novel features themes, imagery & content that my be triggering for some readers. Discussions of domestic violence, physical abuse, rape & death appear within. Scenes depicting anxiety, panic attacks & graphic violence/death also appear *
Each book in the Saints & Scoundrels series is STANDALONE:
The Devilish Duke
* The Elusive Earl
* The Sinful Scot
more
This story is what I imagine a penny dreadful would read like – murder, mayhem, mystery, villains and shocking conclusions. The mystery was really good and Ms. Michaels throws in a lot of red herrings. Even though I figured it out close to the end but was only partially correct, the mystery was so good. The story was interspersed with the romance between Alec and Connie. Two great characters. Connie is a fighter and a survivor. Her character is so strong. I loved her. And the other characters are so well written. I want more of this type of storyline. I am hoping the next between is about an ornery brother and his arch nemesis.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Constance, Duchess of Kilmaine has been married for almost three years. She has been abused in almost every way(especially if it deals with pain). He enjoyed that. Constance worried about her 6 yr, old stepdaughter. The morning after the ball, she awoke to find her husband beside her, brutally murdered. There was blood everywhere. Her brother-in-law was trying to blame her for the death.
Dr. Alec McGinnis was a childhood friend of the duchess. He was the youngest son of the Earl of Caldwell. He was handsome, 6’2″, broad shoulders, and kept fit with fencing and boxing. He was born in Scotland but when he was seven, his mom took him to England. When he met the duchess, Constance, she was ten and he was fifteen. Because his father had driven out his mother and him, he refused to forgive his brother and especially his father.
this is some wonderful writing. This can be such a sensitive subject but she was very gentle and approached it with kindness. The story itself was well written and entertaining. The characters were well rounded and very talented. There are a few twists in the plot to keep your interest up. It is just an excellent novel. I highly recommend this novel.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed
I listened to this entertaining murder/mystery on Audible with the lovely & talented Justine Eyre!
In a true Victorian form, this is such an excellent well written murder/mystery with a dash of romance! I fell in love with Doctor Alec McGuinness of Scotland, who lives in England. The beautiful Constance Campbell, Duchess of Kilmeade wakes up one morning to discover she is a widow. In comes the dashingly handsome and virile Alec to help her.
Such a fun listen for me, I couldn’t stop, it’s such an addictive well written story line, a murder mystery and so much suspense. I kept trying to figure out who was the killer, but kept guessing wrong.
I really enjoyed this book alot. I absolutely love epilogues, and this book has an amazing one!!
Lady Constance was born into nobility. She visualized this perfect image of herself as a duchess growing up.Connie would settle for nothing less than what she wanted.
That would be a Duke.
This Duke became her husband,Duncan Campbell,Duke of Kilmaine. Dashingly handsome,charming,and powerful in many ways.
However,Duncan’s reputation precedes him.
Dr. Alec McGuiness was born in Scotland and resides in London.
Alec is so irristible and handsome, with a Scottish brogue that will make you melt in his presence. He knew Connie since she was a young girl.Alec was always attracted to Connie’s stunning beauty.
Well,his timing was perfect for this evening at the Campbell estate. He also knew there was something wrong with Connie. She is holding
her feelings back. Little does Connie know Alec’s presence will be needed more than she
could ever imagine.
This is Maddison’s third book in the Saints & Scoundrels series.
Maddison Michaels superb writing has once again put a compelling cast of charismatic characters together for this story.
Highly recommend.
I totally enjoyed reading Maddison Michaels’ latest instalment in her Saints and Scoundrels series. It’s been a while since I delved into a historical…in fact, I think that was Michaels previous book where I last dipped in, and yet again I wasn’t disappointed.
Basic story, Connie’s husband gets murdered, she gets blamed for it, and to escape the gallows, or the insane asylum, she must discover who really did it…with the help of the handsome, but grumpy Doctor Alec, who feels responsible for her future happiness. They of course fall in love along the way, which is the whole point. *blissful sigh*
Anyway, Connie and Alec were a wonderful couple, whose relationship touched me during this particular read. Well written, quick dialogue and a nice steady pace as they unravel the mystery of who did the dastardly deed. The author has definitely found her voice.
