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Castles and Courtship
A Suitable Arrangement
The arrangement may well be suitable, but is it bearable?
As the new Earl of Lismore, it is Sandy Duncan’s duty to save both his family and Lochlarren Castle from impending ruin. He has always known he must marry well, but his father’s deathbed revelation of a slew of other debts creates an unexpected urgency to the situation. With his last breath, Sandy’s father extracts a promise from him to accept the match he has arranged: a marriage to the daughter of a low-born but wealthy English merchant.
While Juliana Godfrey has never had the recognition of Society’s most elite, she has been able to take comfort in what she does have: money—and she has that in spades. Her father’s newest ambition to marry her into the aristocracy, however, could provide her with both things. The fact that the Duncans are Scots—and Highland ones, at that—is not ideal, but an earldom simply cannot be refused.
Despite being the face of the Duncan family’s salvation, Juliana’s reception at Lochlarren Castle is less than warm. As for the earl, he is bewildered to find his prospective bride arrogant and condescending, evidently expecting her future family to be barbaric. In spite of such shaky foundations, however, the match must proceed, bleak as the future may be to both participants. Will first impressions stand against the intimacy marriage brings, or are money and title all Sandy and Juliana can truly hope for from their union?
As the new Earl of Lismore, it is Sandy Duncan’s duty to save both his family and Lochlarren Castle from impending ruin. He has always known he must marry well, but his father’s deathbed revelation of a slew of other debts creates an unexpected urgency to the situation. With his last breath, Sandy’s father extracts a promise from him to accept the match he has arranged: a marriage to the daughter of a low-born but wealthy English merchant.
While Juliana Godfrey has never had the recognition of Society’s most elite, she has been able to take comfort in what she does have: money—and she has that in spades. Her father’s newest ambition to marry her into the aristocracy, however, could provide her with both things. The fact that the Duncans are Scots—and Highland ones, at that—is not ideal, but an earldom simply cannot be refused.
Despite being the face of the Duncan family’s salvation, Juliana’s reception at Lochlarren Castle is less than warm. As for the earl, he is bewildered to find his prospective bride arrogant and condescending, evidently expecting her future family to be barbaric. In spite of such shaky foundations, however, the match must proceed, bleak as the future may be to both participants. Will first impressions stand against the intimacy marriage brings, or are money and title all Sandy and Juliana can truly hope for from their union?
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2023
460 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
August 18, 2023
Is your thirst for an arranged marriage HEA as unquenchable as mine?
I believe some self-congratulating is in order: Well done, fickle mood reader me. You saw this one hit the marriage of convenience/ animosity to love trope jackpot, and you dropped everything, as you should. Never change.
This is stand-alone, so I’ll just go ahead and enable for you some further TBR neglect with some enthusiastic run-on sentences: go read this cause it’s marriage of convenience and they can’t stand each other and he’s a Scot and there are brothers and a crumbling castle and they’re idiots in love and MK writes so well.
I must go on. A lot.
What a way to hit the mark on those tropes! Ms. Keyes was like “This one’s for all the MoC fans” and just went for it with the special echelon of the marriage of convenience trope that is strangers arranged in marriage. Add some “I need your dowry/I want your title” class difference with some English/Scottish culture clash, and we are so good to go. You understand why I could not resist.
We don’t have an idealistic maiden dreaming of marrying for love and resenting her role as marriage pawn, but practical Juliana, determined to step into the realization of all her training, affording through this match the advantages of title and business connections. No shame in admitting you dream to be the Regency Scotland equivalent of a fashion influencer, social climb like a boss and make merchant daddy proud. Except, prior to the nuptials she arrives at a dilapidated Scottish castle to meet the band of aristocratic Highlander brothers she will soon call family, and so follows the insufferable brute/pretentious shrew bad impression. Let the counterproductive antics commence. It was such good fun seeing the overburdened, impoverished new earl lighten up and slowly descend into maddening fascination with the unpredictable city girl Brit that will be his wife. The progression here from all the antagonism to glimpses of who they really are to then just death by swooning at a playful loch misadventure scene was just too good. Thank Mrs. Boyle’s haggis, we go from annoyance to admiration, but the banter keeps up even after the animosity dwindles. And then we slap on the ball and chain and strap in for some good ol’ “Catching feels for your strictly-business spouse is confusing” awkwardness, and I was doing the internal conflict happy dance (also very awkward, but joyous). As a fan of all kinds of third act drama, this has amongst my least favorite instigators. And yet, oh how it was intertwined in those first person POVs with well set-up characterization, motivations, insecurities, mistaken reactions, to form just a masterful tapestry of angst. There’s so much of one of my favorite aspects of the marriage of convenience scenario: they’re already married, it’s their own dum dum tip-toeing and self-doubt and misplaced self-sacrificing that keeps them emotionally apart. Welcome to my TED talk: “Miscommunication/ No Communication: the life’s blood of literary romance.” Subtitle: “Getting the words out is hard; jumping to conclusions is not.” SO here for it because the resolution when they get our their own way is just *unintelligible garbling* so satisfying. Wonderfully full-circle time-jump epilogue? Why not? I’m already a goner. Actually, if Sandy had pulled out any more of that heavy brogue from his savage Scotsman charade I would’ve been well and truly deceased.
