A Scottish Lord for Christmas

Sins and Scandals #3

by Lauren Smith

A kilt for Christmas . . .
Lady Rowena Pepperwirth is beautiful, wealthy, and can have any many she wants. Only, no man has ever caused her heart to flutter—until the holiday house party she agreed to attend at the last minute. One look at the brooding Lord Forres and Rowena knows exactly what she wants for Christmas: the dashing Scottish lord.

Quinn MacCauley needs a wife for several reasons. When he meets the lovely Lady Rowena, he knows she’ll be a good mother to his daughter and a capable mistress for his home. He’ll even overlook her tempting beauty—because there’s no way he will ever risk his heart again.

But he never counted on Rowena’s determination to give him the greatest gift of all: a chance at true love.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Christmas, Holiday, Novella, Historical, Historical Fiction

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 5, 2017

About the author

Lauren Smith is a USA Today Best-Selling author and an Oklahoma attorney. She knew she was destined to be a romance writer when she attempted to re-write the entire Titanic movie just to save Jack from drowning. Connecting with readers by writing emotionally moving, realistic and sexy romances no matter what time period is her passion. She’s won multiple awards in several romance subgenres including: New England Reader’s Choice Awards, Greater Detroit BookSeller’s Best Awards, Amazon.com Breakthrough Novel Award Quarter-Finalist and a Semi-Finalist for the Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley Award. To connect with Lauren, visit her at www.laurensmithbooks.com or twitter at @LSmithAuthor.

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 - "I finally have my Christmas wish." Stars!

The third novella in Lauren Smith’s Sins and Scandals series takes us to the wilds of Scotland, and once again the author gave me a story I couldn’t put down, and read in one sitting.



We met Lady Rowena Pepperwirth in the previous book, and I was interested to see how her story would play out. And her sweet innocence was the perfect contrast to the burly, emotionally closed off Quinn MacCauley; Lord Forres.

"I believe you would suit me very well."

A widower with a young daughter, Quinn is initially on the hunt for a mother for his daughter, believing that a man cannot experience love with a woman twice in one lifetime he puts his own wants and needs to the side in favor of his daughter; Blair.

He could only give her half of what he craved… Seduction but no love.

After a quickie wedding the couple return to his Scottish home and it doesn’t take long for Rowena to work her way through his carefully constructed defenses.

"I found you."

Loved this novella, loved that it had a little Christmas magic and sparkle thrown in as well, and the addition of a cute little girl didn’t hurt either.

Lauren excels at writing Historical Fiction, and A Scottish Lord for Christmas was another perfect example of that awesomeness.

ARC generously provided by the author, in exchange for the above honest review.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

A Scottish Lord for Christmas by Lauren Smith
Book Three of the Sins and Scandals series
Publisher: Forever Yours
Publication Date: December 5, 2017
Rating: 5 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

The best gifts come wrapped in a kilt...

Beautiful Lady Rowena Pepperwirth can have any man her heart desires. Unfortunately no gentleman has elicited even the slightest flutter—until she meets the brooding Lord Forres at a holiday house party. With just one look at the dashing Scottish lord, Rowena suddenly knows what she wants for Christmas.

Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres, is in need of a wife. When he meets the lovely Lady Rowena, he knows she'll be a good mother to his daughter and a capable household manager. But Quinn doesn't count on Rowena being the most tempting woman he's ever met. He's determined not to risk his heart, but Rowena's just as determined to give him the greatest holiday gift of all—a chance at true love.

What I Liked:

This short novel was absolutely lovely. Maybe I'm in a very Christmas-y mood? Maybe I've been in a reading slump and this book has me feeling more confident in my reading? Maybe it's just Lauren Smith's amazing stories? In any case, I loved this story. Quinn and Rowena are a fantastic couple, and their story is tugged at my heartstrings and made me sigh happily.

I read A Gentleman Never Surrenders earlier this year and really enjoyed the story. This new book is about Rowena, the younger sister of the female protagonist in the previous book. Rowena is eighteen, a new debutante, and a sweetheart. She is very caring and kind - and she is fascinated by Lord Forres. Everyone knows about s fly whenever he and Rowena are around each other. Quinn can't help but be drawn to her, even if he thinks he isn't ready to love again. But what if he is?

I actually loved both characters equally, which is surprising because usually I like one more than the other. Rowena is so sweet and selfless, and she really wants to share her life with someone else, and have many children. She has a kind, good heart, a gentle nature, and a tenacious will.

