A Scot to the Heart

This is the second book in the Desperately Seeking Duke series, but stands alone just fine. Drew, our hero, has just found out that he is next in line for a dukedom, through a distant relationship to the current duke, who is an aging invalid with no children. He returns home to Scotland to see his mother and sisters, and convey this news, when he meets Ilsa, a young and slightly scandalous widow. Very satisfying misunderstandings and mayhem ensue to carry their story forward, as usually happens! While I feel that Ilsa's background could have been explored a little more, the story flows well and I very much enjoyed it. I look forward to the third book, and also to the upcoming novella featuring Ilsa's friend Agnes (who is also Drew's sister) and Drew's friend Felix. I would also enjoy stories about Drew's other sisters.

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.

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.

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