I hope you know well the feeling of reading a book with your favorite trope in all its glory, and this is one of those for me. All was delivered. Now left to wonder if any other Duncans are getting HEAs; Magnus needs some sunshine.
Content notes: While this is a wholesome/chaste/kissing only romance, being a marriage of convenience, once married, there is enough preoccupation with heir-producing and marriage consummation, or the lack-there-of, for me to mention discretion advised for younger HEA readers.
I believe some self-congratulating is in order: Well done, fickle mood reader me. You saw this one hit the marriage of convenience/ animosity to love trope jackpot, and you dropped everything, as you should. Never change.
This is stand-alone, so I’ll just go ahead and enable for you some further TBR neglect with some enthusiastic run-on sentences: go read this cause it’s marriage of convenience and they can’t stand each other and he’s a Scot and there are brothers and a crumbling castle and they’re idiots in love and MK writes so well.
I must go on. A lot.
What a way to hit the mark on those tropes! Ms. Keyes was like “This one’s for all the MoC fans” and just went for it with the special echelon of the marriage of convenience trope that is strangers arranged in marriage. Add some “I need your dowry/I want your title” class difference with some English/Scottish culture clash, and we are so good to go. You understand why I could not resist.
We don’t have an idealistic maiden dreaming of marrying for love and resenting her role as marriage pawn, but practical Juliana, determined to step into the realization of all her training, affording through this match the advantages of title and business connections. No shame in admitting you dream to be the Regency Scotland equivalent of a fashion influencer, social climb like a boss and make merchant daddy proud. Except, prior to the nuptials she arrives at a dilapidated Scottish castle to meet the band of aristocratic Highlander brothers she will soon call family, and so follows the insufferable brute/pretentious shrew bad impression. Let the counterproductive antics commence. It was such good fun seeing the overburdened, impoverished new earl lighten up and slowly descend into maddening fascination with the unpredictable city girl Brit that will be his wife. The progression here from all the antagonism to glimpses of who they really are to then just death by swooning at a playful loch misadventure scene was just too good. Thank Mrs. Boyle’s haggis, we go from annoyance to admiration, but the banter keeps up even after the animosity dwindles. And then we slap on the ball and chain and strap in for some good ol’ “Catching feels for your strictly-business spouse is confusing” awkwardness, and I was doing the internal conflict happy dance (also very awkward, but joyous). As a fan of all kinds of third act drama, this has amongst my least favorite instigators. And yet, oh how it was intertwined in those first person POVs with well set-up characterization, motivations, insecurities, mistaken reactions, to form just a masterful tapestry of angst. There’s so much of one of my favorite aspects of the marriage of convenience scenario: they’re already married, it’s their own dum dum tip-toeing and self-doubt and misplaced self-sacrificing that keeps them emotionally apart. Welcome to my TED talk: “Miscommunication/ No Communication: the life’s blood of literary romance.” Subtitle: “Getting the words out is hard; jumping to conclusions is not.” SO here for it because the resolution when they get our their own way is just *unintelligible garbling* so satisfying. Wonderfully full-circle time-jump epilogue? Why not? I’m already a goner. Actually, if Sandy had pulled out any more of that heavy brogue from his savage Scotsman charade I would’ve been well and truly deceased.
I hope you know well the feeling of reading a book with your favorite trope in all its glory, and this is one of those for me. All was delivered. Now left to wonder if any other Duncans are getting HEAs; Magnus needs some sunshine.
Content notes: While this is a wholesome/chaste/kissing only romance, being a marriage of convenience, once married, there is enough preoccupation with heir-producing and marriage consummation, or the lack-there-of, for me to mention discretion advised for younger HEA readers.
November 3, 2025
Lovely hr romance.
The story started with some ott shenanigans that thankfully stopped soon. I really enjoyed how the storyline evolved afterwards, though, how Sandy and Juliana slowly and very hesitantly fell in love.