Quinn, on the other hand, is the strong silent brooding type. He rarely smiles but he is very polite and formal. He needs a wife and mother for his daughter, but he isn't ready to love anyone yet. Quinn is selfless in his own ways, and very protective. But he also never tries to change Rowena or command her. He is so considerate of her feelings and thoughts. Quinn is a really good guy and the type of alpha male that I absolutely love.

The two of them together are really cute, but also super hot. They meet at an event for the debutantes, and they connect instantly. They have a great emotional/mental connection, but also a physical. There are some very steamy times between them! They have great chemistry.

It takes some time, but they grow to love each other. Their relationship is really sweet. My heart broke for Quinn and his grieving heart, but I was so happy whenever he let Rowena in. Don't get me wrong - the romance is sweet and wonderful. It took Quinn longer to let himself love her, but he definitely did from the start. This book, while rather short, takes place over several months. It ends in the Christmas season and it's so great! I love the holidays, especially when in romance novels.

This book ends in a lovely HEA! Quinn and Rowena - and Quinn's daughter - are a cute family, and I was so happy to see things work out. There was basically no drama, no crazy family, no blown-out-of-proportions misunderstandings... this story was great.

What I Did Not Like:

Nothing specific that I can think of!

Would I Recommend It:

If you like historical romance novels, this one is good. It's rather short, though I'm not sure if it is considered a novella (I don't think so). The story reads quickly and I was never bored at any point. I flew threw this novel and was looking for more by the end. At the same time, the ending is very wrapped-up and neat. I recommend A Gentleman Never Surrenders but this novel is even better!

Rating:

4.5 stars -> rounded up to 5 stars. I so rarely give out the 5-star-rating so you know it has to be good! This short novel made me so happy. I was cheering for Quinn and Rowena and I'm so happy they got their happy ending. Quinn especially! He is a trooper. I loved this book!

[♥Rachel♥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don’t like a romance where the hero is still in love with his dead wife or girlfriend. I guess I should’ve read more reviews before picking this up, but I enjoyed the previous book so much I just barreled on ahead.

Quinn “needed” a wife to be the mistress of his castle, and mother to his three-year-old daughter, but I didn’t know he had just lost his wife one year earlier otherwise I would’ve never picked this up. I imagined a completely different scenario. He marries Rowena, just eighteen years old mind you, all the while saying that he’d share his bed but never his heart. Quinn’s doesn’t enlighten Rowena before they marry, though, which completely ticked me off. He as good as tells Rowena’s dad, and I was ticked that the dad didn’t insist more time go by for courting once he had this knowledge! I mean, it wasn’t like Rowena didn’t have excellent prospects for marriage. She’s titled, beautiful, and rich!

After they were married Quinn hurt Rowena over and over by giving into passion and then withdrawing; cold immediately after. I wanted to strangle him when he said these words, words that Rowena overheard: “Kenna, I don’t love her, and she isn’t here for me but for my child. That is all.” And Rowena just rolls over and takes all this!

Yes, this is a romance so of course he turns around, the light of love dawning on him, but it was too little, too late in my opinion without nearly enough groveling.

In addition to a completely disappointing romance, I found certain aspects of the story ridiculous. Blair starts calling Rowena “mama” after only two days? The doctor asks Rowena to assist at his clinic like two seconds after meeting because she gave soup and ice chips to Blair when she had a fever? I don’t know, maybe that was advanced care back in 1911, but still, it seemed like a stretch to me especially since the doctor barely knew her. Who knows, it could’ve been that I was so irritated by the romance that everything else was grating on me, too.

A copy was kindly provided by Forever Yours via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved writing about this story was the uniqueness of the situation of a widower and a young heroine who are falling in love. The hero Quinn, is a Scottish earl who lost his wife in childbirth with his second child who also died. He is the father to a two year old girl named Blair. I really loved writing his painful story arc as he came to fall in love with Rowena despite his own intentions not to fall in love with his second wife. Rowena is a very powerful hopeful young heroine. So even she should be young and naive at 18 when she marries, she is instead full of hope and bravery at the idea of getting Quinn to fall in love with her. I loved that their stories were so emotional and how they both loved Blair to distraction. I was inspired by the story Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier but instead of making it about a negative first wife it's about the ghost of the first wife actually bring them together. :) . I hope you all enjoy Rowena and Quinn's love story!