Quite a few triggers in this one, although they didn’t bother me all that much. Learned early on that fiction is fiction, and that something horrible happening in the past sometimes helps to strengthen the characters and give them a well-rounded profile…just like in real life, actually. Regardless,
The Sinful Scot was a delightful read and I gladly recommend it to the avid historical romance reader.
I loved this third book in the series even more than the first two!
Constance “Connie” Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine thought being a Duchess would make her life perfect, but in reality it has become a nightmare. Her husband Duncan is a monster who beats her and makes her life hell. She is trapped in Scotland with no money and no family and even if she could leave, she wouldn’t leave Duncan’s daughter Amelie. She is sure Duncan killed his first wife and the only reason she is still alive is because her father structured her dowry to be paid in monthly payments – payments that would cease if she died.
When she sees her old childhood friend, Alec McGuiness at the ball her husband insists on holding each year, she pretends everything is fine. But Alec is a doctor and he sees through her lies, he lets her go, but decides to stick around awhile to learn what is going on. He leaves the ball and returns the next day to find all hell has broken loose – the duke is dead and Connie is the prime suspect. Alec helps her escape and vows to help her clear her name.
But the killer is clever, wily and hell-bent on framing Connie for not only the duke’s murder, but several others as well! Through it all Alec stands by Connie and helps her heal from not only the physical injuries, but also the mental and emotional trauma she has endured the last two years. Slowly, the girl he once knew starts to emerge and the heart he thought had long ago closed, begins to open.
I thought this was a very gripping read, the mystery portion of this book was amazing and the villain’s true identity came as a real surprise to me – I loved it! The romance was a little understated and frankly dull, but the heroine was a victim of abuse and I think the romance reflected that and was considerate to Connie’s experiences and the slow, understated burn was probably an accurate portrayal. I was disappointed that three books in this author is still butchering nobility titles and formal address, but if you can ignore that (then you are a better person than I am) the story itself is very good and the mystery is excellent. This is the third book in the series, but it can definitely be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
*Phew*
Talk about a walk through time that captured not only my attention but my heart as well!
New to Maddison Michaels’s work, I wondered if I would be lost reading the third book in the ” Saints & Scoundrels ” first, even though it classified itself as a standalone. ( Hey, it happens ) I was pleasantly surprised I had no issues following along with the emotional masterpiece.
Set in the late 1800’s Duchess Constance Campbell is about to show everyone, including herself, she is made of tougher skin than anyone could have imagined, then again Dr. Alec McGuiness might have an inkling.
Alec sent just to check on the Duchess, finds himself caught up in murder, mayhem, and coming face to face with his past in one fell swoop while she awakes to find herself living a nightmare, gruff, buff, and all heroic Alec has his work cut out for him!
Heated connections cut through the misery surrounding a vengeful plot thats chalked full of suspense, intense and so much sinfully delicious romance, It’s no wonder I was hooked from the very start! Maddison Michaels has gained another fan!
A fantabulous historical romance that will keep you wanting more!
The Sinful Scot
Saints & Scoundrels
Book 3
by Maddison Micheals
What a high tense emotional rollercoaster of an adventure this book has been! I never expected to feel so many emotions, I felt the pain and fear that Constance felt every time her brute of a husband laid eyes on her! I sooo loved Alec McGuiness he truly is the perfect match for her. They have known each other since they were younger but unfortunately for Constance her mothers machinations got her the title of Duchess and a life of misery! Alec was beneath her mother’s expectations.
They meet again at one of Constance ‘s balls that she had no choice but to play hostess for her husband, what seems like another charade she has to put up with turns out to be the scene of a horrific crime that she has no memory of ever happening! Her husband murdered while she slept soundly next to him! Alec definitely will not leave her and vows to help her find the truth before it’s too late, especially since he knows that she is innocent. Thus begins their adventure in exposing the cruel trap the villain has set for them. I was totally shocked in finding out who the villain was, I loved the whole intense captivating mystery and sizzling story!