What to expect: no sex, a few kisses, lots of longing because of the lack of communication.
The story started with some ott shenanigans that thankfully stopped soon. I really enjoyed how the storyline evolved afterwards, though, how Sandy and Juliana slowly and very hesitantly fell in love.
What to expect: no sex, a few kisses, lots of longing because of the lack of communication.
October 26, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
I adored this marriage of convenience between an English woman in search of a title and a Scottish earl in need of a fortune! It’s sweet & comedic & real.
Plus, the Duncan brothers are precious beans. Their camaraderie & banter is the best. Also, Sandy’s younger brothers giving him relationship advice is hilariously sincere. And I love all of their interactions with Juliana!
I adored this marriage of convenience between an English woman in search of a title and a Scottish earl in need of a fortune! It’s sweet & comedic & real.
Plus, the Duncan brothers are precious beans. Their camaraderie & banter is the best. Also, Sandy’s younger brothers giving him relationship advice is hilariously sincere. And I love all of their interactions with Juliana!
July 28, 2023
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!
You know what I would consider a suitable arrangement? To have every book written by this author, signed and in all the formats.
Until then-this book is all of the stars, all of the heart eyes, all of the things. I LOVE THIS AUTHOR'S BOOKS. Like, how did I live before I started reading them...yes, that kind of love!
Back to the book:
A Scotland setting? You know I'm already hooked.
"If it is a Scottish earldom she has come for," I said determinedly, "a Scottish earldom she shall have."
A battle of wits, a band of brothers, a lady trying to prove herself all while there is a slow burn romance happening during a marriage of convenience trope.
Best thing ever!
This book is amazing. I never cease to be amazed, or entertained, from a Martha Keyes book. I want to live in them forever and ever! I really can't tell you enough how fun this book is. Clear your schedule and save the day because this one will be available August 11!
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content: marriage of convenience, battle of wits, pranks, hilarious scenes, tender scenes, happy sighs and kisses.
You know what I would consider a suitable arrangement? To have every book written by this author, signed and in all the formats.
Until then-this book is all of the stars, all of the heart eyes, all of the things. I LOVE THIS AUTHOR'S BOOKS. Like, how did I live before I started reading them...yes, that kind of love!
Back to the book:
A Scotland setting? You know I'm already hooked.
"If it is a Scottish earldom she has come for," I said determinedly, "a Scottish earldom she shall have."
A battle of wits, a band of brothers, a lady trying to prove herself all while there is a slow burn romance happening during a marriage of convenience trope.
Best thing ever!
This book is amazing. I never cease to be amazed, or entertained, from a Martha Keyes book. I want to live in them forever and ever! I really can't tell you enough how fun this book is. Clear your schedule and save the day because this one will be available August 11!
I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content: marriage of convenience, battle of wits, pranks, hilarious scenes, tender scenes, happy sighs and kisses.
September 4, 2023
Things that aggravate me in a story:
Miscommunication and the characters not talking.
Jealousy with an old romance between the hero and another woman is something I actually hate reading about especially as the so called hero in this story knew his new wife was insecure. I felt that the hero in this story should have been horsewhipped for not expressing his feelings and not taking charge in his marriage since she was an innocent and was looking to him for direction. The hero in this story was not strong and all the misconceptions between the characters was tiring.
Miscommunication and the characters not talking.
Jealousy with an old romance between the hero and another woman is something I actually hate reading about especially as the so called hero in this story knew his new wife was insecure. I felt that the hero in this story should have been horsewhipped for not expressing his feelings and not taking charge in his marriage since she was an innocent and was looking to him for direction. The hero in this story was not strong and all the misconceptions between the characters was tiring.
September 7, 2023
Lovely sweet romance
Romance, sweet, period; series, by sand alone read
Juliana and Sandy's story is a lovely sweet romance with some misunderstanding s a team start, forced proximity due o an arranged marriage. Sandy and Juliana have a week before their wedding to get to know each other. Juliana's determined nature, kindness, sense of humor, and inner beauty make Sandy realize she is the countless he wants, not just the infusion of money his estate needs.
Loved setting, strong side characters and sweet attraction between two honest hearts made for a lovely read.
Romance, sweet, period; series, by sand alone read
Juliana and Sandy's story is a lovely sweet romance with some misunderstanding s a team start, forced proximity due o an arranged marriage. Sandy and Juliana have a week before their wedding to get to know each other. Juliana's determined nature, kindness, sense of humor, and inner beauty make Sandy realize she is the countless he wants, not just the infusion of money his estate needs.