[Bookphenomena (Micky) · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 - 2 stars

So much promise, so much let down. The hero had a totally unrealistic and feminine narrative voice. Instalove was on the menu from all directions. I’m sorry to say I cannot recommend.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Christmas, the food, the games, the presents. Eyeing that big package under the tree wondering what on earth it could be...it's all very exciting. However, in the realm of Christmas books I rarely have much luck and that once again seems to have run true with A Scottish Lord for Christmas, it's like coming downstairs on Christmas morning and realising that aforementioned big package under the tree isn't yours after all. Very disappointing.

What bugged me about this book was the age difference. She was 18 and he was 28. Now, usually I don't mind age differences too much and you come to expect them in historical romances. But, what bugged me was how the characters viewed the age difference. He kept referring to her as being "so young"...after a while it began to creep me out. If he didn't view her as an adult, why did he marry her? And, to be a little fair on him she acted so young! She figured she could "fix" him with her magical love, it was a little nauseating and more importantly I just didn't buy the whole relationship.

So, not a winner for me! The more I read the more irritated I became, it did not leave me with much Christmas cheer, although it did almost drive me to some Christmas spirits.

*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Amy ~ Love At 1st Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was charmed by Rowena Pepperwirth in the previous book in this series. She was the sister Owen Hadley originally intended to compromise into marriage. Fortunately, Owen entered sister Milly’s room by mistake. A mistake that resulted in the perfect match. Rowena was the younger sister, new to all that accompanied the Season. Milly had always been the sensible one where Rowena was more the romantic. She looked to Milly for guidance. I loved her innocence, fear, and hope for all she was about to encounter. From the moment I met her, I knew I’d want her to find her own happily ever after.

Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres, had lost his wife, Maura, over a year ago. He didn’t feel ready to move on but he needed a mother for his daughter, Blair. When Rowena and Quinn meet at a house party, they are taken with one another immediately. Rowena couldn’t keep her eyes off Quinn and when his gaze met hers, it made her dizzy, excited, and a little anxious. Quinn liked Rowena. She was open, friendly, exquisite. He felt relaxed around her, and she seemed taken with Blair. In the brief time they were together, they enjoyed each other’s company, laughing and teasing. Rowena was drawn to Quinn knowing he bore the pain of his wife’s death, wanting to help him heal. It was easy to be around him yet he filled her with a wild excitement. For Quinn, no one had attracted him since Maura. No one but Rowena. When he gave into temptation and kissed her, the pain and memories seemed to fade away. Rowena was affected by the kiss too. It was intimate. Sinful. Wonderful. She wanted more. But as quickly as Quinn seemed desirous of her, he turned distant. He’d resolved to keep his emotional distance from any woman. When Quinn proposed to Rowena so quickly, Rowena knew he didn’t return her feelings yet she was floating. She would be living with a man and his daughter who needed her. She relished the challenge of mending Quinn’s broken heart. She would win his heart. It was a promise she would do anything to keep.

Poor Quinn! He tried his best to fight his feelings for Rowena but she was impossible to resist. He felt wretched each time he kissed her and then became distant. He felt like he was betraying Maura’s memory if he loved another. And, if he lost another, he didn’t think he’d survive. But Rowena was determined. Though hurt by Quinn’s hot and cold treatment, she didn’t back down. She was open and honest with her feelings. She was stronger than she thought and proved it time and again. Would Quinn prove to be as strong? Can he move on with his future or is the grief and guilt too strong to move past?
Quinn and Rowena’s story was perfection. I cheered for Rowena when she stayed positive and hopeful and refused to give up. I felt for Quinn and rooted for him to let go of the past and be thankful for the second chance he was being offered.
The secondary characters were delightful too. Lauren Smith has such a talent for creating characters that readers want to see again and again. I loved Rowena’s family and was thrilled to see more of them in this book. Quinn’s family was just as wonderful. Blair was precious and Rowena made the perfect mother for her. I liked Quinn’s sister, Kenna, too and hope I see more of her in future books.
Like the previous books of this series, this one has the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. The flawless characterization, the compelling story, and the building romance will keep you turning the pages, eager for an HEA.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scottish lord for Christmas is my favorite novella in the series. It felt more like my kind of book. The other two novellas felt too modern time-y for me. This one was closer to my reading taste when it comes to historical romance and I was happy. Rowena was the best heroine so far. She is a strong person and has a great character. I loved the connection she had with Quinn's daughter and it was clear that she loved the child very much. Rowena and Quinn had chemistry and everything worked out for me in this book. I don't want to spoil the end of the novella, but Rowena's actions there made me like her even more. All the ladies in the series are good, but Rowena is a little better than the other two. She didn't need to shout her independence from the rooftops to prove anything. I feel like as the series is processing the characters are becoming better and better. The book can be read as stand-alone, so if you haven't read the previous two don't hesitate to read this one.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Sins and Scandals #3
Publication Date: 12/5/17