This is my honest unbiased opinion and I highly recommend reading this and the previous two books, Maddison Michaels is one talented author!
The Sinful Scot (Saints & Scoundrels Book 3) by Maddison
Michaels is an exciting, and mysterious Regency Romance. Can be read as a stand alone. Set in Scotland.
Follow, Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine and Dr. Alec McGuiness, on their journey to find peace, trust, understanding and maybe, a HEA.
Well written with an
awe-inspiring cast of characters. The storyline is unpredictable, intriguing, and heartbreaking at times, especially as the reader learns more of Constance’s
husband, he’s a monster, to be sure.
Filled with many emotions, as the reader keeps turning pages. Filled with murder, suspense, a strong hero, a fragile heroine, mystery, villains and panic attacks, anxiety, violence,
and shocking and climactic conclusion.
Readers beware… talk of rape, domestic violence, death, physical and mental abuse, may bother some readers, these are written with respect and caring.
A must read, and a keeper! Highly recommend!!
#NetGalley, #TheSinfulScot
“I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR
So.Very.Good. Lady Constance lives in fear of her physically and mentally abusive husband. One morning she awakes from an unusually sound sleep to find her husband beside her in her bed, stabbed to death. Her brother-in-law claims that she finally broke, mentally, and killed him herself. She flees with the help of an old friend, determined to somehow prove her innocence. However, more deaths follow her. Now she not only has to prove her innocence in three deaths, but also find out who is trying to frame her. Romance, intrigue, and murder! I loved this ARC!
This one is emotional with so much happening there are issues about domestic abuse but also another gorgeous romance, MS Michaels has taken us on a journey that is action packed, as we get to see the gorgeous and caring Doctor Alec McGuiness find the love of his life in Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, there is a lot of mayhem before they get to their HEA but it is a journey that I truly enjoyed.
Constance grew up wanting to marry a Duke, she was sure that this would be the life for her and when she meets Duncan, The Duke of Kilmaine, and becomes his Duchess, her life is turned upside down he is a cruel beast and she hides behind a wall playing the perfect duchess, when she meets her old friend Alec at a ball her mind is taken back to another time in her life.
Alec is back in Scotland and attends a ball to check up on his old friend Connie and even though she would have nothing to do with him years before she still affects him enough to feel that something is not right with her life. When her husband is found murdered in their bed he helps her escape as she is accused of his murder, he must do what he can to protect her and find out who has set her up, and keep his feelings for her under control because love and marriage will never be for Alec after the people he has loved before have left him.
Oh my what a fabulous story this one is, MS Michaels knows how to write a story that will win the hearts of the readers, I loved Alec he is strong and caring, such a wonderful hero and Connie is strong and vulnerable at the same time, with its witty banter and danger around every corner threatening Alec and Connie, this one is a page turner and one I highly recommend, I have to say the Sottish Highlands is one of my favourite places for a story, this one is moving and emotional. MS Michaels has taken on some matters that sadly happen too often and treated them with respect and in a caring way, don’t miss this one.
Constance Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, once believed that all she needed in life was a duke. But everything unravelled when she realized her perfect husband was a perfect monster. Dr. Alec McGuiness reluctantly finds himself back in Scotland, and checking up on the only woman to ever get under his skin, Connie. After she spurned him many years ago, he knows his humble life as a doctor could never be enough for her. But when the Duke of Kilmaine is murdered in cold blood, with Connie sleeping right next to him in bed, Alec knows he must protect Connie at all costs from those who would frame her for the duke’s murder.