Loved setting, strong side characters and sweet attraction between two honest hearts made for a lovely read.
August 12, 2023
I have a love hate relationship with marriage of convenience stories. I love watching their feelings change, but I'm always shouting at them to be honest with each other. I really enjoyed Sandy and Julianna's story even though I yelled at them quite often. The Scottish element was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the Duncans, I hope we get to read the brothers stories someday.
August 17, 2023
4.5🌟 very sweet and very funny. Easy,fast read with likeable characters.
Definitely Recommended 👍 👍
Definitely Recommended 👍 👍
August 8, 2023
A few weeks ago I was thinking that I needed a book that completely sucked me in and then I picked up this book. It was exactly what I needed. The perfect mixture of romance, humor, and a deep connection.
This book is part of the castle series, and I was excited to read it, because I love all things by Martha Keyes.
Sandy and Julianna have an arranged marriage, prior to meeting each other. It suits both their needs and desires, however they may not be able to tolerate each other. Is it really worth it? The two have an opportunity to get to know one another prior to that wedding, and their meeting does not go well at all.
This novel goes through a lot of my favorite tropes. Marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, and then friends to lovers. I loved the transitions and I loved each of their personalities. I loved Julianna’s spunk mixed with her goodness and Sandy’s loyalty and humility.
If you need a book to put a smile on your face, this is the one. I can’t wait to read it again, as well as the other books coming out in the castle series.
This book is available August 11th!
This book is part of the castle series, and I was excited to read it, because I love all things by Martha Keyes.
Sandy and Julianna have an arranged marriage, prior to meeting each other. It suits both their needs and desires, however they may not be able to tolerate each other. Is it really worth it? The two have an opportunity to get to know one another prior to that wedding, and their meeting does not go well at all.
This novel goes through a lot of my favorite tropes. Marriage of convenience, enemies to lovers, and then friends to lovers. I loved the transitions and I loved each of their personalities. I loved Julianna’s spunk mixed with her goodness and Sandy’s loyalty and humility.
If you need a book to put a smile on your face, this is the one. I can’t wait to read it again, as well as the other books coming out in the castle series.
This book is available August 11th!
April 18, 2024
Awful story! DNF! Her arrival was met by a very rude housekeeper whose job was depending on her. Just didn’t make sense.
Did no one think that perhaps she could have been sick, or hurt or that the carriage had an accident as was frequent in those days?
No back story regarding the castle as far as work or income went so how was it even surviving?
The brothers, a bunch of lazy smart mouths who didn’t work moaned at getting up at 6am, to fight each other, drank alcohol played billiards whilst ‘poor’ Sandy gazed at the ledgers bemoaning how poor they were.
Then thought it amusing to fight his future wife with a sabre. Please give the reader some credence. Those swords are so heavy if a woman (who never held one before) picked it up she would struggle let a lone fight with it!)
Everyone ganged up on her, chuckling at how amusing they were and wondering why she was angry when SHE HELD ALL THE CARDS!!! lol. It irritated me that she was doing this for her father as well. Didn’t he have enough money already? Needless to say DNF. I just want her to turn around and walk out by page 195 I was so annoyed.
Did no one think that perhaps she could have been sick, or hurt or that the carriage had an accident as was frequent in those days?
No back story regarding the castle as far as work or income went so how was it even surviving?
The brothers, a bunch of lazy smart mouths who didn’t work moaned at getting up at 6am, to fight each other, drank alcohol played billiards whilst ‘poor’ Sandy gazed at the ledgers bemoaning how poor they were.
Then thought it amusing to fight his future wife with a sabre. Please give the reader some credence. Those swords are so heavy if a woman (who never held one before) picked it up she would struggle let a lone fight with it!)
Everyone ganged up on her, chuckling at how amusing they were and wondering why she was angry when SHE HELD ALL THE CARDS!!! lol. It irritated me that she was doing this for her father as well. Didn’t he have enough money already? Needless to say DNF. I just want her to turn around and walk out by page 195 I was so annoyed.
December 10, 2024
I love Martha Keyes, but she dragged out the "he can't possibly love me the way I love him even though it's totally obvious to everyone" theme WAY too long. Literally the last 2 pages of the book they figure it out. Her writing is wonderful -the tension between Sandy and Juliana is palpable and real and the banter and dialogue is perfect, it just takes too long and after a while actually made me frustrated and annoyed that they both continued to make assumptions and refused to communicate.
January 12, 2024
A delicious read! 🤍 hoping to read more clean historical romance this year. 🙈
November 9, 2023
If it is set in Scotland then I am all in.