Scrumptiously, deliciously different tale of love. Lauren Smith always delights us with her wonderful way of developing wonderful characters and writing compelling stories for them. This book – and this series certainly attests to that.

This stories in this series begin with a house party in book one of the series. Leopold Graham, Earl of Hampton was almost ‘pockets to let’ and needed to find a rich wife. He had his sights set on Millie, but he didn’t like her very much. So, Leopold gets his HEA in the first book and Millie gets hers in the second book – and now, in the third book, Millie’s sister gets her HEA.

As this tale begins, Leo and Ivy are engaged and Owen has just ‘ruined’ Millie so they have to marry. Millie and her parents leave Rowena at the house party while they go to their neighboring estate to make arrangements for Millie’s wedding to Owen. Rowena is so nervous because she’s just had her first season and this is her first house party. She’s afraid she’ll make a mistake and fall flat on her face even with Leo’s mom as her chaperone.

During dinner that night, all of the ladies are all a’ twitter about Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres, a Scottish Earl. Rowena is half-way down the table from him, but she finds his voice mesmerizing and her eyes are constantly drawn to him.

The next day, while taking a walk in the gardens, Rowena sees a small girl running her chubby little legs off – directly for the slippery, frozen fountain in the garden and there is nobody running after her. Rowena hikes up her skirts and takes off at a full run and manages to snare the little sprite just before she pitches headlong into the fountain. She is about two or three years old and she was looking for ‘fishies’. Rowena hugs her close and falls in love with the child. She has no idea who the child belongs to or why she would be all alone in the garden. Then, the child’s nurse comes puffing up to Rowena and explains that the little girl is a bit of an escape artist and that she is the daughter of Lord Forres who is a widower. At about that time, Lord Forres himself runs up and is surprised to see his daughter, Blair, being held in the arms of a stranger because she will not usually have anything to do with people that she is not totally familiar with.

Quinn was totally, completely, profoundly and irrevocably in love with his wife and her death devastated him. If it weren’t for his sweet bairn, he wouldn’t have made it through. Now, he has decided to find himself a wife – not because he wants to, but because Blair needs a mother and he needs someone to oversee the household part of the estate so he can be free to manage the rest. He wants someone who is totally different than his first wife because he doesn’t want any reminders. Since Maura was a Scot, he looked for an English woman, etc.

Whomever Quinn decided to marry, she would have to understand that there would never be love between them. It would always be a marriage of convenience – no love, probably not even affection. However, he couldn’t help but be attracted to Rowena who was sweet, gentle and kind – and she genuinely cared for his daughter. Once he decided to propose he was really surprised when Rowena accepted.

Their journey, most especially Quinn’s journey, to finding love and happiness is a delightful read. I couldn’t put it down. The characters were wonderfully developed and I was truly invested in the story and their happiness.

See my reviews for the first two books:
An Earl by Any Other Name – Book 1
A Gentleman Never Surrenders – Book 2

Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev

"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.25 stars

Dead wife love triangle was pretty much the only thing going on

She didn’t love him; she wanted to fix him (and explicitly said as much several times, but called it love).

An 18yo heroine that truly felt 18 (derogatory). 28yo hero.

[Jae Mod · Rating 5 out of 5]

** ARC provided by the author for an honest review **

Quinn MacCauley is not looking for love, but a marriage of convenience in A Scottish Lord for Christmas by Lauren Smith. Quinn will learn that no matter how much you fight it, when you find your match, that’s it.

Lady Rowena Pepperwirth is experiencing her first season. She is eighteen and is really excited about the possibilities and the experiences to come. She has spent her time at a neighbors celebrating Christmas, and enjoying family and friends. So far, she has not come across anyone that is of interest to her, until she comes across Quinn.

Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres, has been a widow for a year. He loved his wife very much; and still mourns her loss. However, their daughter needs a mother to take care of her. On his way to London, he comes across Lady Rowena. She is young, but she seems to have an affinity towards his daughter. The more time that he spends with her, the more she interests him. So, he offers her his hand in marriage, but without the expectation of love.

Rowena was a strong woman with a kind spirit and an open heart. She accepted Quinn and his daughter into her heart with the purity of true love. Quinn, even though he fought against his heart, he let her in, and it was a beautiful thing to see. Love comes when you are least expecting it, and sometimes life gives you a second chance.

This was a very enjoyable and heartfelt Holiday read. Five stars.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantic and sometimes heartbreaking love story, with a HEA. An enjoyable read. 4☆

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Scottish Lord for Christmas by Lauren Smith is book Three in the "Sins and Scandals" series. This is the story of Lady Rowena Pepperwirth and Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres. I have read the other books (and Loved them!!) in this series but feel this can easily be a standalone series.
Quinn is looking for a wife to help take care of his child who was left motherless after his wife died in childbirth along with their second child. Quinn is a strong Scottish man who knows nothing of wooing it seems. Rowena is a beauty with a chance to marry most anyone but has never had the butterfly feeling of love...so she has chosen no one. But that all has changed once she sees Quinn!
Ms. Smith has a way of writing that takes you into the story where you feel apart of it. I so loved this book and have enjoyed the series just as much!!
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[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just turned the last page and although sorry for it to end, I am left with a smile and a warm feeling. This was a really special story of a lost heart that longs to be whole again but almost refuses. The Pepperwith's were having a holiday house party and only wanted their two daughters to be happy and find he right match. Lady Rowena, was greatly admired but had not met anyone that she felt a strong attraction. That is until she met Quinn MacCauley, Lord Flores while saving his daughter from an accident in the water fountain! Quinn had lost he beloved wife just over a year ago when she perished in childbirth, along with a son. Still heartbroken, he knew he needed a wife but only wanted a marriage of convenience. Well best laid plans are often visited by fate and there is no going back. What an appealing story that tugs at the heart and pulls you into a world of enchantment. Lauren Smith is a master of the historical romance and this novella is no exception!!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

The widowed Scottish Earl of Forres, Quinn MacCauley, seeks a wife to love his daughter and fill the gap taking care of his home. One who is English, not Scottish like his first wife. Rowena Pepperwith has just had her come out. At the Earl of Hampton's houseparty she meets Quinn and his daughter Blair. He's not looking for love, but is drawn to the loving nature and sweetness of Rowena. They marry, but he refuses to love again and let go of his first wife. Rowena wonders if her love will ever be enough. It will take a miracle to change his heart. A very emotional read. Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Alexandra G · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I want for Christmas is… a steamy, sweet novella!

Follow along as the belle of the season, Lady Rowena Pepperwirth - she really has is it all: beauty, wealth and a giant heart - falls in love with the most adorable little girl and sets out to conquer her father, the brooding Scottish widower Quinn MacCauley, Earl of Forres.
He won’t risk his heart again, but his bairn needs a good mother and his home a capable mistress. She won’t settle for anything but love, even if he’s a fixer-upper. A little naïve? Perhaps, but so very Christmassy!

A little heartbreak, a ghost from Christmas past, snowy Scottish mountains and all the warm and fuzzy for a happily ever after!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Smith has a way of tapping into emotions, not easily revealed. From secret fantasies to heartbreaking realities, she gets to the heart of the matter. Risque royals, secret liaisons, emotional entanglements and page turning action make for a tempting brand of storytelling. A Scottish Lord for Christmas takes the ethereal beauty of a chance meeting and turns it into a sensuous dance of the heart. Classic Lauren Smith.

[Diane Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Not quite sure what to say about this. It was a nice story with pleasant characters. The hero had difficulty loving again after the loss of his first wife. The book didn't really engage my emotions and the conflict was a little weak. I liked it. That's pretty much the whole story.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Has every single trope I can’t stand; instalove, helpless heroine, the main story happens within not even a week, the characters are not developed at all. I tend to think Christmas novels are the worst of an author’s work but apparently I’m in the minority. Also the setting was a bit confusing, it seemed like a regency but with cars?

[Timitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 Stars

A Scottish Lord For Christmas was an enjoyable quick read but it was too contradictory which took away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

[Voirrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh dear - I wondered why I hadn't gone back to this since I first downloaded it as a freebie - now I remember. For a kick-off, anyone who mixes motor vehicles and wolves in Scotland really hasn't done their research...

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think my expectations were a little too high for this book, so I was let down and wasn't that into this read. First, I love Scotland and always enjoy a good Scottish romance, but there wasn't much atmosphere in this book and it felt like it could have been taking place anywhere. Second, I don't usually gravitate towards romance where one of the couple has a child, so I knew as I started getting into this that it wasn't really for me.

Basically, the hero is a widower with a small child and is looking for a wife to help raise his child, but doesn't think he could ever love again. The heroine is only 18, which also made it difficult to relate. I know with historicals this may be okay, but the idea of an 18-year-old who just longs to be a mother isn't usually the type of romance that I enjoy. I felt like the attraction between them came out of nowhere, and once the relationship heated up a bit there were just too many tropes and I couldn't get into their story. Also, with that title and the dress on the cover, this book needed a bit more Christmas to give it a real holiday feel, in my opinion. Overall, not a bad book but just not the type of relationship I like to read about, and featured a few too many cliches for my taste.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Lady Rowena Pepperwirth can have any man her heart desires. Unfortunately no gentleman has elicited even the slightest flutter that is until she meets the brooding Lord Forres at the Hampton’s house party. Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres, is in need of a wife, his daughter Blair needs a mother. When he meets the lovely Lady Rowena, he knows she'll be a good mother to Blair and more than a capable Countess. He's determined not to risk his heart again, but Rowena's just as determined to give him the greatest holiday gift of all---a chance at true love
Another absolutely lovely read from the author no wonder she’s a must read author for me. The characters, as always, are so strong & well portrayed, the plot is well paced & really pulls at your heart strings. An engrossing story of learning to love again, a heroine who is a ray of sunshine & a small child who will steal your heart.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Quinn and Rowena together, there is a ten year age difference but I never felt a disconnect because of the generational gap, they had great chemistry together, and the most important thing for me was that Rowena loved Blair wholeheartedly.

This was a heartwarming read with just enough steam to heat up your kindles. A perfect holiday story.

You can see my full review along with a giveaway here: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...

[Karmen O · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartbroken, widowed Scottish Lord is seeking a marriage of convenience to a woman ready to step into the role of bringing up his only child without wanting his love in return

Will Rowena's love thaw Quinn's frozen heart?

Sparks will fly this Christmas in: A Scottish Lord for Christmas by Lauren Smith, book three of Sins and Scandals
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Cover Rating: 4/5 (it's winter. He looks cold.🤣)
Story Rating: 4/5 (I'd recommend)
Steam Rating: 🔥 🔥 🔥 (+ kissing)
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English Countryside & Scotland, 1911 ✔️
Widower ✔️
Edwardian Era ✔️
Child as a Plot Point ✔️
Second Chance ✔️
English/Scottish ✔️
House Party ✔️
Age Gap (18/28) ✔️
Instalove ✔️
Matchmaking Vibes ✔️
Unrequited Love ✔️
Christmas Time ✔️
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Series or Stand Alone:
Easily read as a stand alone. The mains from the first and second books make appearances, but I didn't know that until I looked it up!
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This was just a darling story! I'm so glad that I decided to start reading Christmas romances months in advance. This is my first Christmas romance of the fall/winter season, and I'm certainly not disappointed. This is also my first title by Lauren Smith and will not be my last (especially since I picked up book one on Stuff Your Kindle Day!) Those looking for an age gap, Scottish/English, Edwardian, Christmas historical romance will be pleased with this selection. Additionally, fans with a child as a plot point or a widower tale will also enjoy it.
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I could see how some people might find the romance, particularly Rowena's side, to feel a bit rushed and otherwise unbelievable. However, let's not forget that the page run on the book is a *bit* shorter, as many Christmas romances are. I feel Smith did an excellent job weaving this tale through a shorter page length. This book felt neither too short nor too long and was the perfect pick-me-up after a darker historical I recently read. Smith should also be commended for her attention to detail! I found her descriptions of clothing particularly delicious as a lover of historical clothing.
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This is a relatively light-hearted love story with just enough mild peril mixed in to keep you on the edge of your seat without feeling too traumatic. Sometimes, historical romance can be SO heavy, and while this book does pack a punch (I teared up at one point!) you will walk away feeling good about the time you have spent with Rowena and Quinn. It IS a Christmas story, after all! This was a simply Edwardian-era historical romance, which is an era in which I wish we had a bit more!
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Copy of title sent via BookSiren. Leaving a voluntary, honest review.
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Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
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De*ath of spouse (not on page)
De*th of baby (not on page)
Childbirth de*th (not on page)
Attempted assult (not between MCs)
Physical violence (not between MCs)
Mild peril
Physical harm from accident (on page- not overly graphic!)
Threat of de*th (not between MCs)

[Nazmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three and a half stars rounded up. A Scottish Lord for Christmas is the third book in Lauren Smith’s Sins and Scandals series set in the 1910’s. These are novellas and are fairly quick reads.
Lady Rowena Pepperwirth is beautiful, wealthy and ready to fall in love. But all the men she has met so far have not caused her heart to flutter. Until she meets the widowed Lord Forres at a house party. Rowena is instantly drawn to the brooding lord and his sweet daughter. Lord Forres is at the house party in search of an English wife as his daughter needs a mother. Rowena falls in love with him knowing that he is still not over his wife’s death and when he proposes she decides to take a risk. Can she make herself a place in his heart?
Quinn Macauley, Lord Forres needs a wife. Having been very much in love with his first wife, he is not looking for a love match. He needs someone to care for his daughter and manage his home. Rowena is the first lady who he feels attracted to since his wife passed and she cares for his daughter so he believes they can have an amicable if loveless marriage. But can Quinn stick to his vow to never love again or will Rowena’s sweetness melt his hardened heart?
I felt this was the weakest book in this trilogy. I did like both Quinn and Rowena but their story deserved to be a full length novel to give their situation justice. Because everything had to fit within a novella everything felt a little too rushed. Their courtship and subsequent days of marriage was so hurried that it was difficult to fully grasp why Quinn would suddenly fall in love when he was so adamant that he would never forget his first wife. He spent so much time thinking about his first wife and how he would or could never feel the same again that there was little time to develop Rowena and Quinn’s relationship. I didn’t really like that there was so much fixation on the first wife. The same could be said for the relationship between Rowena and Quinn’s daughter. There was not much interaction between them to show the bond they suddenly have.
I liked Rowena – she was sweet, slightly naïve but had character and backbone. Quinn was slightly harder to relate to. He was older than Rowena and should have been the more mature one in the relationship but he ended up acting more like a child – especially with the way he blew hot and cold with Rowena. Grieving his wife as an excuse can only stretch so far.
Not to get me wrong – I did like the concept and enjoyed the story but feel it would have benefitted more as a full length novel so the relationship could develop more naturally.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Adria's Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Adria's Musings and Reviews (Blog post MAY have additional content such as playlists, interviews, giveaways, etc).
* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley/Edelweiss for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.


What’s it About? Rowena Pepperwirth hasn’t had much luck finding a man she would consider marrying. It’s not because she isn’t popular, in fact she could have any man she wanted but she just isn’t interested in any of them. Until she meets Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres at a holiday gathering. Quinn is looking for a wife, a woman who will be a mother to his daughter and he decides that Rowena with her kind and gentle heart will do. He has no plans of falling in love with her no matter how she tempts him but Rowena is determined to make their marriage a love match.




Overall reaction to the story? Laruen Smith has been one of the most surprising and delightful discoveries for me this year. Her style of writing really appeals to me and I find myself falling more and more in love with her characters with each one of her books I read. A Scottish Lord for Christmas is a warm, charming read with two characters that were so perfect for each other.


Rowena is almost too perfect but at the same time she still has that youthful exuberance that you can’t help but love. She has such an infectious optimism that I never doubted she could get Quinn to fall in love with her. And as for Quinn? He needed someone like Rowena. Her gentle persistence and giving nature was what he didn’t know he needed. I love that Rowena was cast in the role of Quinn’s savior and she didn’t need to use anything more than her patience and love to save Quinn and his daughter. Definitely a more emotional read than I expected.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. A Scottish Lord for Christmas certainly brings warmth and love this holiday season. Quinn and Rowena’s romance is just so sweet!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Publisher's Description:

The best gifts come wrapped in a kilt...