This is the third book in the series & yes it stands on its own but there is a connection between the characters & quite honestly the books are just SO good I’d recommend reading in order. This is another very well written book, it’s hard to believe it’s only the author’s third novel. The characters have lots of depth. I loved the chemistry between Alec & Connie & how they wanted to remain friends. I loved how Connie grew in confidence & how Alec valued her for herself. Parts of the book especially the start are heart wrenching & was taken on a plethora of emotions from crying to laughing. Once again I was drawn in from the start & found it very hard to put it down, I love romance but also love mysteries so to have the two combined made my day. There were twists to the mystery & I certainly didn’t guess who the murderer was. An engrossing, enthralling read, which I loved.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
As a young debutante vaunted for her ethereal beauty, Constance Campbell was determined to settle for nothing less than a duke. Now the Duchess of Kilmaine has learned to be careful what she wishes for. As she suffers at the hands of her cruel husband, Duncan, Connie hides her true pain from everyone, even the childhood friend who comes to check on her.
Dr. Alec McGuiness had no desire to return to Scotland, especially not to check on the one woman who ever got under his skin, but he finds he cannot refuse his dear friend’s request to check on her friend. Alec knew how high Connie’s aims were and despite being an earl’s son, he knew his status as a professional and a younger son would never be lofty enough for her. But when Alec sees Connie he knows immediately that something is very wrong and when the Duke is murdered in bed, next to a sleeping Connie no less, Alex knows he must help Connie and keep her from being framed for the murder.
In order to keep her brother-in-law from having her committed to an asylum, or worse hanged for murder, Connie finds herself on the run. She enjoys this slight bit of freedom but is dismayed by her attraction to Alec, who has devoted himself to keeping her safe. Though she finds herself increasingly comfortable with Alec, Connie is afraid to ever give a man power over her again. For his part, Alec remembers all too well the snobbish, catty girl Connie used to be and has no wish to have his heart broken again as it was when he was betrayed by the girl he’d once hoped to marry. With more secrets coming out about Connie’s late husband, her feelings for Alec may be a moot point.
As a survivor of severe domestic abuse, Connie had a lot of issues to deal with. Alec also had trust issues after having his heart broken by both his parents and the girl he’d hoped to marry. Connie was rather nasty to Alec when they were younger, as she was unabashedly focused on marrying a title, but despite this Alec cannot abandon his childhood friend when she’s in such dire straits. Connie starts to come into her own without her domineering mother or late husband getting in the way and I liked that it is she who pursues a deeper relationship with Alec and it is Alec who pulls away.
There were lots of characters in this one and at times I struggled to keep straight who was who and what their motivations were. There were also some issues with incorrect forms of address, some awkward phrasing and a huge overuse of the word darn in particular, but this is just down to my pet peeves and will likely be fixed in final edits. This story had plenty of intrigue, which I liked, but somehow the story still seemed to drag in places, especially between Alec and Connie. Many of Connie’s inner monologues became rather repetitive to me, which is probably why I perceived a lag in the story, and all the descriptions of her great beauty got a bit old after awhile. Nonetheless, the mystery was good and I really did enjoy the story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Constance Campbell once thought all she wanted was to be the Duchess she is now. Unfortunately that life was a nightmare. Now she is on the run and wanted for murder. If she can’t clear her name she faces the hangman or an insane asylum.
Dr Alec Macguiness only intended to check up on an old friend. Now he must help her escape the danger she finds herself in. He has no intention of losing his heart to anyone again. Everyone he has ever loved has betrayed him.
This is a very exciting murder / mystery with romance. Our incredibly brave heroine will have to draw on every reserve of strength she can find. You will never guess the real villain, there are so many to choose from.
Great fun.
Starring Constance “Connie” Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine and Dr. Alec McGuiness. Characters with history already established.
The first chapters of this book hurt… like really, really, really hurt my heart!! I felt so bad for Connie and the abuse that she had to endure in the hands of her husband. But she was such a magnificent heroine… her inner strength and determination to push through and survive day after day was just amazing.
Alec was an absolutely delicious hero, coming to Connie’s aid when she needed him the most. He totally knew when to comfort her and when to give her space. And I love that he kept resisting his attraction to her. The hero that protests love too much… fall the hardest.