This is not the first historical romance / arranged marriage book that I've read but this book is one of my fave. The clean romance got me. And also the supporting characters are funny. I love their banter. Such a fun and romantic read.
This is not the first historical romance / arranged marriage book that I've read but this book is one of my fave. The clean romance got me. And also the supporting characters are funny. I love their banter. Such a fun and romantic read.
August 11, 2023
I loved the beginning first impressions and all the
misunderstandings and pranks.
I also loved how Sandy and his family came around to realizing what Julianna was really like. It was wonderful that she and the brothers got along so well.
I liked that it was finally resolved with a happily ever after. This is a wonderful book and a wonderful series!
misunderstandings and pranks.
I also loved how Sandy and his family came around to realizing what Julianna was really like. It was wonderful that she and the brothers got along so well.
I liked that it was finally resolved with a happily ever after. This is a wonderful book and a wonderful series!
September 4, 2023
Update: four stars
“Cat and mouse for a month or two or three.”
I rly rly rly laughed out loud at the beginning of this book. The strangers to enemy’s trope caused some hilarious plot points to me. Literally hilarious. So so silly. Loved it so much. However, the enddddddd just got me idk. It seemed very cut scene- very back and fourth- to the same couple of scenes each day. The banter stopped being as funny. It was still there but a lot less. So sad. And the overall resolve seemeddddd odd, I guess. To me it didn’t fit. I think because the setting - the castle- is almost a character in the book and the last resolve- the last scene- ends up being somewhere else entirely. Somewhere random. Just was not the cherry on top. More like the fondant on the cake. Pretty- but not finger lickin good.
But I rly do debate giving it 4 stars just because the beginning was one of the best starts to a book I can remember. So funny. Also would be amiss to not mention the happy family. I love the families Martha Keyes’ writes. They’re so homey <3.
“Cat and mouse for a month or two or three.”
I rly rly rly laughed out loud at the beginning of this book. The strangers to enemy’s trope caused some hilarious plot points to me. Literally hilarious. So so silly. Loved it so much. However, the enddddddd just got me idk. It seemed very cut scene- very back and fourth- to the same couple of scenes each day. The banter stopped being as funny. It was still there but a lot less. So sad. And the overall resolve seemeddddd odd, I guess. To me it didn’t fit. I think because the setting - the castle- is almost a character in the book and the last resolve- the last scene- ends up being somewhere else entirely. Somewhere random. Just was not the cherry on top. More like the fondant on the cake. Pretty- but not finger lickin good.
But I rly do debate giving it 4 stars just because the beginning was one of the best starts to a book I can remember. So funny. Also would be amiss to not mention the happy family. I love the families Martha Keyes’ writes. They’re so homey <3.
July 11, 2024
This book was infuriating.
It starts off on the wrong foot for all (hero, heroine, supporting characters, reader) which leads into them being the worst version of themselves to "put the other in their place." Which was just delightful let me tell you. I love arrogance and mocking others.
That was a mercifully short percentage of the book, but the rest was almost as bad. I can't stand willful ignorance, self-denial, doubt and stupidity and this book had it in spades. Even worse, it was a dual POV, so we were treated to the exact same pining, self-pity, and foolishness over the exact same circumstances twice over!
Why do authors do this?! Denying what is obvious or having characters relentlessly snuff out hope is unnatural, not enjoyable to read and doesn't further healthy attitudes in real life.
Good romances are hard to write. When love is the primary point of the story, they almost always drive it to a declaration of love, sex, or pregnancy, as if those are the best life has to offer. If it doesn't end then, then where? Which means you have to throw obstacles in the path of those goals. I get that. But I can't enjoy a book with characters at the reins that I can't respect. And I can't respect characters who are unnecessary martyrs, sacrificing my time and emotion as well. I prefer strong, clever heroines (and heroes!) who show tenacity and determination and who overcome. Not passive characters cloaked in misery and allowing themselves to be tossed about in ocean of other people's words and choices.
This book -could- have been really good. Martha Keyes is a talented and engaging writer. I wish she would use her powers for good.
It starts off on the wrong foot for all (hero, heroine, supporting characters, reader) which leads into them being the worst version of themselves to "put the other in their place." Which was just delightful let me tell you. I love arrogance and mocking others.
That was a mercifully short percentage of the book, but the rest was almost as bad. I can't stand willful ignorance, self-denial, doubt and stupidity and this book had it in spades. Even worse, it was a dual POV, so we were treated to the exact same pining, self-pity, and foolishness over the exact same circumstances twice over!
