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sungmemoonstruck's review
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I really enjoyed two thirds of this but I don't know if the final third was totally necessary? Ilsa and Drew are such an appealing central couple, with a fun, joyful, and swoony courtship, and I also really liked them both as individual characters. (I was especially fond of Ilsa and her fight to carve out some joy in her life after a deeply unhappy marriage.) There's a whole section that takes part at a house party that's an absolute delight. But that final third feels narratively unsatisfying and doesn't quite click with the joy of the rest of the book--I wanted justice to be served and for there to be more consequences for the villain's actions. I do see why Linden did it, especially as she's exploring the role of gossip in 18th-century, but I wanted the ending to feel a bit more triumphant, especially after everything Ilsa's been through. I would still recommend the series as a whole and am planning on picking up the third installment soon.
rainelle_barrett's review
3.0
I find this story has intriguing things about it. Such as the story is based around a Scottish family who has been suddenly placed in the English aristocrat world. The male character, Drew is surrounded by a number of women who are a major influence in his life. And there is Ilsa, the love interest for Drew. Her character is a strong, intelligent and determined woman who wants nothing, but to control her own destiny. I think that the book offers a good plot, which leaves me excited to read how Drew and Ilsa come together. Their story I thought was a slow burn. I liked the dialogue among the characters. The entertainment was a little mellow.
erinarkin20's review
4.0
I enjoyed A Scot to the Heart by Caroline Linden but I have to say, I don't love the cover. This is the second book in the Desperately Seeking Duke series and I've been enjoying it so far.
The main characters in this book are well developed and I loved the way they met. Of course, they don't know who the other is...until they find out they know someone in common. As they continue to find themselves together, they are drawn to each other. The problem is, Ilsa doesn't want another husband and Andrew needs to marry someone who can fill the role of a "proper duchess".
If you're looking for a series to pick up, check this one out. You don't have to read them in order as you don't miss out on anything by reading as a standalone. I'll be looking forward to picking up book three when it is released!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters in this book are well developed and I loved the way they met. Of course, they don't know who the other is...until they find out they know someone in common. As they continue to find themselves together, they are drawn to each other. The problem is, Ilsa doesn't want another husband and Andrew needs to marry someone who can fill the role of a "proper duchess".
If you're looking for a series to pick up, check this one out. You don't have to read them in order as you don't miss out on anything by reading as a standalone. I'll be looking forward to picking up book three when it is released!
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
dukefn99's review
4.0
Read my whole review at https://novelsalive.com/2021/05/28/4-star-review-a-scot-to-the-heart-by-caroline-linden/
kayla_llbr's review
5.0
There are two types of characters that I will NEVER get sick of. Brawny and lust Scots and the widow. I feel like I've been on a widow kick lately (see last review) but I am not hating it. And I especially wasn't hating it when I met our hero, Captain Andrew St. James.
Now, I will fully admit I at one point attempted to read the first book when it came out because of all the reviews and word of mouth, but ended up setting it aside and not coming back to it. But I also know myself enough to know that usually the first book in every series I love is typically my lowest rated one. So the fact that I decided to read this without completing the first book should at least help if you are on the fence on wanting to start this if you haven't read About a Rogue. But I will attempt to pick that one up again, because after reading A Scot to the Heart, I am kind of smitten with what Caroline Linden did with these characters.
I loved Drew's steady hand and ability to find humor and joy and playfulness throughout his story. He is perfect if you are looking for a military man that is built like a house and awfully romantic at heart. He's my favorite type of her. Big and brawny but sensual and tender. And I especially loved Ilsa and her wild heart and the fact that Drew doesn't try to tame her, like so many of the men in her life have done. These two are very sweet but spicy together and I loved how they complimented each other.
I also really enjoyed the second half as there is a great mystery/suspense element that really pulls you in and keeps you on your toes. Plus, Drew's sister Agnes and his best friend Felix have a concurrent story of their own taking place in the background and I am so excited that we do not have to wait long for their novella, How The Scot Was Won, that is scheduled for release on July 6th.
Overall this was a very satisfying story and I cannot wait to continue on with the rest of the series, as well as reacquaint myself with the first book and novella ahead of this one.
Thank you Avon for the ARC!
Now, I will fully admit I at one point attempted to read the first book when it came out because of all the reviews and word of mouth, but ended up setting it aside and not coming back to it. But I also know myself enough to know that usually the first book in every series I love is typically my lowest rated one. So the fact that I decided to read this without completing the first book should at least help if you are on the fence on wanting to start this if you haven't read About a Rogue. But I will attempt to pick that one up again, because after reading A Scot to the Heart, I am kind of smitten with what Caroline Linden did with these characters.
I loved Drew's steady hand and ability to find humor and joy and playfulness throughout his story. He is perfect if you are looking for a military man that is built like a house and awfully romantic at heart. He's my favorite type of her. Big and brawny but sensual and tender. And I especially loved Ilsa and her wild heart and the fact that Drew doesn't try to tame her, like so many of the men in her life have done. These two are very sweet but spicy together and I loved how they complimented each other.
I also really enjoyed the second half as there is a great mystery/suspense element that really pulls you in and keeps you on your toes. Plus, Drew's sister Agnes and his best friend Felix have a concurrent story of their own taking place in the background and I am so excited that we do not have to wait long for their novella, How The Scot Was Won, that is scheduled for release on July 6th.
Overall this was a very satisfying story and I cannot wait to continue on with the rest of the series, as well as reacquaint myself with the first book and novella ahead of this one.
Thank you Avon for the ARC!
amris's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
bojeli5's review
adventurous
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
readbooks_eatapples's review
3.0
The writing is pretty decent and nothing truly ticked me off, so I have to round up from 2. The first half was good, but I found myself impatient for the story to actually begin. I knew there was a big scandal; it just took forever to get there, which meant I was on edge for the wrong reasons, anticipating something that altered the tone and path of the story significantly. I certainly didn't buy the twist. It made sense, in context, but it was stupid and unnecessary. This isn't an overwrought soap opera. The villain doesn't have to have a secret connection and a twirly mustache. I skimmed the last several chapters. Also the end is BS, a way to extend the series I assume. I doubt I'll read the next unless my reading well runs dry.
meggofoster's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.75
Caroline Linden's "A Scot to the Heart" takes readers on jaunt through Georgian historical romance, landing at a respectable 3.75 stars in my book. The tale of Captain Andrew St. James, a Scottish military man thrust into English nobility, brings a delightful mix of challenging emotions and familial dynamics. Linden paints a lively picture of Edinburgh and the clash between Scottish spirit and English decorum. While the storyline has its captivating moments, the pacing felt uneven, and some character development left me wanting more. The romantic interplay between Andrew and Ilsa Ramsay, though emotional and engaging, seemed a touch predictable. Yet, Linden's narrative shines with its exploration of duty, family ties, and the inevitable clash between tradition and individual desires. Fans of Scottish heroes and historical romance will find this a worthwhile read, but it falls just shy of a higher rating.