I love Maddison Michaels and her writing style. She kept me at the edge of my seat with all the intrigue, but she didn’t lose sight of the fact that this was a romance book. She kept the delicious tension between Alec and Connie front and center. But I did gasp when she revealed who the killer was… I usually guess but, I was so engrossed in the story that it unfolded and surprised me!! Good job, Maddison Michaels!!
This is the 3rd book in the Saints and Scoundrels series! Can’t wait for Iain (Alec’s brother) and Lorelei’s story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star system: 5 Stars
Ugly cried AF!!! Characters were amazing. Storyline kept me captivated. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!!
Wow, what a story! I just finished reading “The Sinful Scot” and my first thought is “wow, this author sure knows how to write”!!! I realize that some readers might not like that the heroine is a physically abused wife at the start but if you give it a chance, the story really evolves and not only do you get passion and caring, you also get a murder mystery!! This is so well written, I was actually shocked when it’s revealed who the murderer is, I never suspected that person!
Connie is a physically abused wife and when her husband is found murdered in her bed, she is accused of his murder and ends up on the run with the help of a longtime friend, Alec. I loved how gentle he was with her and could show her that most men were not like her husband. There are many twists and turns in this story that will keep you on your toes. Be prepared to not want to put the book down once you’ve started reading it!!
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The Sinful Scot is the third book in the Saints and Scoundrels series. This has been an interesting series and each one is perfect as a stand-alone. We were introduced to Dr. McGuiness, Alec, in the first book and I was so happy to read his story and have him find his happy ever after.
Constance “Connie” Campbell, the Duchess of Kilmaine, had married the duke to try and thought her life would be perfect once she married. Everyone thought Duncan, the duke, was charming but Connie soon found out he was a monster with his fits of rage. One morning after having a ball, she awoke with the duke covered in blood and dead in her bed. She had no memory of what had happened but knew she had to leave.
Alec had traveled to Scotland to check on his father’s health. On the way back to England, Alec attended the Kilmaine ball at the request of their friend, Sophie, to check on Connie. After Connie had made her debut, she became obsessed with her appearance and marrying a duke. He didn’t understand why he was attracted to her. He became suspicious that things were not right after talking to Fergus, Connie’s brother in law.
When he heard the news of the duke’s death, he knew he had to help Connie. As they searched for clues to who had killed Duncan, their attractions to each other grew. Will they solve the mystery of Duncan and the other victim’s murder?
The book was intriguing, and full of twists and turns. The author kept the reader in suspense until the end when the killer is finally revealed. The author also set up the next book, which should provide lots of amusement.
This is a beautiful love story that revolves around the murder of a Duke and numerous other people. Constance has been framed for the murder of her husband and Alec is helping her find proof of her innocence while keeping her safe at the same time. People are not who they appear to be and the murderer is finally uncovered but not before lives are lost. After being betrayed by the people he loved most, Alec has vowed to never again trust another woman with his heart. There is a HEA for Constance and Alec but a lot happens first. The book is full of danger, numerous murders, hidden agendas and a love story that is beautifully written. I enjoyed the story and the mystery and would highly recommend it as a great read.
The Sinful Scot is an outstanding historical romance by Maddison Michaels. I think this is my first book by this author, but wow, it won’t be the last. Ms. Michaels has given readers a well-written book furnished with a stellar cast of characters. Constance tried to make her mother happy by marrying a duke. Unfortunately, he was an abusive, evil duke…until Constance woke up next to a dead duke. Alec arrived at the Duke’s ball the night before he was murdered, only because he promised his friend he would check on Constance. Alec helps her escape after Constance’s brother-in-law claims she killed the duke. Constance and Alec’s story is packed with drama, humor, action, spice and suspense. I enjoyed every page of this book and look forward to reading more from Maddison Michaels in the future. The Sinful Scot is book 3 of the Saints & Scoundrels Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.