Why do authors do this?! Denying what is obvious or having characters relentlessly snuff out hope is unnatural, not enjoyable to read and doesn't further healthy attitudes in real life.
Good romances are hard to write. When love is the primary point of the story, they almost always drive it to a declaration of love, sex, or pregnancy, as if those are the best life has to offer. If it doesn't end then, then where? Which means you have to throw obstacles in the path of those goals. I get that. But I can't enjoy a book with characters at the reins that I can't respect. And I can't respect characters who are unnecessary martyrs, sacrificing my time and emotion as well. I prefer strong, clever heroines (and heroes!) who show tenacity and determination and who overcome. Not passive characters cloaked in misery and allowing themselves to be tossed about in ocean of other people's words and choices.
This book -could- have been really good. Martha Keyes is a talented and engaging writer. I wish she would use her powers for good.
August 13, 2023
This was a perfectly executed enemies to friends to lovers story and marriage of convenience story! Sandy and Juliana are 100% comfortable with their arranged marriage. Until they actually start falling for each other! Just for my personal well being I wanted the tension to resolve a lot quicker than it did! 😆. It was killing me there for a bit! Which is why I couldn’t put it down though and finished this book in a day and a half! 😁
April 14, 2025
I really enjoyed the first 2/3 of this book. It was funny and engaging with charming characters and brotherly camaraderie. Unfortunately, the humor dies off and is replaced with endless cycles of miscommunication, doubts, and insecurities. I found it frustrating and became quite disappointed as it went on and on.
I can’t quite bring myself to give it 3 stars since I so thoroughly enjoyed the greater portion of the book, but it certainly dropped from 5.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God.
I can’t quite bring myself to give it 3 stars since I so thoroughly enjoyed the greater portion of the book, but it certainly dropped from 5.
Content:
There is no foul language, sex, or violence. The romance is limited to lightly descriptive kisses. There is no real mention of faith or God.
August 24, 2024
This book was so so so good. It drew me in by page 4. I love the dynamics of arranged marriages that through time fall in love.
My one drawback? There is significant yearnings for each other intimately. The author isn't descriptive about it which is awesome... but I think I wouldn't recommend it for unmarried women just because the feelings of desire and despair and hopefulness for intimacy are so prevalent.
I will definitely read more from this author however. A love finding new authors!!
My one drawback? There is significant yearnings for each other intimately. The author isn't descriptive about it which is awesome... but I think I wouldn't recommend it for unmarried women just because the feelings of desire and despair and hopefulness for intimacy are so prevalent.
I will definitely read more from this author however. A love finding new authors!!
August 22, 2023
This was a nice, light-hearted book. It had me smiling at the beginning, but rolling my eyes at the end! When conflict resolution can be achieved with a simple conversation (that never happens) I start feeling annoyed. But it was good, and I'd love to see a spin-off series from this book about the younger brothers.
February 10, 2025
This book was well written and the plot was interesting.
Sadly, the male lead' larks, deceptions and lies (in the first part of the story) wasn't my cup of tea. I understand felt humiliated and his pride took some hits, but the way he dealt with it was the way of a cad.
Make her life a living hell, but not enough for make her leave, just enough to make cry in her room and scared for her life... that was a bad plan. One that a 8 y.o. could have created. this is why I took off 2 stars off. Still, the second part of the book was better and made up for the disconcerting start.
Sadly, the male lead' larks, deceptions and lies (in the first part of the story) wasn't my cup of tea. I understand felt humiliated and his pride took some hits, but the way he dealt with it was the way of a cad.
Make her life a living hell, but not enough for make her leave, just enough to make cry in her room and scared for her life... that was a bad plan. One that a 8 y.o. could have created. this is why I took off 2 stars off. Still, the second part of the book was better and made up for the disconcerting start.
October 14, 2023
Very cute but also I wish they had communicated better. But still so sweet tho the beginning kind of bugged me with how they were both acting. However, once they knocked that off it got much better! I love marriage of convenience!!!
November 7, 2023
Banter
Nice back and forth between the characters. I became discouraged toward the end but it wrapped up fine. Don't think it will be a reread for me so four stars.
Nice back and forth between the characters. I became discouraged toward the end but it wrapped up fine. Don't think it will be a reread for me so four stars.
December 18, 2023
Really cute but I wish there had been a little more of them being happy!! I do love a grand gesture though and Sandy being nervous to kiss her was actually precious
June 15, 2024
My Favorite.
I actually laughed out loud reading parts of this book. It ended to early - I would have read more about all of these characters.