Beautiful Lady Rowena Pepperwirth can have any man her heart desires. Unfortunately no gentleman has elicited even the slightest flutter—until she meets the brooding Lord Forres at a holiday house party. With just one look at the dashing Scottish lord, Rowena suddenly knows what she wants for Christmas.

Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres, is in need of a wife. When he meets the lovely Lady Rowena, he knows she'll be a good mother to his daughter and a capable household manager. But Quinn doesn't count on Rowena being the most tempting woman he's ever met. He's determined not to risk his heart, but Rowena's just as determined to give him the greatest holiday gift of all—a chance at true love.

My Thoughts:

It's Rowena's first season. She is after all only eighteen years old. She has made her debut but no man has to this time caught her interest although she has caught the interest of most eligible men of the ton. When she meets Quinn MacCauley, Lord Forres things change.

Quinn is a widower of one year. He has a precocious daughter of three years who is need of a mother. He finds that woman in the guise of Rowena who is quite taken with his daughter when she saves the inquisitive child from falling into a fish pond.
Quinn has no need for love. He only needs a companion and a mother figure for Blair.

I loved this sweet and almost tragic Christmas based novella. Lauren Smith always entertains me with her stories no matter the genre. This one happens to be just my cup of tea though.

I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4.25 of 5.0 flames. The heat is palpable between our hero and heroine although the love seems to be one sided in most of this tale.

I received a complimentary digital ARC of this title from the author as part of her private review group. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Fanosse23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Smith delivers a heartfelt and enchanting Christmas story in A Scottish Lord for Christmas. Lady Rowena Pepperwirth is a sweet, naive, and undeniably beautiful young woman who catches the attention of many suitors. However, none of them ignite her heart quite like Quinn MacCauley, the handsome and brooding Lord Forres, whom she meets during a holiday gathering.

Quinn, a widowed Scottish lord, is searching for a suitable wife—not for love, but for the sake of his young daughter, Blair. Lady Rowena’s natural warmth and effortless connection with Blair make her an ideal choice. However, Quinn doesn’t anticipate the powerful pull Rowena will have on his heart. Determined to guard himself against the pain of loss, he vows to keep their relationship devoid of love. But Rowena, with her pure heart and unwavering affection, has other plans—she’s determined to give Quinn the greatest gift of all: a second chance at love.

As the story unfolds, it’s captivating to watch Rowena break through Quinn’s emotional walls, especially as he struggles with guilt over loving again after his wife’s death. Rowena’s selflessness and devotion to both Quinn and Blair are inspiring, making it impossible for Quinn to resist the undeniable bond they share. Blair’s sweet adoration for Rowena adds an extra layer of warmth to the story, creating a perfect blend of romance and familial love.

Lauren Smith masterfully combines passion, vulnerability, and the spirit of the season to craft a novella brimming with emotional depth and charm. This heartfelt holiday tale, sprinkled with just the right touch of Christmas magic, is an absolute delight. Smith has delivered an inspirational story that captures the beauty of love, family, and second chances during the most magical time of the year.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Quinn, Lord Forres & Lady Rowena Pepperworth's story.

Rowena, sheltered and naive, just wants to enjoy her first Season before settling down with the man of her dreams who loves her so that they can live happily ever after.

That's before Quinn. A brief meeting and rescue of Quinn's daughter, Blair, a garden encounter with Quinn, and Rowena's dreams of a Season begin to drift away, replaced by her belief that Quinn needs love and to be rescued from his grief, and little Blair needs a mother.


Rowena is strong & beautiful, willing to risk all. Quinn is amazing - he's a grieving widower, devastated by the loss of his first wife, Maura, but also an eminently practical Scot who needs a mother for his beautiful daughter.

I loved the tension between the two characters, Rowena's hope and determination to open Quinn up to love again, and Quinn's determination not to take that risk, and the delicate balance between their competing sets of intentions. Quinn is desperately attracted to Rowena and doesn't want to hurt her, but his fear of losing love a second time makes Rowena's battle for his heart painfully difficult.

The ghost of Quinn's first wife doesn't stand between them as much as Quinn might think, and I loved seeing Quinn, Rowena & Blair, the child they both adore, get their happily ever after.

If you haven't begun the Sins & Scandals series, this book works well as a stand-alone. However, if you are familiar with Smith's Sins & Scandals, you'll be as excited as I to see Rowena get not only her own story, but her much-deserved happy ending as well.