Reviews

A Scot in the Dark by Sarah MacLean

Only show reviews with written explanations

jazzisnaps's review

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

amlibera's review

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3.0

Great fun. MacLean writes with great humor and a joy in detail. Good characters who have something genuine that keeps them apart and a clear connection. And she does the sexy stuff especially well. At this point, we could probably say that MacLean's novels take place in an alternate history England- these are very modern characters in period dress but in many ways, this adds to the fun.

jackiehorne's review

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Couldn't get past a third of the way into this one. The set-up of the story just didn't make sense, historical-wise, and didn't resonate emotion-wise. Why would a man who has ignored his ducal duties for five years suddenly feel the need to come to the rescue of a girl in his guardianship who is facing a social scandal? Especially since said girl is no relation, nor even the child of a friend, but merely the child of the steward of one of his predecessors to the title? A daughter of a steward would not rate a place in London society, and neither would the man (an actor/painter) who is about to ruin her reputation by displaying a nude painting of her in an art show. And why would the daughter of a steward be sent to London, rather than away from the estate, to be raised?

I might have kept reading if either of the two protagonists had a goal or motivation about which I could care, or a character that interested me. But neither Lily and Alec had anything intriguing about them, and their interactions are of the sniping sort rather than the witty sort.

crayondall's review

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slow-paced

3.0

So incredibly frustrating

h_s_88's review

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

leyli's review

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medium-paced

2.0

ericas_bookshelf's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

HOW WAS THIS SO MUCH BETTER THAN BOOK ONE??

Like genuinely, I *devoured* this. He is so incredibly sweet and just falls for her immediately, which I ofc ate UP. He also has a cat 😭

I especially appreciated how Sarah wrote about him being objectified as a tall Scotsman. I truly think it was handled well, and honestly? Really refreshing to read. To see how he and Lillian handled it was beautiful.

Lillian’s trauma and overall character arc also felt very relevant, despite this being a historical romance. The humiliation and shame she endures with a nude portrait of hers being shared without her permission?? Again, sooooo relevant. Loved how this was done.