I actually laughed out loud reading parts of this book. It ended to early - I would have read more about all of these characters.
September 8, 2023
Wow this book. Best marriage of convenience/ enemies to lovers romance ever. It was the slowest most torturous burn ever. (In a good way). You get all the Scottish culture representation: the brogue, the great kilts, haggis, sword dancing and more! There is a castle full of 4 hilarious brothers that aren’t afraid to tease and have fun. This book had so many lol moments, heart aching moments, me screaming at it moments. It was just one big adventure! I genuinely loved every second of this amazing, hilarious, torturous book.
SPOILERS and book notes:
I love the four Scottish brothers. The earl alexander Duncan his nickname is Sandy. Than his three younger brothers: “Mr. Magnus Duncan, Mr. Blair Duncan, and Mr. Iain Duncan.” The setting is the woods of the Scottish highlands. And she a London city girl. A marriage of convenience. I love the anticipation of meeting each other for the first time and the preconceived notions of each other. Oh man this enemies to lovers is killing me. He is killing her by throwing all the Scottish things. Haggis (sheep stomach), great kilts, eating with only knives, swords, Scottish brogue, lass, peat bricks for the fire. The “clan feuding practice” was freaking amazing. It’s hilarious bc they don’t really do it but they are just messing with her but she shows up and now they really have to do it. The earl destroyed his brothers in fighting with sabers one right after the other and she just watched in awe. Then the insults fired at each other and then her getting fired up and challenging him to a duel!! I am dead. Sandy Vs Lass. “Lochlarren was worth saving. It was a quest far grander than any one person. I wanted to ensure it was restored to its proper state, its history preserved for generations to come. Such a goal required sacrifice. Great sacrifice, even. Men had given their lives for it; Miss Godfrey would only cost me my sanity.” “The effect was to make him odiously handsome. Or handsomely odious.” Heck yes! They are finally moving from talking with animosity to bantering. Both witty and fun to read but bantering isn’t mean natured. Gillie callum is a traditional highland sword dance! IF the swords are touched the dance is done. The brothers and her had horse races of the stairs indoors!! Oh my lanta. I love how awkward they are around each other even after the wedding. I am dying. THIS SLOW BURN ANTICIPATION IS KILLING ME. They are both tiptoeing around each other when they both just crave each other and it is the best kind of torture. You want torture??? Read this book. Go after your woman!!! Yeah they said I love you!!! And the epilogue with their three yo son with his doting uncles!! He redid the royalty rooms for them to stay in bc she is his queen!!
SPOILERS and book notes:
I love the four Scottish brothers. The earl alexander Duncan his nickname is Sandy. Than his three younger brothers: “Mr. Magnus Duncan, Mr. Blair Duncan, and Mr. Iain Duncan.” The setting is the woods of the Scottish highlands. And she a London city girl. A marriage of convenience. I love the anticipation of meeting each other for the first time and the preconceived notions of each other. Oh man this enemies to lovers is killing me. He is killing her by throwing all the Scottish things. Haggis (sheep stomach), great kilts, eating with only knives, swords, Scottish brogue, lass, peat bricks for the fire. The “clan feuding practice” was freaking amazing. It’s hilarious bc they don’t really do it but they are just messing with her but she shows up and now they really have to do it. The earl destroyed his brothers in fighting with sabers one right after the other and she just watched in awe. Then the insults fired at each other and then her getting fired up and challenging him to a duel!! I am dead. Sandy Vs Lass. “Lochlarren was worth saving. It was a quest far grander than any one person. I wanted to ensure it was restored to its proper state, its history preserved for generations to come. Such a goal required sacrifice. Great sacrifice, even. Men had given their lives for it; Miss Godfrey would only cost me my sanity.” “The effect was to make him odiously handsome. Or handsomely odious.” Heck yes! They are finally moving from talking with animosity to bantering. Both witty and fun to read but bantering isn’t mean natured. Gillie callum is a traditional highland sword dance! IF the swords are touched the dance is done. The brothers and her had horse races of the stairs indoors!! Oh my lanta. I love how awkward they are around each other even after the wedding. I am dying. THIS SLOW BURN ANTICIPATION IS KILLING ME. They are both tiptoeing around each other when they both just crave each other and it is the best kind of torture. You want torture??? Read this book. Go after your woman!!! Yeah they said I love you!!! And the epilogue with their three yo son with his doting uncles!! He redid the royalty rooms for them to stay in bc she is his queen!!
September 13, 2023
Scottish Lord Sandy Duncan is the new Earl of Lismore. He needs an heiress, no matter her station, to save him financially.
Julianna Godfrey, is English, and her father wants her to marry someone in the aristocracy so an arranged marriage of convenience has been made between Sandy and Julianna. Upon arrival at Lochlarren Castle, Julianna’s cousin tells her she must assert herself and act like a countess or they will walk all over her. She walks in to meet 4 men, staring at her and not standing for her as she walks in. How dare they?
Lord Sandy, sees the beautiful woman before them but why is she acting like she is superior to them? He decides to teach her a lesson. She thinks them so barbaric? He will show her!
They both keep up their acts for awhile but then eventually discover who they really are.
Enemies to lovers that are already arranged in marriage? Yes please! This book is Fantastic! I really loved watching the characters try to one up each other. I loved how they slowly discover each others true selves and start to fall in love. But of course they don’t tell each other as that wasn’t part of the marriage of convenience plan. Sandy’s brothers are great fun as well as they just go along with whatever Sandy says but in the end help him confess his feelings to his new wife. I loved all the wonderful situations these characters got into:
-clan feuding practice
-sword fight
-falling into the loch
-sword dance
-and more!
Overall great book and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: kisses, married couple cuddle and kiss in bed
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Julianna Godfrey, is English, and her father wants her to marry someone in the aristocracy so an arranged marriage of convenience has been made between Sandy and Julianna. Upon arrival at Lochlarren Castle, Julianna’s cousin tells her she must assert herself and act like a countess or they will walk all over her. She walks in to meet 4 men, staring at her and not standing for her as she walks in. How dare they?
Lord Sandy, sees the beautiful woman before them but why is she acting like she is superior to them? He decides to teach her a lesson. She thinks them so barbaric? He will show her!
They both keep up their acts for awhile but then eventually discover who they really are.
Enemies to lovers that are already arranged in marriage? Yes please! This book is Fantastic! I really loved watching the characters try to one up each other. I loved how they slowly discover each others true selves and start to fall in love. But of course they don’t tell each other as that wasn’t part of the marriage of convenience plan. Sandy’s brothers are great fun as well as they just go along with whatever Sandy says but in the end help him confess his feelings to his new wife. I loved all the wonderful situations these characters got into:
-clan feuding practice
-sword fight
-falling into the loch
-sword dance
-and more!
Overall great book and I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: kisses, married couple cuddle and kiss in bed
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 12, 2023
𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗲: An Annoying Pre-Consumation
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Martha Keyes
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: Magnus
Listen𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Normal
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Audiobook
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Historical Romance Seggs Stress
3/𝟱
🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁
~ sweet historical romance with banter
~ hesitant and awkward characters
~ a romance story filled with hesitancy, bla bla and longsuffering 🤣
Two people who should have been kissing each other since the beginning - EHEM - meet in very unfortunate circumstances - his castle needs money & her dad needs a title for his growing business monies - & so, a match to a Scottish earl. As Juliana moves to Scotland to meet her intended & his brothers, the training by a little too well-meaning aunt, & MANY misunderstandings, will create more overthinking than anyone needed.
✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.
The first 2/3 of this book were good, I figured it would be a sweet, locked castle story and that is what I pretty much got - the last 1/3 disappointed however. I felt the author could have heightened the stakes beyond the fears, hesitancy and inability to communicate of the characters - HOWEVER it does show us how important good communication is in relationships.
🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗵
~ these two were a little TOO hesitant! GRAB EACH OTHER AREADYYY!
♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Martha Keyes
𝗙𝗮𝘃 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿: Magnus
Listen𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Normal
𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Audiobook
𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Historical Romance Seggs Stress
3/𝟱
🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁
~ sweet historical romance with banter
~ hesitant and awkward characters
~ a romance story filled with hesitancy, bla bla and longsuffering 🤣
Two people who should have been kissing each other since the beginning - EHEM - meet in very unfortunate circumstances - his castle needs money & her dad needs a title for his growing business monies - & so, a match to a Scottish earl. As Juliana moves to Scotland to meet her intended & his brothers, the training by a little too well-meaning aunt, & MANY misunderstandings, will create more overthinking than anyone needed.
✨𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱.
The first 2/3 of this book were good, I figured it would be a sweet, locked castle story and that is what I pretty much got - the last 1/3 disappointed however. I felt the author could have heightened the stakes beyond the fears, hesitancy and inability to communicate of the characters - HOWEVER it does show us how important good communication is in relationships.
🌱𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗵
~ these two were a little TOO hesitant! GRAB EACH OTHER AREADYYY!
♡🌱 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗲 ;)
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